Curly hair can be more prone to frizz than straight-haired counterparts, which means finding products that help define and control your curls is key. But it’s not just about selecting the right shampoos, conditioners, and mousses; it’s also about figuring out what types of styling tools are best for your strands. This includes diffusers that emit less harsh heat and brushes with narrower bristles that can avoid disrupting your strands. But the most important thing to remember is that all curly hair products, no matter what your specific needs are, should be formulated for your unique curl texture and be sulfate-free.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best curly hair products to keep your locks looking healthy and frizz-freeāfrom hydrating leave-ins to curl creams that will give you a good hold without feeling crunchy or stiff.
Whether your curls are tight and dry or kinky and frizzy, this lightweight leave-in is made with CGM-friendly moisturizers to lock in moisture so your strands stay soft and smooth. It’s also anti-humectant, which helps reduce frizz, and a few sprays of this on your roots will help your hair look fuller and tamer.
This popular pick is a fave for many curlies because it does double-duty as both a conditioner and a curl cream. It hydrates strands with shea butter and avocado oil, while also providing definition with a light hold that won’t weigh your curls down. It’s also sulfate-free and infused with a blend of plant extracts to keep your hair soft and shiny.
While it may take a bit of trial and error to figure out the right amount to use (use too little and you’ll get a greasy mess; use too much and your hair will feel sticky and gunky), this volumizing curl cream is one that many reviewers say really lives up to its claims. The formula has a gel-like consistency that’s lightweight, gives you a good hold without feeling crunchy or rigid, and smells like fruity candy in the best way.
If you have high-porosity strands that tend to frizz, it’s tempting to load up on protein-packed products. But “overdoing it with proteins can actually damage the strands,” says stylist and Ouidad cofounder Dhiran Mistry. This rich curl cream is perfect for those with curly hair textures that can be damaged by over-processing because it’s infused with silk amino acids to strengthen your strands without overdoing it.
The final step in your curly hair routine should always be a moisturizer, and this one has a ton of five-star reviews for a reason. This gel-cream hybrid is a mix of the properties of a curl cream and a mousse, which explains why it’s so loved by reviewers. It’s infused with shea butter and avocado oil to hydrate and add softness, as well as shea butter and moringa seed oil to smooth frizz.
Curly hair requires special care, so make sure you’re nourishing your strands with these hydrating picks from OGX, a brand that has a variety of sulfate-free products specifically formulated for curly hair. The range also includes a deep conditioner that’s infused with mango and shea butter to provide your strands with the moisture they need.