The 20 Best Curly Hair Products of 2022, According to the Curly Hair Community

This oil is a great start to your wash routine. The lightweight blend helps minimize frizz and split ends with soybean, castor, black cumin, coffee seed and rosemary oil. It also encourages hair growth and improves moisture in the long run. Plus, one fan found it super helpful to use beyond their curls: “This oil is the bomb.com. I use it on my hair AND skin. I even made body butter with it and my skin has never felt so soft! It leaves my curls soft, shiny and the smell is 10 out of 10!”

This set makes wash day go so much smoother in the shower. Its hydrating formula (featuring shea butter and rosemary) aims to restore moisture, add shine and detangle strands. With over 7,000 five-star reviews, fellow curly peeps rave about the deep cleanse it delivers and the super pleasant scent: “[I’m] absolutely in love with this combo! The first thing I noticed was how amazing it smelled, and right after the first wash, my hair was so hydrated. After continued use, my hair has gained so much shine and hydration,” says one commenter. 

This hydrating shampoo is all about cleansing your curls without stripping away their natural oils. Its key ingredients (aka coconut oil, aloe vera and honey) offer a gentle wash, while improving moisture retention and definition for all curly types. Plus, the brand was created by curly queen Tracee Ellis Ross, and would she really steer us in the wrong direction? “Let me begin by saying I have 4C hair. This shampoo was so hydrating. It left my hair extremely soft and easier to manage. It didn't strip my hair and kept my hair super clean post-wash,” adds one reviewer. 

This cleansing conditioner promises to cleanse, condition and restore your curls. Whether you have coarse or frizzy hair, the silicone-, paraben- and sulfate-free formula hydrates and defines your ringlets. For one fan, they saw a change after the first wash: “Kristin Ess Co-Wash is definitely the right product for my very curly hair. Instead of [having] a lot of frizz, I now have beautiful waves and curls that last throughout the day.” 

This silicone-free conditioner restores dry strands, reduces tangles and improves softness. Its hydrating ingredient list includes coconut oil, hibiscus, silk protein and neem oil. With over 14,000 five-star reviews, you don’t just have to take our word for it: “I have really thick, curly hair. It gets frizzy and dry really easily, so I needed something good and on a college student budget. Enter this conditioner. AMAZING. It smells wonderful, but the scent isn't so overpowering that it would interfere with any perfume or fragrance you'd normally apply.”

The reviewer adds, “After showering, I instantly noticed a difference. There’s more definition to my curls and overall, [my hair is] super soft and healthy-looking. [I] feel like I got my curls styled but all I did was use a reasonably priced conditioner. This, my friends, is a BUY.”

A deep conditioner is key to repairing curly hair. Exhibit A: This Melanin pick. The hyaluronic acid, bamboo extract and biotin blend aims to kick dryness and damage to the curb. The hydrating formula also helps to maintain moisture, strengthen locks and soften strands. A quick editor’s note: I’ve been using this deep conditioner for a few weeks now and I’ve noticed a dramatic difference in my curls. The pumpkin also adds a pleasant scent that’s especially enjoyable for the season. 

Your styling routine should definitely include a leave-in conditioner that sets the stage for more hydrated, defined curls. The rice amino acids reduce frizz and retain moisture, while the avocado oil softens and moisturizes strands. And let’s not forget, the tomato fruit ferment that improves definition. According to one customer, this cream doesn’t leave build up either: “The Briogeo Curl Charisma Cream is amazing, I love it. My hair is prone to instantaneous build up; most creams smother my strands and plaster them to my head. This cream not only allows for volume but leaves my hair soft and shiny as well. And [it] washes out without [having] to use clarifying shampoo unlike some creams I've used to comparable effect.”

If you’re looking to keep your ringlets defined and frizz-free, look no further than this curl cream. Its oil blend (including coconut and babassu oil) promises to shape, soften and define your hair. It also contains chia and linseed oil to tame frizz and pesky flyaways, while protecting your mane from humidity. Plus, the subtle floral scent (with notes of bergamot, violet and rose) is a great addition to styling day.

“I have wavy/type 2C hair and have been looking for a curl cream or some sort of product that would help me get this situation under control and THIS is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I had read that this was an amazing product that somehow magically worked for all curl types but was pretty skeptical when I put some on my hands. It felt super thick and lotion-y but I gave it a shot and am so pleased with the results. My hair looks amazing! It didn’t leave a greasy look, just well-defined curls/waves that aren’t crunchy. It holds the look well all day too! I do plop my hair for about 30 mins and I think that really brings out the best in this product,” adds one reviewer.

If you have 3A to 4C hair, this styling gel is right up your alley. The honey and ginger formula conditions and strengthens dry, brittle hair. Meanwhile, the aloe and babassu oil nourishes and defines your curls for the day. Oh, and if a flakey, crunchy finish is of concern, one commenter put those worries to rest: “What I really liked about this gel is that it gives you a nice hold but it's not a crunchy type of feeling. [It] definitely helps with giving you curl definition and keeps your hair smelling good and moisturized.”

This mousse helps to keep frizz at bay and provides the strong hold you’re looking for. The silicone-free formula delivers a more defined, frizz-free look—minus the crunchy finish. Give the can a good shake and dispense a quarter-sized amount to your palms before applying it to the roots and working the rest evenly throughout your curls. For one customer, it dismantled her skepticism about mousse: “It's hard to find drug store mousse that doesn't leave your hair sticky or that actually adds shine and definition. This product has hit all the marks for me and I will def buy it again. This, in combo with the curl-defining cream, is a game changer for my hair!”

