best product for natural hair journey

21 Best Natural Hair Products You Need in 2022

Curls, coils and kinks: Meet your new BFF(s).

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Oh yes, us natural gals know this scenario all too well. And since there are so many formulas out there, it can be quite the challenge to know what's perfect for your hair without spending hundreds of dollars trying to find out. Because we all know curly hair is anything but cookie cutter. Thankfully, the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab is here to help make your natural hair product search easier.

The GH Beauty Lab is constantly evaluating new haircare and styling products with rigorous tests to see just how well they actually perform. This includes expert Lab and consumer testing on users that are looking for top-notch products just like you. That means we have the scoop on the ins and outs of natural hair products, marketing claims aside, and can help you find the best formula for your curl type, whether you're 2, 3, or 4 A, B, or C. Keep scrolling to find the best natural hair products and brands that have impressed our Lab experts, hair pros, editors, and consumer testers alike. Gorgeous hair, right this way!

Suave Professionals Curl Defining Cream

This bargain GH Beauty Award-winning Suave styling cream, infused with coconut oil, was formulated with the help of over 5,000 women with natural hair , so you can guarantee it's going to be worth the buy. The medium-weight smooths and defines waves , curls, and coils with a formula that's rich in moisture so hair stays hydrated , soft, and defined.

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

Between tangles, knots, frizz and dryness, life can take a toll on our ringlets. That's why deep conditioning masks like this one from Briogeo are a must. It's formulated for dry, damaged hair and is infused with argan, avocado, and sweet almond oil to replenish moisture levels. Plus, keratin proteins and biotin not only strengthen the hair, but also help promote healthy hair growth .

Pattern Pattern Heavy Conditioner For Coilies

Calling all coily gals! This heavy-weight conditioner from Pattern was made just for curls like 4c. It has a rich and decadent texture filled with super hydrating ingredients like shea butter and avocado and safflower oils. Plus, the cream formula has great slip to help you work through knots and tangles during your shower time.

Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Coconut Milk Hydrating Shampoo

Natural hair needs more moisture than other hair types, and this GH Beauty Lab test-winning shampoo (and its matching conditioner) from Herbal Essences provides it. It was a standout star in the GH Beauty Lab's moisturizing shampoos test , where testers raved about how hydrating this wallet-friendly formula made their previously dry hair look and feel.

Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Deep Moisture Masque

Ideal for scalp relief , this GH Beauty Award winner from Head & Shoulders with the anti-flake active ingredient pyrithione zinc was a tester favorite for relieving scalp itch and making hair super soft. It even scored highly among women with textured hair for reducing hair and scalp dryness .

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum

This Garnier frizz-defying serum is a GH Beauty Lab test winner and gold standard for smoothing hair. It scored high with consumer testers for keeping frizz at bay and giving hair a gorgeous sheen . Not to mention, it's a hair savior in humidity.

Dove Amplified Textures Shine & Moisture Finishing Gel

When it comes to gel for natural hair , we look for formulas that keep hair hydrated and shiny without leaving a crunchy, sticky residue . And that's exactly why we love this GH Beauty Award winner from Dove. It's free of drying additives like alcohol and filled with hair-healthy ingredients like aloe, glycerin, shea butter, and castor oil .

Carol's Daughter Wash Day Delight

If you have curly hair, you know that traditional shampoos can be harsh and drying to your already thirsty spirals, but not this Carol's Daughter sulfate-free cleanser. A blend of aloe and micellar water transforms into a gentle lather that cleanses the scalp and hair without stripping it dry. Plus, the precision applicator makes targeting your scalp a breeze.

Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Flexible Hold Edge Gel

There's nothing that can ruin a sleek pony or bun more than frizzy edges and unwanted flyaways. This is where edge gel comes in handy. This formula from Mielle Organics doesn't flake or look greasy. Not to mention, it's full of natural ingredients like honey, ginger root, and aloe that nourish the hair while you wear.

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector

Not a styling product, but definitely a must-have for healthy curls, this Olaplex concentrated treatment helps to keep breakage at a minimum and strengthens the hair from the inside out. It works like a deep treatment and can be used two to three times per week for best results. Simply work a dollop of this through your hair, let it sit for 10 minutes, and shampoo and condition as normal.

DevaCurl SuperMousse Moisture Rich Coconut Volumizer

If you have fine curls that need a little oomph to get defined spirals that last all day, you'll love this DevaCurl hydrating mousse. The combination of coconut water, tucuma butter, and a special volumizing complex keeps curls bouncy, soft, and full.

Moroccanoil Treatment

This Moroccanoil treatment oil has a cult-following for a reason. Essentially, it's a hair serum composed of powerhouse oils that prep for styling and help to condition dry areas, too. The best part is this oil absorbs super fast, so you don't have to worry about greasy strands after applying.

Bumble and bumble Bb. Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Shampoo

If you don't know by now, curly hair needs moisture, moisture and more moisture. That's why we love this Bumble and bumble invisible oil shampoo. It's super hydrating and transforms even the driest, most brittle strands with six super lightweight oils minus greasy buildup .

Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave In Conditioner/Detangler

This Kinky-Curly detangler is an oldie-but-goodie and we love it for its multitasking capabilities. You can apply it after shampoo to help melt away tangles and knots or use it as a leave-in after cleansing and conditioning . It leaves the hair super soft and smooth, plus comes in handy when you're one too many days past your scheduled wash day.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner

A product like this cult classic from Aussie that works its magic in under five minutes is a win-win in anyone's book. And the fact that this deep conditioner comes at such a low price point only makes it even more desirable. You can thank the avocado and jojoba oils for how intensely this mask hydrates. Oh, and the floral, citrus scent is divine.

