You probably already have a favorite shampoo and conditioner. And you’ve definitely tried your fair share of hair masks. But when it comes to styling products for natural hair, testing your way through all the endless options can be, well, exhausting. You start asking yourself, “Does my hair work better with a cream or gel? What about a defining mousse or spray?” And don’t get us started on edge control. Luckily, we broke down all the products you’ll need to step out looking like a million bucks.
22 Best Styling Products for Natural Hair
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Published Mar 1, 2022
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Leave-in Conditioner
Amazon
1. Sheamoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-in Conditioner
With over 13,000+ five-star reviews, this leave-in conditioner is a must-have in your styling collection. Its formula nourishes, repairs and strengthens strands. Whether you have dry, damaged or dull hair, users can’t stop comparing the before and after results.
Amazon
2. Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-in Conditioner
This leave-in spray is labeled a “miracle” for a reason. The key ingredient—coconut oil—assures the product doesn’t weigh down your hair but leaves locks frizz-free and moisturized instead. The lightweight formula also acts as a heat protectant and detangler spray too, so you can minimize your routine.
Ulta
3. Pattern Leave-in Conditioner
After washing your hair, this leave-in conditioner seals moisture, detangles sections and defines curls. With ingredients like castor oil, coconut oil and tea tree oil, rest assured your hair is in good hands. Plus, a welcoming scent (i.e. jasmine, bergamot and sweet sandalwood) is a great addition.
Amazon
4. Mielle Organics Pomegrante & Honey Leave-in Conditioner
Calling all type 4 gals. This Mielle pick improves shine, boosts hydration and reduces frizz. The babassu oil, pomegranate extract and honey blend protect coils while fighting off dryness and breakage.
Target
5. Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave-in Conditioner
For all the L.O.C method fans, this leave-in is essential to the routine. The moisturizing mix (silk amino acids and aloe vera) nourishes, strengthens and conditions locks. But it’s the key ingredient—lemongrass oil—that promotes shine, volume and growth. Just a few spritzes directly from roots to ends are all you need for healthy hair.
Ulta
6. Sheamoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
This smoothie works wonders on curls and smells divine. The blend of butters (mango seed and shea butter) and oils (coconut oil and avocado oil) defines curls, minimizes frizz and restores moisture. With over 3,000+ five-star reviews, users continue to comment on its lightweight formula and distinct scent over and over again.
Amazon
7. Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter
If you’re looking for moisture and definition, check out this twisting butter. It’s formulated with almond extract, honey and aloe vera to nourish, condition and transform natural hair. It’s also designed to promote hair growth, soften curls and smooth frizz.
Amazon
8. Carol’s Daughter Coco Crème Coil Enhancing Moisture Butter
Do you have super dry coils? Well, this curl butter wants to be the solution to your hair woes. The butter blend features shea butter, mango butter and murumuru butter for maximum moisture. The styling cream promises long-lasting definition, shine and softness to dry hair.
Amazon
9. Cantu Coconut Curling Cream
Can we talk about this ingredients list? From shea butter and coconut oil to jojoba oil and mango seed butter, this curling cream is no joke. Just apply on damp hair (or at times when your curls need a moisture boost) and watch it condition and soften locks.
Ulta
10. Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Souffle
With 700 five-star ratings on Ulta alone, you know the styling souffle has to be a winner. Thanks to non-greasy oils (i.e. babassu, flaxseed and avocado oil), the combo creates bouncy and soft waves. However, be prepared for a slight crunch with the first application. Thankfully, it’s temporary to enhance overall definition and shine.
Ulta
11. Pattern Curl Gel
When it comes to gel, we dream of a strong hold minus the crunch. The curl gel defines your hair pattern and still leaves room for bounce and flexibility. It stands apart from your typical gel picks based on the creamy formula (aloe vera, coconut oil and cacay oil). As a result, you can expect a product that glides onto hair effortlessly.
Target
12. Kinky Curly Curling Custard Natural Styling Gel
Say goodbye to dullness and frizz. This curling custard keeps a strong hold without the grease, crunch or dryness. Thanks to the mixture (filled with agave nectar), it defines your ringlets without sacrificing length.
Target
13. Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulator
Whether you’re doing twist-outs, a wash-and-go or starter locs, let this curl stimulator guide you. The aloe vera juice, vitamin E and agave nectar extract combo enhances any look, and the sulfate-free gel tames frizz, adds moisture and improves shine.
Sephora
14. Bread Hair Oil Everday Gloss
Do you have dryness, frizz and/or breakage? This daily oil softens and smooths your natural hair. Its ingredients—Kakadu plum oil and safflower oil—ensures sections aren’t greasy, but instead silky and glossy for the rest of the day. Plus, you can apply wet or dry depending on your hair concerns.
Target
15. Bomba Curls Dominican Forbidden Volumizer Oil
This multipurpose oil can be a great staple to your hair routine. The lightweight formula (soybean oil, castor oil, black cumin seed oil and coffee seed oil) moisturizes the hair and scalp, smooths sections and promotes healthy hair growth. It’s also great for all hair types including color-treated ‘dos.
Sally Beauty
16. Flawless By Gabrielle Union Restoring Exotic Oil Treatment
With “restoring” in the name, the hair oil sticks to its goal. Infused with jojoba oil, Indian neem oil and castor oil, this gentle mix seals moisture in, protects against heat damage and reduces frizz. So, enjoy using it as a daily moisturizer, a hot oil treatment or a heat protectant at any time.
Target
17. Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Oil
If dryness is your middle name, this rejuvenating oil allows you to say goodbye to it once and for all. A few drops to the scalp can nourish hair follicles and reduce irritation. And use it as a hot oil treatment to smooth split ends and support length retention.
Ulta
18. Kreyòl Essence Haitain Black Castor Oil
When it comes to castor oil, we natural gals can rely on its bountiful benefits. This 100 percent black castor oil is a prime example. The $18 pick is loaded with fatty acids and vitamin E to promote hair growth, eliminate dry hair and improve shine. It can also be used on the body to soothe muscle aches and fade stretch marks.
Target
19. Eco Styler Professional Styling Gel
If you think gel means dry, hard-as-a-rock hair, then this soft olive oil-infused product will totally blow your mind. Olive oil helps your scalp naturally regulate its own oil levels, so it retains moisture while your baby hairs are held securely in place with lots of shine.
Target
20. Mielle Organics Edge Gel
Don’t even bother with any other edge gel. This one is formulated with organic honey and ginger for flexible hold without any white residue. Whether you use it on curly or straight hair, it won’t flake, feel tacky or look greasy.
Amazon
21. Taliah Waajid Hairline Help 2-in-1 Edge Growth
It’s time to give your edges attention. Infused with castor oil, grapeseed oil and biotin, this edge control is designed to revive your hairline and prevent hair loss in the area. While you’re rocking your protective style, sleek down your edges to promote hair growth and repair any damage.
Sally Beauty
22. Kaleidoscope Miracle Edges
This edge-controlling pomade promises a long-lasting hold—regardless of hair texture and type. It’s core ingredients (like castor oil, jojoba oil and sunflower oil) keep baby hairs moisturized and smoothed. Mix in other soothing components—tea tree and peppermint oil–to help prevent flakes, breaks and dryness.
