The 15 Best Curly Hair Products for Bouncy, Defined Curls

Going natural has never been cooler, but anyone with curly or wavy hair knows that keeping curls flowing is easier said than done.

While genetics dictate the development of our curls, the products we use can play a vital role in creating shiny, bouncy, frizz-free curls and ringlets.

Bottom line: Look for products that enhance your natural hair and specifically give your curls what they need.

To help you find the best products for curly hair, we tested some of the top-rated products for curly hair—from styling creams to smoothing oils to leave-in conditioners—for different curl types, hair concerns, and budgets.

Our testers rated how well these products delivered on their promises, and combined those results with our thorough product research to create this list.

Discover the best hair products for curly hair now.

Best Overall Winner: Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Cream

Top of our list is this leave-in cream from Briogeo, which promises to give your curls more definition while protecting them from humidity.

Formulated with rice amino acids and avocado oil, this cream helps your hair retain moisture and reduces frizz. The cream is lightweight and won’t flake or feel sticky.

What’s especially nice: This cream is made with 96% natural ingredients and contains no dyes or silicones. So it’s suitable for all hair types.

Byrdie writer Bianca Lambert tested it and gave it a full five stars. “Not only did my curls feel soft, but they were also defined and moisturized all week long,” she wrote. Of course, she was impressed.

Best Budget: SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Styling Cream

Coconut oil is the secret ingredient in this leave-in conditioner, which provides smoothing and moisturizing benefits. It’s perfect for air-drying—a real time saver.

Curls are left soft, bouncy, and protected from frizz and humidity. The natural formula contains sustainably produced, ethically sourced ingredients.

Best Shampoo: Kérastase Curl Manifesto Shampoo

This shampoo formula meets all the criteria for a curly shampoo. Best of all, it’s sulfate-free, so you don’t have to worry about it stripping away your natural moisture.

The cream formula cleanses extra gently and contains moisturizing ingredients (manuka honey and ceramides) to keep your curls looking their best. It’s also a great choice for wavy, curly, or very curly hair.

Best Gel: AG Care Curl Re:Coil Curl Activator

As the name suggests, this curl-friendly gel formula defines, strengthens, and moisturizes curls for the best look and feel. It’s not heavy on hair and it’s salt-free, which means it won’t dry out easily. To use, apply a small amount to damp hair and blow dry as usual. Expect tons of compliments.

Runner-up, Best Gel: Alodia Haircare Moisture-Defining Curl Cream Gel

Is there a gel that gives your curls volume without making them dry and brittle? Yes, please! This moisturizing cream-gel hybrid adds shine, moisture, and hold, but without the stickiness or stiffness of gel.

It’s perfect for wash-and-go styles or hairstyles like buns and bangs. It’s equally great for wavy, curly, and frizzy hair.

Best Curl Cream: Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream

This curl cream is like a nourishing treatment for your curls. It’s perfect for thick curls and is enriched with sweet almond oil to condition them. It provides intense hydration to each curl, preventing frizz and dryness. Your curls will instantly appear defined and feel super soft.

Best Cream for Fine Hair: Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

Fine and curly hair can be difficult to manage because many styling creams weigh them down. But that’s not the case with this highlight from Moroccanoil. The lightweight formula with argan oil tames frizz and refines curls without feeling greasy or sticky.

It brings a new bounce to all curl types, from wavy to thick curls. It also restores elasticity to the hair, making it easier to style.

Best Diffuser: DevaCurl DevaDryer and DevaFuser for All Curly Hair Types

If you have curly hair, a blow dryer can quickly become a disaster. For example, too much heat can cause hair to become damaged and frizzy. But now there’s an entire industry dedicated to maintaining healthy curls, and products like this diffuser have been developed.

It attaches to the end of your hair dryer (try an ionic dryer to cut your drying time in half) and creates beautiful curls for your hair.

Best Detangler: Kinky Curly Knot Today Detangler

Say goodbye to breakage-causing tangles and let your hair grow longer and stronger with this herbal conditioner formulated with organic ingredients like elm bark, marshmallow root, lemongrass, and mango extracts.

The name says it all: Anyone with frizzy, curly hair knows that washing your hair can be time-consuming. This product’s moisturizing formula smooths cuticles, loosens knots, and makes detangling a breeze.

Use it as a regular rinse-out conditioner for waves and loose curls, or as a leave-in conditioner for firmer texture.

Best Relaxing Balm: Phyto Phytodéfrisant Botanical Balm

Another great way to tame unruly, unruly hair is with a relaxing balm. This balm from Phyto loosens curls and straightens hair without losing structure or volume. You’ll love the lightweight texture that won’t leave your hair greasy.

Best Hair Care Products: Kristin Ess Frizz Management Cleansing Hair Products

Celebrity hairstylist Kristen Ess (known for her work with Lauren Conrad, Lucy Hale, and more) offers a range of affordable, high-quality hair products that we highly recommend. This shampoo tops the list.