Verb Ghost Weightless Hair Oil

There are oils that sit atop the hair and then there's this magical Verb find. The oil is practically weightless and helps to hydrate and add sheen to lifeless, dull locks. But be warned, a little goes a long way. You only need a dime-sized amount of this oil to see your curls transform.

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo

TBH, hot and humid weather can turn beautiful ringlets into frizzy zig zags in a matter of minutes. That's why this Ouidad shampoo is a no-brainer for those who live in humid areas. It works to fight against frizz before you add any styling products , with a blend of emollients and ceramides that smooth and seal the surface of the hair shaft.

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

If you're a newbie to curly stylers, this Shea Moisture cream is a great place to start, especially for thick or long hair , as the large tub contains more product than others. This curl-enhancing smoothie is thick enough to hydrate and define hair, but it doesn't weigh strands down. Try applying it straight out of the shower and raking it through the hair thoroughly for best results. Bonus: Your hair will smell like a tropical smoothie for days!

Vernon François Nourishing Hair Mist Amino Acid Treatment

If it's not quite time to wash your hair, but it needs a quick refresh , reach for this amino acid spray created by celebrity hairstylist Vernon François . Just a few spritzes soften, revive, and strengthen second and third day curls with a blend of botanicals, oils, and amino acids. It's also a great prep spray to use before styling.

Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste

When flyaways and frizz are cramping your style, this Curls gel paste comes to the rescue. It helps to slick back edges or keep shorter pieces in place but won't get stiff or crunchy. And the blueberry extract, argan oil, and mango butter help to keep dryness at bay.

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Take your natural hair journey to the next level!

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How to pick the best products for natural hair

If you want to achieve the most popular natural hairstyles, including afros, twists, braids, cornrows, ponytails, bantu knots, dreadlocks, and wash and go’s, experts want you to read that ingredient list and follow these guidelines:

Use your natural hair porosity as a guide

Knowing your curl type is essential to having a more seamless natural hair journey—after all, some curl types (like 3A) require more oil-based products while others (like 4C) need more moisture-based ones. A good rule of thumb when searching for products for natural hair is to look at your hair porosity (how well your hair retains and absorbs moisture). This can help you narrow down what it actually needs to look its healthiest, lustrous self.

To find your hair porosity, all you need is a glass of water and a strand of hair. If the strand floats, then you have low porosity, if it floats and then sinks, you have normal porosity, and if it drops immediately, it’s considered high porosity. “When you have low or normal porosity hair, your cuticle is closed, making it hard for nutrients and oil to penetrate through. So this is when you would need to look for more lightweight products formulated with olive oil, grapeseed oil, marula oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil,” Crystle Jones-Bond , a licensed cosmetologist and natural hair specialist, explains. Whereas when it comes to high porosity hair, you can think of it as a hole that needs to be filled with moisture. Since the cuticle is open, you’ll benefit from thicker moisturizing products with shea butter, mango, coconut, honey, and agave.

Choose products with alcohol carefully

There’s such a thing as good and bad alcohol. Bad ones can have a drying effect; they make the product evaporate more quickly from your hair, which can seem like a good thing, but they also whisk away the moisture that your hair needs. Words on a label to avoid are ethanol, ethyl, propanol, isopropyl, isopropanol, and benzyl. Instead, find products with fatty alcohols. “These alcohols (such as cetyl, cetearyl, stearyl, and lauryl) actually do a really great job of hydrating and conditioning your hair and scalp,” Nicole Williams, the head of creative and communications at natural haircare brand Headquarters , explains. For those with kinkier and curlier hair, it also helps with detangling.

Opt for sulfate-free and paraben-free

"Stick with products that don’t have parabens and sulfates," Williams advises. Sulfates are responsible for cleaning oil, dirt, and dead skin from your scalp and hair. But they also dry out strands by stripping their natural oils, creating frizz. Parabens are other ingredients to avoid. They are a type of preservative that increases a hair product’s shelf life. However, these ingredients can cause drying, scalp irritation, and fading hair color.

These expert-approved shampoos, conditioners, oils, sprays, and styling hair care goodies will treat and complement all-natural hair textures.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner

It can be hard finding a product that makes an immediate difference on your hair, but Aussie’s 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner has a noticeable impact. It's perfect for dry hair, and it works by absorbing into each strand of hair, leaving your curls silky and shiny. The product is infused with avocado and jojoba oil, making it great for all-natural hair textures. 

PATTERN Hydrating Mist

“It’s the perfect addition to use between washes,” Williams says of PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross hydrating mist. One spritz of and your curls will reactivate! It contains aloe vera, coconut oil, and avocado oil, making it exceptionally moisturizing. Plus, it's paraben-free and has a sweet flowery smell.  

Pantene Gold Series Moisture Boost Shampoo

The Gold Series from Pantene was developed by Black Ph.D. scientists and Black hair stylists. Its moisture boost shampoo is infused with argan oil to soften hair. It’s paraben-free, and though it contains sulfates and alcohol, these are balanced out by the argan oil, giving hair a deep cleanse while also keeping it hydrated and moisturized.

The Mane Choice Detangling Hydration Shampoo

Tired of that dry and stripped hair feeling? The Mane Choice’s Easy on the Curls Shampoo lives up to its name. It is sulfate-free and paraben-free and is infused with biotin and vitamin E, which nourishes and detangles hair. The Black-owned brand is an Amazon favorite.

The Doux ONE LOVE Co-Wash

All curly and coily hair girls need a good co-wash conditioner to use when you’re skipping shampoo—and this one from a Black-owned brand is packed with moisturizing ingredients, including argan oil, grape seed oil, coconut oil, rose seed oil, moringa oil, and aloe vera. The Doux’s co-wash gives your hair a powerful hydration treatment, leaving hair soft and bouncy. However, it does contain alcohol, but they are the good kinds that won’t strip your hair of its natural oils.

