Which is the best conditioner for curly hair
Looking for the best conditioner for curly hair? Who isn’t?!
This list has you covered.
There’s a lot of choice out there! We broadly know what to avoid, but wouldn’t it be great if there was a list that would just tell us..😉
Incoming..!
I’ve compiled a list of 10 CGM approved conditioners which are available in the UK across the whole budget range.
I’ve checked all the ingredients so you don’t have to!
Even if you are not following the Curly Girl Method, the rules that it applies to conditioners are still very helpful when making a decision about which conditioner will be best for your curly hair.
Read my full post on the Curly Girl Method
The list below is based on the idea that you are using conditioner as a follow-up to a shampoo or low-poo cleanser.
There is co-washing as well, of course, but that it a one-step process and will not require additional conditioner.
You might find this post helpful:
Co-wash, Low-poo or Shampoo? A Revealing Guide to the Best Cleanser
It will help you decide which product to use to cleanse your curls.
For now, let’s work on finding you the best conditioner for curly hair. There is a balancing act here. We want to retain and add additional moisture to our hair without making our roots greasy or weighing down our curls.
If you are already following CGM (Curly Girl Method) you will know what the big rules are. Just to run through them again..
Curly Girl Method Rules For Conditioner
- No silicones
Silicones are often added to conditioners to fight frizz, provide slip, colour protection and add shine. The problem is that they sit on the surface of your hair and can build up, making it seem greasy. This leads to the temptation to wash more frequently. An excess of silicone on the scalp can also lead to build-up that can be mistaken for dandruff.
- No drying alcohols
These alcohols draw moisture away from your hair, causing the cuticle to roughen. This in turn dries hair out and can make it brittle and prone to breakage.
Read my post on the different types of alcohol in your hair products
- No mineral oils or waxes
These are commonly found in conditioners and can build up on your hair. They are difficult to remove and can weigh curls down.
- Parabens
There isn’t a definitive CGM stance on parabens. They are used widely as a preservative across the hair/cosmetics industry. Parabens have been called hormone-disrupters and are often considered possible carcinogens but many still consider them to be safe.
Not all the conditioners in this list are paraben-free. I will include ‘paraben-free’ in the description if they are.
Sometimes I will recommend one conditioner from a range when in fact the whole range is CGM approved and worth looking into further!
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With this in mind, here come the Curly Girl Method approved conditioners, all of which fit the criteria listed above
The Conditioners
Under £10
Faith in Nature Natural Aloe Vera Conditioner
- nourishes hair and calms an itchy scalp
- 100% natural fragrance
- paraben free
- vegan society-approved and cruelty-free
Noughty Wave Hello Curl Defining Conditioner
- paraben free
- vegan and cruelty free
- 97% natural ingredients
- sea kelp and avocado oil nourish and tame curls
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Conditioner
- calms an irritated scalp
- rosemary, peppermint and eucalyptus revives and replenishes
Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Banana 3-in-1 Dry Hair Mask Treatment
- 3 in 1 can be used as a conditioner, leave-in or mask
- 98% natural ingredients
- vegan formula
- lightweight
Under £20
- highly hydrating
- protects hair from environmental stresses
- lightweight
- paraben free
- cruelty free
Poo Free People Dry Defence Conditioner
- high levels of anti-oxidants and vitaminE
- chemical and paraben free
- deeply hydrating
- cruelty free
Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Renewal System Conditioner
- nourishes and strengthens
- provides colour protection
- antioxidant rich
- paraben free
Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Conditioner
- deep conditions and softens
- provides slip
- 98% naturally derived ingredients
- vegan and cruelty free
Over £20
Living Proof No Frizz Conditioner
- lightweight
- blocks humidity to fight frizz
- paraben free
- cruelty free
- formulated for dry, stressed or chemically treated hair
- contains shea butter
- enhanced with vitamin E
Bonus Tip!
Once you find a great conditioner that you and your curls love, you can also use it as a leave-in! Read my post on Squish to Condish to find out more
I hope this list is helpful and takes a bit of the stress out of finding the best conditioner for curly hair.
A great conditioner will make a huge difference and Curly Girl Method approved products are a great place to start!
You might want to check out my post on shampoo!
Interestingly, many of the conditioners which match the CGM-approved shampoos are not CGM-approved themselves.. One reason why it’s always a good idea to check the ingredients, even from a brand you are familiar with.
Have you got a conditioner in mind that isn’t on this list? You can copy the ingredients into Curlsbot to find out if it is Curly Girl Method approved.
Ingredients above correct as listed on 26.11.20
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