Perhaps you belong to the bunch with completely straight hair and once in a while you enjoy changing your look and getting beautiful curls; well, the same goes for gals with naturally curly hair. While curly hair is fabulous, sometimes it’s nice to mix it up a bit. In order to make the straightening process easier, curly heads need the best shampoo and conditioner to straighten hair, and this is exactly what we’ll be telling you about today.
When it comes to hair, is all about preparation, and shampoo to straighten hair is fantastic for those who seek to get rid of their natural hair texture for a while.
Before attempting to straighten your curls, you need to get rid of any product residue or buildup in your hair. This is where the best shampoo to straighten curly hair comes in. Use the best shampoo and conditioner to straighten hair you can find, these are specifically formulated to control frizz and prep your hair for straightening.
The formulation in shampoo to straighten curly hair doesn’t mean that it will actually make your hair straight magically, what these shampoos do is help in reducing frizz, smoothening the hair, and sometimes weighing it down to make it look straighter than its natural structure. This is because they are usually composed of a higher amount of silicones and other binding agents.
Trying to figure out what is the best shampoo to straighten hair, can be a bit overwhelming with a sea of options out there. But we are not here to scare you, all the contrary we want to help you in your quest to try to discover the best hair straightening shampoos.
Continue reading and check out our top picks on the best shampoo to help straighten hair, where to find them, how to use them, tips from users, and everything you need to know.
Shampoo To Straighten Hair Reviewed In This Guide
Best Overall: OGX Ever Straightening + Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest On Amazon: Garnier Whole Blends Smoothing Shampoo
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest Affordable: Keratin Intense Shampoo by Natural Formula
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest For Unruly Hair: MATRIX Total Results Mega Sleek Shampoo
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest Smoothing: Brazilian Keratin Blowout Straightening Smoothing Hair Treatment
⇣ Jump to ReviewHow To Choose The Perfect Shampoo To Straighten Hair For You?
The best shampoo to straighten curly hair are those that suit your particular hair texture and hair type, and in addition, help you deal with targeted issues. It is also important to know how to properly use them in order to make the most out of these essential products.
When shopping for the best shampoo to straighten curly hair what you’ll choose really depends on what benefit your hair and scalp need. Your specific hair type and concerns will help determine what you’ll need to look for.
In general, is best to stay clear from sulfates and parabens which is key to preventing dryness.
Also, you want to look for a shampoo to straighten hair with more naturally derived ingredients, since these will provide the most benefits to the hair without coating hair with chemicals.
When looking for a straightening shampoo, look for ingredients like guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride and silicones like Quaternium 80. They have substantial conditioning and smoothing effects.
Additionally, you want to avoid those containing synthetic perfumes as those will actually dry out the hair, which is usually the opposite of what you might want to achieve.
Ingredients like natural oils, glycerin, biotin, proteins, and antioxidants, are all great to look for in the best shampoo to straighten hair. This way you’ll make sure your shampoo to straighten hair won’t just clean your scalp but also help in improving the lifespan of your hairstyles and blow-drying.
Types Of Shampoo To Straighten Hair
Keratin-Infused Shampoo To Straighten Hair
If you’ve ever gotten a keratin treatment, you know all about the straightening magic. A keratin-based shampoo will keep your hair shiny, healthy, and most importantly, straight.
Smoothing Shampoo To Straighten Hair
Smoothing shampoo works in conjunction with a smoothing conditioner to support hair that tends to frizz (without weighing it down), leaving it strong and resilient. This can even help if your hair is damaged and prone to breakage.
Humidity-Proof Shampoo To Straighten Hair
These best hair straightening shampoos are formulated with morpho-keratine technology, which disciplines the outer and inner layers of the hair for optimum hair movement, frizz control, and humidity protection. By sealing the cuticle, it locks out humidity and frizz to deliver smooth, straight hair with minimal effort.
Some straightening shampoos can do it all; they prevent breakage, preserve hair color, restore elasticity, protect from sun damage, lock out humidity, and protect those delicate strands from heat styling.
Best Shampoo To Straighten Hair List
1. OGX Ever Straightening + Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo
What We Like
- Paraben-Free
- Sulfate-Free Surfactants
- Keratin Therapy Smoothing Shampoo
What We Don’t Like
- Color-Treated Only
Smooth hair the way nature intended with the Brazilian keratin therapy shampoo Formulated with keratin protein, coconut oil, avocado oil & cocoa butter, it strengthens hair while adding a glossy shine.
