16 Best Curly Hair Products of 2023, Tested and Reviewed on Actual Curls
No, seriously—we legitimately tried all of these.
I have fine, thin curly hair that’s prone to frizzing up, poofing out, getting greasy, and falling straight. Which means I’ve spent a literal lifetime (and my entire career) testing and reviewing the best curly hair products—and, consequently, the worst—because as anyone with curly hair knows, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all curl product. What works for my thin 2c/3a curls isn’t going to work for my friend/colleague’s 4b/4c curls (hi, beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson). So how TF are you expected to figure out the best curl products for your curl type? Uh, you aren’t—because we did it for you.
Every single curl product on this list has been tested to work extraordinarily well on curly hair (from types 2c to 4c), with absolutely stellar reviews, and include everything from the best curl shampoos to the best hair oils to the best curl creams, hair gels, and more. We also consulted two of the industry’s top curl experts, hairstylists Haiya Eliza and Sabrina Rowe Holdsworth, on the best types of products for curly hair and how to enhance and define your curls. But first, here’s a bb sneak peek:
✔️ P.S. This is new, up-to-date info! We updated this article in May 2023 to add new curly hair products we tested and reviewed, delete outdated oldies, and check in with new experts for tips on building the best curly hair routine for you.
Our top picks for curly hair products in 2023:
Now keep scrolling for the 16 curly hair products that I, my curly-haired editors, and our experts are obsessed with. Then I’ll get into all your top FAQs, like how to enhance your curl pattern, what to avoid in a curly hair product, and how to choose the best curly hair product for you.
John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-Up Crème
John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-Up Crème
Pros
- Most effective product I've ever found for smoothing frizzies
- Helps you re-define and re-clump your curls
Cons
- Filled with silicones that can build up over time (so requires monthly clarifying rinses)
Most days, I genuinely <3 my frizzies, but some days, I'd also like to decide when I frizz out, you know? That's where this cream comes in. Anyone who knows me knows that I’ve had at least two tubes of this smoothing cream at my desk and in my car since 2015, because it’s that freakin’ good for immediately laying down frizz and flyaways without making my thin curls greasy.
Just know that it’s filled with water-insoluble silicones—which is exactly why it’s so effective—so you’ll want to clarify once a month with a sulfate-based clarifying shampoo to strip away any silicone build-up. But for me, especially in the summer months, it’s so worth it when I want sleeker, smoother curls.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? No
- Moisture levels: Low-medium
- Key ingredients: Phenyl trimethicone (smoothing silicone); avocado oil (moisturizing)
- Hair type: Best for all hair types
THE REVIEWS: “I have very curly hair, and live in Florida,” one product tester writes. “Humidity and curly hair is a recipe for disaster! This product has been able to keep my hair styled AND protect it from humidity. I have used this product to style my hair both curly and straight, and it is truly a miracle.”
Seen Magic Serum
Seen Magic Serum
Pros
- Adds a bit of shine while smoothing and moisturizing
- Feels like actual water in your hand, so super easy to spread
Cons
- A little still goes a long way—using too much can make your hair look a little greasy
If your curls can’t handle heavy oils—or really any oils at all—then allow me to introduce you to my favorite oil alternative: this fragrance-free, silicone-free, three-ingredient serum. It uses a combo of lightweight moisturizers (squalane and fatty acids) in a silky solvent to smooth your curls and define your ends, without feeling as heavy as traditional hair oils (see: coconut and castor oils).
- Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
- Moisture levels: Medium
- Key ingredients: Squalane (oil-like emollient); ethylhexyl olivate (olive oil-derived fatty acids)
- Hair type: Best for all hair types
THE REVIEWS: “Absolutely LOVE this,” one tester writes. “I have fine hair and it does not make it greasy. You can add more or less based on what you need [and] it can be used on wet or dry hair. I love how healthy it has made my hair!”
Not Your Mother's Naturals Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Not Your Mother's Naturals Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Every time someone asks me what shampoo and conditioner to buy for their curly hair, I point them to Not Your Mother’s (i.e., a cult-favorite in Reddit’s r/curlyhair community). The majority of NYM’s Naturals line are Curly Girl Method-approved, meaning they’re free of silicones, sulfates, alcohols, and waxes, so even if you don’t follow CGM, you’re still getting a really high-quality formula for a drugstore price.
