What Is The Best Conditioner For Frizzy Curly Hair?

Shampoo and conditioner work hand in hand, and it’s always best to include both in your hair-cleaning regime. They both technically have very different jobs, so selecting a high-quality conditioner to accompany your shampoo is essential for healthy, vibrant hair.

The shampoo is chosen based on the condition of your scalp, whereas conditioner is used to treat the condition of your hair. That is the primary difference between the two products.

The best conditioner for frizzy, curly hair is, therefore, one that perfectly suits your hair’s texture and condition. It is not wise to mindlessly purchase any attractive-looking bottle on the shelf. A rich, moisturizing formula is what you should aim for if you have curly hair.

For dehydrated hair, look out for hydrating ingredients in conditioners such as:

• Natural butter

• Soothing oils

• Humectants (retains moisture from the air)

• Emollients (creates soft, pliable hair)

If the texture of your hair is on the delicate side, rather opt for lightweight formulas to prevent hair from appearing flat and feeling weighed down. For coarse and thicker hair textures, choose creamy, rich conditioners for intense nourishment.

Generally, anything with the words “hydrating,” “moisturizing,” or “smoothing” would be a wise pick. Having curly hair, you’d need to be on the search for conditioners with all your hair care needs in mind. The best conditioner should restore the hydration levels of your hair by locking in moisture, taming unwanted frizz, providing structure to your curls, and enhancing their definition.

How To Choose The Right Frizzy Curly Hair Conditioner

Conditioner is essential for all hair types, but not every conditioner will work for your particular hair type, so one would need to explore your options.

When attempting to find a conditioner that will suit your hair the best, there are a few aspects that one should keep in mind to help you make a final choice:

Your Unique Curl Type

The different curl types require a particular conditioner.

Curl Type 2

Avoid heavy creamy, waxy conditioners, as these will weigh the hair down.

Curl Type 3

This curl type requires more intense hydration. Creamy formulations, as well as leave-in conditioners, are suitable to use.

Curl Type 4

Regular creamy leave-in conditioners and hair masks with oils are most suitable for this curl type.

Hair Porosity

Porosity is a term used to describe how well your hair can hold moisture. Tighter curls generally have low porosity (doesn’t absorb product as well), thus requiring a conditioner formulated for low-porosity hair.

High porosity types of hair tangle easily and are more inclined to frizz. Opt for deep hydrating conditioners with protein-based formulations.

What Ingredients To Look For In Conditioners

When shopping for a conditioner for your curls, there are key ingredients you should be on the lookout for. Look carefully at the ingredients label while grazing through several conditioners.

It would be best if you aimed to find conditioners packed full of intensely moisturizing and lubricating ingredients such as:

• Shea butter

• Honey (natural humectant)

• Mango seeds

• Almond oil

• Argan oil

• Jojoba oil

• Avocado oil

• Coconut oil

• Olive oil

• Aloe vera

• Tea tree oil

• Proteins

• Vitamin E

What Ingredients To Avoid In Conditioners

Curly hair tends to be more porous and prone to dryness, making it crucial to avoid certain ingredients that can exacerbate these issues.

While some of these ingredients are okay to use in moderation, if your hair is already prone to dryness, they should be strictly avoided.

• Silicones

• Sulfates

• Parabens

• Alcohols

• Fragrances

• Phthalates

2. Briogeo Curl Charisma Curl Defining Conditioner

This conditioner is jam-packed with rice amino acids, fermented tomato fruit, and mollis leaf extract to enhance curl definition and block frizz-forming environmental moisture such as humidity. Contains protein for hair-strengthening properties. 

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Cetyl Alcohol,* Stearyl Alcohol,* Brassica Alcohol,* Glycerin,* Cetyl Esters,* Fragrance (Parfum), Behentrimonium Methosulfate,* Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,* Isopropyl Palmitate,* Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract,* Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter,* Keratin Amino Acids,* Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil,* Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil,* Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract,* Acanthus Mollis Leaf Extract,* Bambusa Vulgaris Extract,* Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract,* Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil,* Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil,* Rosa Canina Fruit Oil,* Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice,* Saccharina Longicruris Extract,* Acyl Coenzyme A Desaturase,* Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Extract,* Cetrimonium Chloride, Isododecane, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate,* Butylene Glycol,* Citric Acid,* Brassicyl Isoleucinate Esylate,* Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol. *Coconut, vegetable, or plant derived.

4. Bounce Curl Super Smooth Cream Conditioner

This protein-free conditioner is lightweight and creamy, providing light hydration to your hair. Its main ingredient is organic aloe, and it contains an oil and extract blend that helps moisturize hair without making it heavy. This is one of my all-time faves! Please refer to the image below to see the results after using this conditioner.

Ingredients: *Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, **Cetearyl Alcohol, **Hybrid Safflower Oil, **Glycerin, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, **Propanediol, Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5), Polyquternium-10, *Nigella Sativa (Virgin Black Cumin) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), **Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, **Vanillin, Lactic Acid, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, **Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, **Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract, **Geranium Maculatum Oil, **Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, **Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, **Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Seed Oil, **Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, **Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Extract, **Pogostemon Cablin Oil, **Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, **Caryocar Brasiliense (Pequi) Oil, **Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, **Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Oil, **Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, **Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Seed Oil, **Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, **Boswellia Carterii Oil, Caprylyl Glycol.*Certified Organic **Plant Derived 100% Oil Scent (no synthetic fragrance).

