If you have mixed-texture hair, it’s essential to use the right type of shampoo and conditioner. Buying the correct products and picking the proper formulations will yield more beautiful, healthy hair that brings out your natural texture.
The purpose of this guide is to explain what mixed-hair is, why generic shampoo and conditioner products might not be suitable for it, and where to find great products and formulations that will give you the results you are looking for.
What is mixed-texture hair & why it matters
Mixed texture hair literally means your hair has one or more curl patterns (textures), typically in families with mixed cultural and ethnic heritage.
Caring for mixed texture in the right matters because it reacts differently, depending on the haircare products you are using. For example, different regions of hair can have varying moisture requirements and may need formulations with detangling elements (due to hair’s propensity to form knots) to prevent damage.
Why a generic shampoo & conditioner might not be enough
Unfortunately, generic shampoos and conditioners aren’t always sufficient for mixed-texture hair. Formulations are mainly designed for people with straight or wavy hair with low to moderate porosity.
The primary issue with standard products is the lack of emollients and moisturizing agents. Most regular formulations actually dry out the hair due to surfactants.Unfortunately, curly hair types often have raised cuticles, so they lose moisture faster when manufacturers include these ingredients. The lack of humectants and natural oils can be a real issue.
Furthermore, many shampoos use silicones as detangling agents. These are slippery to reduce knots, but they don’t moisturize. The trick for mixed-hair is to use ionic detangling ingredients that have higher potency, combined with various oils and butters for deep nourishment.
Finally, many regular shampoos and conditioners have the wrong balance of protein and moisturisers for your hair type. If you have mixed-texture hair, you’ll know it can sometimes get stiff and brittle while requiring a lot of moisture at the same time. Unfortunately, conventional products don’t contain the high quality proteins required to strengthen and soften it. Only specialist formulations do.
Checklist: What to look for in shampoo & conditioner for mixed-texture hair
As you might have guessed, shampoo and conditioner products for mixed-texture hair do exist. However, these can vary in quality. Here’s what to look for to avoid disappointment:
Sulfate-free
First, choose a product that’s sulfate-free. Some traditional sulfates and harsh detergents can strip the scalp’s natural oils and may be formulated alongside other ingredients linked to hormone disruption (like certain parabens or synthetic fragrances). Going sulfate-free not only avoids those unnecessary irritants but also helps hair retain more moisture—leading to shinier, healthier mixed-texture curls with less breakage. With the right formula, hair often feels softer and more manageable, too.
Plant-based
You also want plant-based mixed-texture shampoos and conditioners. These use gentler cleansers which don’t strip moisture like harsh surfactants.
Detangling
If haircare products have detangling elements, that’s also beneficial. These smooth the cuticle and reduce friction, making hair easier to comb and reducing breakages.
Hydration
Finally, because of the properties of mixed-texture hair, products should be ultra-hydrating. Ideally, formulations should have one or two moisturising elements, including an emollient and a humectant.
Introducing our new Shampoo & Conditioner
If you’re searching for a shampoo and conditioner combo that’s perfect for mixed-texture hair, your job’s done! Niles + Chaz have created the perfect formulations for you to enjoy.
The excitement starts with Oh My Wash! our Ultra-Hydrating Shampoo. This contains a mixture of papaya, mango, kiwi, pineapple, and other nutrient-rich botanicals for the ultimate in gentle, effective haircare.. It’s 99% plant-based and only contains plant-based ingredients. There’s no silicones, sulfates, parabens, BPAs or phthalates.
There’s also our conditioner: Slip Happens! This replenishing formulation helps you quench your curls and radiate joy while taming knots, reducing poofiness, and increasing moisture from root to tip. As with our shampoo, it’s silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, phthalate-free and BPA free.
How to Use Them: Step-by-Step Routine
So, how do you actually use our haircare products to maximum effect? Glad you asked! Here’s what to do:
Start With The Pre-Wash
You’ll want to start by whipping out the pre-wash: Niles + Chaz’s Scalp Enchanter. This pre-shampoo treatment contains vitamins A, C, B3, B5, and E to nourish your hair from root to tip.
Lather In The Shampoo
Next, move onto Oh My Wash! Ultra Hydrating Shampoo. Formulated especially for people with mixed-texture hair, it transforms your routine from mundane to excellent.
Condition
Following that, you need to condition. Adding our Slip Happens!™ Replenishing Conditioner for Moisture-Hungry Hair locks in moisture and prevents hair from becoming too dry. It also contains plenty of vitamins for strong curls and kiwi and mango for hydration and shine.
Rinse
Next, rinse your hair. The softening, moisturizing elements from our products should remain.
Style
Finally, you can style. Niles + Chaz offer a bunch of mixed-texture-specific styling products you can browse with all-natural, plant-based ingredients. Make sure you check them out.
Wrap-up
As you can see, there are well tailored, proper or great solutions for mixed texture. With Niles + Chaz’s range of products, you can make it so much more manageable. All the ingredients in our products are plant-based and there are no nasties, like parabens or sulfates, allowing you to control frizz and maintain curls with ease.
So, what are you waiting for? Check out our uniquely-formulated shampoo and conditioner, or view our entire product collection.
