The 20 Best Curly Hair Products to Enhance Your Natural Curls (2024)

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Updated September 29th, 2023: This article on the best naturally curly hair products was updated with new product releases, editor product testing and review notes, and tips on selecting the right item for your curl pattern and concerns.

Curls can be a challenge, and they come by that reputation honestly. A rainy day or the introduction of one new product can throw the whole look off, but now that more of us are shelving our hot tools in favor of rocking our natural hair textures, it can be difficult to know where to start — especially because no two curls, even on the same head, are identical. But don’t feel discouraged: The best products for curly hair give you full control of your tresses.

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“What’s interesting about curls is that there’s an inconsistency a lot of times,” says Larry Sims, celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union. “They can be so in between — straight here, wavy there, curly here — and going with the natural texture, it looks fuller a lot of times and just healthier. Don’t be afraid to lean into natural hair, because a lot of people, for the longest, tried to fight what they were born with.”

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The trick is to style your natural texture with good curly hair products for women to keep your hair nourished and curls defined. “I agree that curly hair has a reputation,” says Maeva Heim, founder and CEO of the revolutionary curl-focused brand Bread Beauty Supply. “However, I don’t agree that it’s true. Or rather, it’s only true if you have misaligned expectations, or the wrong products and routine knowledge.”

And to know what naturally curly hair products you need, you first need to know what hair type you have.

“Hair type refers to your hair’s curl pattern,” explains celebrity hairstylist and natural hair YouTuberAnnagjid “Kee ” Taylor, adding that hair type is categorized by numbers and letters. “The numbers — 1 to 4 — refer to curl families, and the letters — A to C — indicate how tightly wound the actual curls are. So, type 1 hair has basically no curls or is straight, type 2 has waves, while type 3 includes spiraled curls and 4s have kinks and coils.” The best curly hair products are carefully designed with each of these curl patterns in mind, so look for products that embrace and enhance your natural texture. When you start working with your natural hair and not against it, you may be surprised that it’ll start working for you, too.

With personal testing and the help of Sims, Heim, Taylor, and Chicago hairstylist Alex Brown, we’ve pulled together the best products for curly, frizzy hair. From creams and oils to mousses and co-washes, these curly hair products are guaranteed to bring new life to your curls and coils.

Top Curly Hair Products of 2023

Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Curly Hair and Frizzy Hair

  • Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo
  • Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner Set
  • Bread Beauty Supply Hair Wash Gentle Milky Hair Cleanser
  • Ouidad Coil Infusion Drink Up Cleansing Conditioner
  • Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner for Dry + Damaged Hair

Best Styling Products for Curly Hair

  • Pattern The Blow Dryer
  • ColorWow Dream Coat for Curly Hair
  • Unite Hair 7 Seconds Detangler Leave-In Conditioner
  • Davines All-In-One Hair Milk
  • Nunzio Saviano Anti-Frizz Sheets

Best Curl-Defining Products

  • Shea Moisture Curl Mousse for Frizz Control
  • Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
  • Bumble and Bumble BB Curl Defining Cream
  • Ouai Curl Créme

Best Hair Masks and Hair Oils for Curly Hair

  • Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother
  • Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Hair Oil
  • Kérastase Curl Manifesto Nourishing Mask for Curly Hair
  • Flawless by Gabrielle Union Exotic Oil

Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Curly Hair and Frizzy Hair

Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo

  • Best for: Weekly wash days; types 2A to 4C hair
  • Size: 8 oz
  • Key ingredients: Rice amino acids, shea butter, avocado oil, grapefruit peel oil
  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
  • Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

A great hair day starts with a good wash, and there’s no better option than Briogeo’s Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo. This popular line was carefully designed with coils and ringlets in mind — the entire collection includes ingredients that increase hydration, lessen unwanted frizz, and add all-day definition. This shampoo does all that while removing buildup, which is an essential step for curly hair types that require leave-in treatments and infrequent washing.

