As connoisseurs of coiled tresses, we all understand the ever-evolving landscape of curly hair. Products are still a confusing topic. So, I have meticulously curated a compilation of the 25 best curly hair products that will have your curls bouncing with joy and envy-inducing definition!
Best Curly Hair Products
I am incredibly particular about what shampoo I allow near my curls. I want my shampoos to be sulfate-free, moisturizing, and refreshing. Side note: make sure to check the size of the product as each site varies. These shampoos measure up to my high standards:
Regular Shampoos for Curly Hair
You use a regular shampoo for your general daily hair washing to clean and refresh your hair and scalp. Here are my favorite picks:
1. Bounce Curl Pure Silk Moisturizing Shampoo
This shampoo’s moisturizing, shine-boosting power is down to its blend of plant extracts and oil content. It contains various natural ingredients that work together to restore your hair. Unlike many products, it is women-owned and free from synthetic fragrances and other junk ingredients.
The scent, while not bad, is not for everyone. I don’t mind it because the shampoo does wonders for hair. It was gentle on my dry and damaged hair at the beginning of my curly hair journey, and I love that it is moisturizing enough not to strip away the natural oils from my scalp.
Pros: No synthetic fragrance
Cons: Lacks lather
Hair Type: Any
Considerations: Free from sulfates, parabens, and silicones. Women-owned, dermatologically tested, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Key Ingredients: Safflower oil, black seed oil, vitamin B5, biotin, quinoa, lavender, green tea, olive oil, baobab seed
Use 'muse' at checkout for a discount.
2. Mielle Organics Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo
This shampoo is a newer product in the curly world, but it has taken the reins. I saw everyone raving about it, and after checking out its high ratings and positive reviews, I decided to try it. Without a doubt, I was immediately impressed and will admit I have found my new favorite shampoo.
It is a gentle, weightless, and nutrient-rich formula that feels invigorating and refreshing without drying my hair or leaving any residue. It is for women, created by women, and the best part is that it smells divine! I only have one complaint: the pump is a little weak. Mine broke, and I had to decant.
Pros: Reduces frizz, flyaways, and tangles
Cons: Undisclosed fragrance
Hair Type: Best for type 4 hair
Considerations: Free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, harmful chemicals and preservatives, and cruelty-free.
Key Ingredients: Honey, babassu oil, pomegranate seed oil
3. 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. I love how gentle it feels on my hair.
Pros: Black-owned business, organically derived
Cons: High price
Hair Type: 3 to 4
Considerations: Sulfate, cruelty, additive-free
Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, mint essential oil
Best Clarifying Curly Hair Shampoos
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:
4. Bounce Curl Gentle Clarifying Shampoo
This shampoo is more of a light moisturizing cleanser, even though it is labeled as a gentle clarifying shampoo. It has the perfect balance of moisturizing ingredients to hydrate curls without weighing them down.
It is a foamy formula that clears muck from your scalp and roots without stressing your hair. It’s filled with good-for-hair ingredients and has a subtle citrussy smell. This is perfect if you’re sensitive to strong scents. Unlike other clarifiers, you can use this one more often because of its mildness.
Pros: Controls oil build-up and naturally scented
Cons: Can be greasy for fine hair
Hair Type: Any
Considerations: Free from sulfates, parabens, and silicones. Women-owned, dermatologically tested, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Key Ingredients: Pomegranate, pumpkin enzymes, black seed oil, vitamin B5, biotin.
Use 'muse' at Bounce Curl's checkout for a discount.
5. Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo
This is the shampoo I grab when my roots are extra oily and my curls have lost their bounce and shine. It does the trick better than other options when product build-up is my primary issue.
This shampoo has a plant-based surfactant to remove residue while still being gentle. You can check out my complete review of the Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo, which includes a breakdown of its ingredients.
Pros: Gentle on the skin and works for all porosity levels
Cons: None
Hair Type: 3 and 4
Considerations: Free of alcohol, sodium-lauryl-sulfate, and parabens
Key Ingredients: Sea salt, organic mandarin orange Fruit, organic marigold flower, organic white willow bark, and organic sea kelp
Best Curly Hair Co-Washes
Mega-moisturizing co-washes can be a lifesaver for dehydrated curls and coils that don’t do well with regular shampoo. (Use a regular mild, sulfate-free shampoo once every 7-10 for scalp health). These are my co-wash picks:
6. EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Cleansing Co-wash
The first thing that attracted me to this product was the reviews pointing to the fact that it is very lightly scented compared to most hair products. I can attest to that 100%. It is not overpowering, but it still smells lovely. Additionally, I found that a little goes a long way for a product in a pot.
