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Last Updated on June 14, 2023 by Verna Meachum
Welcome, curly-haired comrades, to the definitive list of the 25 Best Curly Hair Products of 2023 – a meticulously curated compilation that’ll have your curls bouncing with joy and envy-inducing definition!
As connoisseurs of coiled tresses, we understand the ever-evolving landscape of the curly hair world, where trends like the Curly Girl Method and root-stimulating massages have taken center stage. With a dash of humor and a confident strut down the hair care aisle, we’re here to guide you on a fabulous journey through the top products that have earned their rightful place in our curl hall of fame.
Our selection process involved rigorous testing, countless hours of research, and input from fellow curl enthusiasts. From game-changing conditioners to frizz-fighting gels, rest assured that our list has been crafted with love, expertise, and just a hint of sass.
So, grab your wide-toothed comb and prepare to be dazzled as we reveal the crème de la crème of curly hair products that will elevate your mane to dizzying new heights!
A must-follow rule when selecting curly hair shampoos is to avoid sulfates in excess. Suppose your hair is extra dry. Then occasionally skip the ‘poo and use a co-wash instead. Add a curl-loving clarifying shampoo and dry shampoo to your cleansing routine if your budget allows.
I’m picky about what shampoo I allow near my curls. Not only must it be sulfate-free; it has to be moisturizing, too.
These 3 shampoos measure up to my high standards:
Bounce Curl Pure Silk Moisturizing Shampoo
This shampoo’s moisturizing, shine-boosting power is down to its blend of plant extracts and oil content. This hair product contains a variety of natural ingredients, such as organic black seed oil, pro-vitamin B5, safflower oil, biotin, quinoa, nettle, lavender, olive oil, green tea, and baobab seed, that work together to restore hair.
Pro tip: Make sure to use a lot of water to create a lather!
Ingredients: Water, **Decyl Glucoside, **Hybrid Safflower Oil, **Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, **Glycerin, **Propanediol, **Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Polyquaternium-10, **Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, **Vanillin, **Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Biotin, *Nigella Sativa (Virgin Black Cumin) Oil, **Euterpe Olecracea (Olive Oil) Fruit Extract, **Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, **Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, **Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, **Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Protein, **Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, **Morinda Citrifolia Extract, **Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, **Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, **Boswellia Carterii Oil, **Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, **Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, **Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Seed Oil, **Garcinia Mangostana Fruit Extract, **Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, **Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, **Geranium Maculatum Oil, **Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Oil, **Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, **Citric Acid. Essential Oil Blend (Scent).*Certified Organic **Plant Derived 100% Oil Scent (no synthetic fragrance).
Adwoa Beauty Baomint Moisturizing Shampoo
If you don’t mind splurging on shampoo, treat your curls to super-gentle washes with this protective cleanser. Thanks to aloe leaf juice and oils that mimic your natural hair oils, you’ll soothe and condition your scalp and curls as you freshen them up.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Glycerin, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Oil, Ricinus Communis (Jamaican Black Castor) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Phthalates Free Fragrance, Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyquaternium-10, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Opuntia Ficus Indica (Prickly Pear) Seed Oil, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil, Lavandula (Lavender) Spica Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Menthol, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Citric Acid.
Bounce Curl Gentle Clarifying Shampoo
I would say that this shampoo is more of a light moisturizing shampoo, even though it is labeled as a gentle clarifying shampoo. This mild shampoo has the perfect balance of moisturizing ingredients to hydrate curls without weighing them down.
This foamy shampoo clears muck from your scalp and roots without stressing your hair. It’s filled with good-for-hair ingredients like pomegranate and pumpkin enzymes, black seed oil, pro-vitamin B5, and biotin, and it has a subtle citrussy scent (no overpowering synthetic fragrances here).
Ingredients: Water, **Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, **Decyl Glucoside, **Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, **Glycerin **Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, **Propanediol, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Polyquaternium-10, **Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Biotin, **Vanillin, **Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Protein, *Nigella Sativa (Virgin Black Cumin) Oil, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Lactic Acid, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, **Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, **Boswellia Carterii Oil, **Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, **Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, **Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, **Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, **Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, **Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, **Geranium Maculatum Oil, **Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Oil, **Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, **Pogostemon Cablin Oil, **Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Seed Oil, ** Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Caprylyl Glycol. *Certified Organic **Plant Derived 100% Oil Scent (no synthetic fragrance).