Price upon publish date of this article: $28

Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo$28Buy Now at Amazon

Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo$28Buy Now At Sephora

Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner Set

  • Best for: Weekly washes; restoring volume and hair health; all hair types
  • Size: 8 fl oz each
  • Key ingredients: Marula, baobab, and murumuru butters
  • Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

Most curls look voluminous after a good styling session, but like all hair types, thinning could be a concern. If you’re noticing sparse patches on your scalp, a targeted shampoo and conditioner is one way to rev up your follicles for a fuller-looking head of hair. The vegan, color-safe Vegamour Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner feature plant-based actives like turmeric and red clover to help improve growth with consistent use, plus conditioning oils and butters for immediate shine.

Price upon publish date of this article: $86

Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner Set $86Buy Now at Sephora

Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner Set $86Buy Now at Vegamour

Bread Beauty Supply Hair Wash Gentle Milky Hair Cleanser

  • Best for: Weekly washes without stripping moisture; types 2A to 4C hair
  • Size: 8.4 oz
  • Key ingredients: Argan oil, lemon tea tree oil, aloe vera juice
  • Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
  • Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

Heim wants to redefine what it means to have “good” curls, and she counts a good hair cleanser — like the version from her label — as a crucial first step to curl heaven. “That sounds kind of boring, but honestly, your shampoo sets the tone for your entire wash day,” she cautions. “If you use one that strips too much, you’ll probably be disappointed with your conditioner results, or if you use one that doesn’t clean properly, you’ll have to start all over again.” And despite its no-glory status, she argues that a shampoo is “one of the most important steps of your routine, so find a really good one that works for you.” For many reviewers, this cleanser is the best shampoo for curly and frizzy hair they’ve tried.

Price upon publish date of this article: $20

Bread Beauty Supply Hair Wash Hair Cleanser$20Buy Now at SEphora

Bread Beauty Supply Hair Wash Hair Cleanser$20Buy Now at Ulta

Ouidad Coil Infusion Drink Up Cleansing Conditioner

  • Best for: Hydrating co-wash for types 2A to 4C hair
  • Size: 12 fl oz
  • Key ingredients: Castor oil, sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil
  • Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

“Washing hair too much will deplete natural oils that help your hair grow and retain its shine,” explains celebrity hairstylist and Ouidad ambassador Irinel de León, adding that she doesn’t recommend washing your hair every day. Instead, she suggests cycling in one of the best co-washes for curly hair, like Ouidad’s Coil Infusion option. “Not only does it remove impurities but it also conditions for softness, preventing tangles.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $30

Ouidad Coil Infusion Drink Up Cleansing Conditioner$30Buy Now at Ulta

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner for Dry + Damaged Hair

  • Best for: Damaged, dry hair; all hair types
  • Size: 16 fl oz
  • Key ingredients: Almond oil, algae extract, argan oil, vitamin B5
  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
  • Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
  • Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

“Over-processing, color damage, heat damage and sun damage can all contribute to dryness or frizziness to your hair,” explains Sims. “You really want to make sure that you’re moisturizing your hair and rebuilding it from any of those damaging elements.” Enter Briogeo’s insanely effective and cleanly formulated conditioner that’s clinically shown to decrease hair breakage after just two uses. Loaded with algae extract, argan oil, panthenol and other natural ingredients like minerals and amino acids (95 percent of the composition is naturally-derived, by the way), this conditioner for curly hair will make your strands healthy and strong with consistent use.

Editor testing and review notes: “I frequently style my color-treated curls, so suffice to say that my hair is always thirsty for hydrating, reparative products. This conditioner is rare in that it adds serious moisture and shine without making my curls fall flat or feel weighed down.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $39

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner for Dry + Damaged Hair$39Buy Now at Amazon

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner for Dry + Damaged Hair$39Buy Now at Sephora

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner for Dry + Damaged Hair$39Buy Now at Ulta

Best Styling Products for Curly Hair

Pattern The Blow Dryer

  • Best for: Drying and styling; types 2A to 4C hair
  • Special features: 3 heat and 2 speed settings; ion generator, 4 attachments included
  • Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