Design Essentials Botanical Oils Hair And Body Moisturizer

This non-greasy hair oil will give your hair—and your body—the right amount of shine. It’s loaded with natural ingredients, including canola oil, soybean oil, and rosemary, which restores moisture into the hair and skin. Unlike other hair oils, this one-of-a-kind product created by the Black-owned brand leaves a lasting shine without weighing hair down.

Naturalicious Spanish Almond Regrowth Oil

For those who have thin hair and edges, this is a great transitioning product created by the Black-owned brand. It doesn’t contain any sulfates or parabens, and it’s high in natural proteins, including olein glyceride and linoleic acid, which nourish and soothe the scalp. Its main ingredient is almond oil, which makes hair smell sweet and fresh.

GIRL+HAIR Girl and Hair Clear Plus Under Hair Care Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Rinse

If you wear your hair in braided styles, this rinse is great for cleansing your scalp. Its main ingredient is apple cider vinegar, which keeps hair and scalp pH balanced, making it smooth and less tangled. It also contains moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and tea tree oil and is sulfate-free, paraben-free, and alcohol-free. GIRL + HAIR is Black-owned as well.

Headquarters Nourishing Lotion for Dry Roots & Scalp

This lotion is like a multivitamin for your hair. After you shampoo and condition, add this product to strengthen your hair; it’ll also moisturize with coconut oil and sunflower seed oil. Like most Headquarters products, it is sulfate-free and has a coconut and flowery peony smell.  

MIZANI Mizani True Texutres Moisture Replenish Shampoo & Conditioner

If you’re looking for a shampoo and conditioner set, Mizani’s True Textures two-step duo is a good option. The coconut, olive, and marula oil-based products are great for curly, wavy, coily, and transitioning hair. It protects and replenishes natural hair patterns and makes it smooth and frizz-free. Plus, it’s sulfate-free and paraben-free.

DevaCurl Deep Sea Repair Seaweed Strengthening Hair Mask

DevaCurl’s Deep Sea Repair Seaweed Strengthening Mask is a game-changing product for transitioning hair. It strengthens and repairs hair from chemical and heat damage. The paraben and sulfate-free hair mask is blended with seaweed and sea lavender, making curls and kinks look healthy and defined.

Headquarters Exfoliating Mask for Dry Roots & Scalp

This exfoliating mask works by clearing away buildup from the styling products you apply throughout the week. It’s free of sulfates and drying alcohols and contains aloe vera. After using this hair mask, your scalp and hair will look and feel refreshed.

Carol's Daughter Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Original Leave In Moisturizer

Carol's Daughter is a Black-owned brand that has been producing moisturizing products for curls since 1994. Its hair milk leave-in conditioner is an Amazon favorite, containing tons of moisturizing ingredients, including agave, soybean oil, sweet almond, cocoa butter, and shea butter. The paraben-free product leaves hair glossy and frizz-free.

Oribe Shampoo for Moisture & Control

This luxury shampoo was designed for every curl type. Whether you have loose waves or tight coils, the amino acid-based product is supposed to strengthen, moisturize, and repair cuticles, leaving strands smooth and shiny. The formula is also vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.

MISS JESSIE'S Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls Hair Cream

“This is my ride or die styling product. I’ve probably been using it for like a decade. I find that it makes my curls really defined,” Williams says. The sulfate-free product from a Black-owned brand is great for wash and go’s, and it contains avocado oil which keeps your hair moisturized and your curls soft and fluffy. 

Jane Carter Solution Curl Defining Cream

Black-owned brand Jane Carter keeps all-natural hair textures in mind. This curl-defining cream won’t weigh hair down; plus it’s paraben-free and sulfate-free. With avocado and jojoba oil, it will define your natural curls and reduce frizz and shrinkage.

Aunt Jackie's Knot On My Watch Instant Detangling Therapy

For those with super curly and kinky hair textures, Aunt Jackie’s has some of the most reliable natural hair products. The instant detangling therapy is one of them; it also restores moisture into curls and coils and can be used on wet and dry hair. Shea butter is one of its main ingredients, and it’s paraben and sulfate-free.

ECOCO Styler Professional Styling Gel

Whether you're doing twists, braids, bantu knots, or wash-and-go styles, this styling gel will absorb into each strand, allowing you to achieve any look you want. This is a top pick from the brand, since olive oil is its main ingredient. You don't have to worry about flaking and itching, and your hair will shine.

Mixed Chicks Morning After Foam

Almost everyone has flat and dull hair days, but this foam will rejuvenate your hair. The Black-owned brand created this water-based product to make wash-and-go styles easier. With the morning after foam, there's no need to rewash hair as often. Just a few pumps of it and your curls will look noticeably replenished.

Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Curl Defining Conditioner

No matter what your hair type or porosity is, you can benefit from using this conditioner. It’s infused with rice amino acids, shea butter, and tomato fruit ferment extract, which work together to hydrate and enhance the look of your curls.

Destinee Scott is an editorial fellow and a graduate student at New York University. She graduated magna cum laude from St. John’s University and has a passion for inspiring people to live their best lives. She is also a blogger and an avid-candle shopper. 

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• What to Look For

Best Shampoos for Natural Hair

Best conditioners for natural hair, best leave-ins for natural hair, best styling products for natural hair, best hair masks for natural hair, meet the experts.

For women with curly, coily, and kinky hair, it's of tremendous importance to invest in high-quality products that keep those strands healthy and full of life. This not only means investing in moisturizing shampoos and conditioners , but it also means finding silk or satin hair wraps , leave-in treatments , hair masks , hair oils , and other products with formulas that are specifically crafted for natural hair. 

