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I'm Verna,
Your Curly-Haired Friend.

Curly hair is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. It could be super-defined one day and a frizzy concoction the next day – and it's never exactly the same from one head to another. Our mission is to equip you with the necessary tools for restoring and maintaining healthy locks and celebrating the hair you were born with! 

Curls Like a Pro: Top 20 Curly Girl Friendly Conditioners

February 3, 2023

 by

Verna Meachum

Top 20 curly girl friendly conditioners

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Curl care

With extensive experience in the beauty industry, I specialize in writing for curly hair care brands, websites, and magazines.

Not only do I have curly hair, but my children, friends, family members, and even friends who are professional curly hairstylists, each with their unique curly textures.

 You get the point :) 

I also partner with a friend who holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and works as an R&D Chemist, ensuring our content is scientifically accurate and help us navigate through the misinformation around curly hair care. 

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Last Updated on April 5, 2023 by Verna Meachum

In a sea of hair products, it can be tough to discover which ones are best for your locks as well as CG (curly girl) approved if you follow the Curly Girl Method.

To make your curly journey a breeze, we’ve compiled a list of the top curly girl friendly conditioners.

From luxurious deep conditioners to rinse-out conditioners – these go-to conditioners will be sure to give your curl the extra love and hydration they need.

Escape into an oasis of hydration as we unlock the key ingredients to find your perfect, curly girl-friendly conditioner. With this information at hand, you will be able to make wise decisions regarding which products are best for your curls!

Get ready to nourish those curls like a pro!

What is the Curly Girl Method? 

Before we dive into curly girl friendly conditioners, let’s look at what the Curly Girl Method is.

The Curly Girl Method is a curly hair regimen, founded by Lorraine Massey, that helps curly heads achieve and maintain healthy, hydrated hair.

This method encourages people to get rid of damaging habits such as shampooing and heat styling, and instead, opt for conditioning cleanser (co-wash).

Many curlies around the world have experienced amazing results from this set of recommendations; however, do not forget you can still modify it so that it works best for your unique curls!

The Dos of the CG Method

Before beginning the Curly Girl Method, it’s essential to become aware of what not to do. Many everyday hair practices that we have been using for years can be detrimental to our curls.

Do Not Use

  • Combs and brushes
  • Shampoos
  • Heat styling tools
  • Sulfates – particularly Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate & TEA Lauryl Sulfate
  • Non-water soluble silicones
  • Alcohol
  • Fragrance
  • Raw oils or butter

This method is not for everyone and should be taken with a grain of salt. Some curly heads may experience more success using different methods, or a combination of several.

What Makes a Conditioner Curly Girl Approved?

Curly head apply conditioner to her hair.

A curly girl approved conditioner should:

– Be free of sulfates and silicones.

– Contain no drying alcohol, such as isopropyl alcohol, SD alcohol, and denatured alcohol.

– Have no fragrances.

– Have “all-natural ingredients” that promote hydration and curly hair health.

Rinse-Out Conditioners

Different brands of curly girl friendly conditioners.

With so many products available that promise to provide the solution for dry, unruly hair; how do we decide which is truly best?

Marketers and hair care experts have no shortage of words to offer on what we need for healthy, beautiful locks. However, understanding the curly girl-friendly ingredients is key to achieving your curly goals.

To help you make an informed decision, here is a list of ingredients to look out for when choosing a curly girl-friendly rinse-out conditioner:

Water

The first and most obvious ingredient that curly hair needs is water. Water is an amazing solvent and undoubtedly, the most important part of any conditioner formalization. It is a great carrier for water-soluble ingredients

When it comes to curly girl friendly conditioners, there are plenty of water-based ingredients at your disposal – think aloe vera juice, etc.

Emollients

Emollients are ingredients that help to soften and smooth curly hair. They form a thin, protective layer on the surface of curly strands to prevent water loss.

They are usually naturally-derived or plant-based oils and butter, such as shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, and avocado oil. Fine hair cannot handle heavy emollients, so it’s best to use fewer and lighter formulas that won’t cause the locks to become limp or weighed down.

Humectants

Humectants help provide moisture to the hair and work by drawing water from the air and holding it in the curly strands. Glycerin, honey, sorbitol, panthenol, and propylene glycol are all great humectants.

Cationic Ingredients

These are positively charged ingredients that help to soften curly strands. Conditioners contain cationic ingredients that are positively charged, which attach to the surface of the hair instead of being absorbed into it, resulting in frizz-free and tangle-resistant hair.

They are commonly found in conditioners and provide extra conditioning benefits. Common cationic ingredients include:

  • Behentrimonium Chloride
  • Quaternium-80
  • Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
  • Cetrimonium Chloride
  • Cetrimonium Bromide
  • Behentrimonium Methosulfate
  • Stearalkonium Chloride

Active Ingredients

Conditioner should contain more than just cosmeceuticals and botanical extracts – it also needs to hold active ingredients that can penetrate the hair shaft.

Because a conditioner tends to stay on for longer, this is an ideal opportunity to infuse powerful ingredients that give your hair the extra boost of nutrients it may need.

