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Affordable Curly Hair Care

Purple Star emoji 18 items
My favorite budget-friendly products for Type 4 natural/curly hair.
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Cleansers

My favorite cleansers aren't always shampoos, but they do always set the stage for a great wash day.
 
Rachel Elise profile picture
A little goes a long way, and the twist spout ensures you dispense just the right amount directly on your scalp.  Non-stripping, actually hydrates.  The scent transforms your bathroom into a spa located in the rainforest. So fresh. So clean. So hydrated.
As I Am Bond Shampoo 8 fl oz
 
Rachel Elise profile picture
I've only tried the Rose Water edition which leaves the bathroom smelling like roses days later.  Leaves my hair squeaky clean, yet hydrated.  The applicator tip ensures that just the right amount is applied to the scalp.  A little goes a long way.
Wash Day Delight Sulfate Free Shampoo For Curly Hair
 
Rachel Elise profile picture
For when your curls are feeling off. Like a reset for your hair. Cleanses the scalp while clumping and defining curls. Another must have. I like mixing it with apple cider vinegar, honey, and oil.
Aztec Secret– Indian Healing Clay 1 lb – Deep Pore Cleansing Facial & Body ...
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Rachel Elise profile picture
Lightweight yet powerful cleansing.  Leaves hair squeaky clean, but not dry.  Smells fantastic!
L'Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls No Build up Micellar Shampoo

Conditioners

 
Rachel Elise profile picture
Thick, creamy, and conditioning.  I prefer following the instructions and using the Bond mask after conditioning for even more moisture and detangling power.
As I Am Bond Conditioner 8 fl oz
 
Rachel Elise profile picture
This might be my all time favorite conditioner.  (I've only tried the Rose Water edition.)  Everything it claims to do it does.  A little goes a long way.  It instantly moisturizes and melts tangles.  Truly makes wash day a delight!
Wash Day Delight Wash Day Delight Conditioner

Deep Conditioners, Masks, & Treatments

When my hair can use a little extra care I like reaching for these.
 
Rachel Elise profile picture
Creamy and conditioning.  Helps detangle and smooth.  The scent transforms your bathroom into a rainforest spa.
As I Am Bond Deep Hydration Moisturizing Hair Masque - 8 fl oz
 
Rachel Elise profile picture
A curly girl must have!  Always have this on hand for lazy wash days and ultra tangled hair.  Deep conditions in only 3 minutes (yes, even on Type 4 hair) and makes detangling a breeze.
3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner w/ Avocado

Leave-Ins

 
Rachel Elise profile picture
If you follow the instructions and use the entire line, you won't need much of this.  I typically use 1 to 1 ½ pumps per section.  Eases detangling and smells fantastic.
As I Am Bond Leave-In Conditioner 8 fl oz
 
Rachel Elise profile picture
This product made me realize that lightweight, spray leave-ins may be superior.  Easy to mist through hair which makes it convenient to regularly refresh and moisturize hair.  Great to moisturize hair while in a protective style.
Mielle Organics Peony Leave In Conditioner 8 fl oz

Dressings, Greases, & Pomades

 
Rachel Elise profile picture
Consistently gives some of my longest lasting and most defined twist and braid outs.  Locks in moisture resulting in less breakage.
Royal Crown Hair Dressing, 5oz., All Hair Types, Moisturizing

Cream Stylers

I use cream stylers for twists, braids, and bantu knots. I like to leave my hair in said style for a few days before unraveling for longer lasting, maximum definition.
 
Rachel Elise profile picture
I can't get enough of this ultra hydrating, long lasting, curl-defining cream!  It's my go to for when I plan on wearing twists/mini-twists for a while.  It leaves my hair shiny, soft, and moisturized for over a week.  The jar is a nice size and lasts for months.
Shea Butter & Flaxseed Oil Curling Cream, 12oz

Oils

 
Rachel Elise profile picture
Somehow thick and lightweight.  Fast absorbing.  Actually assists in hair growth with results you can see.  Comes with a dropper applicator.  Smells oh so good.
Bond Repair Hair Oil
 
Rachel Elise profile picture
Great size.  Love the tingle and scent. Just wish it had a better applicator as I sometimes squeeze out too much.
Mint Almond Oil - Best Organic Hair Oil For Dry Scalp

Tools

 
Rachel Elise profile picture
Detangles thick, curly hair quickly.  Easy to clean. Sturdy; no broken bristles!
RED by Kiss Dry Vent Heat-Resistant Hair Brush, Detangling Fast Blow ...
 
Rachel Elise profile picture
I struggle with blow drying my hair and found the design of this very helpful.  It gets very hot and the wide vent covers more area.  The attachments snap into place, and I have had to buy replacements since some of the teeth in the wide tooth attachment broke off.  There is a cool shot button that needs to be held down to use.
1875 Watt Styler Dryer

Accessories

 
Rachel Elise profile picture
A must have for curly girl ponytails!  Extra thick, extra long band does not break.  No metal.  Great for the banding method.
GOODY Ouchless XL & Extra Thick Elastics, Black, 10.0 Count

Miscellaneous

 
Rachel Elise profile picture
Life changing!  May be considered a leave-in, but is an ultra-hydrating water.  Instantly smooths and aids in detangling.  Instantly softens.  Instantly hydrates and moisturizes.  Makes maintenance and refreshing easy.  When feeling lazy, I like to spritz onto my twists and top with the Bond Oil.  If you must buy 1 thing from this list it's this!
As I Am Bond Damage Repair, Strengthening Water Hair Treatment - 16 fl oz