Product residue, dirt, oil, and pollution build up on the scalp over time, dulling and dragging down curls. A clarifying shampoo can lighten and brighten your hair and help products penetrate better.
Give your curls a fresh start with one of these resetting shampoos:
Righteous Roots Clarifying Shampoo
As I exercise regularly and sweat heavily, I want a clarifying shampoo that can remove product build-up, refresh my hair, deodorize my scalp, and still be gentle without causing any damage.
Righteous Roots Clarifying Shampoo is made with a blend of gentle surfactants that don’t strip your hair of its natural oils and includes a few plant extracts to give your hair some nourishment. It’s also sulfate-free, and silicone-free.
Ingredients: Purified Water, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Lauryl Glucoside, Coco Glucoside, Polysorbate, PEG- Methyl Glucose Trioleate, Propanediol, Citrus Paradisi Grapefruit Peel Oil, Glycerin, Adansonia Digitata Oil, Baobab Oil, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima, Avocado Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Shea Butter, Panthenol, Allantoin, Mentha Piperita Peppermint Oil, Menthol, Urtica Dioica Nettle Root Extract, Phytic Acid, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Acrylamide Copolymer, Annatto Extract, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol.
Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo
Grab this shampoo whenever your roots are super oily, and your curls have lost their bounce and shine. This shampoo has a plant-based surfactant to remove dirt and product build-up while still being gentle on your hair.
Take a look at my complete review of the Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo, which includes a breakdown of its ingredients.
Ingredients: Purified Water, Organic Mandarin Orange Fruit, Organic Marigold Flower, Organic White Willow Bark, Organic Sea Kelp, C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Coconut Derived), Phytic Acid, Citric Acid, Sea Salt, Phenoxyethanol, Natural Fragrance.
Mega-moisturizing co-washes can be a lifesaver for incredibly dry curls and coils. (But use a regular mild, sulfate-free shampoo every week to 10 days to keep your scalp healthy.)
These are my co-wash picks:
Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner
Work a little of this cleanser into soaked hair, massage well, then add water to spread it all over before rinsing. Don’t expect lather. The formulation contains foamless cationic cleansers to do the dirty work of making your hair clean. It also has evening primrose oil to boost hydration and shine and hemp seed oil and hydrolyzed keratin for strength and locked-in moisture.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone, C11-15 Pareth-7, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, C12-15 Pareth-9, Polysorbate-60, Panthenol (ProVitamin B5), Glycerin, Trideceth-12, Cetrimonium Chloride, Fragrance (Parfum), Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Fruit Extract, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Borago (Borage/Starflower) Officinalis Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Borage (Organic Starflower) Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (ORGANIC Evening Primrose) Oil, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Citric Acid.
Kristin Ess Ultra Hydrating Curl Co-Wash
This co-wash adds moisture to your hair during every wash. It works to get rid of dirt and frizz without messing with your natural oils and curls. Bonus: It’s got you covered against humidity, too.
Ingredients: WATER, CETYL ALCOHOL, MYRISTYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERIN, ISOPROPYL PALMITATE, BEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, ALANINE, ARGININE, ASPARTIC ACID, GLYCINE, HISTIDINE, ISOLEUCINE, PHENYLALANINE, PROLINE, SERINE, SODIUM PCA, PCA, SODIUM LACTATE, THREONINE, VALINE, LYCIUM BARBARUM FRUIT EXTRACT, GARCINIA MANGOSTANA PEEL EXTRACT, MOROCCAN LAVA CLAY, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, COFFEA ARABICA (COFFEE) SEED EXTRACT, EUTERPE OLERACEA FRUIT EXTRACT, PUNICA GRANATUM FRUIT JUICE, MORINDA CITRIFOLIA FRUIT EXTRACT, MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA SEED OIL, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, TRIHEPTANOIN, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, PHENOXYETHANOL, FRAGRANCE, SORBITOL, C13-16 ISOPARAFFIN, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL, CITRIC ACID, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE.
If you like to stretch out the time between shampoos, you’ll want to add dry shampoo to your product stash.
These waterless wonders refresh your curls without you having to open a tap. Dry shampoos are so quick and easy that you might be tempted to quit regular shampoo. But they’re meant to be used occasionally, so save the quick fix for when your curls most need a break from their usual wash.
