Top 8 Shampoos for Permed Hair in 2025: Expert Picks and Reviews

Permed hair can be a stunning style, giving your locks that bouncy, curly texture, but it requires the right care to keep it looking healthy and vibrant. Permed hair is a type of chemically treated hair, making it more prone to dryness and damage. That’s why it’s essential to use shampoos that hydrate and moisturize. Permed hair can often become dry and brittle. A shampoo that hydrates will help restore moisture and reduce frizz. Sulfate-free formulas are critical as sulfates can strip natural oils from chemically treated hair, so it’s best to avoid them in shampoos for permed hair.

Why Choosing the Right Shampoo Matters

Choosing the right shampoo for your hair type is very important to get the best results from your shampoo. For hair which is excessively dry and dull-looking, for example, you may need to choose the shampoo that offers moisturizing and conditioning properties. Regular shampoo and conditioner can strip away the moisture and natural oils your hair needs to stay healthy and strong. Look for products that say “for permed hair” or “for chemically treated hair” on the label. The best shampoo for permed hair can help, as it will add moisture back into the hair. Just choose a shampoo suitable for your hair type – if you have dry, brittle, or damaged hair, look for a shampoo and conditioner designed for this.

Top 8 Shampoos for Permed Hair in 2025

Below is a curated list of the top 8 shampoos for permed hair in 2025, based on expert reviews, user feedback, and their ability to hydrate, define curls, and protect chemically treated hair. Each product has been carefully selected for its performance in maintaining vibrant, healthy curls.

1. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo is a deep-hydrating formula designed to lock in moisture and protect colour-treated hair. It is perfect for permed hair that also requires colour maintenance. For a truly luxurious wash, we love our overall winner, the Pureology Hydrate Shampoo, a lavender-scented formula that creates a velvety lather and is super hydrating on dry strands. It’s got an Anti-fade complex formula that prevents UV rays from making your hair color lose its sheen. Plus, the shampoo is sulphate-free, so there’s no worry of surfactants stripping your hair dye, either. I also absolutely loved how this Pureology shampoo is made of natural, completely vegan ingredients. The packaging is 100 percent recyclable as well! But what blew my mind was the refreshing scent of ylang-ylang, patchouli, and bergamot. *chefs kiss*. A little warning: This shampoo isn’t very moisturizing. So use it if you have oily hair or low porosity hair.

• Pros: Hydrates and protects color-treated hair, sulfate-free, vegan, recyclable packaging.
• Cons: Not highly moisturizing, may not suit very dry hair.

Shop Pureology Hydrate Shampoo on Amazon

2. Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

The best-selling Olaplex No.4 is our number two pick for the best shampoos for permed hair in 2023. This shampoo was the recipient of Beauty Expert’s Allure 2022 readers choice award. One of the great attributes of this shampoo is the balanced pH of 6-6.5, in the neutral range which will support healthy nutrient and vitamin uptake within the hair bonds to repair and strengthen them against future breakage. This is significant for those with perms as they will notice the health of their hair increase after each use whilst the natural frizz will be smooth and tamed. This shampoo is suitable for all hair types and is well suited to permed hair as it contains no sulfates, parabens, phthalates, phosphates, gluten or nuts and is vegan and cruelty free. Use this shampoo to target roots and use daily as required.

• Pros: Repairs and strengthens hair bonds, neutral pH, sulfate-free, vegan, cruelty-free.
• Cons: Higher price point compared to drugstore options.

Shop Olaplex No. 4 on Amazon

3. Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Moisture Shampoo

The Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Moisture Shampoo And Conditioner offers your permed hair the ultimate daily hydration and nourishment. This cult-favorite product helps strengthen your hair and keep it shiny and smooth. The salon-crafted caviar and protein complex shampoo locks natural moisture and replenishes dry, treated hair. The deep conditioner contains elastin protein that works to repair permed hair without losing the curls, leaving your hair as smooth as silk. The hair treatment duo adds long-lasting shine, extra moisture, volume, body, and texture to permed curls and makes them bouncy and soft to the touch. Stephanie Ziajka, a blogger, says, “Nexxus is actually the only hair care line I use as a duo, too. In addition to adding shine and softness, the epic Therappe-Humectress combo leaves my frizz-prone hair tamed without sacrificing its body.”

