My boyfriend and I swear by 4U by Tia’s Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner because it reduces frizz, strengthens weak strands, and smells amazing. You can get the hydrating dupo for $10 a piece on Amazon.

My boyfriend’s also a fan.

Since getting locs, I find that my strands are more forgiving of the shampoo and conditioners I’m using, but I still deal with a bit of breakage from dryness and frizz. I grew to accept that was my reality, regardless of the oils, butters, or cleansing products I used—that was, until I discovered 4U by Tia’s Moisturizing Shampoo about a year ago. It completely changed how my hair feels, and my usual post-wash shedding and frizziness have reduced tremendously—even my boyfriend has seen a significant difference in his curls.

4U by Tia’s Moisturizing Shampoo

$10 at Amazon

The shampoo’s star ingredient is hemi15, also known as hemisqualane, a silicone alternative that nourishes and moisturizes curly and kinky hair textures. It minimizes frizz, supports scalp health, and reduces breakage and product build-up. The formulation also includes watermelon extract to soften tresses and hibiscus oil to strengthen brittle strands. Safe for color and chemically treated hair, it features a light green apple, lotus blossom, and honeysuckle fragrance.

Wash days have been a serious matter since I was a child, and while there are fewer tears and less pain these days, it’s still just as tedious. But 4U by Tia’s shampoo has made the process less strenuous. I start by sectioning my hair into four parts and gently massage the shampoo into my scalp, working my way down the length of the hair. It has a rich lather and doesn’t irritate my eyes. When I rinse it out, my locs don’t feel stripped or brittle, but my scalp still feels clean and soothed. My boyfriend also loved that his curls “weren’t left feeling stringy,” “were easy to detangle,” and “felt smooth and soft” even before going in with the conditioner.

Moisturizing Conditioner

$10 at Amazon

I’ve also noticed a major reduction in shedding when blow-drying my locs because the shampoo offers thermal protection, and so has my boyfriend. He also mentioned that his curls are bouncier and don’t frizz up as easily even if it’s humid outside. We both can agree that the scent is breathtaking and lasts without being overwhelming.

If your curls need a little TLC, shop 4U by Tia’s Moisturizing Shampoo along with the matching Moisturizing Conditioner for $10 apiece on Amazon, and shop more top strengthening shampoos below.

Clarifying Shampoo

$10 at Amazon

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo

$11 at Amazon

Garnier Whole Blends Repairing Shampoo

$7 at Amazon