Curly haired readers rejoice, these are the best hair products on the market now
From S-shaped waves to spiralled coils, there is a broad spectrum of shapes, textures and styles to consider when it comes to curly hair, and no matter where you fall on the hair type chart, your natural pattern deserves to be celebrated. 'Some of the biggest misconceptions that I hear about curly, coily, and kinky hair relate to how it performs versus straight or wavy hair', says celebrity Hairstylist and curls expert Vernon François. 'Myths like, the more intense your curls are, the harder they are to manage, that kinks and curls are harder to style, that at-home upkeep is more intensive and that the range of hairstyles on offer is limited. But in fact, the the reverse is true.' If you feel as though you're constantly contending tangles and knots, it's time to change your haircare routine - from shampooing to conditioning, and treatments to styling, we've compiled a rundown of the best products on the market, suitable for every curly hair requirement going. Dry, damaged hair? We've got you covered. Oily scalps? No sweat. Hair feeling lacklustre and loosing its shiny definition? There's a serum for that. So for professional recommendations, team Grazia favourites, and the high street's bestsellers, keep scrolling. Finding the best products for your hair type all begins with knowing your curl pattern. Use the link below to decipher yours: READ MORE: Know Your Curl Type: The Ultimate Guide to Curl Patterns Just like any other hair type, curly hair needs to be thoroughly washed to get rid of the grime that can build up on the scalp. However, choose your products wisely. Over-washing and the wrong shampoo can dry out porous hair, and thirsty curls love hydration, it's what helps them hold their shape. Look out for shampoos that have essential and natural oils in the ingredients list.The Best Shampoos For Curly Hair
READ MORE: How To Figure Out Your Hair's Porosity, And Treat It Accordingly
Best Shampoos For Curly Hair
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Amika, Normcore Signature Shampoo, £14
Best For: Curly Hair Shampoo On The High Street**Types: All Hair Types** Infused with coconut acid to gently break down grease and impurities and omega 7-rich sea buckthorn for elasticity, this delightfully scented shampoo is perfect for colour-treated, Brazilian-treated and keratin-treated hair.
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo for Curly Hair, £7.33
Best For: Thick, Curly Hair Types: 3 and 4 Curls A gentle, sulfate free shampoo, formulated with nourishing Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and silk protein for bouncier, happier curls. looking. Expect a rich lather from this moisturising shampoo, inspired by an original handcrafted African recipe.
Bouclème Hydrating Hair Cleanser, £15
Best For: Fine Hair Types: All Hair Types Bouclème are curl specialists, so you can trust their hydrating wash to nourish and strengthen without stripping back the hair shaft, making it a great choice for fine hair. Fortified with Coconut, Mongongo and Camellia Oils, this isn't a typical lathering shampoo, but more of a cleansing rinse.
Curlsmith Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash, £21
Best For: A Quick Wash and Go Types: 3 and 4 Curls If you don't have time for a 3 step wash day routine, this shampoo-meets-conditioner is a 2 in 1, saving you time in the shower. As it conditions the hair while washing, hair is softened, moisturised and easier to detangle. Plus, it's gentle enough for everyday use.
Vernon Francois, Premium Shampoo For Curly Hair, £62
Best For: Luxury Curly Hair Shampoo**Types: 3 and 4 Curls** Already a hit in the US, Vernon's range is behind some of the A-lists most famous curls, from Lupita Ny'ongo to Angela Basset. His Sulphate free shampoo is formulated with Shea butter to increase softness, olive oil for glossiness, and natural antioxidant - tea tree oil, unclogs follicles.
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Imbue. Curl Liberating Sulphate Free Shampoo, £8.99
Best For: Taming Frizz Types: 3 and 4 Curls Formulated with Coconut and Cupuaçu to gently cleanse curly hair, Imbue's formulas are also scalp friendly to cleanse without irritating your sensitive skin.
Christophe Robin, Luscious Curl Conditioning Cleanser, £33
Best For: Greasy Hair Types: 2 and 3 Waves and Curls A feather-light, foaming cleanser that imparts moisture without overloading on weighty oils. Massage into roots for a squeaky clean, naturally boosted shine with shea butter and chia seed extracts.
Bread, Hair Wash Gentle Milky Hair Cleanse, £18
Best For: Sensitive Skin Types: 3 and 4 Curls and CoilsA nourishing blend of botanical oils and plant extracts infused with argan oil to moisturise and soften often brittle textured hair. Mineral-rich aloe vera juice cools, and balances the scalp and reduces inflammation, so if you experience, dry, sensitive scalps. this is the delicate wash for you.