It is a dream to use between regular shampooing, making combing through and detangling super seamless. The co-wash also significantly reduces frizz and makes your hair super soft and silky without creating heaviness and weighing down your curls.
Pros: Moisturizing, cleansing, and reduces frizz
Cons: Scent may be too light
Hair Type: 3C to 4C
Considerations: Sulfate-free, biodegradable packaging
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera, avocado oil
7. Curlsmith Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash
Many curlies call this product the “end to curly hair pain” and “an answer to curlies’ prayers.” In all honesty, I can agree. It is a fantastic product. It cleanses and refreshes your hair between shampoo days, reduces frizz, helps with detangling, softens your strands, and moisturizes your curls.
That said, I must admit that the only actual difference I can tell it has, as opposed to other co-washes, is the size. If you want a large bottle, this is your solution, so you don’t have to keep replacing your product. It also smells great, which was a bonus for me!
Pros: Curly-girl-friendly and vegan
Cons: High price
Hair Type: Any
Considerations: Cruelty-free, ethical sourcing, and free from sulfates and silicones Key Ingredients: Andiroba, coconut oil, avocado oil, shea butter
Best Curly Hair Dry Shampoos
Dry shampoo refreshes your curls between wash days to eliminate greasiness, and they are super quick and easy to use. These dry shampoos have saved me from multiple bad hair days:
8. Acure Dry Shampoo
This dry shampoo is an organic powder form dry shampoo – a one-two punch in a bottle. The product works quickly and simply. It easily became one of my best friends after trying it a few times. It is intended to tackle excess oil and unpleasant scents and leave a rosemary and peppermint scent behind.
Pros: Budget-friendly, easy to use, fast-acting
Cons: Small quantity, may require a hairdryer to distribute after application
Hair Type: Any
Considerations: No parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, or formaldehyde, and it is 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
Key Ingredients: Peppermint, arrowroot, rosemary, and kaolin clay
9. Klorane – Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk
Klorane’s dry shampoo is the product you want between wash days when your hair is greasy, and you need to instantly revive it. Besides adding volume and improving hair texture, I noticed that it is also super gentle on my hair and scalp.
Traveling with this dry shampoo is the easiest because it’s easy to use and works quickly and effectively. I often don’t need to wash my hair on a holiday unless absolutely necessary.
Pros: Fast-acting, no chalky residue
Cons: On the pricier side
Hair Type: Any
Considerations: Vegan, recyclable packaging, ultra-fine powder
Key Ingredients: Oat milk
Best Curly Hair Conditioners
Curly hair is thirsty hair. So, always follow washing with conditioning to help restore moisture loss from shampooing. Check out my best choices below:
Conditioners for Curly Hair
A good conditioner provides slip to stop snagging and snapping while detangling. Plus, it restores moisture loss that occurs from shampooing. I truly rely on these conditioners for my wash days:
10. Mielle Organics Moisturizing and Detangling Conditioner
I’ve discussed Mielle’s shampoo earlier, and the conditioner goes hand-in-hand. They make the ideal hair wash combo, and I am in love. Since using this, I have noticed that my hair is much smoother and significantly less dehydrated, and I even see less hair fall and breakage.
It is designed for natural curls, so it also reduces frizz and helps make detangling a breeze. Plus, it keeps the hair smelling delicious throughout the day. But that’s not all; it refines curly hair and defines wavy and confused textures. Like the shampoo, the downfall is that the pump is low quality.
Pros: Large quantity available
Cons: High Price
Hair Type: Any
Considerations: No parabens, paraffin, mineral oils, DEA, or animal testing Key Ingredients: pomegranate seed oil, honey, coconut oil, babassu oil, sweet almond oil
11. Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner
This is the conditioner you want when you have tight curls that may be super dry and want to keep moisturized. It deeply hydrates your strands without adding weight and makes your hair much easier to detangle.
I have noticed that Caucasian hair gets super tangled during shampooing. It then breaks easily and is super painful to manage. But this conditioner eliminates that challenge. Plus, it smells like a fresh morning in the summertime!
