From tight coils to bouncy waves, every curly hair texture is unique and demands its own special regimen. That’s why it’s important to identify your curl type, so you can shop and use the right curly hair products to keep strands hydrated and styled perfectly. Plus, it’s vital to strike the right balance between product buildup and hydration — too much can leave your kinks and curls limp and weighed down, while too little will lead to dryness and frizz.

When it comes to identifying your specific curl type, the key is to look at the shape of your strands and their bounce. A looser, more natural wave or curl is 3A, while a springy, more defined set of ringlets or waves is 3B. Both tend to be prone to dryness, and the best curly hair products for this texture will include hydrating ingredients, like shea butter and coconut oil, to nourish.

Another consideration is your hair porosity, which refers to how hydrated or clogged your strands are. Low-porosity curls can be prone to frizz and product buildup, while high-porosity curls are more resilient to humidity. The latter type will benefit from deep conditioning treatments, like SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus hair mask, and styling gels with a lighter hold to define curls without leaving them limp or dry.

Finally, the last element to consider when determining your curl type is how much definition you want. A defining cream, like Amika’s Curl Corps Defining Cream, will provide a softer hold and a more organic look, while a gel, like Briogeo’s Curl Charisma Frizz Control Gel, will deliver more definition and long-lasting frizz control.

With all these factors in mind, you’ll be ready to shop for the best curl products to keep your hair hydrated, smooth, and frizz-free. Just be sure to read the labels, watch out for sulfates (they’re a great deep-cleaner but can strip your hair of its moisture), and always start with a small amount of product — a dime-sized leave-in conditioner or curl cream is a good place to start. Then, you can gradually add more as needed to achieve your desired results.