Best 13 Products for Curly Hair That Will Transform Your Curls

Growing up with curly hair consisted of constantly trying product after product, hopelessly looking for a solution that would tame frizz and hold my curls without weighing them down or giving my hair a greasy look. No matter how hard I tried, I was never fully satisfied with the results. Now that I’m in my late 20’s, I have mostly learned to manage my hair, but those who share the same dilemmas know that good hair days are rare.

Finding a reliable hair product for curly hair can be extremely frustrating, not to mention both time-consuming and expensive. There are more products on the market than we can count, and many are multi-functional, specifically catered to those with curly hair. Everyone has different needs, so it’s essential to consider some of these factors when looking for a hair care product:

• Thickness of hair
• Type of curl (wavy, curly, coily)
• Texture
• Dryness/Damage
• Frizz

To save you time and money, we’ve researched and tested for you, compiling a list of the 13 best hair care products for all your curl needs.

Best curly hair products overview:

• Best overall: Kérastase Gelée Curl Contour Gel-Cream
• Best Anti-frizz: Color Wow Dream Coat For Curly Hair
• Best Shampoo: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo
• Best Conditioner: Briogeo Curl Charisma
• Best Curl-Defining Cream: Ouai Curl Crème
• Best Mousse: Amika Plus Size Volume & Body Mousse
• Best Co-wash: Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Cleansing Conditioner
• Best Gel: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel – Stronger Hold
• Best Damage Repair: Olaplex Nº.3 HAIR PERFECTOR™
• Best Hair Mask: Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Hair Masque
• Best Oil: Morocconoil Treatment Original
• Best Diffuser: Drybar The Bounce Diffuser
• Best Hairbrush: Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler

How we chose the best curly hair products

To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including curl-friendly ingredients, high-quality ingredients, and more to create a short list of the top needs for curly hair. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best curl products for each category.

Our picks for the best curly hair products

There are several outstanding products on the market, and while each serves a different purpose, it’s hard to find quality all-in-one products. Kerastase made this choice easy with its multi-function, high-quality ingredients. This Gelée Curl Contour Gel-Cream is just that: a combination of a gel and a cream (perfect for indecisive individuals).

It may come off as heavy to some, but this product prides itself on producing bouncy, soft curls that won’t be weighed down. The gel-cream uses ingredients like manuka honey, shea butter, and ceramides to provide more definition, hydrate, and instantly reduce frizz for up to 24 hours.

Curl type: Wavy, Curly, and Coily | Benefits: Enhances curls, softens hair, and eliminates frizz | Size: 5.1 fl oz

If there’s one thing that those with curly hair know all too well, it’s managing frizz. Levels of frizz can depend on factors like hair moisture, weather, and humidity, making our hair more difficult to manage. With Color Wow, you don’t have to worry about frizz ruining your day. One thing to note with this product is that it’s alcohol-free, which is crucial because alcohol is very drying, and products that contain it will only further add to the frizz. According to the brand, Dream Coat combines three polymers to create the perfect anti-frizz solution:

• Polymer #1 moisturizes, conditions, and de-frizzes. 
• Polymer #2 restores bounce and elasticity. 
• Polymer #3 keeps curls flexible and non-brittle, plus adds high gloss shine. 

Buyers have called this product a ‘magic potion in a bottle,’ and its list of benefits makes it easy to see why.

Curl type: Wavy, Curly, and Coily | Benefits: Eliminates frizz, adds moisture | Size: 6.7 oz

Individuals with curly hair also need to invest in a good shampoo to support their dry, frizz-prone hair. Ouidad’s best-seller, Advanced Climate Control, is the perfect choice. The product gently cleanses the hair to remove dirt without stripping the curls and provides several nourishing ingredients and an anti-frizz treatment. Ouidad’s climate control product is specifically designed to protect curls from any heat or UV damage. This product is perfect for all types of curls and is safe for those with color-treated hair.

Curl type: Wavy, Curly, and Coily | Benefits: Eliminates and prevents frizz, cleanses hair without stripping natural oils | Size: 8.5 fl oz

Perhaps one of the most popular curl products currently on the market, Briogeo Curl Charisma is a lifesaver for damaged curls. The brand uses shea butter to soften and hydrate the curls while rice amino acids seal the hair cuticle to stop frizz from occurring. Tomato ferment is also used to seal the cuticle to form the curls while enhancing the definition for voluminous, bouncy results. Curl Charisma is a rich and creamy conditioner that delivers soft, lightweight curls. This product is great for all curl types.