And why is the care and keeping of natural hair important? Taking care of your natural hair so that it can look and feel its best is a tremendous act of self-care and self-love, especially for women of color. In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Black Studies, there was a "significant positive correlation between a higher internal locus of control and [African American women] who choose to wear their hair in a natural state." In other words, embracing your natural hair is good for your strands and for your confidence.

But how do you identify the right products that will keep your curls looking their best? We spoke to Antoinette Bullock, a natural hair expert for Sally Beauty, along with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Marcus , about taking care of natural hair and how to shop for the best natural hair products money can buy.

What to Look for in Natural Hair Products

According to Bullock, finding the best products for natural hair is all about balance. "Women with natural hair should look for products that are perfectly balanced with moisture and protein," she advises, going on to say that too much of either can produce damaging results. 

"Using moisturizing products will cause your hair to be too soft and have no elasticity," she explains. "On the other hand, only using protein-based products will cause your hair to be stiff and will eventually dry it out." Instead, products that contain both moisturizing and protein-based ingredients "will help maintain your hair’s health and keep your curly and coily hairs thriving."

And what exactly are some of the most common water-based and protein-based ingredients? According to Bullock, water- or moisture-based ingredients can include water (of course), honey, aloe vera, glycerin, shea butter, avocado oil, and argan oil. Protein-based ingredients, on the other hand, include hydrolyzed (wheat, oat, and soy) protein, hydrolyzed keratin, amino acids (such as silk, milk, and wheat), and hydrolyzed collagen. 

• Best Shampoo for Natural Hair Overall: Mielle Organics Oats & Honey Soothing Shampoo
• Best Cowash for Natural Hair: As I Am Coconut Cowash
• Best Conditioner for Natural Hair Overall: Pattern Beauty Intensive Conditioner
• Best Leave-In for Natural Hair Overall: Juices & Botanics The Quench Cream Fortifying Leave-In Conditioner
• Best Styling Product for Natural Hair Overall: Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Daily Curl Revitalizer
• Best Hair Mask for Natural Hair Overall: Viva Naturals Organic Coconut Oil, Cold-Pressed

Bullock specifically recommends this cowash from refugee-owned brand As I Am, saying that it's one of the few that "carries a perfect balance of moisture and protein in [its] formula."

Pros: refugee-owned brand; charitable brand; generous-sized container; made with curls in mind; doesn't strip hair

Cons: cowash, so doesn't banish buildup as well as a clarifying shampoo

Tracee Ellis Ross' haircare brand, Pattern Beauty, is widely beloved, and with good reason. Verified customers call this shampoo for natural hair moisturizing, nourishing, and "amazing quality," and several even provide pictures to prove how well it works in defining and hydrating their curls and coils. 

Pros: made with natural hair in mind; effective for all curl patterns

Cons: relatively small bottle

Black-owned small business Sayblee exclusively utilizes organic ingredients in order to fortify and nourish hair by prioritizing scalp and strand health. This clarifying shampoo is made with natural hair in mind, and is meant to break down buildup from sweat, pollutants, and hair products in order to optimize hair growth and health. I gifted this to a loved one who was struggling with hair regrowth, and they've noticed visible improvement and decreased scalp irritation in just a few months. 

Pros: Black-owned brand; small, woman-owned business; made using natural ingredients; organic

Cons: expensive; relatively small bottle

Black-owned brand Mielle made this product specifically with coily hair in mind, but with another added edge: It's also specially formulated for sensitive scalps. One reviewer, who has scalp eczema, writes that this "holy grail" product is the only shampoo that soothes her irritation, and another writes, "I can see my 4C curls defining as soon as I massage the product through."

Pros: supports scalp health; gentle scent; Black-owned brand

Bullock highly recommends this product, which incorporates sweet almond oil in its hydrating formula. This product also promises to fight and prevent breakage, and there's a a great deal of believability to this claim: The conditioner also relies heavily on coconut oil, which Dr. Marcus says "is rich in omega 3 fats and Vitamin E, which are excellent moisturizers for skin and hair. Keeping hair hydrated and conditioned can help to prevent breakage. In addition, hair appears shiny and healthy."

Pros: detangling; made with type 4 hair in mind

Cons: may be too heavy for hair types 2 and 3

This conditioner, marketed "for tight textures," is a huge hit among buyers. One writes, "My Curls have never been more moisturized," while another helpfully advises that when using this conditioner, you leave it on for a few minutes before washing it out with cold water. And if your hair texture isn't quite coily, try Pattern Beauty's alternative conditioner option made specifically "for curlies."

Pros: customizable options for different hair types; made with natural hair in mind

Cons: not detangling

Sheamoisture is another fan favorite among women with curly hair. I love their coconut and hibiscus line, which smells delicious without being overpowering. This conditioner, which incorporates the silk protein that Bullock recommends, is thick enough to coat my long, lion-like mane without issue. For added hydration, I like putting a shower cap on after application and waiting a few minutes before washing the formula out.

Pros: affordable; thick, so provides a lot of moisture

Cons: relatively small bottle; presence of smell can be polarizing

According to reviewers, this product is perfect for curly and coily hair that's been damaged from chemical treatments, hard water, and pollution. One pleased customer writes, "It leaves my hair feeling so silky and smooth, I absolutely love the scent, and a little goes a long way."

Pros: fights frizz; enhances shine

Cons: strong fragrance can be polarizing

This leave-in, which is free of phthalates and parabens, is one of Bullock's favorites. Reviews of this formula are also incredibly promising, with one particular customer calling it a "holy grail product."

Pros: color-safe; free of parabens and phthalates; works on all hair types and textures

Cons: strong smell; thick, which some reviewers dislike

I love this leave-in from Biosilk. It has a truly weightless formula with a subtle, powder-fresh scent that never clashes with my perfumes or my other hair products. When applied to my damp, freshly-washed hair before styling, this product always leaves my hair soft, moisturized, and easy to shape.

