My curly hair hasn’t gotten the love and attention it deserves from me over the years. Until recently, I had never even tried drying a Type 4 coil to its natural springy shape. I committed to blow drying and ironing my hair every week like clockwork. Now, there’s nothing wrong with straightening your hair, but I’ve always thought that my hair texture was too wild, unwieldy, and dare I say, unattractive to thrive in its natural state. I started to realize that I was only doing this because I was doing it. (Don’t worry, I’m dedicated to getting rid of that internalized racism!)
While learning to love your hair can be an enlightening experience, we recognize that figuring out where to start can be stressful. (That’s where these curly hair tips come in handy.) People with type 2, 3, and 4 curl patterns know that embracing your curls is a process that takes a lot of time, patience, and trial and error. I can prove that. But learning what actually works and what doesn’t for our hair is a fun self-actualization journey that provides more clarity and healing than you might think. Everyone is different, but it can be really helpful to hear about the best curly hair products that have worked for others.
in front
rear
Well, I’m a curly-haired girl on a mission to spread the love with a list of products that I find essential to my hair care routine. Whether you’re just starting to learn about your curly hair (good for you!) or you’re just looking for a tried-and-true product to add to your routine, there’s something for everyone. Keep scrolling to check out my wash day, styling, and maintenance essentials that make my natural hair journey easier.
1. Sulfate-free shampoo
Splurge:
Briogeo
Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating Shampoo
Sulfates are cleaning detergents commonly found in foaming products such as shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. However, they are very stripping, so those with curly hair should avoid them to avoid depleting the natural oils your hair needs to prevent dryness. This product from Briogeo effectively removes product buildup and debris without harsh additives and infuses hair with moisture through ingredients like tomato fruit ferment, shea butter, and avocado oil. So it’s a crowd pleaser.
keep:
shea moisture
Curl and Shine Coconut & Hibiscus Shampoo
SheaMoisture is the holy grail curl brand, and for good reason. Its products are gentle and highly effective in maximizing the potential of different curls. I love this moisturizing shampoo for many reasons, but the main reason is its ability to prevent frizz. Some people may be a little hesitant because it contains coconut oil, but it won’t put any burden on your hair.
2. Deep conditioner
Splurge:
bread beauty supply
hair mask deep conditioner
I can’t remember the last time I left conditioner on my hair for less than 15 minutes and didn’t cover it with a plastic cap to trap the heat and soak my hair better. It’s a curly hair thing! I haven’t yet tried Bread Beauty Supply myself, but the reviews for this line are very positive. This hair mask is infused with Australian Kakadu Plum, which supports collagen and elastin in the hair and scalp, and strengthens Starflower Oil. Plus, how cool is this sustainable packaging?
keep:
natural cream
Aloe & Black Castor Oil Hair Mask
I am so in love with this conditioner. It stretches well even with a small amount, which is a big plus for those with long, thick hair. (Accidentally using half a bottle of conditioner is a struggle every curly queen knows all too well.) It contains some of my favorite hair-loving ingredients like aloe vera juice and Jamaican black castor oil. It strengthens all hair and promotes full-fledged growth. Plus, it smells really nice.
3. Protein treatment
Splurge:
Olaplex
No.3 Hair Perfector
For people with medium to high hair porosity, protein treatments are a great way to fill in and smooth gaps in the hair shaft and prevent hair breakage. Olaplex is a hairstylist favorite for strengthening hair damaged by all kinds of factors, from chemical damage to natural porosity.
keep:
afogee
Balanced moisturizer and two-step protein treatment
Does anyone else remember seeing this bottle in their mother’s bathroom as a child? It is a workhorse that can work miracles on hair that is showing signs of illness. Please buy this.
4. Leave-in conditioner
Splurge:
Ouidad
Moisture lock leave-in conditioner
Ouidad is one of those legendary brands that everyone knows across the curl spectrum, and their Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner is definitely one of their most popular products. It aims to balance your hair’s moisture base and make it more responsive to the products you layer on top during styling. It’s infused with hair-loving botanicals like arnica and prickly pear, plus green tea and vitamin B5 for extra hair protection.
keep:
Jesse’s
dipping condish
I was apprehensive about the hype surrounding this product until I tried it myself. Suddenly, thousands of five-star reviews made sense all over the world. This is insanely good. It’s lightweight yet has the ability to coat each hair on your head with soy and aloe-based goodness, making it perfect for prepping for styling. I’m Stan.
5. Curl cream
Splurge:
Oribe
Styling Butter Curl Enhancing Cream
When Oribe discontinued its curly hair line a few years ago, I was very curious to see how the luxury hair brand would approach this niche category. Surprisingly, the line is great! The only drawback is the price. This is a problem for those who frequently handle the product, as it is very expensive. But for those with more restraint in product application, this could be a winner.
keep:
doo
twist & curl cream
I strongly believe that this cream is solely responsible for all the positive results of my best twist-outs so far. This is a moisturizing blend of coconut, rosewater, vitamin E, avocado, and monoi oil, and when I say it’s rich with a capital T, I mean it. It’s not for everyone, but if you have Type 4 curls and want super juicy twists, braids, and more, look no further.