Pros: Lightweight and adds shine
Cons: High Price
Hair Type: 3 and 4
Considerations: Free from non-water soluble silicones, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, phthalates, petroleum
Key Ingredient: Chamomile, aloe, echinacea extract, algae extract
Best Leave-In Curly Hair Conditioners
Your conditioning routine isn’t done till you’ve smoothed a leave-in conditioner over your curls. Here’s a round-up of my favorite options for an extra dose of moisture:
12. Design Essentials Kukui & Coconut Hydrating Leave-In
This leave-in-conditioner is one of my product obsessions. It smooths and conditions hair from the first application with lasting results. It works equally well on wet and dry curls, while most leave-ins favor wet/damp hair. What I love most is the intense hydration it offers to dry hair like mine.
Pros: Creamy, not too thick, and instantly absorbing
Cons: Not for very thick textures
Hair Type: 2 to 3
Considerations: Sulfate, alcohol, and gluten-free. Made with natural ingredients.
Key Ingredients: Kukui extracts, coconut oil
13. Ouidad Curl Recovery Whipped Curls Daily Conditioner
I love a multitasking beauty star, and this hardworking product doesn’t disappoint. I use it as a rinse-out or leave-in conditioner for a triple dose of moisture from its incredible ingredients. It immediately defines curls and ensures all-day moisture and protection from humidity.
The unique factor about this product is that you can use it as a leave-in or wash it out. And rinsing it halfway actually gives my curls a more defined pattern. I will mention that I find it works best on naturally curly and thicker hair.
Pros: A little goes a long way
Cons: Packaging is not practical
Considerations: Free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, petroleum
Hair Type: 3 to 4
Key Ingredients: olive oil, shea butter, glycerin, and environmental-enemy-defending green tea extract. (Check out my product review and the breakdown of ingredients)
14. Pattern Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross Leave-In Conditioner
This is a good leave-in conditioner, perfect for perking up lifeless, bent-out-of-shape curls. It’s water-based and gently moisturizes curls without weighing them down. I love that it doesn’t have the stickiness of many similar products. Plus, it softens my hair wonderfully.
Pros: Color-safe
Cons: Slightly pricey
Hair Type: 3A to 4C
Considerations: Free from SLS/SLES, parabens, silicones, formaldehyde
Key Ingredients: Biotin, Aloe, and honey
Best Curly Hair Deep Treatments
A deep treatment is a mask or oil you leave in your hair briefly and then wash it out. They provide nutrients and deep nourishment to maintain hair health. Check out my most-loved deep treatments:
Masks for Curly Hair
Pamper your curls with a weekly deep-acting mask to restore health and moisture. These are my preferred options:
15. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen me raving about this mask at some point, more than once. This beauty-award-winning mask makes unhappy curls stronger, softer, shinier, and healthier. Its secret is a protein-moisture mix that repairs your damaged hair.
Pros: Naturally derived from clean ingredients
Cons: Not for thin, fine hair
Hair Type: Any
Considerations: Vegan, silicone, sulfate, paraben, and cruelty-free
Key Ingredients: Rosehip, almond oils, antioxidant-rich algae extract, and B vitamins
16. 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. Using this and then completing your routine to reveal bouncier, softer, hydrated curls is terrific.
Pros: Repairs damage and split ends and fights frizz. Color and keratin treatment safe
Cons: Expensive
Hair Type: 4
Considerations: Formulated without parabens, sulfates, or sodium chloride. Key Ingredient: Coconut and almond oils and shea, illipe nut, murumuru, and mango seed butter
Key Ingredients: Watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower extracts, murumuru and mango seed butter, coconut oil, shea butter, and hydrolyzed baobab seed extract
17. As I Am Hydration Elation
This deep conditioning mask is suitable for all porosity levels, making it superior to many others on the market. It 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.
Pros: Affordable option
Cons: Undisclosed Fragrance
Hair Type: Any
Considerations: Vegan and cruelty-free
Key Ingredients: Coconut, sugar cane, lemon, vegetable green tea, apple, glycerin, shea butter, and vitamin E
Best Curly Hair Oils
Up the gloss, nourishment, and strength of your curls with these oils:
18. Righteous Roots Rx
I can’t stop raving about this oil blend. I’m pretty sure I tell every person I meet about it. And that’s because it works and is so multifunctional. You can massage it into your scalp to encourage hair growth, apply it as a hot-oil treatment, use it as a detangling pre-‘poo, or apply it as a styling product.
Pros: Addresses hair loss and offers SPF protection
Cons: None
Hair Type: Any
Considerations: Formulated without parabens, sulfates, paraffins, mineral oil, DEA, animal testing
Key Ingredients: Rosemary, coconut, Jamaican black castor, olive, avocado, grapeseed, sesame, peppermint, tea tree, jojoba, argan
19. Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Oil
When I tell you that this oil has been trending, I mean that I have not stopped seeing it recommended by everyone, everywhere. Of course, being myself, I double-checked all the ingredients, did my research, ordered it, and then, lo and behold, fell in love.