Pros: large bottle; sulfate-free; color-safe

Cons: expensive; contains silicones

I swear by anything that Moroccanoil makes, and this leave-in is no exception. It provides substantial moisture while maintaining a lightweight consistency, and makes detangling my hair so much easier after a shower. 

Pros: contains natural ingredients like argan oil and Vitamin E; protein-infused

Cons: expensive; contains alcohol

I love Juices & Botanics, which is a Black-owned hair care company devoted to making healthy, natural products specifically for curly, coily, and kinky hair. This cream smells divine and coats my curls in hydration without forming nasty buildup. It's perfect for applying to damp hair when styling, or even dry hair for a quick pick-me-up.

Pros: natural; works on all curl patterns; affordable 

Cons: small bottle

This product incorporates jojoba oil, olive oil, and honey, so you can style your curls without drying them out. Bullock says that this formula is one of her favorites, and the reviews on Sally Beauty's website back her up: One reviewer writes that in addition to working with her hair, the product even works well on her hair extensions. 

Pros: works on hair extensions; contains several natural ingredients; works on all hair types

Cons: contains alcohol, which some users find drying

This gel comes specifically recommended by Bullock, and it also seems to be a favorite among customers. Multiple reviewers write that they love the smell and the effective medium hold of this product, with one adding that it "keeps [curls] moist and not hard or crunchy."

Pros: moisturizing; humidity-resistant; helps reduce frizz

Cons: contains glycerin, which some users find bad for their curl definition

Another enthusiastically recommended product from Bullock, this styling formula is perfect for those who need a strong hold gel. Customers with all curl types, from type 2 to type 4C, write that the gel has a strong, effective hold without being too hardening. Plus, one reviewer helpfully adds that it works well with other products, such as leave-ins.

Pros: strong hold; works with other products; works well on all curl patterns; contains castor oil

Cons: customers with thin hair find it heavy

I tried this product on a whim for my curls (which hover between a 2C and a 3A), and I'm obsessed. True to its advertising, the formula really does revitalize curls, allowing me to give my down-do a second life if I've gone one-too-many days without washing or if my silk hair wrap has fallen off in my sleep the night before.

Pros: effective on all curl and wave patterns; medium hold; makes styling easy

Cons: too much can make hair sticky

Bullock calls this masque one of her favorites, saying that it, too, provides a great balance of hydration and protein. Plus, it's a hit among reviewers, with multiple customers specifically praising the product's great smell.

Pros: gentle smell; softens hair; effective at moisturizing

Cons: some reviewers wish it had a thicker consistency

Dr. Marcus says that she believes that coconut oil is best used as a hair mask. To do so, she instructs, "Scoop up a dollop and warm in your hands until it becomes liquid and spreadable, apply to strands, cover with a shower cap and leave in for 20 minutes, or possibly overnight, then wash out with shampoo and condition as usual." For women with curly or natural hair, she recommends doing this twice a week. 

Pros: affordable; organic; generous size;

Cons: strong smell of coconut

Antoinette Bullock is a hair expert devoted to educating people about how to care for their natural hair. In addition to being a haircare expert for Sally Beauty, she is also a prolific content creator on Instagram, Tik Tok, and Youtube.

Dr. Rebecca Marcus is a board-certified dermatologist who has almost twenty years of experience. She completed her residency training as well as a clinical research fellowship at Columbia University, and went on to found Maei MD, a line of skincare products made with sensitive skin in mind. 

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Gabrielle Ulubay is a Beauty Writer at Marie Claire. She has also written about sexual wellness, fashion, culture, and politics both at Marie Claire and for publications like The New York Times, Bustle, and HuffPost Personal. She has worked extensively in the e-commerce and sales spaces since 2020, including two years at Drizly, where she developed an expertise in finding the best, highest quality goods and experiences money can buy. As a film school graduate, she loves all things media and can be found making art when she's not busy writing.

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The 12 best natural hair products, according to experts

As we continue to work from home and practice social distancing, we also continue to embrace our more natural tendencies. From skincare to hair care, this can get challenging. Transitioning to natural hair can seem akin to conducting a chemistry project: It takes time, it can get messy and complicated and it can be a process to figure out the perfect formula for your hair.

SKIP AHEAD Best cleansing products , treatment and styling products

From navigating multiple hair textures and running trial-and-error experiments with products, it can be tempting to throw your hands up in the air, grab your flat iron and run off with a tub of relaxer. It can also be tempting to visit a salon, if you’re comfortable doing so.

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Going natural, or growing out hair that hasn’t been treated with a relaxer, can get frustrating. From navigating multiple hair textures and running trial-and-error experiments with products to the breakage you’ll invariably encounter along the way, it can be tempting sometimes to just throw your hands up in the air, grab your flat iron and run off with a tub of relaxer.

But once the transition period is over, you could find a full head of gorgeous kinks and curls emerging and looking to thrive atop your head. To help take some of the guesswork out of your own journey, we asked three professional hairstylists about their favorite products for natural hair. Living a natural hair lifestyle can be life-changing and affirming — but it’s also complicated and demands swaths of patience. With a few of these products in your back pocket, some of your time and a lot of self-caring love, you can likely achieve the natural hair you’ve been aiming for. Below we offer up their tips as they pertain to cleansing your hair, styling it and, finally, treating it.

If you’re going natural, it’s time to get comfortable reading the small print on labels.

Best cleansing products for natural hair

The hair stylists we consulted all agreed about one thing: When it comes to cleaning natural Black hair, moisture and manageability are key.

“Using a shampoo and conditioner that are paraben- and sulfate-free keeps hair much more manageable,” Vanessa Collington, a stylist at Mizu Hair Salon New York , told us. If you’re going natural, it’s time to get comfortable reading the small print on labels.