Curl type: Wavy, Curly, and Coily | Benefits: Enhances curl definition, prevents frizz, and locks in moisture | Size: 8 fl oz

Ouai’s curl crème is an excellent option for using creams in your hair as it provides shine, hydration, and frizz protection. Its key ingredients, linseed and chia seed, combine to help form the shapes of your curls while keeping a natural lightweight, soft texture and protection from humidity. It also uses coconut oil and babassu oil to soften and seal damaged cuticles while adding extra shine. They offer two fragrances- their signature has bright notes of bergamot & lemon, and they have an unscented version for those who prefer no scent or are mixing with other products.

Curl type: Wavy, Curly, and Coily | Benefits: Enhances curls, eliminates frizz definition, and provides hydration and shine | Size: 8 fl oz

While some prefer a heavier cream to hold their curls, others may only need a light mousse to give their curls bounce and body. Amika’s Plus Size volume and body mousse provides a whipped product that does just that with a matte finish. Not only does it add body and volume, but it’s extremely lightweight and will hold your curls all day long without getting crunchy or stiff. It also protects against heat and frizz, so this is a great option you can confidently wear anywhere you go. The main ingredient, Obliphica, contains over 190 biologically active compounds, including vitamins C, A, E, and high concentrations of omega-7.

Curl type: All hair types (straight, wavy, curly, coily) | Benefits: Offers volume, protects against heat and frizz | Size: 8.5 fl oz

Carol’s daughter is a well-known brand and caters to all textures and hair types, but spends a lot of time and focus on curly hair care. A great example is their co-wash, which everyone with curls, coils, kinks, and waves should be using. Their product cleanses away impurities while moisturizing, detangling, softening, and preventing frizz. It also contains ingredients like agave for added shine, vitamin B5 and Biotin to strengthen, and shea butter to moisturize.

In addition to their co-wash, they have several other products for curly hair; you can even find products specific to your curl type number.

Curl type: Wavy, Curly, Coily, and Kinky | Benefits: Moisturizes, softens, and prevents frizz | Size: 12 fl oz

Because Ouidad’s Advanced Climate is just that good, we couldn’t resist also adding their gel to this list. Their award-winning gel includes many unique qualities as their shampoo, including frizz-prevention, heat and UV protection, and a shiny and hydrated finish. The gel defines each curl with a strong yet flexible hold that will last throughout the day without being heavy (or crunchy) like so many other gels are. If you usually avoid gels due to these qualities, Ouidad’s Advanced Climate Control Gel might just change your mind.

Curl type: Wavy, Curly, Coily, and Kinky | Benefits: Holds curls, prevents frizz, protects against UV and heat damage | Size: 8.5 fl oz

Olaplex is hands down one of the best hair care brands on the market. And while their products are versatile for any hair type, there are a few options perfect for curly hair due to excess damage from heat, brushing, and other factors. Having curly hair often means dry, brittle, frizzy hair with split ends.

Olaplex Nº.3 is a pre-shampoo treatment repair that prevents and repairs damage after just one use. According to the brand, OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™ rebuilds broken disulfide bonds (on a molecular level) to restore strength for visibly healthy hair. For those who have badly damaged hair, the brand recommends adding Nº.0 as a two-part system to intensify the effects of Nº.3.

Curl type: All hair types (straight, wavy, curly, coily) | Benefits: Repairs and prevents damage, strengthens hair | Size: 8.5 fl oz

Deep moisturizing treatments are a must in maintenance products for curly hair. Shea Moisture is popular among those with wavy and curly hair due to its combination of ingredients, including shea butter, coconut oil, and neem oil, which hydrate and protect against further breakage. As a result, it provides you with frizz-free, soft, and silky curls. It can also help those with more tangles as it moisturizes and softens the cuticles.

Curl type: Wavy, curly | Benefits: Eliminates frizz, provides soft and defined curls, protects against breakage | Size: 12 fl oz

It’s no surprise, MorocconOil is named the number one haircare oil in the US. The fragrance alone immediately hooked me with its notes of vanilla, sweet floral, and spicy amber. 

As far as the functionality, it’s just as impressive. The product is infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil and shine-boosting vitamins to smooth frizz, detangle, condition, and boost shine by up to 118%, according to an independent study.

Unlike many of the other products on this list that require you to start with damp hair, Morocconoil can be used on wet or dry hair-just be sure to go from the midsection down (avoiding the roots) and add a little at a time.

Curl type: All hair types (straight, wavy, curly, coily) | Benefits: Smooths frizz, detangles hair, and improves shine | Size: 1.7 fl oz

I spent years letting my curls air dry. One day I decided to see what all the fuss was about with diffusers and since that day, I’ve never turned back. Diffusers can be used on any hair type to control frizz but are most commonly used on those with curly hair to achieve frizz-free, defined curls, and boy, does it make a difference. 