These dry shampoos have saved me from more bad hair days than I can remember:
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
Zap grease, sweat, and odors with this dry shampoo formulated to give your hair a just-washed look, feel, and smell.
Tip: After applying the dry shampoo, remove any leftover powder with a low-speed blow dryer, not with your fingers or a brush, to keep your curls’ shape.
Ingredients: Hydrofluorocarbon 152a, Isobutane, Alcohol Denat., Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Propane, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Citronellyl Methylcrotonate, Cellulose, Water/Eau/Aqua, Furcellaria Lumbricalis Extract, Zeolite, Ethylcellulose, C12-15 Alketh-2, Fragrance/Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Limonene, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Linalool.
This budget-friendly, pepperminty-scented dry shampoo quickly absorbs oil and freshens up hair. And it gets the job done without ingredients like parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and formaldehyde. It’s also 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
Ingredients: ZEA MAYS (CORN STARCH)*, MARANTA ARUNDINACEA (ARROWROOT) POWDER*, KAOLIN CLAY, SODIUM BICARBONATE, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) OIL*, MENTHA PIPERITA (PEPPERMINT) OIL*. *ORGANIC INGREDIENT.
Curly hair is thirsty hair. So, always follow washing with conditioning.
These products help get curls into tiptop condition:
Hair is most delicate when it’s wet. A good conditioner will give hair slip to stop snagging and snapping while you gently loosen tangles with a wide-toothed comb.
I rely on this conditioner to take the argh! out of untangling:
I fell in love with this product during my last curly haircut visit. I was amazed at how gently my stylist combed through my tangles and curls. After the cut, I asked her what product she used to make such easy work of it. She pointed me to this moisturizing, lightweight conditioner that softens and strengthens hair while detangling.
If you have coarse or color-treated hair, you’re going to love this product!
Pro tip: Leave it on your hair for at least 5 minutes BEFORE detangling to give it time to do its job.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water, Eau), Isododecane, Isohexadecane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Propylene Glycol, Bisamino PEG/ PPG-41/3 Aminoethyl PG-Propyl Dimethicone, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Sodium Glycolate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Magnesium Nitrate, Parfum (Fragrance), Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate.
Give your curls max TLC with a weekly deep-acting mask.
Here are pampering picks for hair that need extra care:
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
If you’ve been following me on Instagram for awhile, you’ve probably seen me raving about this mask. This beauty-award-winning mask makes unhappy curls stronger, softer, shinier, and healthier. Its secret is a protein-moisture mix and nourishing ingredients like rosehip and almond oils, antioxidant-rich algae extract, and B vitamins.
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Brassica Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Stearyl Alcohol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil*, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Panthenol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate*, Biotin, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein*, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Laurus Nobilis Leaf Extract*, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride*, Cetyl Esters, Isododecane, Cetrimonium Chloride*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Brassicyl Isoleucinate Esylate*, Citric Acid, Isopropyl Myristate*, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Fragrance (Parfum), Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol.
Oribe Moisture & Control Deep Treatment Masque
You might need to wait till payday to get your hands on this luxe, curl-adoring mask. It’s worth saving for, though, to bring dry, damaged curls back to life. Coconut and almond oils and shea, illipe nut, murumuru, and mango seed butter wrap around distressed tresses to reveal bouncier, softer, hydrated curls.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, C15-19 Alkane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glycol Distearate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Parfum/Fragrance, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Protein, Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Citrulline, Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal.
This deep conditioning mask is suitable for all curl types and porosity levels and is an excellent starting point if you’re unsure where to begin. This mask is formulated to deeply nourish curls for a lush look and softness you can’t keep your hands off. Its ingredient breakdown includes hair-feeding chia seed, conditioning mango butter, softening avocado butter, and strengthening rice protein.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Betaine, Cetyl Esters, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Quaternium-91, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Phytosterols, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Powder, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Fruit Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Fragrance/Parfum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-37, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Abies Balsamea (Balsam Canada) Resin, Limonene.
Your conditioning routine isn’t done till you’ve smoothed a leave-in conditioner over your curls.