This moisturizing shampoo and conditioner set tends to be a good starting point for most curl types, but you can also try the brand’s lighter "dark-blue bottle" for super-fine waves/curls, or the richer “pink bottle” for thicker, drier curls and coils.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
- Moisture levels: Light-medium (but can depend on the formula you choose)
- Key shampoo ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, watermelon seed oil (moisturizers); sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl isethionate (sulfate-free cleansers)
- Hair type: Best for wavy, curly, and coily hair (depending on the formula you choose)
THE REVIEWS: “Best curIy hair shampoo I have used!” one tester notes. “I love the scent of this product and how soft and curly it leaves my natural curls feeling!!! I recommend it to everyone that I know that has curly hair!”
Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
Pros
- Doesn’t weigh down fine curls, testers say
Cons
- Dry hair will likely need to pair with another moisturizing cream
There’s a reason this cream has more than 16,000 glowing reviews on Amazon alone: This stuff works for the majority of waves and curls. While most creams tend to weigh down finer curl types, this lightweight formula has just a touch of argan oil that works to smooth flyaways and define waves and curls without ever feeling greasy, heavy, or sticky.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? No
- Moisture levels: Medium
- Key ingredients: Argan oil (moisturizes); hydrolyzed vegetable protein (strengthens)
- Hair type: Best for all hair and curl types
THE REVIEWS: “I can be lazy with my hairstyling, and this allows me to easily air-dry,” writes one tester. “It’s easy to apply and truly defines my curls. It hardened my hair a bit for the hold—which I don’t mind—but eventually softened. My curls haven’t looked better.”
LUS Brands Love Ur Curls All-in-One Styler for Curly Hair
LUS Brands Love Ur Curls All-in-One Styler for Curly Hair
Pros
- Moisturizes, defines, detangles, and smooths
- Testers love that it’s also available in a fragrance-free version
Cons
- As with all products, can weigh down fine curls if you use too much
Okay, Lus has been one of my favorite curly-hair brands for years. Their products are simple, pared down, free of all the blah stuff (like silicones, sulfates, mineral oils), and exactly what I would make if I could formulate my own products. My newest fav? This all-in-one styler that's basically a happy medium between a leave-in conditioner and a curl cream, using moringa oil and shea butter to lightly moisturize, define, and ~enhance~ your curls.
Plus, it's hella customizable for different curl types: Try the fragrance-free version (here) or the original version. Need a lighter or heavier formula? Go for the wavy-hair version or the "kinky-coily" version. Told you—so good.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
- Moisture levels: Customizable (depending on which version you buy)
- Key ingredients: Shea butter, moringa oil (moisturize); glycerin (hydrates)
- Hair type: Best for all curl and coil types, depending on the version you try
THE REVIEWS: “This is simply the best,” according to one reviewer. “Excellent hold, good weight and texture for finer hair, scent is mild, and the finished curl is defined but not crunchy.”
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel
Pros
- Strengthens your hair with amino acids and wheat proteins
Cons
- Hold was too soft for some testers
I hate it when I put gel in my hair and it ends up leaving my curls feeling gunked-up and lank, even after I scrunch them out. Thankfully, I stopped having to deal with that when I switched to this curly hair gel. It’s filled with wheat proteins and styling polymers that seal your curls in place (even against heat and humidity)—but without hair feeling stiff or getting flaky.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
- Moisture levels: Low
- Key ingredients: PEG-40 castor oil (moisturizes without building up); wheat amino acids, hydrolyzed wheat (strengthen); glycerin (hydrates)
- Hair type: Best for all wave and curl types
THE REVIEWS: “Can't function without it,” writes one reviewer. “This product is everything. I cannot style my hair without it. It makes my hair manageable, and I can get my Denman brush right through my curls to make them pop.”
Pantene Gold Series Deep Hydrating Co-Wash
Pantene Gold Series Deep Hydrating Co-Wash
Pros
- Lightly moisturizes with argan oil as it cleanses
Cons
- Pump is prone to breaking, says a few testers
The MVP in this formula? Argan oil, which adds a dose of moisture to coarse, dry curls and coils without weighing them down. On wash day, massage this co-wash/cleansing conditioner through your roots, working it in with your fingertips or a shampoo brush for at least 60 seconds before rinsing to really get your scalp clean.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
- Moisture levels: Medium
- Key ingredients: Argan oil (moisturizes); disodium EDTA (breaks down mineral buildup)
- Hair type: Best for dry and/or coarse curls (see: 3b to 4c hair)
THE REVIEWS: “This cowash is light enough to not weigh my hair down or feel greasy, but it’s moisturizing enough to leave my hair soft and shiny,” writes one tester. “I never use anything else.”
