The 20 Best Curly Hair Products to Enhance Your Natural Curls

Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo

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 $28 Buy Now at Amazon

Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo $28 Buy Now At Sephora

Bread Beauty Supply Hair Wash Gentle Milky Hair Cleanser

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 $20 Buy Now at SEphora

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

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

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

“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 $39 Buy Now at Amazon

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

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

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 $189 Buy Now at Ulta

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ColorWow Dream Coat for Curly Hair

“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 $24 Buy Now at Amazon

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

Unite Hair 7 Seconds Detangler Leave-In Conditioner

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 $38 Buy Now at Amazon

Davines Oi All-In-One Hair Milk

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 $40 Buy Now at Amazon

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

Nunzio Saviano Anti-Frizz Sheets

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 $12 Buy Now at Amazon

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

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  $34 Buy Now at Amazon

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream $36 Buy Now at Sephora

Oribe Hydration & Hold Curl Gloss

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

Oribe Hydration & Hold Curl Gloss $42 Buy Now at Amazon

Oribe Hydration & Hold Curl Gloss $42 Buy Now at SEphora

Bumble and Bumble Bb Curl Defining Cream

“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 $34 Buy Now at SEphora

Ouai Curl Créme

“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 $32 Buy Now at Amazon

Ouai Curl Créme $32 Buy Now at Sephora

Ouai Curl Créme $32 Buy Now at Ulta

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother

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 $30 Buy Now at Amazon

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

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

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Hair Oil

“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 $42 Buy Now at Sephora

Kérastase Curl Manifesto Nourishing Mask for Curly Hair

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 $68 Buy Now at Sephora

Kérastase Curl Manifesto Mask $68 Buy Now at Amazon

Flawless by Gabrielle Union Exotic Oil

“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 $10 Buy Now at Amazon

• 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.

• 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.