Noughty, To The Rescue Moisture Boost Shampoo, £6.99
Best For: Banishing Split Ends Types: all Hair Types Totally free from parabens, silicones, sulphates and petrochemicals, you can trust Noughty to get right to the good stuff for your hair. This rescuing shampoo contains almond oil, wheat amino acids, sunflower seed extract and vitamin E to repair damaged hair with an intensely moisturising finish.
Gisou, Honey Infused Hair Wash,
Best For: Strength and Shine Types: 2 Waves If you've already treated your hair to the Gisou oil, add the shampoo to your routine for a regime of honey infused goodness. This gentle and hydrating wash rinses away sebum, pollution and dirt for a fresh and floral scented finish with impressive shine.
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Amika, Normcore Signature Shampoo, £14
Best For: Curly Hair Shampoo On The High Street**Types: All Hair Types** Infused with coconut acid to gently break down grease and impurities and omega 7-rich sea buckthorn for elasticity, this delightfully scented shampoo is perfect for colour-treated, Brazilian-treated and keratin-treated hair.
shopCurly hair can easily lose shape and definition without a good conditioner, and the key to bouncy, defined curls with minimal static is detangling gently. Hydrate hair by following up your wash with a hardworking conditioner, and while the hair is still damp, comb through with a wide toothed comb to tease out knots, and gently scrunch back to encourage shape. Particularly dry or type 4 afro hair can also benefit from a leave in conditioner, massaged in and left and to naturally dry.The Best Conditioners For Curly Hair
Best Conditioners For Curly Hair
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Briogeo, Curl Charisma Rice Amino and Shea Curl Defining Conditioner, £54
Best For: Curl Definiton Types: 2 and 3 Waves and Curls An ultra-hydrating conditioner to define and de-frizz with moisturising shea butter and sweet almond oils without weighing down hair.
Ouidad Curl Immersion No-Lather Coconut Cream Cleansing Conditioner, £36
Best For: Stronger Strands Types: Type 4 Kinky Curls Designed with the spiral structure of curly hair in mind, the Coconut Cream Cleansing Conditioner supports fragile hair that feels dry after damage. Coconut Oil helps protect hair from further breakage and promotes healthy growth, while Rosemary and Sage Oils refresh and cleanse.
Living Proof, No Frizz Leave In Conditioner, £22
Best For: Fighting Frizz**Types: Type 2, 3 and 4 Waves and Curls** This cream formula imparts an extra boost of moisture for frizz-prone hair types. Powered by the brand's patented 'Healthy Hair Molecule', it is designed to actively block humidity more effectively than oils, creating the perfect barrier against environmental grime and pollutants too.
ORIBE Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler, £35
Best For: Luxury Curly Hair Conditioner**Types: All Hair Types**The ultimate, luxurious solution to detangling. this lightweight lotion is infused with a hydrating blend of Murumuru, Mango and Cocoa Seed Butters to loosen knots, and Olive, Avocado and Jojoba Seed Oils to lock moisture all day.
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Trepadora, Babassu Quench Leave-In Curl Primer, £27
Best For: Boosting Shine Types: 3 and 4 Curls 'Expect nothing less than supreme shine, definition and scent from Trepadora's range of curl products, and one of my personal favourites is the Babassu Quench primer. Use on damp hair for perfect, bouncy curls, that smell incredible.' Remy Farrell, Fashion and Beauty Assistant.
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Condition, £8.99
Best For: Curly Hair Conditioner On The High Street**Types: Type 4 Kinky Curls** Although it has been used for decades, the properties of Jamaican Black Castor Oil are now being widely discussed. SheaMoisture's leave in conditioner uses the oil to repair coloured, permed, straightened and heat damaged hair by moisturising and supporting elasticity, while Peppermint Oil leaves the scalp feeling tingly clean.
Dizziak, Deep Conditioner, £22
Best For: Locking in Moisture Types: Types 3 and 4 Kinky Curls Dizziak's ingredients list reads like a hit list of curly hair saviours. Quinoa Protein to penetrate and strengthen the hairs shaft, Babassu oil to promote elasticity and stimulate follicle growth, Coconut and Argan oil to seal in moisture, Aloe Vera to cleanse, and Shea butter to soften. There's a reason this cult favourite comes highly recommended.
Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Conditioner, £19.95
Best For: Colour Treated Hair Types: All Hair Types Argan and Abyssinian oils make this curl-enhancing conditioner one to add to your list. Vegetable proteins strengthen and protects for glossy results., so expect weightless curls with ultimate bounce and minimal frizz.