Curlsmith Moisture Memory Reactivator
Curlsmith Moisture Memory Reactivator
Pros
- Doesn't just re-wet your curls, but actually *moisturizes* them
Cons
- Filled with oils, so may be too heavy for fine hair
If your second- or third-day curls are usually relegated to a bun, twist, or braid because they’re so dry and undefined, may I introduce you to your new BFF? This refreshing spray is filled with water and six different oils oils (olive! coconut! avocado!) to rehydrate and re-clump curls, while adding a bit of definition and shine as soon as you spritz it on.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? No
- Moisture levels: Medium
- Key ingredients: Avocado oil, apricot oil, andiroba seed oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and sunflower seed oil (all moisturize and add shine)
- Hair type: Best for curly and coily hair (types 3a to 4c)
THE REVIEWS: According to one tester, “I spray my hair with water until it's damp, spray this on my hands, and smooth it over my hair. Then, I scrunch. It does a good job of springing my waves back up. I let it air-dry on those days, and it even leaves a cast to scrunch out. I like it for an undone, wavy look.”
Ouai Fragrance-Free Curl Creme
Pros
- Moisturizes curls with coconut and soybean oil
- Can work for legit all hair types, depending on how little you use
Cons
- Can make hair greasy if you apply too much
Ahem: I. LOVE. THIS. CURL. CREAM. Omg. Not only is it free of fragrance, silicones, and waxes, but it's also weirdly customizable depending on your curl type. Although it's filled with coconut oil, which would usually leave my fine hair greasy, a dime-size dollop squished through my sopping-wet hair leaves my 3a curls defined, smooth, and bouncy. Have tighter/coarser curls? Just layer it on with a heavy hand (think: Rake it through your coils before a gel or pudding) for a moisturized, defined base.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
- Moisture levels: Medium
- Key ingredients: coconut oil, babassu oil, soybean oil, linseed oil (moisturize); glycerin (hydrates); panthenol (smooths)
- Hair type: Best for all waves and curls that want a lightly moisturized base
THE REVIEWS: “This is a moisture treat for my hair,” writes one tester in a review. “I use it over the dry ends of my hair after I wash and condition my hair, and then mix a little into gel and smooth it all over for a beautiful hold. I love that it has no scent because I can always add my own smell…or not!”
Bread Beauty Hair Oil Everyday Gloss
Pros
- Filled with moisturizing and sealing oils
- Testers rave about the nostalgic, fruity scent
Cons
- Too heavy for fine hair or low-porosity hair
If your curls are in a perpetual state of dryness, please try this (silicone-free!) hair oil. It's filled with a mix of oils (like safflower, sweet almond, argan, and castor) to smooth and define your hair without feeling as heavy as classic coconut oil-based formulas. Massage it into your scalp as a pre-poo treatment, or smooth it over your wet and dry ends to lock in moisture and add shine.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
- Moisture levels: High
- Key ingredients: Safflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, castor oil, argan oil, soybean oil, and kakadu plum seed oil (to moisturize and add shine)
- Hair type: Best for super-dry, coarse, and/or tight curls
THE REVIEWS: “I absolutely love this hair gloss,” writes one tester in a review. “My hair looks super shiny and sleek with the perfect amount of slip for me. I also like the way this smells. I will definitely be repurchasing in the future.”
Adwoa Beauty Baomint Moisturizing Curl Defining Gel
Adwoa Beauty Baomint Moisturizing Curl Defining Gel
Pros
- Leaves your hair super moisturized
- Testers love that it didn't flake off after drying
Cons
- Not enough hold for some reviewers
Fact: Not all gels are created equal. Some can be super lightweight and a lil bit drying, while others (like this one!) can be surprisingly moisturizing—which is exactly what you want for type-4 hair. This creamy formula is filled with a mix of oils, like shea butter and sweet almond oil, to give your twist-outs or wash and gos the hold of a gel and the moisture of a leave-in.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
- Moisture levels: Medium
- Key ingredients: Shea butter, sweet almond oil, baobab oil, prickly pear oil, and pumpkin seed oil (to moisturize)
- Hair type: Best for coils (type-4 hair)
THE REVIEWS: One tester writes, “This curl-defininging gel works beautifully with my 3c hair. I love the nice light scent and non-sticky feel that it delivers. My curls are left bouncy and defined just like I like them, and they hold. It is far better than other curl-defining gels that I've tried.”
Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave–In Defining Cream
Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave–In Defining Cream
Pros
- Helps smooth down flyaways while defining curls
Cons
- Protein-heavy, so may contain too much protein for low-po hair
If your nightmare is crunchy, stiff curls, try this ultra-hydrating leave-in cream. It has avocado oil (to smooth and seal the hair cuticle to help keep out humidity) and rice amino acids (to add shine and retain moisture). Smooth it over your damp curls, from root to tip, for soft definition and hold.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
- Moisture levels: Medium
- Key ingredients: Avocado oil, soybean oil (moisturize); aloe (hydrates); hydrolyzed quinoa, wheat, and soy proteins (strengthen)
- Hair type: Best for waves, curls, and coils
THE REVIEWS: “I absolutely love this curl cream,” writes one tester. “It defines my curls without leaving them crunchy. It’s also super lightweight, so it doesn’t weigh them down either.”
The Doux Sucka Free Moisturizing Shampoo
The Doux Sucka Free Moisturizing Shampoo
Pros
- Uses strong, sulfate-free cleansing agents to get your roots clean
Cons
- Isn't the *most* moisturizing, so may be too drying for some hair types
Cosmo’s beauty editor-at-large, Julee Wilson, is so in love with this shampoo for her high-porosity 4b curls that she even awarded it a 2022 Holy Grail Beauty Award. The creamy cleanser is filled with softening oils and butters (like shea butter and sunflower seed oil), strengthening silk amino acids, and strong—yet still sulfate-free—surfactants, all of which will leave your curls feeling lightly cleansed but happily moisturized.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
- Moisture levels: Medium
- Key ingredients: Shea butter, sunflower seed oil (moisturize); silk amino acids (strengthen); sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate (strong, sulfate-free cleanser)
- Hair type: Best for all curl types (though drier, tighter curls may prefer a co-wash instead)
THE REVIEWS: “I’ve tried many products for my type-4 hair texture, but this works very well,” writes one tester. “My hair is softer, more nourished, and happy!”
Fable & Mane SahaScalp Amla Soothing Serum
Fable & Mane SahaScalp Amla Soothing Serum
Pros
- Filled with a mix of calming and moisturizing plant oils and extracts
Cons
- May look greasy on finer hair types (so may need to apply before bed and shower in the morning)
If dry-scalp season is year-round for you, try this soothing scalp serum that uses a bajillion plant oils and natural extracts (see: sunflower oil, turmeric, amla fruit extract, and bakuchi) to lightly hydrate and calm your scalp without feeling too greasy or heavy.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
- Moisture levels: Medium
- Key ingredients: Tumeric extract (anti-inflammatory); sunflower seed oil, rapeseed oil, black seed oil, moringa oil, and jojoba oil (moisturize)
- Hair type: Best for drier, thicker, and/or tighter curl types (3c to 4c hair)
THE REVIEWS: “I suffer from a flaky and itchy scalp,” writes one reviewer. “I applied it on dry hair before bed. I woke up, and it literally turned all the crap on my scalp into flakes. Once I washed my hair, no more flaking or itchy scalp. My hair was super shiny and smelled amazing, and my curls were defined and super-soft.”
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Formulated with charcoal to help neutralize scalp odors
- Free of alcohol, so it's gentler on curly hair
Cons
- Squeeze bottle can get messy, according to testers
Classic aerosol dry shampoos can be drying, thanks to the hefty dose of alcohol in their formula. This dry-shampoo powder, though, is not only alcohol free, but also Curly Girl Method-approved (meaning no sulfates, silicones, or waxes), making it excellent for soaking up excess oil without being as drying as traditional dry shampoos. Just pump it into your roots, massage it in, and live your best curl life.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
- Moisture levels: Low
- Key ingredients: Rice starch, corn starch, kaolin, and tapioca starch (to absorb scalp oils)
- Hair type: Best for any hair type that gets greasy
THE REVIEWS: According to one reviewer, “This dry shampoo is amazing! It leaves my hair feeling like I just washed it and doesn’t cause build-up. I found that putting it in my hair and letting it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before rubbing it in gives me the best results. I have tried countless dry shampoos and nothing beats this!”