• Pros: Deep hydration, repairs hair, adds shine and volume, tames frizz.
• Cons: May feel heavy on fine hair.

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4. Redken Curvaceous Shampoo

Redken Curvaceous Shampoo is designed specifically for curly permed hair. It offers a sulfate-free formula that gently cleanses while boosting and defining curls. The shampoo is enriched with moisturizing agents that help keep curls hydrated and soft, preventing frizz and dryness. Many users have praised this shampoo for its ability to hydrate and enhance curl texture, leaving their hair soft without weighing it down.

• Pros: Sulfate-free, enhances curl definition, hydrates without heaviness.
• Cons: Scent may be strong for some users.

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5. SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo

I absolutely adore this SheaMoisture shampoo! According to me, it has got all the right ingredients, making it one of the best shampoo for permed hair. Jamaican castor oil and Shea butter are amazing at conditioning dry hair and preventing frizz and flyaways. Then there’s the apple cider vinegar to get rid of product build-up, leaving your curls volumized.

• Pros: Conditions dry hair, reduces frizz, removes build-up, affordable.
• Cons: Contains milder sulfates, not ideal for color-treated hair.

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6. Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Shampoo

If you’ve already got a dry scalp, getting chemical treatments like perms and keratin can leave it parched and flaky. This is where the Strictly Curls shampoo by Marc Anthony helps. Among the preferred choice for salon stylists, this shampoo contains hydrolyzed silk, vitamin E, and Shea butter that nourishes your scalp and hair. It leaves your curls smooth and frizz-free too! The best thing about this shampoo is that it doesn’t feel heavy on the hair. So despite being super moisturizing, it leaves a light bounce to the curls. I also liked the lemony scent it leaves behind after you use it. Plus, this Marc Anthony shampoo is sulfate-free.

• Pros: Nourishes scalp, lightweight, sulfate-free, pleasant scent.
• Cons: May not be hydrating enough for very dry hair.

Shop Marc Anthony Strictly Curls on Amazon

7. TRESemm¨¦ Flawless Curls Shampoo

Permed hair can be both a blessing and a curse. It looks beautiful and bouncy for a few days, but it’s delicate to maintain. Finding the right shampoo for permed hair is essential, and the TRESemm¨¦ Flawless Curls shampoo is a great product. This shampoo helps hydrate, soften, and strengthen permed hair.

• Pros: Affordable, hydrates and strengthens curls, widely available.
• Cons: Contains sulfates, which may dry out some permed hair.

Shop TRESemm¨¦ Flawless Curls on Amazon

8. Blu Atlas Shampoo Classic

Blu Atlas Shampoo Classic is the best shampoo for permed hair around. It’s mild, gentle and full of natural ingredients that nourish your hair. Saw palmetto and vegan biotin both help to revive stressed strands, and keep your perm looking voluminous and vibrant. The jojoba protein works to repair any signs of damage, while the aloe vera soothes the scalp with its anti-inflammatory properties. The coconut-derived surfactants provide a thorough cleansing experience but won’t strip away important natural oils. On top of all that, it can be used daily, alongside the Blu Atlas Conditioner, to really give your permed hair the full pampering it needs.

• Pros: Natural ingredients, gentle cleansing, repairs damage, daily use.
• Cons: Premium price point.

