Here are some of the best hair products for curly hair, categorized by function to help enhance, define, and maintain beautiful curls. Each product includes a description and how to use it effectively.
Best for Hydration
Why It’s Great: A sulfate-free shampoo that cleanses without stripping moisture. It contains coconut oil, silk protein, and neem oil to keep curls soft, hydrated, and frizz-free.
How to Use: Apply to wet hair, massage into the scal...
Best for Deep Conditioning
Why It’s Great: Packed with avocado, almond oil, and B vitamins, this mask restores moisture and strengthens curls, reducing breakage and dryness.
How to Use: Apply to damp hair after shampooing, leave on for 10–15 minutes,...
Don't Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Mask
Best Leave-In Conditioner
Why It’s Great: A lightweight detangling conditioner that smooths and softens curls, making it easier to manage knots and tangles.
How to Use: Apply to damp hair, focusing on the ends. Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to di...
KNOT TODAY LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
Best Curl Cream
Why It’s Great: This all-in-one curl enhancer provides hydration, frizz control, and definition with argan oil and other nourishing ingredients.
How to Use: Apply a small amount to damp curls, scrunch, and let air-dry or diffuse.
Curl Defining Cream - Moroccanoil
Best for Frizz Control
Why It’s Great: This lightweight gel locks in moisture while blocking humidity, reducing frizz and flyaways.
How to Use: Apply to damp hair in sections, scrunch, and let it dry naturally or diffuse for extra volume.
Advanced Climate Control® Heat & Humidity Gel - Ouidad
Best for Curl Definition
Why It’s Great: A budget-friendly, deeply hydrating curl cream with shea butter that defines curls without making them stiff.
How to Use: Work a small amount through damp hair and style as usual.
Cantu Coconut Curling Cream with Shea Butter
Best Mousse for Curls
Why It’s Great: Provides lightweight hold and definition without crunchiness, perfect for soft, bouncy curls.
How to Use: Apply to damp hair, scrunch, and let it air-dry or diffuse.
Best Gel for Hold
Why It’s Great: A strong-hold gel that keeps curls in place while adding shine and moisture with olive oil.
How to Use: Apply to wet or damp hair and style as desired. Can be used for sleek styles or defined curls.
Eco Style Gel Olive Oil - Adds Shine & Tames
Best Oil for Shine
Why It’s Great: A lightweight oil that adds shine, reduces frizz, and locks in moisture for dry curls.
How to Use: Apply a few drops to damp or dry hair, focusing on the ends.
Argan Oil of Morocco - OGX® Beauty
Best for Refreshing Curls
Why It’s Great: A lightweight refresher that reactivates curls and reduces frizz between washes.
How to Use: Spray onto dry or damp curls and scrunch to revive bounce and shape.
DevaFresh - Curl Refresher Spray
Best for Co-Washing
Why It’s Great: A gentle cleansing conditioner that removes buildup while keeping curls hydrated and soft.
How to Use: Massage into wet hair and scalp, then rinse thoroughly. Use instead of shampoo for a gentler cleanse.
Coconut Cowash 16 ounce - as i am
Best for Scalp Health
Why It’s Great: Infused with rosemary and mint, this oil promotes scalp health and hair growth while keeping curls moisturized.
How to Use: Apply to the scalp and massage in. Can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment or a daily sca...
Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil - Mielle Organics
Best for Protective Styles
Why It’s Great: A rich, creamy moisturizer that prevents breakage and keeps curls soft for protective styles like twists and braids.
How to Use: Apply to damp or dry hair before styling.
Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer - Thank God It's Natural
Best for Lightweight Moisture
Why It’s Great: A lightweight, non-greasy leave-in that hydrates and defines curls without weighing them down.
How to Use: Apply to damp hair and style as usual.
Curl Love Leave-In Conditioner for Curly Hair - Camille Rose
Best for Defining Coils
Why It’s Great: Provides long-lasting definition and moisture, making it ideal for tighter curl patterns.
How to Use: Apply to damp hair, scrunch, and let air-dry or diffuse.
Curl La La – Defining Curl Custard | Aunt Jackie's Curls & Coils
Best Lightweight Gel
Why It’s Great: A medium-hold gel that defines curls without stiffness or flaking.
How to Use: Apply to wet hair in sections and scrunch for defined curls.
Big Poppa Defining Gel | Styling Gel for Curls - The Doux
Best Edge Control
Why It’s Great: A strong-hold edge control gel that smooths edges and adds shine without flaking.
How to Use: Apply to edges with a brush or fingertips and style as desired.
Perfect Edges™ Firm Hold - Creme of Nature
Best for Strengthening
Why It’s Great: A bond-repair treatment that strengthens damaged curls, reducing breakage and improving elasticity.
How to Use: Apply to damp, towel-dried hair, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse and shampoo.
Nº.3 Hair Perfector - Olaplex
Best for Low-Porosity Hair
Why It’s Great: A lightweight, penetrating moisturizer that hydrates low-porosity curls without buildup.
How to Use: Spray onto damp hair and style as usual.
Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner - Alikay Naturals
Why It’s Great: Reduces frizz and breakage while maintaining moisture overnight.
How to Use: Simply swap your cotton pillowcase for this silk one to protect your curls while you sleep.