If you need a protein-free conditioners, then check out my blog, ‘10 Best Protein Free Deep Conditioners For Curly Hair.

Curly Girl Friendly Conditioners: Our Top 20 Picks!

  1. Bounce Curl Super Smooth Cream Conditioner
  2. Bounce Curl Super Smooth Cream Conditioner
    $27.34 $24.88 ($3.11 / Fl Oz)
    Grab it Here
    09/20/2023 09:57 am GMT
  3. Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner, 8.4 Ounce
  4. Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner, 8.4 Ounce
    $13.99 ($13.99 / Fl Oz)

    For all hair types: Excellent for Kinky, Coily, Curly, and Wavy textures. It's an ultra-moisturizing conditioner with significant detangling ability.


    Softens and smoothes dry hair while leaving behind moisture. Made with 100% pure and natural ingredients that are safe for color-treated hair.

    Grab it Here
    09/21/2023 04:00 pm GMT
  5. MopTop Daily Conditioner, Natural Hair Moisturizer, Reduces Frizz, Aloe, Sea Botanicals & Honey, Color Safe – For All Hair Types, Straight, Curly, Wavy, Thin, Coily (8 oz)
  6. MopTop Daily Conditioner, Natural Hair Moisturizer, Reduces Frizz, Aloe, Sea Botanicals & Honey, Color Safe – For All Hair Types, Straight, Curly, Wavy, Thin, Coily (8 oz)
    $16.99 ($2.12 / Fl Oz)

    By boosting the absorption rate through hair layers, this product efficiently moisturizes. Penetrating the hair to increase moisture content and prevent split ends.


    Dry, frazzled, or kinky-coily hair is suitable for this conditioner.

    Grab it Here
    09/21/2023 03:55 pm GMT
  7. Jessicurl, Aloeba Daily Conditioner for Fine Hair
  8. Jessicurl, Aloeba Daily Conditioner for Fine Hair
    $18.85 ($2.36 / Fl Oz)

    It's lightweight for fine hair. Aloeba Daily Conditioner uses aloe, jojoba, coconut, and avocado oils to moisturize hair without being greasy or heavy.

    Grab it Here
  9. SheaMoisture Strengthen and Restore Rinse Out Hair Conditioner to Intensely Smooth and Nourish Hair 100% Pure Jamaican Black Castor Oil with Shea Butter, Peppermint and Apple Cider Vinegar 13 oz
  10. SheaMoisture Strengthen and Restore Rinse Out Hair Conditioner to Intensely Smooth and Nourish Hair 100% Pure Jamaican Black Castor Oil with Shea Butter, Peppermint and Apple Cider Vinegar 13 oz
    $10.99 $9.18 ($0.71 / Fl Oz)

    This Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil is a reparative rinse-out hair conditioner treatment that softens and detangles hair while controlling frizz.


    This hair cleanser conditioner is made with Jamaican Black Castor Oil and Shea Butter to provide intensive conditioning and nourishment.


    Shea Moisture products are both environmentally and humanely sustainable. It is formulated with no silicone, no sulfates, no parabens, no mineral oil or petrolatum and, no phthalates.

    Grab it Here
    09/21/2023 02:30 am GMT

Leave-In Conditioners

  1. Shea Moisture Leave in Conditioner with Jamaican Black Castor Oil for Hair Growth, Strengthen & Restore, Vitamin E, Curly Hair Products Safe for use on Hair Color, 16 Oz
  2. Shea Moisture Leave in Conditioner with Jamaican Black Castor Oil for Hair Growth, Strengthen & Restore, Vitamin E, Curly Hair Products Safe for use on Hair Color, 16 Oz
    $15.49 ($0.97 / Ounce)

    This is my all-time and go-to product since the beginning of my healthy hair journey. It's especially good for color-treated.


    It contains Jamaican black castor oil and certified organic shea butter to nourish, moisturize, and support elasticity for hair that resists breakage during detangling. It literally heals your curls!

    Grab it Here
    09/21/2023 07:15 am GMT
  3. Bounce Curl Moisture Balance Leave-in Conditioner
  4. Bounce Curl Moisture Balance Leave-in Conditioner

    This is super concentrated and filled with all kinds of goodness. It's designed for deep nourishment to generate strong, glossy, healthy, and soft hair.


    This leave-in can be used as a primer underneath any hair products to achieve extreme moisture balance and daily protection.

    Grab it Here
  5. Giovanni Direct Leave In Treatment Conditioner, 8.5 oz
  6. Giovanni Direct Leave In Treatment Conditioner, 8.5 oz
    $14.99 ($1.67 / Fl Oz)

    To all of you OG's out there, remember this leave-in conditioner? This was all the rave when I started my healthy hair journey and is still a great product.


    It is a weightless moisturizing conditioner that penetrates into each individual strand to provide exactly what is needed, every time.


    This leave-in conditioner uses a rich blend that protects hair as you go through the day. Your hair will not be dull, strip its color, or damage your hair. It’s color-safe, paraben free, and cruelty-free.

