Curly hair is a beautiful, yet challenging, trait to manage. With the right products, however, you can elevate the health and appearance of your curls to new heights. Here we present an expert-backed guide to choosing the best curly hair products that cater to various curl types and specific needs.
1. **Best Shampoo for Curly Hair Overall: Curlsmith Frizz Control Cleanser**: A gentle yet effective shampoo is key to maintaining healthy curls, and the Curlsmith Frizz Control Cleanser stands out as a top choice. Winning the 2024 Best of Beauty Award, this shampoo is praised for its ability to tame frizz, cleanse effectively, and moisturize with ingredients like coconut butter and argan oil. As hairstylist Temur Hamilton notes, it focuses on removing buildup while smoothing the cuticles to prevent frizz, making it ideal for most curl types dealing with frizzy hair.
Product on Amazon: CURLSMITH – Frizz Control Cleanser, Gentle Hydrating Hair Shampoo, for All Curl Types, Long Lasting Frizz Control, Vegan, 355ml/12 fl oz
Price: $26.00
Rating: 4.3 with 74 ratings
Brand: CURLSMITH
2. **Redken All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo for Type 2 Curls**: For those with severely dry strands and type 2 curls, Redken All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo is a savior. Packed with aloe vera and inca inchi oil, this shampoo delivers intense hydration and lasting softness. Its lightweight formula transforms brittle hair into soft, defined strands without weighing them down, making it perfect for 3A-4C hair types.
Product on Amazon: Redken All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo & Conditioner Set | For Curly & Coily Hair | Moisturizes & Hydrates Severely Dry Hair | With Aloe Vera
Price: $52.00
Rating: 4.5 with 138 ratings
Brand: Redken
3. **Davines Love Curl Shampoo for Type 3 Curls**: The Davines Love Curl Shampoo is formulated to create luscious, hydrated curls that feel as good as they look. Ideal for curly and wavy hair, it enhances elasticity and volume with Noto almond extract, ensuring curls are cleansed without compromising their natural texture or bounce.
Product on Amazon: Davines LOVE Curl Shampoo | Wavy & Curly Hair Shampoo | Smooth and Moisturize Curls with Almond Extract | 8.45 fl oz
Price: $34.00
Rating: 4.6 with 2,486 ratings
Brand: Davines
4. **Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil**: This budget-friendly oil, with over 350 million views on TikTok, is a top contender for enhancing curly hair. The blend of rosemary, mint, and 28 other essential oils soothes the scalp, with promises of fuller-feeling hair with consistent use. It’s versatile, allowing for use with a scalp massager or through ends for added shine and bounce.
Product on Amazon: MIELLE Rosemary Mint Organics Infused with Biotin and Encourages Growth Hair Products for Stronger and Healthier Hair and Styling Bundle Set 3 PCS
Price: $27.43
Rating: 4.3 with 711 ratings
Brand: Mielle Organics
5. **Fenty Beauty The Homecurl Curl-defining styling Cream**: Designed by Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty for the full spectrum of curl patterns, this styling cream is infused with mango butter for deep hydration. It delivers soft-touch definition without weighing down curls, making it a favorite when paired with hair gel for extra hold.
6. **Better Natured Hydrating Leave-in Milk**: To quench thirsty curls or enhance ringlets after washing, this leave-in milk is rich in plant-derived milks. It hydrates, defines curls, and works effectively even on high-porosity hair, standing out among other sprays for its ability to retain moisture once dry.
Product on Amazon: Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner Treatment Spray Milk | Hydrate, Soften, Detangle | Vegan | Paraben Free
Price: $22.00
Rating: 4.5 with 58 ratings
Brand: Better Natured
7. **Ouai Curl Créme**: Expert stylist Alex Brown recommends this cream for its moisturizing and defining properties, which are crucial in winter months. Free of harsh chemicals, Ouai Curl Créme moisturizes without weighing hair down, making it ideal for those with sensitive scalps or type 2 hair that can become greasy quickly.
8. **Shaz & Kiks Unearth Yourself Balancing Clay Hair Cleanser**: For those who prefer to space out their wash days, this clay cleanser is a must-try. It efficiently draws out oils and lifts product buildup without stripping strands, offering a rejuvenating cleanse between washes for type 3 and 4 curl patterns.
9. **Scrunching Technique**: To fully embrace and enhance your natural curls, the scrunching technique can become your best friend. This simple but effective method involves gently squeezing your hair upwards towards your scalp with your hands while your hair is still damp.
Scrunching helps define curls by enhancing their natural shape, adding volume, and reducing frizz. To achieve the best results, apply a leave-in conditioner or curl enhancer before scrunching to give your curls that extra boost. As celebrity stylist Larry Sims suggests, ‘Scrunch-and-go is the way to keep your curls lively and full of bounce.