Unlike traditional shampoos, this moisturizing formula cleanses, smoothes, and softens hair without stripping curls of their natural moisture. (And it’s ideal for controlling frizz, too.) It’s perfect for curly hair and a great option for those with hair that’s prone to dryness.

Best Deep Conditioner: Bounce Curl Ayurvedic Deep Conditioner

Pamper your hair with this pure formula deep conditioner, rich in natural and plant-based ingredients. The highlight is the oils (sunflower and baobab seeds), which provide intensive hydration but are light enough not to weigh hair down.

Especially practical: Leave it on for five to ten minutes to enjoy a deep conditioning treatment. You can also use it as a regular conditioner if you’re in a hurry. Bonus points for the light, natural peach scent.

Best Leave-In Conditioner: Pattern Leave-In Conditioner

Actress Tracee Ellis Ross developed Pattern specifically for the specific needs of curly hair. All of their products get rave reviews, but if you’re only going to try one, this leave-in conditioner is the one to get, thanks to its numerous five-star reviews.

It moisturizes, locks in moisture, and smooths while improving curls. Tip: Apply it all over your hair while it’s still damp.

Best Pre-Wash Treatment: Nexxus Curl Define Ultra-8 Pre-Wash Treatment

Okay, a pre-wash treatment isn’t strictly necessary, but it can be a great way to give your curls a little extra care. What’s special about this treatment is that it uses a special blend of proteins specifically targeted to the needs of curly hair (which, by the way, has a different protein profile than straight hair).

Apply it to damp hair and leave it on for five to ten minutes to let the treatment work its magic – it strengthens, moisturizes, softens, detangles, and lengthens curls. Then wash and condition as normal.

Best Hair Oil: Living Proof Curl Moisturizing Shine Hair Oil

This fast-absorbing styling oil is the final step in your styling routine. Just a few drops smooth and prevent frizz while adding mirror-like shine—it works great on all curl types. Thanks to the blend of five different oils and silicone-free formula, you don’t have to worry about weighing your hair down.

Final Verdict

Our favorite product for curly hair is Briogeo’s Curl Charisma Rice Amino Avocado Leave-In Conditioner. Rice amino acids and avocado oil help hair retain moisture, reducing the risk of frizz and damage.

Pattern Leave-In Conditioner is our favorite leave-in conditioner for curls, and Bounce Curl Ayurvedic Deep Conditioner is our favorite deep conditioner when your curls need intensive care.

A cheaper alternative you can find at the drugstore is SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Styling Cream, which saves a ton of air-drying time. Enriched with coconut oil, it leaves curls soft, bouncy, and frizz-free.

What to look for in curly hair products

Make sure it’s specifically formulated for curly hair

Most importantly, make sure you choose products that are formulated for curly hair. It sounds obvious, but since curly hair is so different, using special curly hair products (including a blow dryer designed specifically for curly hair) is essential.

Moisturizing ingredients

Moisturizing ingredients are the best companions for curly hair (think glycerin, shea butter, and natural oils). Since curly hair is naturally more susceptible to drying than straight hair,2 it’s best to add moisture to your curly hair care routine. Curly hair needs a little more care, and some rest.

“Curly hair needs a lot of care, but it should also be left to grow naturally. Try to style and handle it as little as possible so that it can grow and grow freely,” advises Haggis. In other words, style your hair first, then leave it alone—the less you touch and fiddle with your hair, the less damage you will cause it. The more ingredients, the better.

Non-drying ingredients

Also, make sure any products you use don’t contain ingredients that can dry out your hair. So alcohol and sulfates are a no-no, because after all, you don’t want your curls to lose the moisture they contain. Therefore, it is important to choose a shampoo that does not contain sulfates. For this reason, we recommend Kérastase Curl Manifesto, a sulfate-free shampoo for curly hair.

FAQ

How does curly hair grow compared to straight hair?

“The follicles on the scalp that house hair growth are flat and oval, causing the hair to curl as it grows,” explains Leigh Hardges, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. This difference in shape is also the main reason why curly hair requires more moisture; it makes it more difficult for the scalp’s natural moisturizing oils to penetrate the hair shaft. 3

How should you layer your hair care products for curly hair?

According to hairstylist Larry King, curly hair should use most products on wet hair. Frizz will occur during the drying process. Therefore, applying products in the shower will achieve the best results. Start with a curling cream, then work some mousse into your hair to keep your curls defined and frizz-free.

How many products should you use for curly hair?

Curls only need a few essential products to thrive. Don’t overdo it or you’ll overwhelm your hair’s natural structure. Besides shampoo and conditioner (or co-shampoo or whichever method you prefer), all you need is the curling cream and mousse mentioned above, plus a refreshing spray for hold and bounce between shampoos and hairspray to keep your style in place. All other products are tailored to your individual needs.