K18 Leave-In Repair Hair Mask Treatment
K18 Leave-In Repair Hair Mask Treatment
Pros
- Doesn’t require rinsing, which testers absolutely loved
Cons
- Alcohol-based, making it automatically drying for curls
Hairstylist Haiya Eliza recommends this damage-repairing treatment to all of her clients who have previously colored or chemically treated their hair. Why? Because it uses a blend of peptides that work on a molecular level to replicate and reconnect the broken structures within your hair strand (think: a magic "fix it" wand). The result? Stronger, healthier hair over time, like you used to have.
Just be sure not to overdo it: Twice a month, swap your regular conditioner with this mask. Rake it through your wet hair, wait four minutes before applying any additional products, then style your curls as usual.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? No
- Moisture levels: None (meant for repair, not hydration)
- Key ingredients: hydrolyzed wheat protein and wheat starch (proteins to strengthen); sh-oligopeptide-78 (peptide to repair)
- Hair type: Best for all hair and curl types
THE REVIEWS: According to one tester, “No joke: This really repaired my bleach-damaged, curly hair and partly restored the curl pattern. It’s also much softer and less fragile feeling.”
How can I enhance my curly hair?
Enhancing your natural curl pattern can require a mix of steps, including:
- Using the right curl-defining products (like the creams, gels, and sprays above).
- Experimenting with different curl techniques, like the Curly Girl Method or the LOC method.
- Limiting any damaging habits, like using heat tools, coloring your hair, or chemically treating it or straightening it.
- Getting a proper curl cut to remove damage and enhance your natural curls (really—this one can completely change your hair).
- Learning the best styling techniques for your specific hair type. A few of the most popular? Squish to condish (on both type-4 hair and on looser curls); the bowl method; and then a mix of application and scrunching techniques (see: this helpful visual).
What What type of product is good for curly hair?
Again, there’s no universal “best” curly hair product. Instead, think about the ingredients that might work best for your hair type. A product rich in oils and butters will leave your hair feeling more moisturized, soft, and detangled (especially the higher they are on the ingredient list). Meanwhile, a product filled with humectants (see: aloe vera, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid) will help form a lightweight film around your hair strand to keep your curls hydrated throughout the day.
What products should curly hair avoid?
The specific products someone with curly hair should avoid will differ depending on their dryness levels, curl type, and damage. In general, hairstylist Haiya Eliza recommends “staying away from anything that has alcohol in it, because it can dry out your hair.” Another one of her no-nos? Intense sulfates (talkin’ to you, sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate), which can commonly be found in clarifying shampoos and can strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture.
The products to avoid will also come down to your hair porosity (i.e., how porous your curls are when absorbing and retaining moisture). Low-porosity curls have difficulties absorbing heavy oils, butters, and even water itself, leading to build-up, excess grease, and limpness, so you’ll want to avoid overly rich and heavy products, opting instead for lightweight formulas.
On the other side of the spectrum, high-porosity curls tend to be naturally dry and damaged, meaning they have trouble holding onto moisture and need to be sealed with oils, butters, and conditioners (which means avoiding anything deemed as lightweight or oil-free). Not sure of your porosity? Take this Curlsbot porosity quiz to figure it out.
What can I put on frizzy curly hair?
Let’s be clear: Frizz is normal, natural, and literally unavoidable (to some extent) with curly hair, which is why we're solidly on Team Frizz at Cosmo. But! If you're not big on your own frizz and flyways, you can always look for products formulated with moisturizing and sealing oils and butters, like shea butter, jojoba oil, and avocado oil.
Their moisturizing levels encourage your curl pattern, while their “sealing” aspect will help protect against humidity that can lead to frizz. Hairstylist Sabrina Rowe Holdsworth also recommends incorporating a curl cream and/or gel into your routine to help smooth your hair and add definition at the same time.
Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the editorial content and growth strategy of the hair, makeup, and skin space on digital, while also obsessively writing about the best hair products for every hair type (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare routines that really, truly work (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life). She brings nearly a decade of writing and editing expertise, and her work has appeared in Allure, Health, Fitness, Marie Claire, StyleCaster, and Parents. She also has an unhealthy adoration for Tom Hanks and would like to please meet him one day, if you could arrange that. Thanks.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
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