• Parabens are chemical preservatives that help fight bacteria and fungus. You can identify them by their prefixes methyl-, ethyl-, propyl- and butylparaben.
• Sulfates are also preservatives that hair products utilize to reduce the spread of funky mold. Sodium lauryl sulfate may thicken your hair but it and other sulfates can also irritate and dry your scalp and hair and can keep moisture from your hair.

1. Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Shampoo

Dani Priester , owner of HaUs of BeaUty Salon in Englewood, N.J., is a fan of the entire Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling line, particularly the shampoo and conditioner. Both products work to hydrate, soften, and detangle your hair while leaving it feeling clean but not stripped. That squeaky-clean hair feeling is not welcome in the natural hair world — squeaky-clean hair to naturalistas can mean that it’s over-stripped of its natural oils, which can lead to damaged hair prone to breakage.

“These are amazing products for retaining the moisture in your hair," Priester said. “They perfectly hydrate for the natural-haired, and those with any type of real texture.”

Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Shampoo

2. oribe cleansing crème for moisture & control.

For those who love washing their hair with conditioner, or co-washing, Collington recommended the Oribe Cleansing Crème .

Co-washing can get complicated. It’s not just about washing with conditioner to avoid the drying and stripping effect of shampoos . Rather, it’s using a cleansing conditioner specifically formulated to clean your scalp and moisturize it at the same time.

“[Oribe’s co-wash] cleans hair without stripping it of its natural oils,” Collington said. “It’s a heavier product for hair that is thicker and frizzy, so it also tames your curls.”

Oribe Cleansing Crème for Moisture & Control

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Priester, on the other hand, is a huge fan of the Curl Immersion Conditioner, which is designed to target kinky, curly hair.

“It’s sulfate-free, extra moisturizing, and great for nourishing curls,” Priester said. “It’s coconut oil-based, which is great to avoid breakage and promote healthy hair growth.”

Ouidad Curl Immersion Low-Lather Coconut Cleansing Conditioner

4. dphue apple cider vinegar hair rinse.

For naturalistas seeking a truly natural product (or one you might find outside of your bathroom, maybe in the kitchen), hairstylist Tippi Shorter highly recommended using an apple cider vinegar rinse. In contrast to shampoo, it will clarify your scalp and remove impurities — all while maintaining your hair’s natural oils.

On top of that, Shorter explained, it’s “great to keep the hair and scalp in its proper pH level, all while giving a gentle cleanse.”

dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

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Best treatments for natural hair.

Another key in going natural with your hair is finding the best treatment for it. More specifically, that means finding a functional leave-in treatment, a mask or a detangling spray.

Giving your hair a last-minute dose of moisture can make the difference between smooth, bouncy curls and a disastrous moment of floppiness. Good treatments also help protect and save your hair from future damage like split ends or breakage. A good hydrating or moisturizing treatment will keep your hair looking and feeling healthier for longer and help your hair stay frizz-free for longer.

• During the winter : As temperatures drop, the cold won’t suck all the moisture out of your hair and dry it.
• Into the summer : When temperatures rise again, you won’t have to worry about having puffy curls.

5. Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave In Conditioner

Shorter calls Mizani’s 25 Miracle Milk her “everything.”

This leave-in conditioner boasts 25 benefits that keep hair protected from heat, while also preparing it for detangling, providing hydration, and counteracting dryness so your curls will be soft and bouncy. We asked Shorter for some examples of how she uses the Miracle Milk.

“Detangler, curl refresher, blow dry refresher, leave-in, hair primer,” she offered, for starters. “I could just go on and on.”

Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave In Conditioner

6. it’s a 10 miracle leave-in treatment.

Vanessa Collington prefers the similarly named It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in treatment.

“I recommend using this after you shampoo and condition because it detangles and makes hair easier to manage,” Collington said. “[It’s] great for hair because of its amazing benefits, such as eliminating frizz, restoring shine and enhancing body, and it’s also great for damaged hair.”

It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in treatment

7. jane carter condition and sculpt smoothing curl prep gel.

For the wash-and-go people of the world — or those who tend to wash and style their hair without manipulating heat or protective styling — the leave-in, oil, cream, gel method (LOCG) is likely the way to go.

And to best perform it, Priester recommended Jane Carter Condition And Sculpt . The smoothing gel (the G in LOCG) will lock in moisture while smoothing the hair cuticle, fighting off frizz and protecting and conditioning hair.

“When applied while hair is fully saturated with water, it dries in the same state that your hair looks like wet,” she explained. “It dries hard, like gel, but can be finger-combed because it still gives a flexible hold with no flakes or product build-up.”

Jane Carter Condition And Sculpt Smoothing Curl Prep Gel

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Best styling products for natural hair.

As with a majority of natural hair products, what works for one person may not work for another. An entire family can gather a full pantry of products and what works for mom might dry and bring forth a flaky mess for one of the kids (that’s personal experience speaking).

Styling natural hair, therefore, can be tricky.

• Some naturalistas love wash-and-go options.
• Some want to prepare their hair for protective styles like wigs, weaves and crochet braids
• And some want to take care of their hair so it’s at its strongest before they apply heat.

8. Dyson Supersonic hair dryer

When it comes to blow drying or flat ironing hair, the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer and its curling counterpart, the Airwrap styler , both help protect against extreme hair damage and reduce the drying time on wash days, a notoriously lengthy experience in the natural hair community. The Dyson Supersonic hair dryer is crafted to protect hair from heat damage and the controlled styling can increase smoothness by 75 percent, according to the brand.

Dyson Supersonic hair dryer

9. dyson airwrap complete styler.