6. Oil
Splurge:
leonor grayle
LOUIL DE LEONOR GRAIL PRE-SHAMPOO OIL TREATMENT
I never thought I would love this hair oil so much. It’s super soft and luxurious, but it’s also lightweight. It’s not marketed as a curly hair product, as anyone can use it as a pre-shampoo moisture treatment, but if your hair can handle oil, use it at any stage of your hair care routine where you would normally apply oil.
keep:
melanin hair care
Versatile pure oil blend
If you’re like me and spend your Saturdays mixing up your own concoctions for deep conditioning, you’ll love this dreamy oil. Contains baobab oil, argan oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, sage oil, geranium oil, and vitamin E to deeply penetrate hair and keep it moisturized.
Splurge:
repair
RevAir reverse air hair dryer
This hair dryer is huge and expensive, but if you love growing curls, it promises to change your life. It uses patented technology to remove excess moisture from your hair with a powerful downward whirlwind of air. I love that it dries my hair so fast and I can set it to use little to no heat. After using it, my hair always looks healthy and shiny, never dry or frizzy.
keep:
lebron
One step hair dryer and style
The round version of this Revlon brush delivers a lot of shine (check out our official review of this brush here), but this paddle brush version offers more control and is perfect for curly hair and coily roots. I found it to be accessible and good. This is an option for people with textured hair. For added protection, be sure to use a heat protectant and use a cold setting on your tool.
8. Untangler
Splurge:
crown affair
The Comb No.001
Only a wide comb can touch curly or coily hair (apart from the latales for sectioning). Not only is this absolutely gorgeous, but its size and shape fits perfectly in the palm of your hand and is much easier to untangle.
keep:
Let’s hone the best
Felicia Leatherwood Original Detangler Brush
This brush is my life. Although they have stiff, durable bristles that can withstand even the tightest coils, the prongs are arranged in flexible columns that separate and move with the hair, rather than against it. Developed by veteran celebrity hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood, this product is the shower staple we all need to evenly distribute product and achieve knot-free hair.
9. Gel
Splurge:
beauty of pattern
strong hold gel
All of Tracee Ellis Ross’s new styling products from Pattern Beauty are great, but this styling gel is perfect for those who love using gel to define curls or smooth out kinks into sleek styles. This is a must-have item for everyone.
keep:
Aunt Jackie’s
Non-shrinking flaxseed curling gel
This gel is meant to be used to strengthen curls rather than lock them in place, so if you’re a fan of wash-and-ready styles, or if you’re using the gel as part of non-heat styling , this is a solid option with plenty of features. Loyal fans.
10. Silk and satin hair protector
Splurge:
While it’s not just the curly hair community that uses silk pillowcases, it’s definitely most important for those who want to protect their curls from the hydration-induced chafing that comes with sleeping on a cotton pillowcase.
keep:
stay on satin
satin edge bonnet
A satin bonnet is also a proven way to protect your curls and prevent frizz while you sleep. It takes a little getting used to, but the results are worth it.
11. Hair tie
Splurge:
curly curly hair
snap hair elastic
Where have these been in my life? I’m totally obsessed with elastic hair ties that snap open and closed to reduce friction on the hair. Perfect for scooping thick hair into ponytails, buns, and puffs without the hassle of wrapping traditional hair ties over and over again. The best part is that it’s customizable. Multiple closures can be snapped together to create the perfect size for your hair needs.
keep:
invisible bobble
invisibobble slim traceless spiral hair ties
Scenarios like training require a hair tie with a more secure hold, and these elastic rings do a beautiful job of keeping hair in place without causing major breakage.
Loppy
Set of 100 hair perm rods
Perm rod sets are a great solution for people with different hair types who want to create smooth, even curls. I’m still researching the technique, but I’ve found that using a styling mousse before wrapping my hair in these plastic formers really improves the results.
glow by day
Cordless Deep Conditioning Thermal Heat Cap
If you’ve ever used an old-fashioned rice or bead-filled heating pad for cramps or sore muscles, you’re probably already familiar with the technology used in this deep conditioning cap. Simply pop it in the microwave for about a minute and it stays delicious for up to 30 minutes, helping conditioners and hair treatments penetrate deeper into your hair. Be sure to put a disposable plastic cap underneath to avoid damaging the material of the product.
If you wear your hair up at night, consider using a satin scrunchie. It’s low friction so it won’t pick up all the juicy products you layer for styling.
Alpuri
Sprayer Continuous Hair Water Ultra Fine Mister Spray Bottle
Water is your biggest moisturizer and is essential for keeping curly and coiled hair healthy and happy. I love that this bottle sprays a fine mist and doesn’t completely soak your hair. Continuous spray function allows for even and easy application. If you have water left in the bottle, spray it on your houseplants as well.
This article was originally published previously and has since been updated.