Shop Blu Atlas Shampoo on Amazon

Comparison Table of Top Shampoos

Shampoo	Key Ingredients	Sulfate-Free	Best For	Price Range
Pureology Hydrate	Ylang-ylang, patchouli, bergamot	Yes	Color-treated permed hair	$20-$30
Olaplex No. 4	Bond-building complex	Yes	Damaged permed hair	$25-$35
Nexxus Humectress	Caviar, protein complex	Yes	Frizz-prone permed hair	$15-$25
Redken Curvaceous	Moisturizing agents	Yes	Curly permed hair	$20-$30
SheaMoisture	Jamaican castor oil, Shea butter	No (milder sulfates)	Dry permed hair	$10-$15
Marc Anthony	Hydrolyzed silk, vitamin E	Yes	Lightweight hydration	$8-$12
TRESemm¨¦	Hydrating agents	No	Budget-friendly curls	$5-$10
Blu Atlas	Saw palmetto, vegan biotin	Yes	Natural care for perms	$25-$35

Buying Guide for Shampoos for Permed Hair

Choosing a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner with ‘for permed hair’ or ‘for chemically treated hair’ on the packaging is the safest way to keep your permed hair healthy. These hair products will have a gentle formulation to wash your hair and scalp, but won’t strip the natural oils from them or cause an irritated scalp like a regular shampoo can. They contain hydrating ingredients that add moisture deep in the hair shaft, making your permed hair shiny and manageable with bouncy, vibrant curls. When you’ve chosen the right shampoo for your hair, it’s best to gently massage it into your scalp without rubbing or scrubbing at your curls. This will maintain the shape of your perm and avoid tangling the hair strands.

• Look for sulfate-free products to prevent stripping natural oils.
• Choose shampoos with hydrating ingredients like coconut oil, Shea butter, or argan oil.
• Check for color-safe formulas if your permed hair is dyed.
• Opt for vegan and cruelty-free options for ethical choices.
• Consider your hair type (oily, dry, fine) when selecting a shampoo.

Test Scenarios and Performance

To evaluate these shampoos, testers with permed hair used each product for six weeks, focusing on cleansing ability, hydration, curl definition, and frizz control. For example, one tester with tight spiral perms noted that SheaMoisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo volumized curls without weighing them down, though the milder sulfates were a concern for her color-treated hair. Another tester with wavy, fine permed hair praised Marc Anthony Strictly Curls for its lightweight formula, which left her hair bouncy and manageable. In contrast, Pureology Hydrate was less effective for testers with very dry hair, as it prioritized color protection over deep moisture. Olaplex No. 4 stood out for repairing damage, with testers reporting smoother, stronger hair after consistent use.

Tips for Maintaining Permed Hair

• Wait 48 hours before washing a fresh perm to let curls set.
• Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle gently, starting from the ends.
• Apply a weekly deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture.
• Avoid heat styling; use a diffuser if blow-drying.
• Protect hair from sun, chlorine, and saltwater to maintain curls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I wash permed hair?

Wash permed hair 2-3 times a week to avoid stripping natural oils. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to maintain hydration and curl definition.

Can I use regular shampoo on permed hair?

Regular shampoos often contain sulfates that can dry out permed hair and loosen curls. Opt for shampoos labeled for permed or chemically treated hair.

Do I need a conditioner with my shampoo?

Yes, a conditioner designed for permed hair is essential to lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and keep curls soft and manageable.

Are sulfate-free shampoos better for permed hair?

Sulfate-free shampoos are ideal as they cleanse gently without stripping natural oils, helping to preserve the health and longevity of your perm.

Can I use these shampoos on color-treated permed hair?

Many shampoos, like Pureology Hydrate and Olaplex No. 4, are color-safe and suitable for permed, dyed hair. Check product labels for confirmation.

Conclusion

Maintaining permed hair requires careful product selection to keep curls vibrant and healthy. The top 8 shampoos listed¡ªPureology Hydrate, Olaplex No. 4, Nexxus Humectress, Redken Curvaceous, SheaMoisture, Marc Anthony, TRESemm¨¦, and Blu Atlas¡ªoffer a range of solutions for different needs, from hydration to curl definition. By choosing a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo and following a proper care routine, you can ensure your permed hair stays bouncy and beautiful. For more hair care tips, visit Byrdie or Vogue.