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Mielle Organics, Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner, £12.96
Best For: Reversing Damage**Types: 4 Afro and Textured Curls** This heavy duty, deep conditioner is a rich, creamy, lotion for hair that needs a little TLC. Enriched with fatty acids and natural oils. hair is fed with the nourishment it needs to reduce frizz, breakage and fly-aways.
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Briogeo, Curl Charisma Rice Amino and Shea Curl Defining Conditioner, £54
Best For: Curl Definiton Types: 2 and 3 Waves and Curls An ultra-hydrating conditioner to define and de-frizz with moisturising shea butter and sweet almond oils without weighing down hair.
shopOnce washed, conditioned and refreshed, keep curls glossy and defined with nourishing masks, cremes, serums and gels, that will hold your shape throughout the day. Don't forget to add a layer of heat defence before using styling tools too, as direct application of heat can weaken the hair shaft. Heat caps and steamers used used sparingly, though, are a great way to open the cuticles of your hair and help products better permeate, resulting in happier, healthier curls.The Best Styling Products And Treatments For Curly Hair
Best Treatments and Styling Products For Curly Hair
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Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector, £26
Best For: Damaged and Dry Curls Types: 2 Waves, and 3/ 4 Curls Olapex is known for its salon quality strength, and this weekly at-home treatment softens the texture of particularly dry and damaged hair by rebuilding bonds. into your wash routine for shiny, smooth results.
Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Banana 3-in-1 Dry Hair Mask Treatment, £6.99
Best For: Curly Hair Treatment On The High Street**Types: All Hair Types**This deep conditioning treatment can be used in 3 ways: as a conditioner, a rinse-out hair mask or leave-in conditioner, as the buttery, vegan formula melts into hair to moisturise with banana and shea butter.
Davines, Love Curl HAir Mask, £23
Best For: Dry Hair Types: 2 and 3 Waves and Curls Noto almond extract is the hair-strengthening protein behind this creamy formula. Also packed full of moisturising fats and zingy green citrus, this mask effortlessly detangles and hydrates without leaving heavy residue.
Pacifica Pineapple Curls Refresher Mist, £17
Best For: Lacklustre Hair Types: 3 and 4 Curls, Coils and Kinky Hair Revive curls with a spritz of this refreshing mist. Beat frizz, hydrate hair, and improve definition with this vegan and cruelty-free spray, with added linseed and B5 for stronger strands.
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Afrocenchix, Seal Natural Hair Oil, £17
Best For: Strength and Shine Types: 4 Afro Hair Fight breakage with this Castor, Coconut and Jojoba Oil blend that emulates the natural sebum produced by the scalp to keep afro hair healthy and hydrated.
ghd, Curly Ever After Hold Spray, £18.95
Best For: All Day Hold Types: 2 and 3 Waves and Curls You might think of straighteners when it comes to ghd, but for supreme hold when styling, this lightweight spray is a defence against heat damage and keeps frizz at bay. Spritz onto damp hair before drying with a diffuser for bouncy curls.
Aveda, Be Curly Enhancer, £23
Best For: Plant Based, Vegan Formulas Types: All Hair Types Apply to towel-dried hair and finish drying with a diffuser for enhanced hold without the crunchy texture that comes with a lot of gels. The clever wheat protein formula expands when hair is wet, then retracts when hair is dried to lock in curl pattern.
Cantu Moisturising Curl Activator Cream, £7.99
Best For: Achieving Smooth and Soft Hair Types: 3 and 4 Curls A rich, smooth cream to enhance the natural curl pattern and create volume (without frizz). The shea butter formula leaves hair feeling impossibly soft without being greasy.
OUAI, Fragrance Free Curl Creme, £25
Best For: Styling On the Go Types: 2 and 3 Waves and Curls Heralded as the it-product behind the effortlessly tousled, 'french girl' style, this finishing cream is perfect for defining curls and protecting them against humidity. First applying like a cream, it melts into an oil - a frizz-smoothing blend of chia and linseed oils that will layer perfectly with your other hair products.
Charlotte Mensah, Manketti Oil Pomade, £36.40
Best For: Softening, Styling and Setting Types: 4 Afro Curls Charlotte Mensah's now legendary Manketti Oil comes in a liquid bottle, or the brands balmy pomade. Use as the finishing product to give curls shine and softness, but also to quench thirsty scalps and tidy edges.
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Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector, £26
Best For: Damaged and Dry Curls Types: 2 Waves, and 3/ 4 Curls Olapex is known for its salon quality strength, and this weekly at-home treatment softens the texture of particularly dry and damaged hair by rebuilding bonds. into your wash routine for shiny, smooth results.
shopREAD MORE: The Best Mousse For Curly Hair: Celebrity Stylist-Approved Products READ MORE: The Gospel Of Hair According To Tracee Ellis Ross
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FAQs
What are the 4 types of curls? ›
A simple breakdown: Type 1s are straight, Type 2s are wavy, Type 3s are curly, and Type 4s are coily.
