Hate to ask - stupid black hair shampoo question?

[Beeps (WOT?*)]

The family I'm supporting has Mom, Dad, 2 boys, 2 girls. I don't know the girls types except by looking but they're both different types. The older is a 4 (don't know her sub-type) and the younger is a 3, I think. (The older keeps her hair in braids, the younger in "poufs" if that makes sense.)

Question: how bad is Dove shampoo for curly, coarse hair for these hair types? I've been buying specific brands from WalMart for them based on earlier recs from friends but this is an emergency since someone is giving away three bottles free; the family is moving into new housing and could use all the free they can get their hands on. I don't want to give it to them if it's bad for their hair though.

[kicks]

Before I started swimming recently I never ever used shampoo on my hair since I became natural 8 years ago. So I personally don't think shampoo is necessary and many natural women cowash, which is washing hair with conditioner only.

If one is to use shampoo it is best (for anyone in general) to use sulfate free shampoo as the sulfate is what dries hair out.

I know nothing specific about Dove products but plenty of women with curly hair use drug store products. Having curly hair doesn't necessarily mean using expensive products all the time.

[meshaliuknits]

In addition to sulfates, parabens are frequently avoided as well. They can coat the hair & make absorb moisture.