If you’re a curly girl like me, you probably already know just how much of a difference the right products can make on your hair. It can mean the difference between a frizzy mess and hydrated, defined, voluminous hair.
I’m always on the lookout to try new products, but there’s a few that have stuck with me as my go-to, life-changing, curly hair products:
1. The Best Curl Cream for Hydrated, Defined Curls
What’s So Great About it
This product both hydrates and sculpts your curls, without leaving heavy residue or a crunch. It can be used on all curly hair types from wavy to kinky. It’s hydrating properties are credited by the fact that just the second ingredient (after water) is Aloe, which is extremely moisturizing for curly hair.
And yes, it smells like creme brûlée. ?
How to use it
This product is best applied to wet or damp hair, after applying in serums or oils you typically use. For maximum volume, scrunch it into your hair like you would gel.
Curls creme brûlé is also excellent for protective styles & braids.
2. The Best Gel for Soft, Crust-Free Curls
Miss Jessie’s Jelly soft curls
What’s So Great About it
Hands down, the best gel I have ever used. A quick look at the products reviews show that I am not the only one that feels this way! This gel is lightweight and does not feel crunchy at all. It eliminates frizz and creates a soft to medium hold on curls.
How to use it
Apply this gel to wet or damp hair after all other products to seal in your curls. It can also be used on dry hair to refresh your day 2 or 3 curls.
3. The Best Oil for Thick, Long, & Strong Hair
What’s So Great About it
Castor oil is your scalp’s best friend. Us curly girls need to pay as much attention to our hair and scalp health as possible, and castor oil will help you do just that. Castor oil contains nutrients that enhance the health of your hair follicles, promotes hair growth, and improve the overall condition of your hair.
How to use it
Massage your scalp with castor oil while your hair is either wet or dry to see results. I like to do this right after washing my hair to put moisture back into my roots.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil has a pretty thick consistency. If something lighter would work better for your hair, try cold-pressed castor oil instead.
Side note: I also apply it to my lashes and it has made them SUPER long!
4. The Best Oil for Shiny, Hydrated Curls
What’s So Great About It
Argan oil is a miracle worker in terms of hair health and preventing frizz. It moisturizes your hair, seals your hairs cuticle to help prevent split ends, and gives your hair a healthy sheen. All of these reasons make it clear why it is a curly hair favorite. It’s a lot lighter than oils like coconut oil, making it optimal for everyday use
How to use it
You can apply argan oil to either wet or dry hair. I like to apply it when I get done washing my hair as almost a leave in moisturizing treatment. I find it absorbs better into my hair when it is wet.
Argan oil is a great option for natural heat protection, if you do any heat styling as well.
5. The Best Affordable Hydrating Conditioner
Maui Moisture Shea Butter Conditioner
What’s So Great About It
If there’s one thing almost every curly girl I know has in common, it’s that we use A LOT of conditioner. Like, handfuls. For that reason, I stick to more affordable conditioners so I can apply it to my heart’s desire without feeling like I’m wasting money.
Maui moisture’s conditioner is the real deal. They’re super affordable at only around $7 a bottle, and contain ingredients that are super healthy for your hair. The impressive list of ingredients includes Aloe, Shea butter, Coconut oil, and more. Not to mention, it’s entirely silicone-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.
How to use it
You know what to do.. Apply to your hair wet and rinse out. I like to leave a bit to keep my hair hydrated and frizz free.
6. The Best Buttery Soft Hair Mask
Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Curl Quenching Deep Moisture Mask
What’s So Great About It
This mask feels extremely rich going on the hair and seriously makes a difference after one use. It moisturizes even extremely dry hair and has a super slippery feel to it that makes it easy to detangle your hair.
How to use it
When your hair is feeling a bit dry and needs an extra boost of hydration, apply this mask and wait 5 minutes before rinsing out. You can also use just a small amount as a leave in conditioner, or on damp hair for a curl refresh.
7. The Best Curl Serum for Frizz Free Curls
Davines This is a Curl Building Serum
What’s So Great About It
First of all.. it smells absolutely heavenly. One of my favorite smelling hair products of all time. This product is best for blocking frizz and adding shine, especially for more humid weather.
It’s important to note, however, this serum contains some Silicones, which many with curly hair try to avoid. It contains Amodimethicone— while it is a silicone, it’s in a special class of silicones that selectively bind to damaged hair and do not create buildup. For that reason, it can be okay to use for many curly girls.
How to use it
Apply to wet or damp hair before applying any gels or oils. You can also use this product to refresh your hair on day 2 or 3.
8. The Best Massager for a Healthy Scalp
What’s So Great About It
Not necessarily a product, but a curly hair must have! This tool feels so good to massage your scalp. Not only that, but it can help remove buildup, stimulate hair growth, and is the perfect tool for co-washing. It seems simple, but this scalp massager has almost 35,000 Amazon reviews and a near 5 star rating!
How to use it
Use this tool in the shower to massage your scalp with oil or conditioner.
9. The Best Gentle, Curl-Safe Shampoo
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner
What’s So Great About It
With curly hair, it’s important to use a gentle and sulfate free conditioner. Otherwise, you run the risk of stripping your hair of it’s natural oils leading to dry and damaged strands. This shampoo is super gentle, and also contains biotin, algae extract, and B vitamins to strengthen and protect your hair. It’s a great option for wash day.
How to use it
Gently massage a small amount into your hair in the shower. Make sure you follow up with conditioner to add some moisture back into your hair.
While it can be fun to try new curly hair products, it’s nice to have a few tried-and-true products you can always go back to. I hope this list gives you a few new products to try that leave you with beautiful, bouncy, and defined curls!
