The 8 Best Nontoxic Australian made Shampoos for Curly Hair

danikadurack
Jan 14
4 min read

Finding the perfect shampoo for curly hair can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Many products claim to be “clean” or “natural,” yet leave curls dry, frizzy, or lifeless. The truth is, curly hair has unique needs that many nontoxic shampoos overlook. To keep curls healthy and defined, you need a shampoo that cleanses gently, retains moisture, and supports your natural curl pattern without harmful ingredients.

This guide explains what makes a shampoo truly nontoxic for curly hair, which ingredients to avoid, and shares a carefully selected list of the best curl-friendly shampoos. Whether your curls are loose waves or tight coils, you’ll find expert advice to help you choose the right cleanser and maintain your curls’ bounce and shine.

Why Choosing a Nontoxic Shampoo Matters for Curly Hair

Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair because the cuticle is naturally rougher. allowing shampoos to penetrate easily but struggle to remove. ( think how hard it is to rinse bubbles out of a sponge)

When shampoos open the cuticle, curls lose moisture quickly, leading to frizz, breakage, and loss of definition.

Many conventional shampoos contain sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and other harsh chemicals that can irritate the scalp and damage hair over time. These ingredients are especially damaging to curly hair, which needs gentle care to maintain its structure and health.

A truly nontoxic shampoo for curly hair should:

Cleanse without opening the hair cuticle too much
Use gentle, plant-based surfactants
Avoid irritants like sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances
Support moisture retention and curl definition

Choosing the right shampoo sets the foundation for healthy curls and reduces the need for heavy styling products.

Key Ingredients to Avoid in Nontoxic Shampoos for Curly Hair

When shopping for a nontoxic shampoo, watch out for these common ingredients that can harm curly hair:

Sulfates (SLS, SLES): These are strong detergents that strip oils and cause dryness and frizz break down protein which hair needs for strength.
Parabens: Preservatives linked to scalp irritation and potential hormone disruption, healthy hair needs a healthy scalp.
Silicones: Often used for shine but can build up and weigh curls down, making them limp and require harsher shampoos to remove, causing damage.
Synthetic Fragrances: Can cause allergic reactions and scalp sensitivity.
Phthalates: Chemicals used to stabilize fragrances, linked to health concerns.
Alcohols (Drying types like isopropyl alcohol): Can dry out curls and cause breakage.

Instead, look for shampoos with natural oils, humectants, and gentle cleansers derived from plants.

What to Look for in a Nontoxic Shampoo for Curly Hair

Here are the qualities that make a shampoo ideal for curly hair:

Gentle Cleansing Agents: Ingredients like decyl glucoside or coco glucoside clean without stripping moisture.
Moisturizing Ingredients: Aloe vera, glycerin, and natural oils help hydrate curls.
Curl-Enhancing Botanicals: Ingredients such as flaxseed, chamomile, or hibiscus support curl shape and softness.
pH Balanced Formula: A slightly acidic pH (around 4.5-5.5) helps keep the hair cuticle smooth and reduces frizz.
Free from Harsh Chemicals: No sulfates, parabens, silicones, or synthetic dyes.

Choosing a shampoo with these features helps maintain your curls’ natural bounce and shine.

The 8 Best Nontoxic Australian made Shampoos for Curly Hair

Here is a curated list of shampoos that meet the needs of curly hair while avoiding harmful ingredients. These options cover a range of curl types and concerns:

Best Overall Australian Nontoxic Shampoo for Curly Hair

Citrus and Nettle Hair Cleanser - The Curly Bird

This gentle cleanser is designed to work in hard water but uses gentle plant based surfactants. Low lathering conditioning formula uses botanicals like nettle, rosemary and lavender to soothe the scalp and promote healthy growth.

Best for Dry or Coarse Curls

Hair Cleanser - Everescents

This non lather hair cleanser cleanses gently while enhancing curl definition and reducing frizz.

Best for Low-Waste Shoppers

Peppermint cleanser bar - The Curly bird

Eco friendly conditioning cleanser bar, gentle on hair and scalp, leave hair feeling light and conditioned

Best Moisture-Focused Cleanse

Cleanser - Crown Curly

Free from sulfates and parabens, it uses mild cleansers and menthol to invigorate your senses

Best for Colour-Treated Curls

Nourish & Flourish Shampoo - Lohy

Curly hair shampoo with cleansing lather and rice water protein

Best Fragrance-Free Option

Fragrance free shampoo - Everescents

Moisturing lathering shampoo for a deeper but healthy cleanse.

Best for Daily Washing

Cleanser - Clevercurl

No lather cleanser with rice water protein for strenght, can be used daliy, great for swimmers

Best Budget-Friendly Clean Option

Hair wash - Mimi

No Lather cleanser is great for kids curls, natural ingredients to hydrate and protect curls.

How to Choose the Right Nontoxic Shampoo for Your Curl Type

Not every curl needs the same cleanser. Choosing the right shampoo depends on your curl pattern, porosity, and lifestyle.

When shopping for a nontoxic shampoo, ask yourself:

Do my curls feel dry after washing, or weighed down?
Do I need a gentle everyday cleanser or occasional deeper cleanse?
Is my scalp sensitive or prone to buildup?

Looser curl patterns often benefit from lighter formulas, while tighter or coarser curls usually need more moisture-supporting cleansers.

If you use a lot of styling products, you may occasionally rotate in a clarifying wash, but your regular cleanser should always priorities moisture.

Quick Checklist: What to Look for in a Curl-Safe Nontoxic Shampoo

Before buying, check:

Sulfate-free cleansing agents
Ingredients that support hydration
A formula designed for textured or curly hair
No harsh detergents or heavy buildup
Suitable for regular use

A good shampoo should leave your scalp clean and your curls soft — not tight or squeaky.

Final Thoughts

Nontoxic hair care doesn’t have to mean compromising on curl definition, moisture, or manageability. When you choose a cleanser designed specifically for curly hair, you’ll see better results, less frizz, and healthier curls over time.

If you’re looking for a simple starting point, a gentle, curl-specific cleanser paired with a hydrating conditioner and defining gel can completely change your routine.

For more curl education, routines, and product recommendations, explore the curly hair resources and curl routines available at The Curly Bird.

Healthy curls start with the right cleanse.