The 23 Best Curly Hair Products to Keep Your Curls Hydrated and Frizz-Free

Best Detangler

Aunt Jackie’s Knot On My Watch Detangling Therapy

$12 $11 at Amazon $8 at Target $10 $8 at Walmart

If you can’t brush or comb through your curls once in a while, it’s exceedingly difficult to achieve any sort of definition or curl memory. A strong detangler is key to easing the process and reducing any pressure on your scalp, which in turn minimizes breakage and split ends. Aunt Jackie’s Knot on My Watch Detangler is excellent quality at a super affordable price point, designed to infuse and trap moisture into your hair with shea butter and olive oil. The “silky slip” technology makes it a breeze to brush through tangles after applying a generous amount of product to particularly knotty areas. 

The creamy formula is ideal for thick or coarse hair that can stand up to a lot of product; on thin hair, this can build up fairly quickly and should be used sparingly. Those with thicker curls may want to layer this product with a leave-in conditioner to maximize smoothness and avoid excess frizz.

Size: 12 oz. | Best For: Detangling, avoiding breakage

Best Hydrating Shampoo

Amika Hydro Rush Shampoo

$26 at Amazon $26 at Sephora $26 at Kohls.com

Lightweight, cleansing, and deeply hydrating, Amika Hydro Rush shampoo delivers everything we want out of a shampoo for curly hair. We tested this one and found that it stays true to its name in providing an immediate boost of hydration that we craved without weighing the hair down.

We also love that the Amika shampoo has a nice lather and leaves our hair feeling soft and clean, washing out without any residue left behind. This shampoo is suitable for all hair types, including hair that’s been treated with chemicals, keratin, or color. After using this shampoo for six weeks, the results were clear: our hair was noticeably softer, smoother, and bouncier. 

Size: 9.3 oz. | Best For: Gently cleansing curls, reducing frizz, softening 

Best Conditioner

Pantene Curl Perfection Conditioner

$18 at Amazon $8 $5 at Target $16 at Walmart

Whether you opt for a drugstore or designer formula, your conditioner will make or break your curls. Having tried my fair share of conditioners on either end of the spectrum, I’ve fallen firmly into the camp of preferring drugstore brands for their affordability and efficacy. While there are a small handful of more expensive conditioners that have felt worth the price tag — like celeb-loved Olaplex’s No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner — those are ones that I treat more like hair masks, given their small size.

For daily conditioning, I don’t want to feel overly precious about my product, so I turn to Pantene Pro-V Curl Perfection Conditioner. The family-size bottle lasts weeks, and the formula is so nourishing that it eliminates the need for detanglers. The best part is the frizz-calming complex, which seals the cuticle and ensures lasting hydration to maintain your moisture balance. If you tend to air dry your curls, this is key to bouncy, frizz-free perfection.

Size: 17.7 oz. | Best For: Air drying, thick curls

Best Curl Cream

Bumble & Bumble Curl Defining Cream

$16 at Amazon $36 at Target $16 at Nordstrom

If you’ve ever seen someone with swishy, salon-perfect curls, they’re probably using Bumble & Bumble’s Curl Defining Cream. “To be completely honest, as a hairstylist I do tend to stray and I like to try and switch up products, but [this is the] one product that I keep going back to,” says Toronto-based hairstylist Melissa Tran, who swears by this rich curl cream for all curl patterns. 

Packed with healthy oils like avocado, coconut, and jojoba, as well as softening shea and cocoa butter, this curl cream adds immediate bounce and softness to hair while helping to gently define the curl. We love that it’s a flexible hold, so your curls can still flounce around to their fullest potential without any crunch. Note that a little goes a long way with this stuff, which means it will last you a while.