    Grab it Here
    09/21/2023 01:20 am GMT
  7. Soultanicals Mango Dip Dentaling Slip 8oz
  8. Soultanicals Mango Dip Dentaling Slip 8oz
    $18.92 ($2.36 / Fl Oz)

    This is a great detangling conditioner that helps to smooth the cuticle. It penetrates the hair while moisturizing and nourishing every strand.


    You'll get an explosion of mango and tangle-free bliss!

    Grab it Here
    09/20/2023 10:56 am GMT
  9. Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave In Conditioner, 8 Ounces (Pack of 2)
  10. Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave In Conditioner, 8 Ounces (Pack of 2)
    $33.45 ($2.09 / Fl Oz)

    Love, love this leave-in conditioner. With this ultra-soothing leave-in conditioner, your stressed curls will be repaired and restored to health.


    It is formulated with certified organic blueberry extract, coconut oil, to repair damaged hair.

    Grab it Here
    09/21/2023 12:11 am GMT

Deep Conditioners

  1. Bounce Curl Ayurvedic Deep Conditioner
  2. Bounce Curl Ayurvedic Deep Conditioner

    This is a protein-free deep conditioning treatment that will hydrate, soften, and improve your hair's elasticity without weighing your curls down.


    It is ultra-moisturizing and functions as an instant conditioner and deep conditioner. It's almost like having two products in one, so more bang for your buck!

    Grab it Here
  3. I AM Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner, 8 Fl Oz
  4. I AM Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner, 8 Fl Oz
    $9.99 ($1.25 / Ounce)
    Grab it Here
    09/21/2023 09:55 am GMT
  5. Red Clay Hair Mask
  6. Red Clay Hair Mask

    Red Rawkyn is a red clay deep conditioning treatment with an intense moisturizing effect. The clay enables the mask to go deep into the hair follicle, which aids absorption.


    This clay mask will hydrate, tame frizz, and restore your dry hair with it's hydrating, frizz-controlling, and restorative ingredients.

    Grab it Here

Drugstore / Amazon Curly Girl Friendly Conditioners

  1. SheaMoisture Restorative Conditioner for Dry, Damaged Hair Raw Shea Butter Silicone Free Conditioner for Curly Hair 13 oz
  2. SheaMoisture Restorative Conditioner for Dry, Damaged Hair Raw Shea Butter Silicone Free Conditioner for Curly Hair 13 oz
    $14.79 ($1.14 / Fl Oz)

    This product helps to detangle, moisturize, and restore lifeless damaged hair. This conditioner is best for those transitioning from chemically treated hair to natural curls.

    Grab it Here
    09/21/2023 09:20 pm GMT
  3. Cantu Leave in Conditioning Cream with Shea Butter for Natural Hair, 12 oz (Packaging May Vary)
  4. Cantu Leave in Conditioning Cream with Shea Butter for Natural Hair, 12 oz (Packaging May Vary)
    $6.99 $6.48 ($0.54 / Ounce)

    This product is super affordable. It helps mend breakage, repairs split ends, and reduces frizz. Shea butter helps to penetrate deeply and add manageability and shine to hair with every application.

    Grab it Here
    09/21/2023 08:50 pm GMT
  5. Tresemme Pro Collection Conditioner - Botanique - Nourish & Replenish - With Coconut Milk & Aloe Vera - Net Wt. 22 FL OZ (650 mL) Per Bottle - Pack of 3 Bottles
  6. Tresemme Pro Collection Conditioner - Botanique - Nourish & Replenish - With Coconut Milk & Aloe Vera - Net Wt. 22 FL OZ (650 mL) Per Bottle - Pack of 3 Bottles

    This formula is made with botanical ingredients and nutrient. It is a professional-quality conditioner that boosts hair's moisture, leaving it nourished and silky.


    Enriched with coconut milk and aloe vera, this deep conditioner helps smooth and detangle hair.

    Grab it Here
  7. Not Your Mother's Naturals Tahitian Gardenia Flower & Mango Butter Curl Defining Shampoo 16 Fl oz
  8. Not Your Mother's Naturals Tahitian Gardenia Flower & Mango Butter Curl Defining Shampoo 16 Fl oz
    $15.93 ($1.00 / Fl Oz)

    The Tahitian Gardenia Flower & Mango Butter Hair Balm is a rich mixture that moisturizes hair without weighing it down. It deeply hydrates, conditions, and helps to define curls.

    Grab it Here
    09/20/2023 08:50 am GMT
  9. Kinky-Curly, Knot Today, Natural Leave in / Detangler, 8 oz (236 ml) by Kinky-Curly
  10. Kinky-Curly, Knot Today, Natural Leave in / Detangler, 8 oz (236 ml) by Kinky-Curly
    $15.64 ($1.96 / Ounce)

    I think just about every curly head is familiar with this product. This is a creamy herbal conditioner and detangler designed to smooth the cuticle and remove knots, snarls, and tangles. It is formulated with organic fruit extracts and herbs to naturally moisturize the hair.

    Grab it Here
    09/21/2023 07:30 am GMT

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