You won’t find another hot tool on our list for a reason —Pattern’s The Blow Dryer is a peerless styling tool for curly hair, designed by one of the best curly hair brands on the market. Unlike most hair dryers that include only one attachment for curly hair, each of the four attachments in this blow dryer for curly hair are specifically designed to uplift and define your ringlets. The bowl diffuser on this top hair dryer features aluminum plates that heat up to expedite your dry time. And the comb attachment helps detangle without flattening out your ringlets. If you’re looking to stretch or smooth your curls, the dryer has two attachments that’ll do the trick as well as the best hair dryer brushes out there.

Editor testing and review notes: “Consider Pattern’s The Blow Dryer a Dyson Airwrap that’s been carefully designed for curly and coily hair textures. The hair dryer includes three attachments that enhance hair types from 2A to 4C, plus a concentrator for days you want to stretch or smooth your curls. The device feels — and looks — like pure luxury, courtesy of its caramel color and sleek design. Its heat and airflow settings also cater to curly hair; you have the option to use low, gentle heat with the diffuser to dry your curls without blasting them through the roof.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $189

Pattern The Blow Dryer$189Buy Now at Ulta

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ColorWow Dream Coat for Curly Hair

  • Best for: Heat protection, shine, and definition; types 2a to 3b hair
  • Size: 6.7 fl oz
  • Key ingredients: Keratin proteins, glycerin
  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
  • Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

“Always, always, always use a heat protectant,” says Heim. “It’s such boring advice, but it’s really important if you don’t want to damage the cuticles and inner layers of your hair.” ColorWow’s Dream Coat for Curly Hair delivers heat protection, glossy sheen, and bouncy curls. This naturally curly hair products’ special formulation provides the hold and definition you’d get from a styling cream or gel, but with absolutely no residue or added weight — a godsend for those who need one of the best products for fine, curly hair to add definition without weighing down ringlets. It’ll smooth down the cuticle of your hair without flattening your curls, making it one of the top products for frizzy, curly hair, too.

Price upon publish date of this article: $24

ColorWow Dream Coat for Curly Hair $24Buy Now at Amazon

ColorWow Dream Coat for Curly Hair $24Buy Now at SEphora

Unite Hair 7 Seconds Detangler Leave-In Conditioner

  • Best for: Prepping hair for a protective hairstyle; preventing heat damage and tangles
  • Size: 8 fl oz
  • Key ingredients: Rice protein, vitamin B5
  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Detangling is a dreaded step in a curly hair care routine, but Unite’s 7 Seconds Detangler Leave-In Conditioner makes quick work of the task. This TikTok-famous beauty product (it has over 100 million views on the app) is appropriate for all hair types, but particularly helpful for curly ones. You can use this best detangler for curly hair on damp or dry hair in tandem with a wide-tooth comb to break up knots without losing strands or causing damaging friction. Mist it on after shampoo and conditioner, or for extra shine and softness between wash day. This formula isn’t exclusive for use on tight curls and coils —it’s one of the best wavy curly hair products, too.

Editor testing and review notes: “My hair has a mind of its own after I wash it —I get tangles from my roots all the way to my ends. This detangler is the only one I’ve tried that works without loads of repeat misting —four pumps on my thick hair makes it easy to glide a brush through without a hindrance.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $38

Unite Hair 7 Seconds Detangler Leave-In Conditioner$38Buy Now at Amazon

Davines Oi All-In-One Hair Milk

  • Best for: Hydration, smoothing, and detangling
  • Size: 4.56 fl oz
  • Key ingredients: Roucou oil, sunflower seed oil
  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
  • Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

One of Sims’ favorite curly hair products is a protective leave-in conditioner. This creamy but surprisingly feather-light hair milk from Davines softens strands to make brushing a breeze. It also protects hair from heat styling tools and amps up the shine factor. Sims cautions to avoid over-saturating the hair with this product, however, especially for finer type 2 hair, who should focus application from the ears down. “Just make hair a little damp with it,” he says. To use a leave-in conditioner for styling type 2 or 3 hair, he suggests making a couple thick plaits around your head and sleeping in them. In the morning, let them out and glide a bit of oil through the ends for a “very cool, very New York girl vibe,” he notes. It’s the best anti-frizz product for curly hair on our list, with over 9,900 five-star reviewers on Amazon gushing in agreement.