This 13-fluid ounce bottle of OGX Ever-Straightening + Brazilian Keratin Therapy Hair-Smoothing Shampoo hydrates strands, leaving them extra-glossy with a lustrous shine
No matter the hair type, this nourishing keratin shampoo strengthens and softens the hair while helping smooth the cuticle for strong, long tresses.
What Our Testers Say
These products shampoo & conditioner are great, I’ve been using them for over a year. Without sulfate and a pleasant scent, you can also have soft and smooth hair
Formulated with a rich, exclusive blend containing Brazilian keratin protein, moisturizing avocado oil, coconut oil for luster, and cocoa butter.
The coconut, brazil nut, and cocoa butter scent leave your locks smelling irresistibly good every time you lather up Plus the sulfate-free surfactant hair care system is paraben-free and gentle on your tresses.
Tips
For best results, use our entire Brazilian Keratin Therapy collection to help infuse nutrients into every strand. After shampooing, it is recommended to use a conditioner to help moisturize and restore shine.
2. Garnier Whole Blends Smoothing Shampoo
What We Like
- Coconut Oil
- Shining
- Frizz Control
- Smoothening
- Nourishing
What We Don’t Like
- Not Sulfate-Free
The Smoothing Shampoo is crafted with sustainably sourced Coconut Oil from the south pacific and African Cocoa Butter extracts, as a whole blend, it provides you with 24-hour frizz control so you shine.
With this straightening shampoo, you can fight frizz. Whether you air dry or blow dry, love your hair straight, or live to twirl your curls, frizz taming starts with the shampoo and conditioner made for your hair type.
We are a blend of diverse hair needs and hair types, from wavy, straight, curly, and smooth, to everything else in between; That’s why every formula is carefully crafted with select ingredients and blended into a nurturing, gentle formula.
What Our Testers Say
I’ve used this product for the past few weeks and This shampoo does wonders on my hair and scalp. I’ve dealt with a dry itchy scalp for years and this is by far the best moisturizing shampoo not only for my hair but also for my scalp, I’ve come across.
Not to mention it’s literally a mere fraction of the cost of some shampoos I’ve purchased in the past. This shampoo smells wonderful, and I get compliments on it all the time.
I do pair this with the Garnier whole blends oat milk detangler and their miracle nectar honey treasures left in the conditioner.
All of these products have provided me with complete relief from dry itchy scalp and brittle/frizzy hair. The smell is addicting. It literally smells so good. Very happy with this and the other products, Highly recommend it.
How To Use Garnier Whole Blends Shampoo To Straighten Hair
- Apply straightening shampoo to wet hair
- Lather, and rinse well. Follow with straightening conditioner.
3. Keratin Intense Shampoo by Natural Formula
What We Like
- Repairs
- Frizz-Free
- Straightening Results
- Sodium Chloride-Free
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy Bottle
- No Sulfate-Free
Two Types Of Pure Keratin Complex Shampoo; is expertly formulated to rebuild strands from within and form a protective coating around straightened hair.
Tailored for hair that has been damaged by different straightening techniques, which weaken the hair and cause permanent damage, loss of moisture, suppleness, and shine. The Acts as soon as you apply it to your hair, restore the structure of the hair to renew elasticity and softness.
The shampoo is enriched with pentanol, which enhances the effects of keratin, this keratin treatment shampoo retains hair-straightening results for up to 3 times longer. Increases the hair’s durability to breakage, heat, and chemical damage.
What Our Testers Say
I’m an amazon avid shopper, and I must say, this is my second review in years, I hardly write any. But, I had to write a review of this product. I had an awful experience with a blue shampoo that turned my beautiful balayage hair purple and green.
I went back to my hairdresser who got rid of the terrible color but my hair ended up super dry and brittle and burned. I thought of cutting my hair, it was ruined. Then a friend told me to get a Brazilian blowout, but I didn’t like the idea of spending another 350 bucks on my hair.
I went to amazon and searched for a product. I ended up buying the combo: shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, and drops. Needless to say, it saved my burned, coarse hair; now I have soft and shiny hair! A miracle in a bottle!!!
Expertly formulated to meet all the needs of damaged hair, this gentle keratin treatment repair shampoo is perfect for hair that has undergone all types of straightening treatments that are known to cause damage to the hair shaft.
After shampooing, your hair is smoother, stronger, and more durable to breakage, it radiates a gorgeous shine and is soft and pleasant to the touch.
Tips
Apply to wet hair and gently lather. Rinse well. For best results use keratin-intense conditioner, mask, and serum.