It includes rosemary, a hair growth booster. The oil is lightweight, the mint provides a delicious scent, and the combination of 30 essential oils functions to nourish your hair and scalp with the best health. It is one of those products that live up to its hype. Plus, it is made by women for women!
Pros: Fragrant, lightweight, affordable price,
Cons: Can affect sensitive scalps
Hair Type: Any
Considerations: Organically and naturally formulated
Key Ingredients: Rosemary and mint essential oils
Best Curly Hair Styling Products
Styling products are must-haves for curlies to promote definition, maintain shape, and add moisture.
Curling Creams for Curly Hair
I never go without applying a curl cream. Here are my must-haves:
20. Briogeo Curl Charisma 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. My favorite part: it is 94% naturally derived.
Pros: Safe for color-treated, keratin-treated, chemically-treated, and relaxed hair
Cons: Pricey product
Hair Type: 2 to 4
Considerations: No parabens, silicones, parabens
Key Ingredients: Rice amino acids, Tomato fruit ferment, avocado oil
21. AG Care Re: Coil Curl Activator
This curling cream is designed for curly hair and works by smoothing frizz and defining curls. Unlike other products, it won’t make your hair crunchy, sticky, or stiff. It is lightweight and doesn’t leave a residue. You can count on it to smooth frizz and help you achieve healthy, manageable curls.
Pros: Works for men and women
Cons: Expensive product
Hair Type: 3 and 4
Considerations: No sulfates, gluten, silicone, DEA, PABA, parabens, DMDMH, and more. Vegan and cruelty-free
Key Ingredients: Pea proteins. Keratin amino acids, rice extract, tomato fruit ferment
Mousses for Curly Hair
Here are my favorite mousses for some extra oomph:
22. Lottabody Wrap Me Foaming Curl Mousse
Besides the fantastic cost, this product is the perfect mousse for curly hair. It defines your curls, provides intense hydration, reduces frizz, and gives shine. I love the bounce in my locks after using this mousse. I was also pleasantly surprised at how lightweight the formula feels in my hair.
Pros: Super inexpensive
Cons: Can stain clothing
Hair Type: Any
Considerations: Sulfate and alcohol-free
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea oil
23. Shea Moisture Curl Mousse
Like all curlies, I struggle with frizz, too. But I also go through days where my hair is unruly and won’t cooperate. This curl mousse works wonders in those moments. It tames frizz, defines my curls, adds shine and bounce, and keeps my hair in place and shape all day.
One thing to note is that having well-moisturized hair or using a leave-in conditioner before applying this mousse is essential. It can dry your strands otherwise. It also works best on fine hair and is a light formula.
Pros: Amazing coconut and hibiscus scent
Cons: May not be suitable for thick textures
Hair Type: 2C – 4C
Considerations: Formulated with no silicone, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, or petrolatum
Key Ingredients: Silk protein, neem oil, shea butter, coconut oil, hibiscus
Gels for Curly Hair
When I need extra hold, these gels are always within reach when I style my hair:
24. Bounce Curl Light Cream Gel
This cream gel can set the sleekest ‘dos without the dreaded stiffening effect like many gels that make your hair crunchy. It’s been my favorite hair gel since my healthy hair journey began. I think you’ll like this one too. I always suggest that everyone add this to their product haul.
I will say that if you have very thick and long hair, this might not be your favorite, as it does provide a lighter hold. It works for all hair textures if you just need something to keep your hair in place. But if your curls are falling, this might not work for you.
Pros: Lightweight, lightly scented
Cons: High price
Hair Type: Any (Favors 2-3)
Considerations: No silicones, parabens, sulfates, PEGs, DEA/MEA, Formaldehydes, Phthalates, Animal Testing. Color Safe and vegan.
Key Ingredients: Black seed oil
Use 'muse' at Bounce Curl's checkout for a discount.
25. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel
This gel gives a long-lasting, flexible hold. I love this one during the hotter months! While I generally prefer a lightweight gel with a softer feel, this one works much better for humidity and sweaty conditions. And my curls never fall or flatten with this gel.
Pros: Anti-Frizz Nano Technology, award-winning crunch-free gel
Cons: The formula is a little thin
Hair Type: Any (Favors 3-4)
Considerations: Free from silicones, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, phthalates, petroleum
Key Ingredients: Wheat amino acids. castor oil, chamomilla extract