According to the brand, Dry Bar’s diffuser broadens and reduces the speed of the airflow from the blowdryer to gently dry and define each curl while reducing frizz. The brand claims that their product fits most hair dryer brands, but some consumers did note that the diffuser continuously fell off, so it’s something to consider before buying.

Curl type: All hair types (straight, wavy, curly, coily) | Benefits: Defines curls and reduces frizz | Size: N/A

While some may advise against brushing curly hair, investing in a curl-friendly brush or comb is necessary for those of us who constantly have knots. Tangle Teezer’s new Ultimate Detangler is perfect for thick, curly hair and explicitly designed for shower-wet hair. The flexible two-tiered teeth gently brush through wet and tangled hair, helping to minimize breakage. The long teeth help detangle and remove knots while the short teeth smooth for frizz-free hair.If you prefer to use a comb rather than a brush, Tangle Teezer has options like this one that are also great for curly hair.

Curl type: All hair types, but best for thick and curly hair | Benefits: Prevents breakage, detangles, shower-friendly | Size: N/A

Final thoughts

Our favorite product is Kérastase’s Gelée Curl Contour Gel-Cream for its versatile benefits and an all-in-one product, which on its own is rare to come across. It can take years, lots of frustration, and too much money to find the perfect product for your hair. We love that this product provides a silicone-based formula between a gel and a creme that’s also lightweight and provides frizz control. Regardless of whichever product you find to be your favorite on this list, it’s a win-win situation.

How to pick the right curl product for you

Picking the right product for your curly hair requires knowing your hair to a certain extent. You will always have some trial and error when trying new products, but knowing the basics will take you a lot further in successfully finding the perfect product. Focus on factors like thickness, the type of curl, the amount of frizz or damage, and products you know work better with your hair than others (i.e., gels vs. mousse).

Hair Type:

• Wavy (2A, 2B, 2C): Wavy hair is generally between straight and curly, offering loose beachy waves that form in a loose S shape. While wavy hair should still have hydration treatments, this type won’t typically be as dry as tight curls.
• Curly (3A, 3B, 3C): Curly hair clumps together in a spiral shape and forms ringlets. These curls are drier and more damaged, requiring extra moisture and frizz protection.
• Coily (4A, 4B, 4C): These curls range from tightly coiled S-shaped to a Z-shaped kinky pattern. The curlier an individual’s hair is, the shorter it will appear and can either be soft and springy or dry and wiry. Of all three types, coily hair becomes the most damaged, dry, and frizzy and will need constant upkeep for healthy hair. 

If you’re unsure what type of curls you have, Carol’s Daughter offers a quiz to help you determine your curls and what type of routine is best for you.

Needs/Benefits:

• Anti-frizz: If you have curly hair, you’re bound to have frizz. It comes naturally, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it-Except find a good anti-frizz product. For some, a shampoo or conditioner might be enough to prevent frizz from taking over your beautiful curls. For others, additional products, such as anti-frizz sprays, serums, oils, and more, are needed to eliminate it. 
• Hydration: Anti-frizz products and hydration treatments should almost go hand-in-hand, considering the dryness, damage, and breakage having curly hair causes. Those with more wavy hair may need occasional hydration products to add extra moisture. Individuals with tighter ringlets and coils need to focus on maintaining healthy moisture from root to ends.
• UV and heat protection: While those of us with curly hair don’t use hot tools quite as often as those with easily changeable hair, there are occasional days when we might put heat to our head or have the hair dryer a little too warm and products like this come in handy. Additionally, those who live in warmer climates (especially year-round) should be protecting their scalp and roots from dryness and damage.

FAQs

What products are actually good for curly hair? 

One thing that many individuals with curly hair often mistake is using universal products. Curly hair is naturally drier, and with shampoo, for example, requires a gentler cleanser than regular shampoo offers, along with extra moisture. There is a list of ingredients you should avoid when shopping for curly hair products. Some ingredients include sulfate, parabens, silicone, formaldehyde, and alcohol. Some even suggest avoiding products with fragrances, but since that’s a big ask, avoid what you can.

Is Olaplex good for curly hair?

Yes! Olaplex is a higher-end haircare brand that delivers amazing results (making it worth the price for many people). They have several products perfect for curly hair that hydrate, control frizz, repair damage, and smooth. While our list only mentions Olaplex Nº.3 (and Nº.0 as an additional intensifier), the brand also recommends Nº.6, Nº.8, and Nº. 9, which will too, work wonders on your curls.

What does curly hair need most?

While there are a million curly hair products on the market and we wish we could have them all, sometimes it’s best to focus on just a few and go from there. Depending on your type of curls and needs, we suggest finding a product(s) that eliminates frizz and provides hydration, whether it be a hair mask, oil, or damage repair. Using these products a few times per week will help keep your hair healthy, prevent breakage, avoid frizz, and give you your best natural curls.