Size: 8.5 oz. | Best For: Medium to coarse curls, all curl types

Best Style Milk

SheaMoisture Curl & Style Milk

$11 at Amazon $11 at Target $12 at Walmart

This style milk is incredibly high quality for its affordable price point, loading hair up with softening and hydrating coconut oil to maximize softness and movement. The formula is also paraben-free. We love that it’s from a Black-owned business that supports communities of women in Africa who handcraft the raw shea butter used in the formula, as well. 

While the scent may be too fruity and coconut-forward for some, those who enjoy a summery scent will be glad to have this product in their arsenal. Moisturizing and pleasantly thick in texture, it’s quick to lock in moisture and helps to reduce frizz thanks to smoothing silk protein and neem oil.

Size: 8 oz. | Best For: Textured and curly hair, detangling

Best Brush

Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Shower Brush

$17 at Amazon $17 at Nordstrom $7 at Sephora

Behind the scenes of a great curly hair routine is a necessary yet often painful step: detangling. But the right tool can make detangling curly strands pain-free, so the key is finding a brush that doesn’t snag on the hair but can still sort through knots in a swipe. One of the best curly hair brushes we’ve tried for natural curls is the Pattern Beauty Shower Brush. 

After wetting our hair in the shower, we found that the brush from Tracee Ellis Ross’s haircare line easily glided through our hair without any resistance. It evenly spreads conditioner through our hair, making it a can’t-live-without staple in our wash day routines. One important caveat: Make sure not to pull on the brush too hard, because we found that it can break with excessive force. 

Size:  9 x 2 inches | Best For: Detangling wet curls and evenly distributing product 

Best Reshaping Cream

Amika Defining Cream

$30 at Amazon $30 at Sephora $30 at Kohls.com

When going a few days between washes, it’s crucial to have a reliable reshaping cream that you can use to inject some life back into your locks. Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream is one of the rare ones that offers definition and a gentle hold to even thick curls.

Packed with moisturizing oat peptides, this formula is designed to help hair move and shine more vibrantly, while sea buckthorn infuses vitamins and helps lock in hydration. Note that a little goes a long way, so finer hair types should be wary of overuse.

Size: 6.7 oz. | Best For: Thick hair, improving shine

Best Leave-in Conditioner

SheaMoisture Leave-In Conditioner

$13 $11 at Amazon $13 $4 at Target $12 at Walmart

Think of leave-in conditioner as the base layer of curl care meant to come before the mix-and-match of creams, serums, and oils that follow a wash day. Much like rinse-out conditioner, it’s meant to hydrate and replenish the moisture that curly hair loses so quickly. But SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner goes beyond that and offers added protection against heat styling with a blow dryer or hot air brush as well as against damaging UV rays. Plus, it’s specifically formulated for damaged and color-treated hair with high porosity, delivering nutrients that help build back up the follicle. Hair-growth helpers like peppermint and castor oil also make this a great choice for anyone looking for some extra length.

Size: 11.5 oz. | Best For: Chemically processed or heat-styled hair

Best Styling Gel

Briogeo Curl Charisma Frizz Control Gel

$24 at Amazon $24 at Nordstrom $24 at Sephora

Styling gel is a non-negotiable in most curly hair routines, and a light-to-medium hold is typically ideal: It offers gentle definition without weighing down your curls and will never leave them feeling hairspray-rigid. Briogeo Frizz Control Gel gets a gold star for its powerful and vegan-friendly ingredients, including rice amino acids and quinoa extract. Together, these superstars help seal your hair’s cuticles, which reduces frizz and enhances curl definition.

While we love the balanced texture this gel provides — it’s flexible, so curls are still swingy but slightly more tame — some hair types might require a stronger hold to achieve the level of definition you want. Plus, if you’re looking to fully lock out frizz, you may want to go with something a bit heavier as well. But know that in return, you might end up with a slightly tacky residue.