What are the 3 types of curls? ›The curl type system focuses on 3 types - wavy, curly and coily, which are then broken down in 3 further sub types that are determined by the shape and diameter of your curl.
How can I bring out my natural curls? ›- Wash Hair With a Sulfate-free Shampoo.
- Use Curl-Defining Conditioner.
- Apply Leave-in Conditioner.
- Comb Hair With Fingers.
- Scrunch it Up.
- Allow Hair to Air-dry.
- Use a Diffuser.
- Don't Touch!
Use a Texturizing Spray
A texturizing spray is a lighter version of hairspray. Therefore, it will keep your curls in place without weighing them down and causing them to lose their bounce. It also works like dry shampoo by eliminating oils from your hair and adding volume.
Type 1A hair is very straight and fine, with no hint of wave or curl. As it is so straight and fine, when the natural oils travel to the ends, it tends to cause it to look like oily hair. It is the rarest hair type and is common among women of Asian descent.
What is the rarest type of curls? ›1A is the rarest hair type. It is usually found on people of Asian descent. 1B hair, on the other hand, is the most common hair type.
What do Type 3 curls look like? ›Type 3: Curly Hair
This category encompasses hair that curls into springs and corkscrew shapes. When hair is wet, curls usually look like waves but take on a three-dimensional swirl shape as they dry.
Mineral Oils, Waxes & Parabens
Mineral oil or Petrolatum will weigh down your curls and it is strongly recommended you avoid using products with it.
- Parabens. Parabens are used in a lot of hair products to prevent and stop the growth of bacteria in your hair. ...
- Triethanolamine. Triethanolamine is commonly referred to as TEA; it is incorporated in hair products to adjust their pH value. ...
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. ...
- Formaldehyde.
4D hair is extremely coarse and has a very tight curl pattern and cotton texture that may take on the shape of a Z (also referred to as a Z pattern), tight coils, or a combination of both. It tends to be very dry, and as such, this hair type requires a regimen that prioritizes deep moisture.
What does type 2C hair look like? ›
2C type hair is extremely wavy but not coily. The S-shape bends in the hair start off at the roots. These waves are defined and thick. The bends are looser and wider than the tighter structure of curly hair.
Do I have 2C or 3A? ›The most apparent difference between types 2C and 3A hair is their appearance. 2C hair is wavy, while type 3A hair is curly. If you look closely at 2C curls, you'll see that they have more of an s-shape than a spiral (which 3A curls have). In addition to that, type 2C curls may not start at the root.
How do I activate my curly hair gene? ›Can you activate the curly hair gene? People who have a curly-haired parent assume that they can activate this gene. If by puberty your hair doesn't turn curly then you can't activate a curly hair gene.
Why has my hair lost its curl? ›Hormonal changes like pregnancy, puberty or menopause can cause your curl pattern to change drastically. The shape of your hair follicles defines your curl pattern and texture, so when your body goes through a major hormonal overhaul, it can also change the shape of your follicles, thus changing your curl pattern.
What holds curly hair in place? ›Apply curl cream.
If you don't have curl cream, use a small amount of mousse, gel, or setting lotion instead. This will help your hair hold curl. Avoid using too much product, since it can weigh your hair down and cause curls to fall out.
- You can skip the conditioner once in a while to keep those curls intact.
- Use a curl cream on your hair to define the curls. ...
- Use sponge rollers or hairpins to roll up your hair.
- Hair sprays and hair gels can also keep the curly hairstyles in place.
A general observation across experiments was that straight hair was perceived as younger, healthier, and more attractive than wavy hair and darker shades (medium copper and brown) were perceived more positively than blonde hair.
What is the toughest hair type? ›Thick (Coarse)
Thick or coarse hair texture is the strongest hair texture and typically feels coarse or thick to the touch. Coarse hair contains all three hair layers – the cortex, cuticle and medulla.
Yes, only 11% of the population have curly hair.
How rare is Caucasian curly hair? ›With Caucasians, research shows that “45 percent of European people have straight hair, 40 per cent have wavy hair and 15 per cent have curly hair.” Curly hair is not exclusive to one race and it does not mean you have to be mixed raced to have curly hair. It's actually not rare for Caucasians to have curly hair.
Can two curly haired parents have a straight haired child? ›
If both of your parents were born with curly hair, chances are that you'll be born with curly hair, too. But there are cases where two curly haired parents can produce a child with straight or wavy hair. Curly hair is considered a “dominant” gene trait.