4. MATRIX Total Results Mega Sleek Shampoo
What We Like
- Controls Frizz
- Smooths Hair
- Shea Butter
What We Don’t Like
- No Sulfate-Free
This anti-frizz, clarifying shampoo with shea butter helps control rebellious, unruly hair and manages frizz against humidity for smoothness, leaving hair smooth, shiny, and defrizzed
With shea butter to seal the cuticle, Mega Sleek provides frizz control for silky-smooth hair
Smoothing shampoo with shea butter helps control rebellious, unruly hair and manages frizz against humidity. Conditions to help control rebellious, unruly hair and manage frizz against humidity.
Mega Sleek is best for coarse, untamed, frizz-prone hair. The ingredients list on this shampoo includes Shea butter helps control unruly, frizzy hair for smooth, shiny results.
Mega Sleek can be used as often as desired depending on your hair type and the wanted end result.
If your hair is naturally wavy but prone to frizz. This shampoo and conditioner help keep the frizz under control.
What Our Testers Say
Fantastic shampoo – my hair struggles with this damp weather and Total Results Sleek helps massively with keeping the frizz under control.
How To Use MATRIX Total Results Mega Sleek Shampoo To Straighten Hair
- Apply to damp hair, lather, and rinse; follow with Mega Sleek Conditioner
5. Brazilian Keratin Blowout Straightening Smoothing Hair Treatment
What We Like
- Kit
- Smoothing
- Conditioning
- Sulfate-Free
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- Strong Smell
Original Formula Keratin Treatment is an advanced yet fast and simple-to-use keratin treatment that instantly straightens, smooths, repairs, conditions, and strengthens the hair using an intense conditioning remedy that restores vitality by repairing the hair from the inside out.
What Our Testers Say
I have to say that I was kinda skeptical about this keratin, but after using it for the 1st time, I’m super happy I tried it. My hair is Super soft and so beautiful compared to how it was burned and dried from all the coloring. And as soon as I put it on my hair revived. I absolutely recommend this.
The amazing results will leave hair elastic, flexible, and soft with a naturally vibrant shine. This Keratin Hair Treatment contains Argan oil, coconut oils, proteins, and amino acid complexes for powerful moisture binding for healthy and shiny hair. Results typically last 3 to 6 months.
The Original Formula works well on 1a to 3a hair types and seems to be the most popular among users out of the five formulations offered by Keratin Research.
If you have very coarse and or very thick hair you may want to try the GOLD LABEL keratin by Keratin Research.
Tips
During the application of the treatment when heated releases a fume that may irritate your eyes & breathing, perform a sample test prior to fully applying the product.
Shampoo To Straighten Hair Buying Guide
What Is A Shampoo To Straighten Hair?
Hair straightening shampoos are really useful for people struggling with unruly and frizzy hair since your hair usually becomes more manageable after using them.
A shampoo to straighten hair is a type of shampoo that moisturizes and repairs damage, but it can also make your tresses look shiny and healthy.
To top it all off, the best straightening shampoos can add movement and volume without adding any weight to your strands.
A shampoo to straighten hair is one specifically made to provide sleek and polished results, these formulas will completely transform your unruly strands into gorgeous, lustrous locks.
How Does A Shampoo To Straighten Hair Work?
Compared to regular shampoos, straightening shampoos contain higher levels of ingredients like silicones, polymers, and other conditioning agents that can deposit on your hair even after rinsing. These agents help weigh the hair down, fighting its natural tendency to curl up or frizz out.
They won’t fully straighten hair, but they do provide major benefits. Also, they help to prep hair, making it easier to straighten with a blow dryer or flat iron. Smoother hair straightens easier and looks shinier and less frizzy.
Those silicones and conditioning agents help provide some protection from damaging heat styling tools
The best straightening shampoos out there are designed to combat the root of the problem by helping to weigh the hair down and resist its natural tendency to form curls. A good way to think of these products is as smoothing agents, leaving your hair sleeker and more manageable.
Features To Look For In A Shampoo To Straighten Hair
Ingredients
Check the ingredients carefully. A good hair straightening shampoo is sulfate-free and contains silicones, keratin, and natural oils like coconut and argan oils. Avoid products with parabens, formaldehyde, and artificial colors and fragrances.
Shampoo Type
Pick a shampoo specific to your hair type. Make sure you check the bottle as brands often specify the hair types on the packaging.
Effectiveness
These shampoos are infused with conditioning agents that prevent hair tangles and frizz without weighing down your hair. Make sure to get a formula that is lightweight and color-safe. Some shampoos even prevent split ends by keeping your hair hydrated.
