Do you find your self asking ‘what curly hair products should I use?‘
If you’ve got curls, you know that taking care of them is both a science and an art! Finding the right curly hair products can make the difference between a frizzy mess and defined, bouncy curls. But how do you know where to start with so many products to choose from?
This guide is here to help! Whether you’re rocking waves, spirals, or coils, I’ll break down the basics, help you understand your hair type, and recommend essential products for creating your perfect routine.
Remember, there’s no “one size fits all” solution for curls. The key is to experiment, learn, and (most importantly) have fun with it!
A Quick Overview
What Curly Hair Products Should I Use For My Basic Routine?
A curly hair routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by adding these five essential products to your hair care routine:
1. Leave-In Conditioner
A leave-in conditioner is essential for curly hair. It delivers intense hydration, leaving your curls soft, smooth, and frizz-free. After washing, apply it to damp hair to lock in moisture and enhance manageability, ensuring your curls look their best.
Applying leave-in conditioner is easy, but with a few tips, you can maximise its benefits! Begin by washing your hair with your regular shampoo and conditioner to ensure it’s clean and free of tangles. Afterwards, gently towel-dry your hair until damp but not soaking wet. Take a small amount of leave-in conditioner—start with a coin-sized portion and adjust based on your hair’s length and thickness. Distribute it evenly through your strands, concentrating on the mid-lengths and ends where dryness is most common. Avoid putting too much on the roots to prevent buildup.
For smooth, even coverage, gently work the product through with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
Best for:
- Dry and frizzy hair
- High-porosity hair, which easily absorbs and loses moisture.
Favourites to try:
- Paul Mitchell The Conditioner – a salon favourite recommended to me by one of my favourite stylists! It softens and adds moisture, makes my hair feel amazing and makes detangling easy!
- Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Leave-in Conditioner – a fantastic moisturiser and detangler – best for thicker curly hair types
2. Curl Cream
If you have been asking ‘what curly hair products should I use?’ curl cream is probably the answer!
For beautifully defined curls, curl creams are a must-have. These products enhance your natural curl pattern while delivering a much-needed dose of hydration, leaving your hair both nourished and defined.
To get the best results from your curl cream, apply it to freshly washed, damp hair straight after your leave-in. Use a small amount and distribute it evenly through your curls with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends, as these areas typically need the most hydration and definition.
For extra curl enhancement, gently scrunch the product into your hair to encourage your natural curl pattern to shine. Let your hair air-dry for a soft, effortless look, or use a diffuser to boost volume and definition.
Best for:
- Looser waves (think 2a to 2c) and curls needing definition
- Low-porosity hair, which has difficulty absorbing rich, heavy products
Favourites to try:
- Bed Head By TIGI Curls Rock Amplifier Curl Cream A salon favourite! The tagline is ‘Mega Shaping Cream’ and in my experience it lives up to this promise!
- SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie Hair Cream Ideal for defining and moisturising thick, curly hair, it also adds shine!
3. Curl Gel
Gels often have a reputation for leaving hair crunchy, but the right one can work wonders if youre wondering ‘what curly hair products should I use?’.
A good gel will define your curls, tame frizz, and provide a soft yet durable hold. For the best results, apply it immediately after your leave-in conditioner or styling cream.
Start with a small amount (you can always add more if needed) and evenly distribute it through sections of your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. To boost definition, gently scrunch the gel upward into your curls, helping them spring to life with shape and bounce.
After applying the gel, avoid touching your hair as it dries. This allows the gel to set and form a protective cast that prevents frizz. Worried about stiffness? Don’t be! Once your hair is completely dry, scrunch out the crunch by gently fluffing and squeezing your curls with your hands. The result? Soft, bouncy curls that look and feel amazing.
Best for:
- High-humidity environments
- Tight curls (types 3 and 4) or curls needing definition
Favourites to try:
- Kinky Curly Original Curling Custard Is it a custard, is it a gel? Either way its a fantastic product that I’ve declared my love for on the podcast – a classic!
- Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Budget-friendly and a fantastic gel for hold and definition – featured in my ‘favourite products‘ post!
4. Refresh Spray
Struggling with frizz on day two or three after wash day? A quality refresh spray can work wonders for your curls! It reactivates your styling products, tames frizz, and leaves your hair looking polished and revitalised.
How to Use a Refresh Spray
Reviving your curls with a refresh spray is quick and easy. Start by lightly misting your hair, targeting areas that appear frizzy or have lost shape. Avoid oversaturating—you can always add more.
