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Taking care of your hair can be frustrating, especially when you've been blessed with thicker, coiler strands than most. It's easy to hide your mane under a hat or tied it up in a ponytail or bun, but no matter what style you choose, you need an arsenal of products to maintain a healthy head of curls. Problem is, not every hair product you see can give your curly strands the proper care it deserves. Just as there are thickening products for fine hair or hydrating shampoos for dry hair, there are a slew of products that can revive, define, and moisturize curly hair. Every hair type can not be treated with the same tools.
“Curly hair needs to be treated differently than straight hair because of the shape of the hair follicle. Straight hair grows down while curly hair grows at an angle,” Sabrina Ahmed, Garnier curly hairstylist, tells ELLE.com. Thickness and tight coils can make it difficult for certain products to penetrate deep into the hair shaft, and “why curly hair people don't have to wash their hair as often,” she adds.
However, if you're on the market for new shampoos and conditioners, as well as styling creams, mousses, and oils, scroll down for the 25 best curly hair products you never knew you needed.
1
Best Heat Protectant
Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray
Pros
UV protection
Cons
- Can feel greasy
Curly hair needs extra reinforcement for heat styling. Thanks to Mizani's Heat Screen, that looks like UV protection, thermal protection, and frizz-free shine.
Sephora star rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “I loooovvve this product! The thing that stands out to me is the lightweight but moisturizing formula. I appreciated the bounce and sleek look this product gives. I have drier hair and I have had a hard time finding products that protect and moisturize without laying it down and this took the cake.”
2
Best Mask For Thick Hair
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque
Pros
- Promotes hair growth
Cons
- Have to dip hands in jar
Saturate your hair in this creamy, moisturizing hair mask packed with emollients like honey, coconut oil, and biotin to encourage length retention and strength.
Amazon star rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I have 3b-4a hair, and this was one of the best masques I’ve ever used. You don’t need a lot of product for it to work, so the jar will last a long time. It leaves your curls very moisturized and feeling fuller than ever. Also, it smells amazing. Highly recommend.”
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3
Best Conditioner For Low Porosity Hair
Pattern Intensive Conditioner For Tight Textures
Pros
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Can feel heavy for finer hair
Detangling your hair can be painful when you realize you don’t have enough conditioner to complete your whole head. Pattern created a supersized version of its bestselling conditioner to prevent breakage and wrap each curl in a moisturizing blend of avocado oil, shea butter, and more.
Ulta star rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “I’ve been natural for 2yrs now. I’ve tried all the affordable stuff, and they’ve been okay. This product was the best investment I’ve made in my hair!! I recommend to any 4c’s that need a conditioner with lasting effects.”
4
Best Multi-Use Styler
Ouidad Curl Recovery Whipped Curls
Pros
- Can be rinsed out or left in hair
Cons
- Container makes it hard for product to come out
Just as whipped cream serves as the cherry on top for all our sweat treats, this whipped styler can be used as a topper to seal in your other curly products. This styler acts as a conditioner and can be rinsed out or as a leave-in product that works in tandem with your staples.
Ulta star rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “Started buying Ouidad per the recommendation of my hair stylist. Make my crazy hair easier to comb, and perfect for styling. Really accentuate my curls. Love how it comes out like whipped cream too.”
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5
Best Styling Mousse
Rucker Roots Texture Hair Styling Mousse
Pros
- Great hold for curls
Cons
- Scented
Get the best twist-out of your life by incorporating this styling mousse into your routine. This lightweight mousse absorbs quickly into the hair without leaving a tacky film and is formulated with vitamin E and biotin to promote strength.
Target star rating: 4.9/5 stars
A Target reviewer said: “I use this daily!!! It’s my go-to product!!! It helps define my curls while adding a nice shine to my hair!!! My hair doesn’t feel hard while using it. A little goes a long way!”
Pros
- Softens and moisturizes the hair
Cons
- Contains sulfates
Parched, dehydrated strands are no match for Aussie's Miracle Moist Shampoo. After lathering your hair in its deeply nourishing formula, which includes jojoba and avocado oil, your hair will feel and look softer.
Amazon star rating: 4.8/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I really like this creamy shampoo. You only need a small amount and even if you wash your hair every day, it doesn’t get frizzy. Great price and an even better value.”
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Pros
- Great hold for curls
Cons
- No pump or pour spout
Nikki Maar's custard enhances your curls using mango butter, bergamot, and wheat protein to perfect your wash-and-go routine.
8
Best Clarifying Shampoo
olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo
Pros
- Removes build-up and residue
Cons
- Can be a bit drying
Maintaining healthy curly hair requires a lot of products, which can sometimes cause build-up. Reach for this clarifying shampoo by Olaplex to break down any gunk or residue left behind, so your hair remains soft and bouncy, not weighed down.
Ulta star rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “I only wash my 2c/3a curly hair once a week, so a good cleansing shampoo is a must. This left my hair soft and frizz-free. Would definitely buy again!”
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Pros
- Multiple heat settings
Cons
- Needs a shower cap to prevent products from dripping
Deep conditioning feels way better when it’s heat-activated. This heat cap has three heat settings and an adjustable cap so your hair can get the TLC it deserves.
Amazon star rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “If you’re interested in locking in moisture with your natural hair, this is the product you need in your washing regimen!”
Pros
- Multiple attachments
Conair’s blow dryer kit has four different attachments to transform your hair from curly to straight in no time.