Size: 5.5 oz. | Best For: Gently defining curls, reducing frizz

Best Texturizing Spray

Ceremonia Açai Style Refresher

$24 at Sephora View on Ceremonia.com View on Credo Beauty

Looking for a texturizing spray? This popular one has sold out on a number of occasions, and after one use, it’s easy to see why. While it could just be Ceremonia’s delightful signature scent, there’s a bevy of benefits to this revitalizing spray. Ultra lightweight and less gritty than other sprays, this is ideal for a gentle refresh in between wash days or as a way to add some extra oomph before heat styling. When testing this product, we found that the spray is more of a gentle mist than a gritty powder, offering a healthy dose of moisture without feeling heavy. It also helped our tester achieve more bounce in her kinky, coily hair. When it comes to heat styling, this also offers great hold and added volume.

Size: 6.7 oz. | Best For: Wavy, curly, and coily hair

Best Relaxing Balm

Phyto Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm

$30 at Amazon $30 at Walmart $27 at Ecosmetics.com

Loaded with plant extracts (think calming chamomile and regenerative sage), this relaxing balm is designed to trap flyaways and gently smooth your curls. Guar gum works to protect the hair follicle from heat and humidity by wrapping it in a soft film-forming gum. While some balms approach pomade territory with their thickness and greasiness, this one feels lightweight yet still effective. It’s designed to protect hair from heat-styling damage, so it’s a must for anyone looking to achieve a silky, frizz-free blowout. 

The chemical-free formula smooths out wavy and curly hair thanks to mallow extraction, which locks out water while moisturizing your strands. As a result, your locks dry faster and won’t frizz up under the blow dryer. 

Size: 4.4 oz. | Best For: Reducing frizz and ensuring a silky-smooth blowout

Best Diffuser

Drybar The Bouncer Diffuser

View on Ulta $34 $28 at Amazon $34 at Sephora

Sure, you could try the TikTok trend of blow drying your hair through a pasta strainer, but if you’re looking for a more tried-and-true drying method, the Drybar The Bouncer Diffuser is your new best friend.

“The best part about using a diffuser over a typical hair dryer nozzle is that it gives your natural curls more shape, and is able to penetrate deeper,” says celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons, who recommends using it on the cool setting. “A diffuser will evenly disperse the airflow from the hair dryer throughout the curls, which allows for more uniform and consistent curls.”

I’ve tried many diffusers over the years and this has become my go-to, thanks to its widely spaced teeth and deeply curved cup, which allows you to dry larger sections at once and speeds up the process without adding unnecessary frizz. The wide base also provides serious va-va-voom volume, which is usually what I’m looking for when diffusing. While it can detach occasionally, it’s generally very reliable and is compatible with most standard blow dryers — plus, it’s ultra lightweight, which makes it a cinch to maneuver.

Size: 5.5 x 6 inches | Best For: All hair types, evening out curl pattern

Best Defrizzing Shampoo

Ouidad Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo

View on Ulta $24 at Amazon $24 at Target

Curly girls know the struggle with shampoo: All too often it feels like it strips your strands of all their moisture, leaving them dry and stringy when you’re just looking for that squeaky-clean feeling. Whatever your curl type, it’s generally a good idea to wait a few days between washes, as curly hair generally runs dry.

A super hydrating, gentle, sulfate-free shampoo is key to protecting the healthy natural oils in your hair, and cult curl brand Ouidad’s Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo does exactly what its name says it will — fights against humidity and dryness while getting rid of frizz. It’s also mega hydrating thanks to softening agents like shea butter and ceramides (the naturally occurring protective sheath that keeps the hair cuticle closed). We also love the crisp floral scent, which is feminine without feeling overpowering.

Size: 8.5 oz. | Best For: Combating humidity, smoothing frizz

Best Scalp Massager

Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush

$28 at Amazon View on Lovelyskin.com View on Leonorgreyl-usa.com

Scalp massagers can help you work your shampoo into your scalp, making it easier to work it into a lather. And we love this one from Leonor Greyl. The palm-sized brush has soft yet sturdy silicon teeth that effectively remove buildup from the scalp without tangling the hair. We also used this brush to apply a conditioning treatment to the scalp and found that it helped with product absorption. 