Price upon publish date of this article: $40

Davines Oi All-In-One Hair Milk$40Buy Now at Amazon

Davines Oi All-In-One Hair Milk$40Buy Now at Nordstrom

Nunzio Saviano Anti-Frizz Sheets

  • Best for: Targeting flyaways and frizz between washes
  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

One of the latest buzzy products for curly hair are anti-frizz sheets, which are perfect for a second-day touch up. These sheets are slightly damp, thanks to the coconut oil molecules, which are small enough to penetrate the hair shaft to instantly add moisture to dull curls — an ideal trait to look for in the best naturally curly hair products. They also add a serious dose of shine and glamour, with one Amazon reviewer sharing that she “takes these with me for my jacket and hair” to “take static down tremendously” while another notes that they “work immediately!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $12

Nunzio Saviano Anti-Frizz Sheets$12Buy Now at Amazon

Best Curl-Defining Products

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse

  • Best for: Air-drying; types 2A to 4C hair
  • Size: 7.5 fl oz
  • Key ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, hibiscus extract
  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Curls and frizz go hand-in-hand, but with SheaMoisture’s Curl Mousse for Frizz Control, you don’t have to settle for a halo of unwanted flyaways when you walk out the door. Where many mousses leave your hair feeling slightly crunchy and stiff, this best drugstore product for curly hair has a hydrating formula that shapes and holds curls and coils with a soft-to-the-touch finish. Ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil make your hair feel and look healthier in the long run, too.

Price upon publish date of this article: $8.03

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

  • Best for: Defining and separating curls; types 2A to 4C hair
  • Size: 8.5 fl oz
  • Key ingredients: Argan oil, vegetable proteins
  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
  • Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

Inconsistency is always a concern for those with curly hair, whether it’s the same few coils that always seem to fall flat while the others look springy, or sleek roots and frizzy ends. Moroccanoil’s Curl Defining Cream is magic for its ability to make your hair more uniform, adding long-lasting definition and hold. Any curl pattern can benefit from cycling this product in —just note that those with thin or fine hair should apply a minimal amount to avoid extra weight.

Price upon publish date of this article: $34

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream$36$34Buy Now at Amazon

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream$36Buy Now at Sephora

Oribe Hydration & Hold Curl Gloss

  • Best for: Shine and definition; types 2A to 4C hair
  • Size: 5.9 oz
  • Key ingredients: Passionflower extract, Brazilian jicama, castor oil
  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
  • Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

For dramatic style, reach for Oribe’s shine-boosting cream to define curls without leaving hair with the dreaded crunch. Unlike other creams, this innovation is easy to use — we recommend rubbing a quarter size amount into hands, rubbing together and scrunching upward — and will hold definition for days on end. Plus, the lychee, edelweiss and watermelon ingredients protect your strands from environmental damage.

Price upon publish date of this article: $42

Bumble and Bumble Bb Curl Defining Cream

  • Best for: Hydration and definition; types 2A to 4C hair
  • Size: 8.5 oz
  • Key ingredients: Cocoa butter, shea butter, avocado seed oil, jojoba oil
  • Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

“Go into your creams for type 3 texture, because the hair porosity is going to be a little more absorbent,” explains Sims, adding that a cream “locks in the smoothness, so the curl won’t swell as easily.” His go-to technique is the “scrunch-and-go,” which means you take a dollop of Bumble and Bumble’s frizz-reducing, moisturizing curl cream and scrunch up from the ends toward the root, then let hair air dry. This cream works to add hydration, define curls and reduce frizz. It’s one of the best products to make hair curly, too, so you’ll love it if you’re on the wavy hair train.

