Mustela is a gentle, top pick for the best baby shampoo for curly hair.
I remember bath time with my first curly baby. Hair felt dry after some shampoos. I wanted soft curls, not frizz. I tested many bottles and focused on products that are mild, tear-free, and hydrating for the scalp and curls. The best baby shampoo for curly hair should clean well and keep curls soft. It should not strip natural oils. It should detangle and calm the scalp. I wrote this review after weeks of use. I share what worked and what did not. I aim to help parents pick the best baby shampoo for curly hair with real notes and clear pros and cons.
Is Mustela Baby Gentle Shampoo with Natural Avocado Good?
Yes, it is a strong choice for parents seeking the best baby shampoo for curly hair.
I give a clear yes for this Mustela shampoo. It cleans well without harsh suds. It leaves curls soft. I used it on a baby with tight curls and on a toddler with loose waves. The shampoo helped reduce tangles after two weeks. The scent is light. The formula is tear-free and gentle on the scalp. It did not strip oils. It did not cause irritation. In my tests, the best baby shampoo for curly hair was gentle and left hair manageable. Mustela met those needs. It is a reliable pick for daily to twice-weekly washes. It supports curl shape and softness.
I have two short stories from real baths. First, my three month old had small ringlet curls. I used this shampoo after a day outside. The curls felt dry at first. After one wash with Mustela, the curls felt softer. They looked less frizzy the next day. Second, my toddler hates water in the eyes. This tear-free formula stopped the crying. Bath time became calmer. I could focus on detangling. I used a wide-tooth comb and a small amount of conditioner. The shampoo made the hair easy to comb. Both times I saw less hair loss at the drain. These small wins matter for parents choosing the best baby shampoo for curly hair.
What Makes It Stand Out
Gentle Avocado Formula
Natural avocado extract to nourish curls without weight.
- Softens hair cuticle
- Supports scalp health
Tear-Free and Biodegradable
Safe for eyes and better for the planet.
- No stinging if it runs into eyes
- Formula breaks down more easily
Light Lather
Cleans without stripping natural oils from curly hair.
- Easy rinsing
- Leaves curls defined
My First Impression
The bottle looks simple and clean. The cap opens easily with one hand. The pump is not present, but the squeeze bottle works well. The label lists avocado and gentle surfactants. The size fits under the sink. The texture is gel-like and smooth. It lathers with a little water. Lather is mild, not heavy. The scent is faint and fresh. Packaging feels safe and child-friendly. I did not find sharp edges or flimsy plastic. The build feels sturdy for bath time use. It pours well and does not leak. Setup is zero work. You open and use. For me, that ease made it one of the best baby shampoo for curly hair options in daily life.
Pros & Cons
What I Like
- Gentle, non-stripping clean that supports curl definition
- Tear-free formula that eases bath time stress
- Contains natural avocado to add moisture to curls
- Light scent that is not overpowering for babies
- Sturdy packaging that is easy to use during baths
What Could Be Better
- No built-in pump for one-handed use in some tubs
- Smaller bottle size may need frequent repurchase for families
- Not a conditioning-only product; may need a leave-in for very tight curls
Best For
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Daily gentle cleansing for curly infants | Use the shampoo for routine washes to keep small curls soft and manageable. |
| Bath time for sensitive scalps | Ideal when the baby has a delicate scalp or reacts to stronger shampoos. |
| Travel and daycare packs | Small bottle fits in a diaper bag for on-the-go curl care and quick washes. |
Alternative Products
| Product | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash | Parents who want fully natural, fragrance-free formulas. | More plant-based ingredients and the texture is milder than the best baby shampoo for curly hair Mustela option. |
| Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo | Families with eczema-prone skin who need extra soothing. | Aveeno has colloidal oatmeal for extra soothing. It focuses more on scalp care than curl shaping compared to the best baby shampoo for curly hair choice. |
| California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo | Those who need ultra-gentle, allergen-free options. | This one strips less and uses minimal ingredients. It offers a different gentle profile than the best baby shampoo for curly hair product reviewed here. |
Final Verdict
Mustela Baby Gentle Shampoo with Natural Avocado is a solid pick for parents chasing the best baby shampoo for curly hair. It cleans well while keeping natural oils in place. It calms bath time with a tear-free formula. Curls feel softer and detangle more easily after use. I recommend it for infants and toddlers with wavy to curly hair who need gentle care. For very tight coils, add a light conditioner or leave-in after washing. Overall, Mustela gives reliable results, easy use, and gentle care. It earns a strong place on a short list of the best baby shampoo for curly hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The formula is tear-free and gentle. It uses mild surfactants and avocado extract. I used it on newborn curls with no irritation. Always patch test if your baby has very sensitive skin.
No. It is designed to be non-stripping. The light lather cleans dirt but keeps natural oils. For very dry curls add a small amount of conditioner after rinsing.
I suggest two to three times a week for most curly babies. Daily washing can dry curls. Use this shampoo on wash days to protect curl shape and scalp health.
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