This Dyson styler landed on the Allure Best of Beauty list in 2020. It includes multiple attachments including a 1.2-inch barrel, a 1.6-inch barrel, a firm smoothing brush, a soft smoothing brush, a round volumizing brush and a pre-styling dryer. As previously mentioned, it is designed to protect against heat damage and you can take Dyson’s hair diagnostic tool to find which attachment is best for you.

Dyson Airwrap Complete Styler

10. paul mitchell flexible style hot off the press thermal protection hairspray.

Every single expert we consulted recommended using a heat protectant spray

Priester recommended Paul Mitchell Flexible Style Hot Off The Press Thermal Protection Hairspray since it is “perfect for a silk press or wand curls and barrel curls.” The spray uses rice hull extract to create a lightweight barrier between the hair and the hot tool.

“It’s an anti-humidity spray that allows a flexible hold,” he said, “allowing the hair to stay sleek and straight against the elements that cause it to revert.”

Paul Mitchell Hot Off The Press Thermal Protection Spray

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11. eden bodyworks all natural coconut shea pudding soufflé.

For curl-seekers, EDEN BodyWorks All Natural Coconut Shea Pudding Soufflé is a great option, according to Collington.

“It's lightweight but it works wonders on finer texture curls, bringing out shine and definition.”

Relying in part on its all-natural ingredients, the Coconut Shea Pudding Soufflé will get you setting, twisting and curling your soft and moisturized hair. A curly balm that gets the job done just as well is evo’s Liquid Rollers Curly Balm , which holds your curls and afros in place while eliminating frizz

EDEN BodyWorks All Natural Coconut Shea Pudding Soufflé

12. alterna bamboo smooth kendi dry oil mist.

Shorter recommended finishing off any look with the Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Mist . This dry oil spray works to fight off hair damage while smoothing, strengthening, and softening it. And , of course, it postpones the frizz.

While it may be an oil, a lot goes a long way. If you use generous amounts of it on your damp hair, it won’t get greasy or weighed down. The mist is free of parabens, mineral oil, and sulfates and sports a light citrus scent.

Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Mist

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12 Best Natural Oils for Hair Growth, According to Hair Experts

By Jenn Barthole

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Growing out your hair can feel like it takes forever . While there’s no magic cure to speeding up the process , research shows the best natural oils for hair growth (including castor oil and rosemary oil ) can promote longer, thicker, and healthier hair. Plus, these potent plant extracts help define curls, moisturize the scalp, seal split ends, and help retain length. We turned to the experts, including a trichologist, a dermatologist, and a top hairstylist to understand the strand-enhancing benefits of natural oils for different hair goals.

The best natural oils for hair growth, at a glance:

• Best Overall: Sky Organics Castor Oil , $14
• Best for New Growth: Mielle Rosemary Mint Light Scalp & Hair Oil , $11
• Best for Dry Hair: Kiehl’s Magic Elixir Scalp and Hair Oil Treatment , $19
• Best for Color Damage: Public Goods Argan Oil , $13
• Best for Conditioning: Shea Moisture 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Leave-In Treatment , $10
• Best for Fine Hair: Pure Grapeseed Oil for Skin, Hair, and Scalp , $12
• Best for Scalp Health: Briogeo Scalp Revival Organic + Australian 100% Tea Tree Oil , $32

What to know about natural oils for hair growth

What is the difference between carrier and essential hair oils, why are natural oils used for hair growth, how do natural oils improve hair and scalp health, what is the best way to apply natural oils for hair growth, castor oil: sky organics castor oil.

Sky Organics 8 oz Organic Castor Oil

Castor oil is stocked with fatty acids that moisturize the scalp and increase blood circulation when massaged and may help with reviving hair on brows and lashes, says Leah Kay, lead stylist at Hair Lounge NYC . With 65,000 five-star reviews, customers praise Sky Organics’ castor oil for its ability to strengthen strands, sprout new growth, and retain length.

How to use: Castor oil is thick, and so you can try mixing it with a carrier oil (jojoba, coconut, grapeseed, etc.) in a bowl to dilute it. Section your hair and massage the oil mixture onto your scalp with gentle pressure to stimulate blood flow. Leave the oil on your scalp for up to an hour, then shampoo it out using a sulfate-free shampoo. If your hair still feels greasy, shampoo it again and condition it as you normally would.

What reviewers say: “I've been using it for the past two weeks and can see my hair quality get better. Highly recommended!” —Amazon customer review

Coconut oil: Shea Moisture 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Leave-In Treatment

Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Leave-In Treatment

Great for all hair types, coconut oil “coats the hair shaft to increase its strength, decrease brittleness, and reduce hair breakage during styling,” says Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD , a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin. This particular leave-in treatment softens, detangles, and defrizzes tresses while leaving your mane with a tropical coconut aroma for days.

How to use: Generously spray this leave-in conditioner on clean damp hair. Or make your own DIY mixture by melting down one or two tablespoons of coconut oil, three drops of lavender oil, and one cup of water. When spraying either one, focus on mid-lengths to ends of the hair. To finish, blow dry or air-dry.

What reviewers say: “[This conditioner] keeps my waves moisturized throughout the day and through the night. I apply at night after a shower with damp hair. Once I wake up I just dampen my hair and scrunch with a towel. My hair looks great all throughout the day and my curls lock in the moisture which keeps them looking lush.” —Amazon customer review

Olive oil: Ethereal Nature 100% Natural Hair Oil Blend Olive Clear

Ethereal Nature 100% Natural Hair Oil Blend Olive Clear

Revive dull, damaged hair by lathering on this high-performing extra-virgin olive oil as a deep conditioner . It’s “rich in monounsaturated fats, which contains conditioning properties that penetrate and moisturize parched strands,” says Kay.