Price upon publish date of this article: $34

Bumble and Bumble BB Curl Defining Cream$34Buy Now at SEphora

Ouai Curl Créme

  • Best for: Fewer flyaways, hydrated ends, and light definition on types 3A to 4C hair
  • Size: 8 fl oz
  • Key ingredients: Linseed, chia seed, and coconut oils
  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
  • Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
  • Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

“In the winter months, I would recommend swapping out any hair products that include alcohol in the ingredient list, which can cause dryness and static,” says Brown “Try replacing them with a moisturizing, defining cream instead, like one of my favorites: the Ouai Curl Créme.” This cream is great for those who are sensitive to chemicals, and it has a fragrance-free option for easily-irritated scalps, too. Word to the wise: Those with type 2 hair should skip the creams, says Sims, because the heavier formulation will not only weigh down the curl and minimize definition, but also make hair look greasier faster.

Price upon publish date of this article: $32

Ouai Curl Créme$32Buy Now at Amazon

Ouai Curl Créme$32Buy Now at Sephora

Ouai Curl Créme$32Buy Now at Ulta

Best Hair Masks and Hair Oils for Curly Hair

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

  • Best for: Hair growth, treating scalp irritation and dryness, all hair types
  • Size: 2 fl oz
  • Key ingredients: Over 30 essential oils
  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
  • Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

Mielle’s minty scalp and hair oil is the It girl of curly hair products — the budget-friendly oil has 350 million views on TikTok and over 45,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. What’s so great? The blend of rosemary, mint, and 28 other essential oils deliver a soothing feel on your scalp, with the promise of fuller-feeling hair with consistent use. This best natural curly hair product is multi-purpose, too, as you can use it with a scalp massager for a scalp facial moment, or rake it through your ends for shine and bounce.

Price upon publish date of this article: $9.97

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother

  • Best for: Repairing damage; all hair types
  • Size: 3.3 fl oz
  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
  • Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
  • Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

Olaplex is famous for their highly concentrated treatments, and their leave-in styler, No. 6, will help your hair get ready for its best frizz-free life by smoothing flyaways without weighing it down with lightweight ingredients like vitamin E and coconut oil, which will also diminish frizz for up to 72 hours. With more than 38,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, it’s safe to say that this beloved product is on its way to hitting cult-classic status — and is without a doubt, one of the best products for damaged curly hair.

Price upon publish date of this article: $30

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother$30Buy Now at Amazon

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother$30Buy Now at Sephora

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother$30Buy Now at Ulta

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Hair Oil

  • Best for: Hydrating ends for type 2 hair; hydrating roots to ends for types 3A to 4C hair
  • Size: 1.7 oz
  • Key ingredients: Japanese red camellia oil
  • Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

“Add a nourishing oil to your daily routine,” Brown recommends, particularly for types 2 through 4 who can benefit from this extra dose of moisture. Brown counts Shu Uemura’s Essence Absolue as one of her go-to options, and one of the best products for dry curly hair. “Apply hair oil to your ends before blow drying, but also add a half pump throughout the day to tame static and hydrate the hair — just as you would do with lotion on your hands,” she says. Meanwhile, Sims says people with type 3 and 4 hair can use hair oils from root to end to “give moisture without weighing it down and make it look refreshed and polished.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $42

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Hair Oil$42Buy Now at Sephora

Kérastase Curl Manifesto Nourishing Mask for Curly Hair

  • Best for: Deep hydrating treatment before wash days; types 2A to 4C hair
  • Size: 6.8 oz
  • Key ingredients: Manuka honey, ceramides
  • Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

All hair is different, especially curls. But even if your hair type is 1, never skip a biweekly deep conditioning treatment, says Sims. According to the hairstylist, thick hair and coils require mega moisture and types 3 and 4 should ramp up to weekly masking. “Look for creams and be consistent with masking and treatment to maintain your hair’s moisture and elasticity,” suggests Taylor. Kérastase’s mask nourishes strands and smooths the cuticle with manuka honey and ceramides to revive and refresh dull, dehydrated hair. A little goes a long way, so the tub will last you up to six months.