10. John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Conditioner

The perfect formulation for a tangled mess! Infused with glycerin, rosehip oil, and jojoba oil to fight stubborn frizz and detangle hair effortlessly.

Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Behentrimonium Chloride, Bis-Hydroxy/​Methoxy Amodimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Parfum, Trimethylpentanediol/​Adipic Acid/​Glycerin Crosspolymer, Polyquaternium-37, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool.

11. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Conditioner

This conditioner contains ceramides, which nourish and moisturize hair while improving its natural texture. It also uses Anti-Frizz Nano Technology® to prevent frizz before it starts and promote curl definition by smoothing frizz and blocking out humidity. Additionally, it helps to protect curls from heat and UV damage.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetyl Alcohol, Sericin, Ceramide NG, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Polyquaternium-59, Polyquaternium-70, Wheat Amino Acids, PEG-40/PPG-8 Methylaminopropyl/Hydroxypropyl Dimethicone Copolymer, Lauryl Laurate, Polyquaternium-7, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetrimonium Chloride, Ceteareth-20, C20-40 Pareth-10, Hydroxyethyl Behenamidopropyl Dimonium Chloride, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Synthetic Wax, PEI-10, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance (Parfum).

12. Pacifica Beauty Pineapple Curls Defining Conditioner

This frizzy, curly hair conditioner is packed with pineapple, as the name suggests, is super lightweight and adds volume and enhanced definition to your curls. Blended with quinoa and argan oil, vegan-free and gives off a delightful fruity smell too! 

Ingredients: Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Stearalkonium Chloride, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Potassium Sorbate, Panthenyl Hydroxypropyl Steardimonium Chloride, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum (Natural).

13. Olaplex No. 5 Maintenance Conditioner 

Olaplex conditioner helps reduce frizz with its unique nourishing ingredients and proteins to detangle, hydrate and protect curls. Expect a smooth, shiny, frizz-free, and more manageable mane.

Ingredients: Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Octyldodecyl Ricinoleate, Quaternium-91, Cetrimonium Chloride, Divinyldimethicone/​Dimethicone Copolymer, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Cetyl Esters, Isododecane, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Fragrance, Panthenol, Phospholipids, Dimethicone PEG-7 Isostearate, Pseudozyma Epicola/​Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil Ferment Filtrate, Pseudozyma Epicola/​Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate, Tocopheryl Linoleate/​Oleate, Quaternium-95, Propanediol, Punica Granatum Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, PEG-8, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Disodium EDTA, Polysilicone-15, C11-15 Pareth-7, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, PEG-45M, Peg-7 Amodimethicone, Amodimethicone, C12-13 Pareth-23, C12-13 Pareth-3, Laureth-9, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, PEG-4, Phenoxyethanol, Hexyl Cinnamal.

14. Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Curl Quenching Conditioner

This conditioner is named to indicate that it is meant for extremely dry hair and will provide immediate and intense moisture to soften your hair, restore shine, reduce frizz, and make your hair easy to manage.

Ingredients: Aqua / Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Parfum (Fragrance), Behentrimonium Chloride, Sclerotium Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Glycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Linalool, Benzyl Alcohol, Coumarin, Caramel, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Milk) Fruit Extract, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol. *This Product Is Blended With Fairly Purchased And Sustainably Sourced Coconut Oil.

15. Living Proof No Frizz Conditioner

This conditioner will keep your curls in tip-top condition by providing your hair with a hefty dose of natural components added to hydrate and maintain healthy curls, thus protecting hair from harsh environmental factors.

Ingredients: Water/Eau/Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, C13-15 Alkane, Behentrimonium Chloride, Polyglyceryl-3 Betainate Acetate, Squalane, Jojoba Esters, Hydroxyethyl Diethylenetriamine Dioleamide/Palmitamide, Linoleamidopropyl Dimethylamine Dimer Dilinoleate, Polyglycerin-3, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate HCl, Phytantriol, Furcellaria Lumbricalis Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Lactic Acid, Fragrance/Parfum, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Limonene.

Top Tips When Using Conditioner For Frizzy Curly Hair

Rejuvenating your luscious locks is possible using the correct hair conditioning formula. Combining your selected conditioner with the following few added tips will ensure that you make the most out of your product and should offer a solution to all of your curly hair woes:

• Be sure to condition your hair every time that you wash it.

• It’s best to leave the conditioner on for at least 3-5 minutes to penetrate the hair shafts, which will also make detangling easier.

• Be sure to rinse the conditioner out of your hair thoroughly; a build-up can cause product residue that will weigh down your hair and make it look greasy.

• Avoid over-conditioning, as this can cause your hair to look limp and lifeless.

• Read product labels for specific information about your chosen conditioner.

• Tighter curls require more conditioner than softer, looser curls.

• Apply conditioner to very wet hair, as this helps reduce frizz during drying.

• After washing, rake through the curls while they are still somewhat wet and scrunch them gently.

• Consider air drying as your first hair-drying option.

• If styling is preferred, opt for a diffuser attachment on hairdryers.

• A leave-in conditioner is a great product to use alongside any curly hair conditioner.

• Use clarifying shampoos to combat product build-up when necessary.