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Curls Guide
Frizz Ease Dream Curls Shampoo by John Frieda
shampoo
CG Friendly
Protein Free
Silicone Free
Vegan
Cruelty Free

John Frieda

Frizz Ease Dream Curls Shampoo

"A widely available, CGM-friendly shampoo that cleanses effectively and defines waves. Sulfate-free and silicone-free at an accessible price point."

Best for:
CGM followers wanting a budget-friendly shampoo Wavies and looser curls (2a-3b) Those wanting a sulfate-free high street option Fine to medium hair needing gentle cleansing
Avoid if:
Fragrance-sensitive Have very dry, coily hair needing gentler cleansing Sensitive to MI/MCI preservatives

Hair Compatibility

Curl Pattern

2A 2B 2C 3A 3B

Strand Thickness

fine
medium
coarse

Porosity

low
medium
high

Performance

Definition 3/5
Hold 1/5
Shine 3/5
Crunch Potential 1/5
Buildup Risk 1/5
Hold Level
No Hold
Weight
Very Light
Finish
Soft, No Cast
Buildup Risk
Low

What's Inside

Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (Rosehip Oil)

Nourishes and adds shine to curls

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

Sulfate-free cleansing surfactant

Coco-Glucoside

Gentle, plant-derived cleanser

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

Detangles and conditions during wash

✓ CG Friendly
✓ Protein Free
✓ Silicone Free
✓ Sulfate Free
View Full Ingredients List

Aqua (Water), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, Glycol Distearate, Cocamide MEA, Parfum (Fragrance), Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Stearoxypropyl Dimethylamine, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-7, Lactic Acid, Laureth-16, Propylene Glycol, Quaternium-80, Polyquaternium-10, Polyquaternium-52, Sodium Chloride, Stearyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone

Analyze these ingredients with our Ingredient Checker tool.

How to Use

Best as: Cleanser

Pairs Well With

John Frieda

Frizz Ease Dream Curls Conditioner

conditioner

John Frieda

Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Reviver Mousse

mousse

Alternatives to Consider

Noughty

Wave Hello Curl Defining Shampoo

CGM-friendly alternative at similar price

Umberto Giannini

Curl Jelly Scrunching Jelly Wash

CGM-friendly with similar cleansing power

Overview

John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Shampoo is a drugstore staple that brings CGM-friendly cleansing to the high street. Formulated with Rosehip Oil and what John Frieda calls “Curl Enhancing Technology”, it gently cleanses whilst helping to define natural waves and curls. The sulfate-free, silicone-free formula makes it an excellent choice for those following the Curly Girl Method on a budget.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Rosehip Oil (Rosa Canina Fruit Oil) - Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A and C, rosehip oil nourishes hair and adds a subtle shine without weight.
  • Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate - A sulfate-free surfactant that cleanses effectively. While gentler than traditional sulfates, it’s still a thorough cleanser.
  • Coco-Glucoside - A mild, plant-derived cleanser that adds gentle foaming action without stripping.
  • Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride - A conditioning agent derived from guar beans that helps detangle hair during washing.

What We Love

  1. CGM-friendly - Sulfate-free and silicone-free formula
  2. Budget-friendly - Affordable for regular use at drugstore prices
  3. Widely available - Stocked in most supermarkets and pharmacies
  4. Effective cleansing - Removes product buildup without over-stripping
  5. Protein-free - Safe for protein-sensitive hair
  6. Vegan and cruelty-free - Ethical choice for conscious consumers

What Could Be Better

  1. Firmer cleanser - Olefin sulfonate cleanses more thoroughly than gentler co-washes
  2. Strong fragrance - The scent is noticeable and may bother sensitive users
  3. Matching conditioner contains silicones - The Dream Curls conditioner isn’t CGM-friendly
  4. Contains MI/MCI preservatives - May irritate sensitive scalps

How to Use

Standard Wash

  1. Wet hair thoroughly with warm water
  2. Apply a small amount to palms and massage into scalp
  3. Focus on the roots and scalp, not the lengths
  4. Let the lather rinse through the lengths
  5. Rinse thoroughly
  6. Follow with conditioner

Weekly Cleanse

For those co-washing regularly:

  1. Use this shampoo once weekly to ensure thorough cleansing
  2. Focus on the scalp where oils and product build up
  3. Use slightly more product than a regular wash
  4. Double cleanse if needed after heavy product use

Pro Tip

This shampoo pairs beautifully with CGM-friendly styling products since it’s silicone-free. If the matching conditioner’s silicones concern you, switch to a silicone-free conditioner and use this shampoo as your cleanser.

The Verdict

John Frieda Dream Curls Shampoo is a genuine CGM-friendly option at a drugstore price—sulfate-free and silicone-free. For wavies and curlies who want an accessible, budget-friendly cleanser without the harsh stripping of traditional shampoos, it’s an excellent choice. Just be aware that the rest of the Dream Curls range contains silicones, so CGM followers will want to pair this with a different conditioner.

Our Rating: 4/5