Price upon publish date of this article: $68

Kérastase Curl Manifesto Mask$68Buy Now at Sephora

Kérastase Curl Manifesto Mask$68Buy Now at Amazon

Flawless by Gabrielle Union Exotic Oil

  • Best for: Added shine and moisture; all hair types
  • Size: 1.7 oz
  • Key ingredients: Passionfruit oil, sweet almond oil, Brazilian bacuri butter
  • Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

“Hair oils are great for throughout the hair, not just on the ends,” says Sims, adding that less is more when it comes this category of products for curly hair, and that lighter hair types especially should err on the conservative side. “This oil from Flawless is amazing because it’s so light and super absorbent with all-natural ingredients. You really can get in there, with a modest amount of product, to give the hair shine and moisture every few days when the hair starts looking sad.” Many of the reviewers on Amazon love not only the added hydration of this best hair product for curly hair, but also the cooling effect it has on their scalp to calm itchiness.

Price upon publish date of this article: $10

Flawless by Gabrielle Union Exotic Oil$10Buy Now at Amazon

The Different Types of Curly Hair

Before you begin your search for the best products for curly hair, you’ll need to figure out your curl pattern. Below, a breakdown of the different types of curly hair:

Type 1: This hair type is pin-straight, without any bend or movement. But as you move from hair types 1A to 1C, you can begin to see a whisper of movement.

Type 2: “In type 2, you’ll see a slight disconnect from straight hair to a light, very loose curl,” says Sims. “It’ll start from a soft, sort of beachy, natural wave to almost a loose curl.” And his favorite part? “You have the versatility of being able to go from straight to curly without really damaging the integrity of the natural curl.” This hair type benefits most from light products, like curl, salt or texture sprays, but not heavy creams, which can weigh down the delicate wave.

Type 3: Ranging from a medium curl to a tighter corkscrew, Sims says that type 3 hair has “great definition” if you work with it correctly. “It tends to be a bit thicker, especially at the root, than type 2,” he says. “Think more volume, a thicker root and a cleaner, S-shaped curl.” With type 3, you can move into products that feel a little heavier, like leave-in conditioners and creams, plus a biweekly moisturizing hair mask, recommends Sims.

Type 4: Often coarse and coily, Sims says type 4 hair is “way more thick, and you’ll feel the coarseness in the hair versus a tight type.” A looser type 4 — 4A — is still super tight, but can be defined with a curl cream, says Sims, while 4B and 4C are the coiliest styles and traditionally set weekly with rods or curlers, or Sims’ favorite approach: “rock it fro-y” style. “The biggest challenge for type 4 hair is moisture,” he says. “The kinkier the hair, the drier it is. And the tighter the curl, the drier it becomes.”

  • Curl pattern: Assessing your curl pattern is the first step in choosing the best curly hair product for you. Type 2 hair does best with lightweight products like texturizing sprays, water-based foams, and lightweight oils, as these won’t weigh down curls and coils. Type 3 and 4 hairs can go with richer products like rich creams, leave-in conditioners, and intensely nourishing hair masks.
  • Porosity: Your hair porosity has to do with its ability to absorb products. Curly hair types tend to have high porosity, meaning the cuticle each of strand is more sponge-like, and typically more prone to damage. The best products for high-porosity hair are moisturizing oils, creams, and masks that are formulated without harsh ingredients like sulfates.
  • Hair damage: Frequently heat styling your hair, brushing too hard, and chemically treating or coloring your hair can lead to breakage and brittleness. If you fall in that category, you’ll want to seek out curly hair products that rebuild bonds (like Olaplex) as well as heat protectants to prevent your hair from feeling then burn when you whip out your favorite hair styling tools. Using a detangler for curly hair is also helpful; these leave-ins help reduce friction during brushing or braiding.
  • Styling preferences: Those who wear their hair in protective styles will want to seek out products that deliver major moisture and light hold — a leave-in conditioner and a hair oil for curly hair is a great combination to try. If you tend to air dry your hair, go with a mousse. And for those who use a diffuser to dry curls or refresh them between washes, you’ll want a great heat protectant and a curl-defining cream.

