Wondering how to get fabulous curly hair on a tight budget?
We’ve all seen the posts that ask us how many curly hair products we currently own. Often it’s vast shelves full of bottles, but does all this mean that curly hair HAS to cost a fortune? Is it possible to have amazing curly hair on a tight budget?
Research (my own personal detailed research) says ‘yes’.
With some great high street finds and a bit of ingenuity, it is more than possible to have great curls on a tight budget.
Follow me into my cupboard of recommendations…

Curly Hair Shampoos
It has to be Noughty here. I have a whole post on this range but to start I’d recommend their Wave Hello Curl Defining Shampoo
As an alternative, for hair that needs a bit more moisture, there’s Noughty To The Rescue Moisture Boost Shampoo
Both at great prices, and sulphate-free, too.
Curly Hair Conditioners
Same again. It’s good to match shampoo and conditioner because the brands think about the combination of ingredients that are in their shampoos and conditioners to balance PH levels, for example.
Noughty Wave Hello Curl Defining Conditioner
Noughty To The Rescue Moisture Boost Conditioner
Now it’s the key combination of leave-in conditioner, curl-defining styler and gel.
Leave-in Conditioners for Moisture
A Leave-in conditioner is a crucial step!
Apply it to soaking wet hair and it helps to retain moisture. Some also have heat-protection, too.
The Umberto Giannini Salon Glosser is the pricier of the two, but it protects from heat which is perfect if you are going to diffuse at the end of your routine.
Noughty Intensive Care Leave-in Conditioner
Umberto Giannini Salon Glosser Leave-in Conditioner
Great Curl-Defining Products
Umberto Giannini Curl Whip Curl Activating Mousse
This mousse is great for volume! It is light and can be applied to the roots and ends of your hair to give definition and lift.
Noughty Wave Hello Curl Taming Cream
This cream is great for defining thicker curly hair. It is a little heavier than the mousse but still won’t weigh hair down. For such a well-priced product the definition is fantastic!
Gels for The Last Layer
Use gel as the last step in your routine.
It will help keep curl definition as it dries but will also retain moisture.
Once the gel is dry you will have a gel cast that you can then scrunch away.
This is a cult product and hard to beat for a well-priced curl gel. It defines curls, forms a great cast, smells lovely.. A fantastic all-rounder. I don’t think I’ve met anyone who has tried this and not liked it!
One More Thing
While we’re on a budget – how about things we already own?
Micro-fibre towels are great for removing water from our hair and plopping, but you can also use an old t-shirt – it is as good, if not better, than using a microfibre towel.
A t-shirt will absorb moisture without roughening the cuticle layer of the hair. No new purchases necessary!
It is definitely possible to achieve fabulous curly hair on a tight budget and lots of brands are working hard to bring out budget-friendly curl products!
Enjoy your curly hair ❤️