Detangling
Hair straightening shampoos contain conditioning agents like silicones and natural oils that help detangle your hair easily, minimizing breakage and hair fall.
Fast Styling
The conditioning agents in the hair straightening shampoos repel moisture, speeding up heat styling and blow-drying.
Frizz Control
Straightening shampoos weigh down the hair to control frizz even in humid weather and reduce flyaways.
Strengthening
Most hair straightening shampoos contain keratin, the hair protein that supports the hair shafts, minimizing breakage and frizz and helping retain moisture.
Heat Damage Prevention
The hair conditioning agents present in these shampoos coat your hair and do not wash off easily, protecting it from heat and thermal damage.
Common Questions About Shampoo To Straighten Hair
Does shampoo to straighten hair actually works?
As humidity levels creep up, keeping hair smooth and straight is likely to become more of a battle (especially for us wavy-haired girls!).
You may think that shampoo is just for cleansing (and you’d be mostly right), but straightening (or smoothing) shampoos really do work their magic in preparation for the straightening process.
Straightening shampoo is a really useful product, but it’s important to note that it won’t magically make your hair perfectly straight at least not on its own!
Rather, its role is to help tame your frizzy and tangled hair, leaving it smoother and silkier. In a nutshell, a straightening shampoo has the ability to help get your unruly and frizzy hair under control.
What are the benefits of a straightening shampoo?
- Leaves hair feeling silky smooth
- Weighs down the hair to discourage curls from forming
- Helps detangle your locks
- Makes styling with a comb more manageable
- Easily incorporated into your care routine
What makes a straightening shampoo different?
In terms of usage, “normal” shampoo and straightening shampoo are exactly the same: they simply need to be applied evenly throughout your hair and scalp, then rinsed out with warm water. The key thing that distinguishes hair straightening shampoo from regular shampoos is its higher level of certain conditioning agents.
Typically these are either silicones or polymers, which coat the hair to create a silky texture and prevent frizzy knots and tangles. Plus, these conditioning agents are water-resistant and continue to deposit in your hair even after rinsing.
This is perfect for long-lasting results but bears in mind that you may have to use a clarifying shampoo at some point to wash out excess residue.
Does keratin shampoo straighten hair?
Keratin in hair shampoos will not change the texture of your hair. However, it has the capability to fill in the cracks and polish the cuticle layer, making the strands look, fuller, smoother, and shinier. It doesn’t straighten curly hair but it will soften your coarse and frizzy locks.
How can I change my curly hair to straight?
- Wash and condition your curls with the best shampoo and conditioner to straighten your hair.
- Use a leave-in conditioner to strengthen your strands.
- Spritz wet curls with a heat-protectant flat iron spray.
- Dry your hair thoroughly.
- Section your hair for easier straightening.
- Begin straightening.
- Touch up your straight strands.
Hair straightening mistakes to avoid:
- If you’ve straightened your hair, but the results aren’t as sleek and shiny as you had hoped, here are some of the most common hair-straightening mistakes and how to fix them.
- Your hair wasn’t dry enough. Be sure each strand is completely dry before attempting to straighten. Not only will you fry your hair trying to straighten it when wet, but it also just doesn’t work very well.
- The straightener wasn’t in the right heat setting. For thick, coarse, or curly hair, you’ll likely need to set your straightening iron between 350 and 400 degrees. To avoid scorching your hair, start at the lowest setting, and increase the heat as needed to achieve the desired results.
- You used too many styling products. Styling products are key to achieving your perfect look, but too many products can weigh down your hair. Focus on using only the products mentioned above that hydrate your strands and provide protection against heat.
- You tried straightening too large of sections. Straightening thick, curly hair is best done in very small, 1-inch sections. Smaller sections are more manageable and will allow you to straighten more quickly and effectively.
Enjoy Your New Shampoo To Straighten Hair
There you have it, our top picks for the best hair straightening shampoos, our aim is for you to be able to make an informed decision and evaluate what’s best for your specific hair needs. We hope this guide was helpful in your journey toward the best shampoo to straighten hair.
Keep in mind with the best shampoo to straighten hair your styling will be far quicker and easier, including for curly hairstyles, and prepares the perfect foundation to straighten your locks with a flat iron or blow dryer.
Do not hesitate in contacting us if you have any doubts. We are always happy to hear from you.
Disclosure: The Hair Products recommended in this article are our top favorites because they have a great combination of quality, features, and affordability. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through the links as a way to support this site. If you buy a qualifying product, you’re not charged anything extra, but I’ll get a small commission to help pay for my expenses. I hope you find our advice helpful and discover the Best Hair Products for your needs on this list.