Here’s a round-up of products for an extra dose of moisture:
Design Essentials Kukui & Coconut Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner
This product is my latest obsession. It smooths and conditions hair from the first application with lasting results. And it works equally well on wet and dry curls.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polyquaternium 32, Paraffinum Liquidum/Mineral Oil/ Huile Minérale, Dimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate, Trideceth-6, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexyglycerin, Glycereth-2 Cocoate, Fragrance (Parfum), Polyquaternium-39, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Aleurites Moluccana (Kukui) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Simethicone, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzyl Benzoate.
Ouidad Curl Recovery Whipped Curls Daily Conditioner & Styling Primer
I love a multitasking beauty star, and this hardworking product doesn’t disappoint. Use it as a rinse-out or leave-in conditioner for a triple dose of moisture (from olive oil, shea butter, and glycerin) and environmental-enemy-defending green tea extract.
Please feel free to take a look at my product review and the breakdown of ingredients.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water/Eau), Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Esters, Polyquaternium-37, Lanolin, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Panthenyl Hydroxypropyl Steardimonium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Ceteareth-20, Lauryl Glucoside, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Benzophenone-4, Trideceth-12, Cetrimonium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, DMDM Hydantoin, Triethanolamine, Benzyl Salicylate, Fragrance/Parfum.
Styling products are must-haves for curlies. There’s a cream, mousse, gel, and oil to bring out every texture’s best.
These are the curl creams I can’t get enough of:
Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Crème
This frizz-smoothing, moisture-boosting styling hero gives curls lasting definition. This product has multiple benefits, including increasing hydration levels, reducing frizz, and offering flexible control for waves and curls.
It utilizes rice amino acids to seal the hair cuticle and prevent humidity from causing frizz and tomato fruit ferment to improve moisture retention and create uniform curls. Additionally, ultra-hydrating avocado oil promotes soft and bouncy curls. It is 94% naturally derived.
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Glycerin*, Polyquaternium-37, Isopropyl Myristate*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract*, Hydrolyzed Quinoa*, Keratin Amino Acids*, Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract*, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Sorbitol*, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil*, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil*, Acyl Coenzyme A Desaturase*, Cetrimonium Chloride*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Polyquaternium-10, Rice Amino Acids*, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate*, Citric Acid*, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance (Parfum), Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol.
AG Care Re:coil Curl Activator
This curling cream is designed for curly hair and works by smoothing frizz, as well as defining curls. Unlike other products, it won’t make your hair crunchy, sticky, or stiff. It is lightweight so you won’t be left with any residue or residue-y feeling curls.
Plus, the ReCoil curl enhancer contains tomato ferment extract to condition, nourish, and clarify curls. You can also count on the keratin curl-defining hair products to smooth frizz and help you achieve healthy, manageable curls.
AG curl hair products use a blend of vegetable-based proteins and rice amino acids to provide full nourishment to your curls, starting from the roots right through to the tips.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water/Eau), Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Polyquaternium-55, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Corn Starch Modified, Magnesium Sulfate, Polyquaternium-10, Cetrimonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Pca, Butylene Glycol, Tetrasodium Edta, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) Citrate, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Bark Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Coumarin, Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract, Keratin Amino Acids*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Acyl Coenzyme A Desaturase. *Plant-Derived.
Make this indulgent cream with shea and cocoa butters and cacay, coconut, sunflower, and sweet almond oils your go-to for curls that crave something thick and rich.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Ceteareth-20, Polysorbate 60, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Fragrance (Parfum), Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Sulfite, Potassium Sorbate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Heliantus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein.
Here are my favorite mousses:
The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam
This is my new favorite mousse. My stylist paired this with the Paul Mitchell Detangler, and it’s been a match made in heaven. The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam locks in moisture and adds curl definition to keep the frizz at bay. It provides the perfect balance between hold and control, giving your curls a natural bounce and shine. Use this 2-in-1 mousse to make curls full and defined or to perfect sleek styles.
Ingredients: Water, Polyquaternium-55, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf, PVP, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citric Acid, Silk Amino Acids, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Oleth-20, Fragrance (Parfum), Glycereth-2 Cocoate, Isostearamidopropyl Morpholine Lactate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Disodium EDTA.
If money isn’t an issue, invest in this miracle mousse which gets curls into better condition while hydrating, defrizzing, and defining them.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water, Eau), Hydrofluorocarbon 152A, Cetearyl Alcohol, PVP, Heptyl Undecylenate, Keratin, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Parfum (Fragrance), Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetrimonium Chloride, Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters, Butylene Glycol, Xylitol, Caprylic Acid, Quaternium-95, Citric Acid, Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citral, Limonene, Linalool.
OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse
This cash-saving pick fuses foam and cream for moisturizing, crunch-free curl definition, and a volumizing effect.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Isobutane, Propylene Glycol, Polyimide-1, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Panthenol, PEG-12 Dimethicone, PVP, Polyquaternium-4, Polysorbate 80, Propane, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Diazolidinyl Urea, Fragrance (Parfum).
I make sure I always have these gels within reach when I’m styling my hair:
This cream gel can set the sleekest ‘dos without the dreaded stiffening effect. It’s my favorite hair gel and has been since the beginning of my healthy hair journey. I think you’ll like this one too.
Ingredients: Water, VP/VA copolymer, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Jojoba Esters, Hydrolyzed quinoa protein, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng root Extract, Salvia Officlnalis (Sage) Extract, *Nigella Sativa (Virgin Black Cumin) Oil, Boswellia Carter Oil, Aminomethyl Propanol, Carbomer, Sodium Phytate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, **Fragrance (100% Natural Fragrance). *Certified Organic.
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel
A humidity-busting, curl-enhancing gel that gives a long-lasting, flexible hold. Love, love this gel during the hotter months!
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Butylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-28, Sericin, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract, Lawsonia Inermis (Henna) Extract, Wheat Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/PVP Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Panthenol, Polyquaternium-7, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetrimonium Chloride, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Glycerin, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, VP/DMAPA Acrylates Copolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum (Fragrance), Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool.
Up the gloss factor with these oils:
I can’t stop raving about this oil blend. It works. In so many ways! Massage into your scalp to encourage hair growth, apply as a hot-oil treatment, use as a detangling pre-‘poo, or apply as your last styling step.
Ingredients: COCOS NUCIFERA OIL (COCONUT), RICINUS COMMUNIS (JAMAICAN BLACK CASTOR OIL), OLEACEAE OIL (OLIVE), PERSEA AMERICANA MILL OIL (AVOCADO), VITIS VINIFERA OIL (GRAPESEED), SESAMUM INDICUM OIL (SEASAME), MENTHA PIPERITA OIL (PEPPERMINT), MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA LEAF OIL (TEA TREE), SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS SEED OIL (JOJOBA), ARGANIA SPINOSA OIL (ARGAN), ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS OIL (ROSEMARY).
Fekkai Super Strength+ Everstrong Bonding Oil
Another multitasking oil blend. This one’s pricey, but its many benefits make it worth its price tag. This weightless bonding oil is designed to repair damaged hair and split ends, and is suitable for all hair types that suffer from severe damage, broken keratin bonds, and physical breakage resulting in persistent split ends.
Ingredients: Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Water/Aqua, Amodimethicone, Butylene Glycol, PCA Dimethicone, Disodium PEG-12 Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate, Trideceth-12, Aminomethyl Propanol, Fragrance/Parfum, Coumarin, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene.
Finding the perfect products for your curls will take trial and error. Start with 1 of my top 25 (or add the whole lot to your collection!). They all work wonders to enhance natural curly textures.
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I had to listen to what my hair needed...my curls are finally ready to take in some moisture again!!!
- renee, Stylist Liaison
- renee, Stylist Liaison
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“@themestizamuse: for ESSENTIAL information you will NEED TO KNOW in order to see results.”
See how easy the topics are to find on her page (a few posts screenshot)? There is no topic Verna hasn't covered.
- dominique P, wavy hair enthusiast
- dominique P, wavy hair enthusiast
“I have learned a whole heap of knowledge from @themestizamuse.”
Inspiring hair tutor, grateful for what she offers the Curly Community in authenticity, passion, and knowledge.
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- zoe F, Producer & Host of The Curl Squad
“I was so excited to embrace my curls and take better care of them. As I started to dive in, I immediately became overwhelmed with the information.”
I read books and tried doing things because "that's what I'm supposed to do," but it didn't always work and I didn't understand why. I'm so grateful for Verna and her blog. Her info. actually helped me understand more of the science of why some methods helped and what products or ingredients to use and why. Anyone that compliments my hair and wants to start a curly journey, I tell them to start here. My hair is so much healthier and I'm so happy with it.
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- stephanie, Curly hair enthusiast
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