After spritzing, gently scrunch your curls with your hands to restore their bounce and definition. For particularly stubborn sections, smooth the product through with your fingers or brush style for a more polished look. To finish, apply a small amount of your favourite lightweight gel or cream to lock in the style. The result? Fresh, vibrant curls that last all day!
Best for:
- All curl types (especially when you want to avoid daily washing)
Favourites to try:
- Ouidad Botanical Boost Curl Energizing & Refreshing Hair Spray Revives curls without weighing them down. Top-rated!
- Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Curl Refresher Spray Budget-friendly option that reactivates curls and adds shine!
5. Mousse
Light and breathable, mousse is the perfect way to add volume to your curls without weighing them down. It’s especially transformative for looser curl patterns, offering a boost of body and bounce for hair that tends to lose its shape.
For the best results with mousse, start with clean, damp hair after you have applied leave-in conditioner. Shake the can thoroughly, then dispense a golf ball-sized amount into your palm (adjust as needed based on your hair’s length and thickness).
Distribute the mousse evenly by scrunching it into your hair, working from the ends upward toward the roots. For added volume, concentrate on applying it near the roots. Once applied, let your hair air dry naturally or use a diffuser to lock in those soft, bouncy curls. Remember, less is more—use just enough to define and lift your curls without weighing them down!
Best for:
- Waves and looser curl patterns (like 2a or 2b)
- Low-porosity hair that struggles to absorb heavy products effectively
Favourites to try:
- Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam Love, love, love. Enhances and activates curls and waves!
- SheaMoisture Curl Mousse Coconut and Hibiscus Frizz Free Curl Mousse A budget-friendly option that enhances your natural curl pattern without leaving a cast or residue
What Curly Hair Products Should I Use For Deep Conditioning?
Deep conditioning is a must for maintaining curly hair that’s healthy and hydrated. Whether you’re combating dryness, taming frizz, or striving for silky, defined curls, the right deep conditioner can transform your hair. These treatments penetrate deep into the hair shaft, delivering intense hydration and repairing damage from within.
To maximize your results, apply the deep conditioner to clean, damp hair, focusing on the lengths and ends. Leave it on for the recommended time—typically 20-30 minutes—for optimal benefits.
Ideal for:
- Dry or damaged curls in need of a moisture surge
- High-porosity hair prone to losing hydration
Top picks to try:
- Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner Ideal for dmaged hair, this masque provides a boost of both moisture and protein!
- Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask A little pricier but it has a lot of benefits for dry, damaged hair!
For an extra luxurious treatment, wrap your hair in a warm towel or use a heat cap to boost absorption.
What Curly Hair Products Should I Use For My Hair Type?
Still wondering “What curly hair products should I use?” Did you know that the texture and porosity of your curls are essential factors in determining how well hair products work? Understanding these factors is essential for creating a personalised curl-care routine that works for you. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started!
Curly or Wavy?
- Wavy Hair (Type 2): Soft, S-shaped waves. Opt for lightweight, hydrating products like mousses and creams to enhance texture without weighing it down.
- Curly Hair (Type 3): Defined curls that thrive with moisture and frizz management. Use leave-in conditioners, curl creams, and gels to maintain bounce and control.
High Porosity vs. Low Porosity Hair
Understanding your hair’s porosity is key to managing how it absorbs and retains moisture:
- High Porosity Hair: This type easily absorbs moisture but struggles to keep it locked in. To combat this, choose rich, creamy products like leave-in conditioners and thick gels to seal in hydration effectively.
- Low Porosity Hair: Resistant to absorbing moisture, this hair type thrives with lightweight, water-based products like mousses and spray refreshers to avoid product buildup.
Not sure about your hair’s porosity? Take the quiz!
My Top Tip? Experiment!
The key to discovering your holy-grail products for curly hair? Experimentation! Start with a few samples, observe how your curls respond, and mix and match until you find the perfect combination. Don’t stress about getting it “wrong”—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to curls (unless you’re strictly following something like the Curly Girl Method).
Every curl pattern is unique, so focus on building a routine that makes your hair look and feel its best. The more you understand your texture, the easier it becomes to choose products that enhance your hair’s natural beauty.
How I Fell in Love with Styling Products
When I first started my curly hair journey, I made every mistake in the book. I didn’t know a leave-in conditioner from a gel, and my curls often looked more “poof” than “pop.” But the more I experimented with different products and techniques, the more confident I became. Today, styling my hair is a ritual I genuinely enjoy.
If you’ve been asking yourself, “What curly hair products should I use?”, hopefully this beginner’s guide has helped!
Stay patient and have fun with the process. I promise the right products are out there, waiting to bring out the best in your curls.
Speak soon,
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