Cleanses and moisturizes waves to coils without weighing down or causing frizz.
We tested Pattern Beauty Hydration Shampoo with Pattern’s Medium Conditioner across multiple curl types to see how well it cleanses without stripping and hydrates without weight. Here is what to expect and how to get the best results on wash day.
Overview
Pattern Beauty’s Hydration Shampoo is designed to give curly, coily, and wavy hair a thorough yet gentle cleanse. It aims to remove buildup while maintaining moisture and slip so you can detangle without drama. Paired with Pattern’s Medium Conditioner, the duo targets the sweet spot between hydration and lightness, promising soft, defined curls that do not feel coated or greasy. In everyday use, the set behaves like a salon-grade wash day routine that is approachable for beginners and satisfying for seasoned curl care devotees.
The Hydration Shampoo sits in the middle of the cleansing spectrum. It produces a creamy lather that feels cushy and spreads easily from roots to ends, which is a relief if your curls typically tangle the moment water hits. The Medium Conditioner is thick and buttery enough to detangle dense curls, yet it rinses more cleanly than ultra-rich masks. If your hair is tighter or more fragile, the Heavy Conditioner will likely be a better match, but our primary testing focused on the Medium Conditioner because it suits the largest range of curl patterns and densities.
Fragrance is light and clean with a soft, slightly floral vibe that fades after hair dries. Both formulas are free of harsh sulfates and are color-safe. They are also consistent across bottles, which sounds obvious but matters when you rely on a specific level of slip for detangling week after week.
Who it’s for
This duo is a strong fit for:
- Type 2c to 4b hair that needs hydration without heavy residue.
- Medium-density curls that get frizzy at the crown or halo and need a smoother cuticle after washing.
- Scalps that feel dull or mildly congested by midweek but are sensitive to harsh cleansers.
- People who prefer a quick detangle in-shower rather than intensive pre-poo sessions.
Consider adjustments if:
- Your hair is fine and easily weighed down. You may love the Hydration Shampoo but prefer a lighter conditioner or a smaller amount of the Medium Conditioner just on your mid-lengths and ends.
- Your hair is very tight or high-density with frequent knots. You might prefer the Heavy Conditioner for more cushion and slip during detangling, then rinse thoroughly.
- You use lots of heavy stylers or oils. You may still want a once-a-week clarifying wash in addition to the Hydration Shampoo, especially if you use gels with strong hold.
How it feels and performs
Texture and slip: The Hydration Shampoo has a pearly, gel-cream texture. It lathers in a soft, creamy way rather than big bubbles, which makes it easy to glide through curls without roughing them up. There is noticeable slip in the lather, so you can gently rake through and break up tangles even during cleansing. The Medium Conditioner is thick and cushiony with that satisfying, buttery feel when you work it through soaking-wet hair. It clings to strands long enough to let you finger detangle or use a wide-tooth comb without constant reapplication.
Cleansing power: On a typical week with cream stylers or light gels, the shampoo leaves the scalp fresh and the roots buoyant without that squeaky, parched feeling. If you are accustomed to co-washing, you will notice a clearer scalp and better curl spring. For heavy product users, it removes surface residue well but may not fully reset hair after several days of oils or strong-hold gels. In that case, plan a periodic clarifying step and keep the Hydration Shampoo for your regular wash.
Moisture and definition: The Medium Conditioner delivers reliable moisture and does a nice job smoothing rough cuticles. Rinsed fully, hair feels soft, bouncy, and more uniform in curl pattern. Rinsed lightly, it leaves a trace of slip that reduces frizz as hair dries. Most curls will see improved clumping and a more defined shape after air drying or diffusing. If you prefer a weightless feel, rinse thoroughly and layer a leave-in sparingly. If you crave extra softness, give the conditioner three to five minutes to sit while you complete the rest of your shower.
Frizz control and longevity: On day one, frizz calms down around the hairline and crown. On day two, curls keep a pliable feel that is easy to refresh with water or a light leave-in. The duo does not create a crunchy cast, which means less immediate hold but a more touchable finish. If you like a stronger cast for humidity control, pair the set with a medium-hold gel after rinsing.
Scalp comfort: The shampoo feels balanced. It avoids the tightness that comes with stronger surfactants, and the clean-rinse finish means fewer itchy spots caused by leftover residue. If you have a sensitive scalp, emulsifying the shampoo with extra water before applying makes the cleanse even more gentle.
Scent and after-feel: The scent reads clean and slightly floral and does not linger loudly. After drying, hair feels soft, pliable, and slightly more elastic. There is a healthy, subtle sheen rather than high gloss.
How to use for best results
Think of this duo as your core wash-day reset. A few small tweaks in technique will unlock better slip, definition, and frizz control.
- Saturate hair fully with warm water. This is the single most important step for getting the shampoo to spread easily without tugging.
- Emulsify a quarter-size amount of Hydration Shampoo between your palms, then apply to the scalp in sections. Add water with your fingertips as you work to increase slip and lather.