Size: 4 x 4 x 4 inches | Best For: Lathering shampoo and massaging treatments into the scalp

Best Oil

Crown Affair The Hair Oil

$51 $48 at Amazon $40 at Sephora

Crown Affair is a female-founded brand designed to turn the act of hair care into a mindful ritual. The Oil, lightly scented with an intoxicating blend of Italian bergamot, yuzu, and lemongrass, plus base notes of amber and wood, invites you to linger a little longer over your curl routine. It’s silky without being sticky and immediately softens tresses while adding a subtle shine. The delicate, lightweight formula also helps slick back flyaways and tame frizz. 

Boasting natural smoothing agents like tsubaki seed and anti-frizz meadowfoam seed oil, this five-ingredient serum is great for all hair types — just play around with how much feels right for your hair. The dropper dispenses the ideal amount of product every time, and you’d do well to keep an eye on when you’re running low so that you can restock. Your curls will thank you.

Size: 1 oz. | Best For: All hair types, smoothing, anti-frizz

Best Pre-Wash Treatment

Carol’s Daughter The Goddess Strength Ultra Shield Pre-Shampoo Treatment

$14 $9 at Amazon

Pre-wash is a great addition to any curl routine but is a must for beach bums, those with hard water, or anyone with color-treated hair. Made to protect your strands from UV rays, stripping shampoos, and other damaging chemicals, pre-wash is your secret weapon when it comes to hydration and improving hair strength. It’s best applied to damp hair, which helps lock in moisture and can reduce the build-up of oils and products, allowing your conditioner to better penetrate the strands. We love this creamy ginger-based formula as it’s made with castor oil, which is particularly great for hair growth. It’s also super affordable, which you’ll be grateful for once you realize how quickly it helps your curls thrive.

Overusing a pre-wash can ultimately have the opposite of the desired effect, leaving hair greasy. While every product differs, most should be used at most twice a week for 20 minutes. Note that all-natural products often need longer (they can be left on overnight) to soak in.

Size: 10.2 oz. | Best For: Damaged, heat-processed hair

Best Co-Wash

As I Am Cleansing Conditioner

$42 at Amazon $9 at Target $10 $9 at Walmart

Co-washing is the best-kept secret of the natural hair community. It’s essentially the same thing as shampooing, but with a gentle, hydrating conditioner instead. By replacing shampoo with a clarifying conditioner, you can keep hair follicles healthy and happy while still cleaning your scalp. 

As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner is one of the co-washes that will have other curly girls asking you to drop your routine. As it cleanses any buildup of styling products, it nourishes hair with coconut oil and stimulates hair growth with castor oil, all the while keeping curls hydrated and easy to comb through thanks to its no-suds formula.

Size: 16 oz. | Best For: Dry hair, textured curly hair

Best Mask

Andrew Fitzsimons Nourishing Mask

$36 at Amazon $16 $10 at Ulta

Longtime hairstylist to the Kardashians, Andrew Fitzsimons’ eponymous hair care line has an expansive range of curl products designed to nurture and nourish your natural hair. 

“My Fantasy Curls Nourishing Mask is packed with nutrients and only needs to be used around once a week — depending on how much TLC your curls need,” he says. The mask is ultra deep-conditioning and packed with moisturizing shea butter and jojoba oil, plus reparative avocado oil and strengthening castor oil. It also boasts a unique bonding technology to improve curl elasticity. “It adds moisture to the curls, leaving the hair bouncy, defined, and revitalized,” says Fitzsimons.

Size: 7.6 oz. | Best For: Deep conditioning; curly, coily, and wavy hair

Best Styling Spray

Color Wow Dream Coat for Curly Hair

$24 at Amazon $12 at Sephora $24 at Ulta

Rosko raves about Color Wow Dream Coat Curly Spray, giving it pride of place as the number-one product in his arsenal. “This product is extremely easy to use and is alcohol-free,” he says, adding that alcohol is a big no-no for curls. “Alcohol can dry out hair strands, causing hair to become brittle and lose its bounce. It can also irritate the scalp, causing a dry and flaky scalp.” 