Remember, when scrunching, be gentle to prevent any potential breakage. It’s all about encouraging and supporting your curls to reveal their natural beauty.
10. **Plopping Method**: For those mornings when you want to wake up to effortless curls, try the plopping method. This technique involves wrapping your wet hair in a cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel to dry your curls naturally, promoting definition and minimizing frizz.
Plopping allows your curls to dry in a more structured form, enhancing their shape without weighing them down. This method is especially effective for type 3 and type 4 curls, which can benefit from the gentle lift and volume it provides.
The key is to leave your hair wrapped for about 20 minutes to an hour, then let it air dry. The result? Beautiful, bouncy curls that require minimal styling.
Product on Amazon: Hicober Microfiber Hair Towel, 3 Packs Hair Turbans for Wet Hair, Drying Hair Wrap Towels for Curly Hair Women Anti Frizz (Blue,Grey,Pink)
Price: $11.40
Rating: 4.6 with 28,604 ratings
Brand: Hicober
11. **Finger Coiling**: If you’re looking for more defined curls, finger coiling is the technique to try. This method involves taking small sections of your hair and wrapping them around your finger to encourage the natural curl pattern.
Finger coiling is perfect for days when your curls need a little extra encouragement to form or when you’re dealing with stubborn sections that refuse to cooperate. It’s an excellent way to bring out the best in your curls without the need for heat styling, which can cause damage.
Adding a curl-defining cream or gel before coiling can help lock in definition and reduce frizz, leaving you with perfectly coiled curls.
12. **Diffusing for Volume**: For those who love volumized, full-bodied curls, diffusing is the way to go. A diffuser attachment on your hairdryer helps distribute heat evenly while minimizing frizz, making it ideal for curly hair.
To maximize volume, flip your head upside down while diffusing, focusing on the roots. This technique lifts the hair, adding body and bounce. Using a medium heat setting ensures your curls remain defined without being fried by high temperatures.
Diffusing is particularly beneficial for type 2 and type 3 curls, offering a quick and efficient way to dry your hair while boosting its natural shape.
13. **Nighttime Protection**: The battle against frizz and breakage continues even while you sleep. To protect your curls overnight, consider using a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials reduce friction, preventing tangles and maintaining your hair’s natural oils.
You can also try the “pineapple” method, a high ponytail that keeps your curls in place and reduces flattening during sleep. This technique helps maintain curl definition for the next day, making your morning routine a breeze.
Nighttime protection is crucial for all curl types, ensuring that your curls stay healthy and defined from dusk till dawn.
Product on Amazon: Bedsure Satin Pillowcases, Similar to Silk Pillow Cases Queen Size Set of 2, Pillow Case for Sleeping Women with Envelope Closure, Gifts for Women Men, Beige, 20×30 Inches
Price: $9.99
Rating: 4.5 with 297,780 ratings
Brand: Bedsure
14. **Moisture, Moisture, Moisture**: One cannot stress enough the importance of moisture for curly hair. Curls tend to be drier due to their structure, which can lead to frizz and breakage if not properly hydrated.
Incorporating moisturizing products like leave-in conditioners, oils, and deep conditioning masks into your routine is essential. Annagjid “Kee” Taylor advises that maintaining moisture is the key to healthy, bouncy curls that shine.
Regular conditioning treatments, coupled with daily moisturizing, ensure your curls stay soft, supple, and resilient.
Product on Amazon: Marc Anthony Leave-In Conditioner Spray & Detangler, Grow Long Biotin – Anti-Frizz Deep Conditioner For Split Ends & Breakage – Vitamin E, Caffeine & Ginseng for Curly, Dry & Damaged Hair
Price: $7.67
Rating: 4.4 with 58,004 ratings
Brand: Marc Anthony
15. **Experiment and Adjust**: Finally, remember that every curl is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Experimenting with different products, techniques, and routines will help you find what suits your curls best.
Embrace the trial and error process as a journey to discovering your hair’s potential. Stay open-minded and attentive to what your curls respond to, tweaking your routine as needed.
As you invest time and care into your curls, you’ll find that they reward you with their full, beautiful expression, ready to complement your style and personality.
In a world where beauty standards are constantly shifting, your curls are a timeless testament to individuality and natural elegance. By adopting these techniques and tips, you’re not just enhancing your natural curls—you’re celebrating them. Let your curls be the crowning glory that they were meant to be.
Related posts:
11 Best Shampoos for Curly Hair, Tested & Reviewed
The 16 Best Curly Hair Products to Enhance Your Natural Curls, Tested on Types 2 to 4 Hair
Curly Hair Styles for Women Over 40: Winter 2025 Guide