- Use pads of fingers to massage the scalp for 60 to 90 seconds. Pull the lather down the lengths for the last 15 seconds and detangle lightly with fingertips.
- Rinse thoroughly. If you use heavy stylers, do a quick second cleanse with a pea-size amount focused only on the scalp.
- Apply Medium Conditioner to soaking-wet hair from ear level to ends first, then skim a light layer over the crown. Use a wide-tooth comb or flexible detangling brush to work through, adding small splashes of water to keep slip high.
- For extra hydration, let the conditioner sit three to five minutes before rinsing. For a lighter feel, rinse completely. For more frizz control, leave a whisper-thin film by doing a brief, cool rinse instead of a full rinse.
- Encourage curl clumps by scrunching water and conditioner into the hair before the final rinse, often called squish to condish. This helps reduce halo frizz.
- Blot with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt. Apply your preferred leave-in and/or gel while hair is still very damp, then air dry or diffuse on low.
Frequency tips: Most curls will do well with this duo two to three times per week. If your scalp is oily, you can add a midweek scalp-only cleanse using a tiny amount of shampoo followed by a quick, light condition on the ends. If your hair is very dry, stretch washes to once or twice weekly and focus your styling on moisture-sealing products.
Porosity tweaks: Low-porosity hair often benefits from warmer water during the conditioning step to help the formula penetrate. High-porosity hair may prefer cooler water on the final rinse to encourage cuticle lay-down and reduce frizz.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Shampoo cleanses thoroughly without stripping, leaving curls springy and comfortable.
- Excellent slip in both shampoo and conditioner for fast, gentle detangling.
- Medium Conditioner hydrates and smooths without a coated or waxy feel.
- Color-safe formula that plays well with most stylers.
- Light, pleasant scent that does not compete with perfumes or other hair products.
- Flexible results depending on rinse technique, from weightless to cushioned soft.
Cons
- Heavy product users may still need a periodic clarifying shampoo for a full reset.
- Very fine waves might find the Medium Conditioner too rich unless applied sparingly and rinsed fully.
- Those seeking strong hold or a crunchy cast will need to add a gel or mousse.
- Price sits above drugstore, especially if you use generous amounts to detangle long hair.
Final verdict
Pattern Beauty Hydration Shampoo and Medium Conditioner deliver a balanced cleanse and substantive moisture that support healthy curl formation on wash day. The shampoo stands out for its cushiony, low-stripping lather that keeps the scalp happy while preserving curl integrity. The conditioner adds smoothness and definition without heavy residue, and with small tweaks in how long you leave it on or how completely you rinse, you can tailor the finish for your density and porosity. If your current routine leaves your roots flat and your ends frizzy, this duo is an easy upgrade. For very tight textures or frequent tanglers, consider swapping in Pattern’s heavier conditioner on days when you need more cushion. For fine or low-density waves, keep the shampoo, use a light hand with the conditioner, and rely on a lightweight leave-in to finish. Overall, it is a dependable, user-friendly pair that makes wash day smoother and results more consistent.
See also
If frizz control is your top priority, compare how this set stacks up against the picks in our best shampoo for curly hair guide, then pair it with a formula from our best conditioner for curly hair roundup. For a bigger picture view of healthy habits and timing, our Ultimate Hair Care 2025 guide walks through shampoo, conditioner, and heat use in a practical routine.
Styling after you rinse can make or break results, so see when to reach for a leave-in or a curl cream in Leave-In Conditioner vs Curl Cream. If you are comparing hydration-driven sets across brands, our hands-on take in the Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner Review highlights how a repair-focused duo differs in weight and finish.
FAQ
Is Pattern Hydration Shampoo gentle enough for color-treated curls?
Yes. The formula is free of harsh sulfates and is color-safe, so it cleanses without stripping dye molecules or leaving hair feeling squeaky. It is a solid option between salon visits for maintaining tone and moisture.
Which Pattern conditioner should I pair with the Hydration Shampoo, Medium or Heavy?
Choose Medium if your hair is wavy to curly, medium density, or easily weighed down. Choose Heavy if your hair is coily, high-density, or prone to persistent tangles and dryness. You can also mix and match by using Heavy only on the bottom half and Medium near the crown.
How much conditioner should I use to avoid buildup?
Start with a nickel-size amount per section for shoulder-length hair, adding more only where needed for slip. Keep hair soaking wet while distributing, and rinse thoroughly if you prefer a lighter finish. Leaving only a trace can help with frizz control without causing residue.
Will this duo reduce frizz in humidity?
It helps. The shampoo cleans without roughing up the cuticle, and the conditioner smooths and adds moisture so hair is less prone to frizz. For high humidity, layer a medium-hold gel over your leave-in to create a protective cast while hair dries.
How often should I use Hydration Shampoo if I also co-wash?
Use the Hydration Shampoo once or twice weekly to fully refresh the scalp and lengths, then co-wash for gentle in-between cleanses. If you use heavy oils or strong-hold gels, add a clarifying wash every 2 to 4 weeks.
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