The Different Types of Curly Hair Products

Those of us with curly hair deeply understand the strife and struggle that comes along with trying to manage our curly hair. But the truth is, the best products for curly hair are designed specifically for our hair type, helping us in our fight against frizz.

  • Shampoos: This important first step is often overlooked, but the key to getting curly hair to cooperate and look gorgeous is to start off on the right foot with the best shampoo for curly hair, especially for your hair type.
  • Conditioners: A creamy conditioner is crucial to make your hair silky smooth, healthy and hydrated. From waves to tight coils, dryness is a common problem and the right conditioner for curly hair will set you up for success by creating a strong foundation to style and manage.
  • Hair dryers and diffusers: Many of us with curly hair believed we needed to air dry our locks and stay far away from hair dryers, but as long as we’re using a really great diffuser designed specifically for curls, we’re in a safe space.
  • Styling creams and gels: Using the right styling product and applying it correctly is often where curly haired folks trip. Dousing hair in product is a one-way ticket to starting over, so it’s important to remember to start with a small amount — you can always add more later.
  • Hair oils and masks: Hair oils are multipurpose products that pull their weight in your routine —you can massage them onto your ends to decrease unwanted frizz, or apply them from root to tip as a weekly intensive moisture treatment. If your scalp tends to feel dry or irritated, work a rosemary or tea tree oil onto your scalp to help decrease buildup and calm inflammation. Masks, on the other hand, have a sole purpose of treating and preventing damage. The best masks for curly hair will flood your strands with moisture and nourishing ingredients for long-lasting shine and softness.

How We Chose the Best Products for Curly Hair

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.

To select the best curly hair products, our editors interviewed four curl experts for their input on key steps in a curly hair routine, and considerations to keep in mind when selecting the best products for curly hair. We combined their input with extensive market research, factoring in personal product testing, customer reviews, and new innovations. Our final list includes the best hair products for curly hair types 2A to 4C, including key steps in the hair care process like washing, maintaining, and styling hair. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Experts

Larry Sims is a celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union. Sims’ work has been featured on Good Morning America, The View, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, and Entertainment Tonight, to name a few. Larry’s artistry on his celebrity clients have graced the covers of Vogue, Elle, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, Allure, and Essence Magazines. His career has spanned over two decades in the entertainment industry with a plethora of film, television, & red carpet credits. His celebrity clients include Zendaya, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kerry Washington, Alicia Keys, and more.

Maeva Heim is the founder and CEO of the revolutionary curl-focused brand Bread Beauty Supply. The Australian native grew up in her mom’s braiding salon, and went onto work for major beauty brands before launching Bread Beauty Supply in 2020.

Annagjid ‘Kee’ Taylor explains celebrity hairstylist and natural hair YouTuber. Kee owns the Philadelphia salon Deeper Than Hair, which is one of the country’s premiere salons for naturally textured and Black hair. She’s also the author of the children’s book,“All Hair Is Good Hair,” to help girls love their natural hair.

Irinel de León is a curl expert, Ouidad Brand Ambassador, and celebrity hairstylist who has worked with the likes of Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Jessica Alba.

Alex Brown is a Chicago-based hairstylist who learned the ropes from the legendary Jen Atkin. Brown is a favorite of many of today’s It girls, including Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid and Chrissy Teigen. She recently opened her own hair studio in Chicago.

Meet the Authors

Kaitlin Clark is a New York-based writer and editor. Clark wrote the original version of this story on the best products for naturally curly hair.

Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over six years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She’s tested hundreds of curly hair products on her type 2B curls, so she’s well-versed in selecting the products that make a meaningful difference in curl definition and hair health.

The 20 Best Curly Hair Products to Enhance Your Natural Curls (2024)
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