What is the rarest hair color? ›Red is the rarest hair color, according to Dr. Kaplan, and that's because so few MC1R variants are associated with the shade. “Only three variants are associated with red hair,” she says. “If a person has two of these three variants, they almost certainly have red hair.
What does type 4 hair look like? ›At a glance, type 4 hair appears as a mass of tight coils brimming with vitality. This hair type comes with a spongy hair texture that can feel soft and fine or rough and coarse, depending on individual hair thickness.
What is 5C hair type? ›What Is 5C Hair Type? 5C hair refers to hair that has been relaxed or chemically straightened to remove or loosen the curl pattern. 5C hair is initially very dense, with thick and tight curls, coils, or kinks.
How many products do you need to style curly hair? ›There are a few one-and-done styling products, but for most people using two styling products gives the best and most consistent results.
How many times a week should you wash curly hair? ›It depends on your curl type. Loose and classic curls can lather up two to four times a week. Coily curl types can co-wash weekly, and deep cleanse with shampoo once a month. Tight curls fall somewhere in between - shampoo or co-wash every few days to a week.
Should curly hair wet hair everyday? ›Curly hair strands are prone to dryness and can almost always benefit from more water. Whether you're wearing your hair in a wash and go, high puff, deva cut, Rezo cut, or even braids, wetting your hair every day can go a long way to retaining its moisture levels.
What can ruin curly hair? ›- Color Damage.
- Over-Washing.
- Mechanical Damage.
- Using the Wrong Hair Products.
- Heat Damage.
- Shampoo.
- Conditioner.
- All-In-One.
"Too much heat or chemicals such as color or relaxer can damage your natural curl pattern," she says. "We call that too much physical damage. Your curl pattern can also change due to any medication you are on, so talk to your doctor or dermatologist to see if that is a factor."
Is coffee good for curly hair? ›The antioxidants of the coffee bean are nutrient-rich and can help prevent breakage and damage to the hair. Caffeine from coffee can also aide in promoting hair growth. As a spray and rinse, coffee provides clarifying and natural shine and softer, bouncier curls.
What triggers curly hair? ›
Curly hair is dominant, so someone is more likely to have curly or wavy hair if at least one of their parents does. Recent research points to trichohyalin, a protein in hair follicles, as having primary influence over hair curl. However, there are many genes contributing to hair curliness, most of them unknown.
What makes hair more curly? ›From foam rollers and rag rollers to braids, buns, and pin curling, there are plenty of no-heat methods for creating curls. To enhance curls and ensure the style lasts longer, gently work in a curl-defining gel, spray, or mousse before rolling or pinning small sections of your hair into coils, buns, rags, or rollers.
Does curly hair need special products? ›Textured curls and ringlets need long-lasting moisture and protection to minimize unwanted tangles. It's highly recommended that you invest in a lightweight leave-in conditioner like Function of Beauty's customizable leave-in treatment. It provides your hair with a hefty dose of long-lasting moisture.
What do professionals use to curl? ›- Dyson AirWrap Multi-Styler Complete. “This is the ultra-luxe curling iron,” Foster said. ...
- Hot Tools 24k Gold Curling Iron. ...
- Conair Infinito Pro Curl Secret. ...
- Harry Josh Pro Tools 3-in-1 Ceramic Curling Iron. ...
- Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium 1.25-inch Spring Curling Iron. ...
- Tymo Steam Curling Iron Wand. ...
- T3 Twirl Trio.
3 (A, B, C) Curls: Type 3 curls are amongst the most common curl types. This curl type is the happy medium between type 2 and type 4 curls. It is flexible but thick- meaning it can be a hit or miss when using different products to style this hair type.
Why won t curls stay in my hair? ›“If there is still moisture in the hair when you use a curling iron, it will not curl as well, and the curls will eventually drop out,” says Huffnagle. To make sure your hair is fully dry before you curl it, blast it with cool air from your blow-dryer, then run your fingers through.
How can I make my curl pattern curlier? ›- 1 Use a curl-enhancing product after showering.
- 2 Scrunch products into your hair.
- 3 Define your curls with a Denman brush.
- 4 Try finger coiling to encourage curls.
- 5 Plop your hair as it dries.
- 6 Use a lightweight conditioner.
- 7 Try a hair mask once a week.
- 1Ditch the shampoo. You may like the squeaky-clean feeling that traditional shampoos give your hair but the chemical laden formulas will only weigh down your curls and promote frizz. ...
- 2 Co-Wash. ...
- 3 Condition. ...
- 4 Plop. ...
- 5 Style. ...
- 6 Refresh.