6 Best Design Essentials Shampoos of 2026

This silky, lightweight lather redefines what a sulfate-free shampoo can do—delivering deep cleansing without stripping moisture, which is a game-changer for curly and coily textures that dread dryness. Infused with almond and avocado extracts, it doesn’t just clean; it actively nourishes, leaving curls softer, more defined, and tangle-free from the first rinse. For those battling frizz and breakage during wash day, this formula transforms a typically stressful routine into a smooth, almost luxurious ritual.

In real-world use, the shampoo lathers surprisingly well despite being sulfate-free, gliding through thick, 4C hair with minimal effort—something many moisture-focused formulas fail to achieve. We tested it on dry, low-porosity curls and found it effectively lifted buildup from stylers while preserving the hair’s natural oils, thanks to its balanced surfactant blend. It’s also gentle enough for weekly use, even on color-treated strands, though it may struggle slightly with heavy silicones—requiring a double cleanse in such cases.

Compared to the heavier Honey Creme variant, this Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado version strikes a smarter balance between hydration and cleanliness, making it a better all-rounder. While the Agave & Lavender option offers similar softness, this one outshines it with superior detangling power and broader curl compatibility. Ideal for anyone seeking a daily-friendly, multi-tasking cleanser that doesn’t compromise on slip or shine, it delivers premium performance without the premium price tag of salon-sized bottles.

When extreme dryness meets daily wear, this honey-infused powerhouse steps in like a moisture bodyguard—delivering intense hydration while gently cleansing, a rare combo in sulfate-free territory. The rich, creamy texture coats each strand during lather, ensuring zero roughness or friction, making it a top-tier defender against wash-day breakage. For those with thick, coarse, or transitioning textures, it offers a rescue-level reset, restoring suppleness to even the most parched lengths.

We tested it on tightly coiled, high-shedding hair after weeks of heat styling, and the results were striking—immediate softness, reduced shedding, and dramatically easier detangling with just fingers. Its non-stripping formula maintains the scalp’s natural oils while still removing light buildup, though it’s not intended for deep clarifying. At 32 oz, it’s built for heavy users or families, but its thick consistency means a little goes a long way—even on waist-length hair.

Against the smaller 12 oz Honey Creme version, this larger format offers better long-term value for high-demand routines, outperforming budget alternatives in moisture retention. While the Natural Almond & Avocado shampoo is lighter, this one wins for maximum repair and retention, especially in dry climates or winter months. It’s the go-to for chronic dryness, offering salon-grade conditioning in a bottle that outlasts most competitors on the shelf.

This clarifying beast doesn’t just clean—it resets your scalp and strands with a fortifying punch, thanks to oat protein and henna, which strengthen while they purify. Unlike harsh clarifiers that leave hair brittle, this one strikes a rare balance: removing stubborn buildup from silicones, oils, and dry shampoo while preserving essential moisture. It’s a lifesaver for relaxed or color-treated hair that’s lost its bounce due to residue overload.

In testing, it cut through weeks of product accumulation in a single wash, especially on locs and twist-outs clogged with heavy butters. The 32 oz size makes it ideal for regular use or shared households, and its moderate lather signals deep cleaning without foam overload. While it’s potent, it doesn’t leave hair squeaky or stripped—thanks to its moisture-balancing base—though overuse (more than once a week) can lead to dryness on delicate curls.

Compared to the Peppermint & Aloe shampoo, this Oat Protein & Henna version is more focused on structural strength and volume than scalp soothing. It’s not meant for daily use, but as a monthly reset tool, it outperforms most sulfate-free clarifiers in elasticity improvement. If you need a deep clean that doesn’t sacrifice integrity, this is the closest thing to a detox that still respects curl health.

This aromatherapeutic gem delivers a spa-like experience with every wash, blending agave nectar and lavender into a calming, cuticle-smoothing formula that preps hair for heat styling with grace. It gently lifts impurities while reinforcing softness, making it a top pick for those who blow-dry or silk press but dread frizz and breakage. The scent alone—floral yet fresh—adds a sensorial boost to routine wash days, setting it apart from more medicinal alternatives.

In real-world testing, it excelled on low-porosity, wavy to curly hair, where hydration is hard to lock in. It didn’t weigh strands down, yet left them noticeably smoother and easier to comb through with a wide-tooth pick. While it doesn’t detangle as well as the Almond & Avocado version, it’s ideal as a prep step before thermal styling—helping heat glide evenly without snagging. However, it’s less effective on very dry or thick textures that need heavier moisture.

Pitted against the Natural Almond & Avocado shampoo, this Agave & Lavender option trades some slip for superior softness and heat protection, making it a niche favorite for sleek styles. It’s not the most hydrating in the lineup, but for those prioritizing manageability and shine over deep moisture, it offers a refined, elegant alternative in a compact 12 oz bottle.

When itchy, flaky scalp turns wash day into a battle, this cooling, therapeutic formula delivers instant relief with a tingling burst of peppermint that awakens the senses and calms irritation in real time. Paired with soothing aloe, it rebalances the scalp’s moisture without over-drying, making it a targeted treatment for dandruff, dryness, or sensitivity. For protective style wearers or those in dry climates, it’s a game-changing rescue between deep cleanses.

In use, the 32 oz size proves economical for frequent applications, and the light lather spreads evenly, ensuring the peppermint and aloe penetrate the scalp effectively. We tested it on a flaky, sensitive scalp post-braid removal, and within one wash, itching dropped significantly, with flakes visibly reduced after two uses. It doesn’t lather heavily, but that’s by design—its focus is scalp health, not volume—and it shouldn’t be used daily, as peppermint can be sensitizing over time.

Compared to the Oat Protein & Henna shampoo, this Peppermint & Aloe version skips the strengthening benefits but wins for targeted relief and circulation boost. It’s not a general-use cleanser, but for those battling chronic itch or seasonal flaking, it outperforms most in its category. If scalp comfort is your priority, this is the most effective, soothing specialist in the Design Essentials lineup.

Priced for accessibility but packed with performance, this mini moisture marvel brings the same honey-powered hydration as its big sibling in a compact, travel-friendly format. It’s a budget-savvy gateway into high-quality, sulfate-free care, delivering softness, slip, and strength without compromise. For those new to curl-friendly shampoos or testing before committing, it’s the smartest entry point in the Design Essentials range.

Despite its 12 oz size, the rich, creamy formula lasts surprisingly long—just a quarter-sized amount spreads easily through shoulder-length curls. We found it excellent for daily touch-ups, especially on children’s hair or fine-to-medium textures that fear heaviness. It detangles with minimal effort and leaves hair shiny and manageable, though it’s not built for heavy buildup or weekly deep cleans.

Against the pricier 32 oz Honey Creme version, this one offers identical formulation at lower volume, making it ideal for trial or light users. While the Natural Almond & Avocado shampoo has more slip, this Honey Creme mini wins on affordability and universal safety—a true budget champion that doesn’t skimp on core benefits.