The spray is a “one-stop shop for curls,” he says, noting that it “controls the curl pattern without overloading on protein.” It gives hair a glossy sheen without the crunch and is masterful at eliminating frizz when styling. Note that thicker curls will want to layer this with a product that offers more hold, as this is slightly more surface-level support.

Size: 6.7 oz. | Best For: Wavy and curly hair, enhancing curls, fighting frizz

Best Rice Water Shampoo

Briogeo Curl Charisma Shampoo

$28 at Amazon $28 at Nordstrom $28 at Nordstrom

If you’re looking to strengthen your locks and add some extra bounce, a rice water shampoo is a no-brainer. While all hair types can benefit from amino acid-rich rice water, curly hair in particular does well with this extra dose of moisture.

The beauty of Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo is that it focuses on amino acids derived from rice, rather than the water itself, which helps penetrate strands and better seal the hair cuticle. As a result, hair looks glossier and less frizzy. We love the creamy formula’s rich lather, which feels ultra-luxurious and worth the higher price tag.

Size: 8 oz. | Best For: Wavy, curly and coily hair

Best Hair Dryer

DevaCurl DevaDryer and DevaFuser

$180 at Amazon View on Devacurl.com View on Beautycarechoices.com

If you’re not trying to shell out for the Dyson Airwrap, your best bet for curly hair is this specially formulated blow dryer and diffuser dreamed up by beloved curl brand DevaCurl. Built with a custom curl flexible alternating ionic technology, the diffuser is meant to add major volume while the dryer allows you to switch it up for a super sleek blowout.

The unique hand-shaped DevaFuser has an edge over most diffusers, using 360-degree airflow to penetrate difficult-to-dry roots, which shaves time off of your daily routine. While the design may take some getting used to, curly girls rave about the volume and definition it achieves — quickly. 

Size: 1 lb. | Best For: Wavy, curly, and coily hair

Best Curling Iron

T3 SinglePass Curl

$170 $145 at Amazon View on Ulta View on Dermstore

If you're looking for a great curling iron, this five-heat-setting ceramic curling iron does it all. Essentially three irons in one, the 1.25-inch barrel allows you to play around with the desired size of your curls, opting for beachy waves, tight spirals, or luscious locks. The ceramic barrel also minimizes frizz and uses a unique microchip technology to smooth through the hair in just one pass, creating polished curls with minimal heat damage (still, always remember to spritz on a protective heat spray before styling!). Perhaps the best part is the long-lasting 24-hour hold, meaning that your curls will stay up longer than you do. Note that the lower temperature settings go down to 260 degrees, so this is perfect for fine hair as well.

Size: 13.25 x 1.5 x 2.5 inches | Best For: All curl types, natural hair

Best Dry Shampoo

OGX Extra Strength Refresh + Restore Coconut Miracle Oil Dry Shampoo

$15 at Amazon $10 at Walmart

Dry shampoos are great for those between-wash days when your hair starts looking a little too oily. Powder or aerosol-based, they help to soak up the natural oils on your scalp — which can sometimes be problematic when they overly dry out curls. Thanks to the nourishing ingredients in this OGX dry shampoo, there’s no need to worry about that: The spray absorbs the resting oil on your scalp and replaces it with frizz-fighting coconut oil.

Our testers reported that while hair didn’t feel completely oil-free afterward, it looked freshly washed and didn’t feel unpleasantly dried out. This was a win for thinner and finer hair too, as our testers found that it adds a nice volume boost. For those with sensitive noses, take note that the vanilla scent might not be for everyone.

Size: 5 oz. | Best For: Color-treated hair, dry hair