Ulta star rating: 4.8/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “This dryer worked so well to dry my hair and style it without damaging it. My hair was frizz free. I would highly recommend it to everyone and loved the attachments.”
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11
Best Curl Cream
SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Pros
- Makes hair instantly smooth
Cons
- Can feel heavy for fine hair
Every natural hair collection has Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie on deck. The butter-soft, hydrating concoction makes your hair so smooth and manageable to help you achieve your desired look.
Amazon star rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “This has been my number 1 moisturizer for over ten years. It never disappoints.”
12
Best Daily Leave-In
Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner
Pros
- Doubles as a heat protectant and styling cream
Cons
- Can leave residue
If your hair needs a refresher between protective styles or on day two twists, Mizani’s leave-in conditioner does exactly what it says: perform miracles. Not only does this spray protect against heat, but it smooths your curls to reduce frizz.
Amazon star rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “The perfect leave-in conditioner for hair. I like that it leaves my hair light and easy to style. Decreases tangles and makes it easy to brush through. Perfect for both thin and thick hair. No residue. Not greasy.”
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13
Best Curl Cream For Thick Hair
Alodia Haircare Curl Enhancing Butter Creme
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Penetrates the hair to provide hydration
Cons
- Can feel heavy for fine hair
Thicker hair textures love rich creams that can cut their styling routine in half, so it's a no-brainer this curling cream will be your new favorite. Marshmallows, vitamin E, and cupuacu butter band together to fight frizz, dryness, and breakage.
Alodia Haircare star rating: 4.8/5 stars
An Alodia Haircare reviewer said: “The enhancing crème is so hydrating that one use sets me for a few days. My curls are happy to take center stage.”
Pros
- Contains aloe vera
Cons
- Heavily scented
Hydration is the primary goal of this co-wash, which is built around the main agent, aloe vera. With no actual lathering agent, your hair will emerge from each wash refreshed and soft.
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Pros
- Quick-drying
Cons
- May not be big enough for long, thick curly hair
Replace your old t-shirt with a large hair towel like this Amazon bestseller. The microfiber soaks up water fast to cut down your dry time, plus the towel is long enough to pull your hair up and out of your face.
Amazon star rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I love my new hair towel. I was not expecting the packaging to be so nice and they even gave me a free hair tie! I love my towel and I love how it doesn’t damage my hair like other towels. Definitely recommending people to buy it.”
Pros
- Strong enough for thick hair
Cons
- Comb teeth may be too wide for thin hair
Running a rat-tail comb through curly hair can result in snagging and tender spots. This wide tooth comb removes any tangles without causing you any stress or pain.
Amazon star rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “Perfect! Just what I was looking for. Glides thru curly hair after washing without breaking or pulling out hair. I also use it to comb out waves after air dry to eliminate frizz.”
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Pros
- Super affordable
Cons
- Not best for thin hair
Whether you like to pineapple your hair at night or need a secure hair tie for slick-backed styles, Goody's headband ties are strong enough to hold thick hair without popping.
Amazon star rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I liked how stretchy and comfortable these headbands were. I will purchase again.”
18
Best Curl-Defining Mousse
The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam
Pros
- Great hold
Cons
- Watery texture
Control how defined you want your curls to be with this gem from The Doux. Where most mousses leave a crunchy, stiff film, this one adds softness and shine to dull hair. Plus, it offers a great hold for twisted styles.
Amazon star rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I’ve been struggling to find something that works for a wash & go! This is it! 5 DAYS and just keeps looking better! I’m hooked.”
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Pros
- Reduces frizz
Cons
- Can feel greasy
Revive limp curls with just a few spritzes of Garnier's Curl Refresher Spray. The product conditions and hydrates the hair, hence the "reviving water" title, and doesn't leave a crunchy film.
Walmart star rating: 4.1/5 stars
A Walmart reviewer said: “I was a little skeptical since my hair is between curly and wavy, but it actually enhanced my hairs texture. I found it really worked well when I braided my hair and then spayed it. it also smells really good!”
20
Best Pre-Poo Treatment
African Pride Moisture Miracle Aloe & Coconut Water Pre-Shampoo
Pros
- Easily detangles hair
Cons
- Need to dip hands in jar
Before wash day commences, allow this pre-poo from African Pride to smooth out any tangles and shield your strands from further breakage. With coconut water and aloe vera as its central ingredients, your hair is strengthened and moisturized for the next steps.
Amazon star rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I’m in love with African Pride. For the first time, my hair was so soft after I used my shampoo. I loved the smell and the hydration it provided to my curls! Definitely will buy it again!”
Nerisha Penrose
Beauty Commerce Editor
Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Prior to joining the team, she was an Editorial Fellow at ELLE.com. In her current role, she helps lead coverage on makeup, skin care, hair, and fragrances. With over six years of experience in the world of beauty editorial, Nerisha enjoys delving deep into the complexities of fragrance notes, hunting for the best fixes for acne-prone skin, and advocating for daily sunscreen use. She regularly researches and tests the latest products, consults beauty professionals (including our Beauty Advisory Board) to determine the best expert-approved formulas to recommend, and conducts interviews with luminaries across the industry. Nerisha received her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Temple University before joining the editorial teams at Nylon and Billboard. In 2020, she co-launched our popular franchise The State of Black Beauty, an ongoing exploration of—and destination for—beauty at the intersection of Black culture.