Looking for a daily hair oil that won’t weigh down your locks? See: This Bread Beauty find. The oil increases shine and softness for a bouncier curl pattern. The kakadu plum oil (which has loads of vitamin C in it) works to maintain the health of your scalp and curls. Plus, fatty acids like safflower oil, add a smoother, glossier finish without feeling greasy or heavy on your ‘do. Here’s a helpful tip from a commenter: “It’s pretty good! I have fine, thin hair and a couple of drops don’t weigh down my hair. Not a huge fan of the smell, but I use it anyways to protect my ends. If you think this is too oily, try putting it in at night and when you wake up it will be absorbed.”

This styling butter is jam-packed with hydrating benefits to help dry, brittle strands. It’s rich in flaxseed, avocado oil, castor oil and shea butter to prevent split ends, improve dryness and reduce thinning. Whether you’re sporting your curls or rocking a protective style, over 19,000 five-star reviews can attest to its results. “I’ve tried many many products for 4A hair and nothing has worked until this. It has kept my hair extremely soft the whole day and mostly moisturized with limited drying out (all other different products I’ve tried have dried the hair out within an hour). This product has produced the best results so far after a couple years of trying different products. The scent is a little strong, but it smells good,” shares one customer. 

Need a curl refresh? This moisturizing spray revives limp curls (because we all know what our hair looks like after the third day). Its hydrating formula, featuring argan oil and green tea, prevents dryness, fights frizz and softens strands. The mix also includes alternsis botanical complex, which works to minimize irritation and reduce hair loss. The brand recommends using the spray daily for up to a month to see the best results. 

Many reviewers pointed out that it’s great on protective styles, but also great for a daily boost: “This is the most effective refresher spray I've ever used. These sprays normally re-wet my hair, but don't actually redefine curls or effectively moisturize. This one legit does everything it says it does. I even notice that my scalp is less itchy/troublesome when I use it consistently. I also LOVE the spray trigger. Traditional spray bottles are hard to use because my hand/finger gets tired of pressing the button. This one is effortless and works perfectly.”

It’s time to lay down your baby hairs minus the flakes and dry finish. The key ingredient—argan oil—adds moisture and smooths down any flyaways. Plus, this edge control makes styling and sculpting your look easier, while keeping a strong hold for the rest of the day. For one reviewer, they’ve finally perfected their curly edges, “I have very thick hair. No matter what style I wear my edges seem to curl back up. I tried about six months ago and I am hooked. I will say it works best if you are doing a wash n’ go or maybe wearing braids. Not sticky or greasy. Great buy.” 

This heat protectant can help prevent any damage to your curls. Whether you’re using a flat iron or a diffuser, the lightweight blend assures your hair is protected for up to 450 degrees. It's rich in rose water extract, which aims to reduce frizz, promote shine and improve softness. One reviewer praises the product for boosting shine and never leaving her hair greasy or sticky: “[It’s a] wonderful heat protection without the sticky residue and stiff hair. [It has a] light citrus fragrance that doesn't linger. My hair feels soft, silky and [overall] has a natural shine that looks incredibly healthy! I didn't need to add any serums or oils after straightening my hair because of the amazing shine.”

This hair serum promises to check off all your boxes. The blue tansy flower oil delivers on nourishing strands and encouraging healthy hair growth. The formula is also loaded with argan oil to moisturize and protect your curls while preventing any future breakage. And there’s a hint of grapeseed oil to reduce any frizz and moisture loss. When describing the product, one commenter couldn’t stop raving about its lightweight blend: “The Blue Tansy Treatment Serum is a very light hair oil. I loved that it wasn’t too heavy. It left my curls bouncy and shiny. I was able to air dry my hair without frizz. It smells amazing too. The scent isn’t too strong and lasted a while. I highly recommend this treatment serum.”

Hear us out: This hair dryer is worth the investment. Thanks to the air multiplier technology, the heat tool delivers an even heat distribution and cuts your drying time in half. It comes with five attachments (including a diffuser) to minimize frizz, maintain moisture and protect curls against heat damage. 

One parent found it super helpful for their daughter’s coily hair: “My daughter has super long, thick, kinky (4a/4b) hair. It’s a nightmare to wash, condition and detangle. Stretching it with a blow dryer makes it easier to style and maintain between washes, but the process is normally so long and tedious. The Supersonic made it so much easier. It still wasn’t a quick process, but it probably cut drying time in half. The wide-tooth comb attachment is amazing! It never broke or came detached, as I’ve experienced with cheaper models. The design is ergonomic and I was able to use it in a very comfortable position. My arms were not tired like they usually are after drying her hair. I am so glad I finally made the investment. I recommend this to anyone with kinky, tangly hair.”

No one likes detangling their hair in the shower, but this brush makes it a tad easier to manage unruly ringlets. It’s designed to detangle seamlessly without any painful tugging and pulling. The flexible brush shape allows you to glide through each section and reduce any breakage in the process. It also has a non-slip rubber handle, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping out of your hands—even when you’re dealing with a super stubborn knot. “I have very curly hair and on days when I don't give it too much care, it gets very, very tangled. I always have this brush in the shower so I can detangle my hair. It doesn't hurt at all and it detangles faster than any other brush I have. Definitely worth it!” adds one reviewer.

Us curly gals can’t wrap our manes up with just any ol’ hair tie. This silk scrunchie allows us to wrap our hair without it breaking or tangling our pattern. It comes in two sizes for thick or finer textures and the 100 percent mulberry silk fabric makes it great for minimizing frizz. One reviewer found it to be the solution to her hair woes: “For me these silk Hello Updo scrunchies have changed my life in such a way that now I’m able to wear my hair up and not worry about breakage. I work at a restaurant, so I have to have my hair out of the way all day. These scrunchies don't give me headaches and don't pull at my hair. Hello Updo is what I needed and it’s here to stay.”