How to use: Always opt for EVOO because it's incredibly rich in nutrients and moisturizing. Pro tip: Warm it up by placing the container in a warm bowl of water so it penetrates your hair as a mask . Apply it to the driest parts of your hair and gently massage it onto the scalp, but avoid putting too much if your scalp tends to be oily. Leave it onto your hair for 30 minutes before shampooing it out, and condition as normal.

What reviewers say: “I've been using this hair oil regularly and noticed improvement in the overall health of my hair. It has helped to nourish and strengthen my hair, reduce frizz, and promote a healthy scalp environment.” —Amazon customer review

Jojoba oil: Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil Blend

Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil Blend

Ideal for those with coily or curly hair, jojoba oil is high in essential fatty acids, which “helps soften and add sheen to hair that tends to run dry,” Kay says. This specific blend from Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross helps maintain moisture and thickens thinning hair.

How to use: Jojoba oil can be used on wet or dry hair as a leave-in conditioner for added moisture. Start by applying a few drops to the palm of your hand. (Remember, a little goes a long way.) Then lightly dab it onto the most parched areas of your hair. If you want to use it as a scalp treatment, apply a few drops to targeted areas around your head and massage the oil into the scalp. Pro tip: Opt for cold-pressed jojoba oil because it preserves the oil’s natural vitamins.

What reviewers say: “I bought this product to add some hydration to my very dry hair and I couldn’t be happier! I use it during styling and in between washes to maintain healthy hair.” —Sephora customer review

Rosemary oil: Mielle Rosemary Mint Light Scalp & Hair Oil

Mielle Rosemary Mint Light Scalp & Hair Oil

Rosemary oil is a popular option because, when massaged onto the scalp, it boosts blood flow, which can lead to faster hair growth. Studies suggest that it can be as effective as minoxidil (a common hair-loss treatment) in triggering growth. Mielle’s top-rated version has biotin, an essential nutrient in the hair growth cycle.

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How to use: William Gaunitz, FWTS, certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology Products , recommends diluting rosemary oil with a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil) before applying because it is highly concentrated and will irritate the scalp if applied directly. Massage the concoction gently onto your scalp, focusing on areas with hair loss or thinning. For a deeper treatment leave it on for longer than 30 minutes. Otherwise, rinse it out after about half an hour, and shampoo thoroughly using a sulfate-free shampoo, then condition as you normally would.

What reviewers say: “Organic rosemary hair oil is a true game changer in my hair care routine. Its high-quality, organic formulation, coupled with its numerous benefits for hair growth, strength, and texture, makes it an indispensable part of my beauty arsenal.” —Amazon customer review

Avocado oil: Kiehl’s Magic Elixir Scalp and Hair Oil Treatment

Kiehls Magic Elixir Scalp and Hair Oil Treatment

Use this lightweight scalp and hair and oil treatment as a preshampoo. It’s infused with avocado oil, a rich source of vitamin E, which prevents hair loss, seals the hair cuticle, dials up your natural shine, and makes your tresses extra smooth.

How to use: Choose a cold-pressed avocado oil that is enriched with nutrients. Pro tip: Warm it up by placing the container in a bowl of warm water. It will help the product penetrate the hair better. When applying, lightly coat your fingertips and target the areas that you need the most. If you have an itchy scalp, rub the oil onto your head. For split ends, rub it onto the tips of your hair, as well as the driest parts. Lightly work your way up the hair as needed. Use it as a preshampoo treatment, then wash it out using a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.

What reviewers say: “Very soothing to itchy scalps, left it in all night, and my thick, dry hair looked good enough to wear without washing the next day. When I did wash it my hair was shiny and smooth (normally frizzy and has little shine).” —Nordstrom customer review

Grapeseed oil: Pure Grapeseed Oil for Skin, Hair, and Scalp

Pure Grapeseed Oil for Skin, Hair, and Scalp

Grapeseed oil is on the lighter side, so it’s a great match for hydrating fine hair. Kay recommends routinely rubbing a small amount of this cold-pressed oil onto a dry scalp to keep it moisturized, soothe dandruff, and amp up hair growth. She also says, “It’s filled with antioxidants, which help it masterfully treat and prevent split ends.”

How to use: If your strands tend to get dry or frizzy, add a few drops of this oil to your palms and lightly coat the lengths of your hair after showering. Whether you blow- or air-dry, it will help reduce frizz and improve hydration without weighing it down.

What reviewers say: “It smells great and soaks in so easily. It's perfect for my hair and scalp as I know it's not going to dry my hair out or leave a greasy residue on me as some oils tend to do.” —Walmart customer review

Macadamia nut oil: Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Treatment

Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Treatment

As one of the richest oils, macadamia is great at penetrating the hair shaft and softening very thick or curly hair. This product has therapeutic properties that revitalize heat-damaged hair, provide UV protection, and even extend the life of color treatments.

How to use: Take a dime-size dollop of virgin cold-pressed macadamia oil. Rub it between your palms and then smooth it throughout your dry hair. Pro tip: Pay careful attention to getting the oil to the ends of your hair to help repair split ends and damage.

What reviewers say: “I've been using this conditioner for 20 years and can't do without it. It’s the best. My hair would be like dead straw without it. Instead it’s silky, soft, and looks and feels great!” —Amazon customer review

Argan oil: Public Goods Argan Oil

Public Goods Argan Oil

Public Goods

Massage this sweet-smelling oil onto your scalp regularly to boost hair growth. Kay says, “It’s packed with essential fatty acids that condition strands and improve overall softness.” Or if your hair is frizzy, brittle, or color-damaged, apply it as a leave-in conditioner.

How to use: Massage 8 to 10 drops of this oil into your mane and scalp (adjust the amount based on your hair length) for up to 10 minutes. Make sure your hair is covered from root to tip. Put on a shower cap and allow the oil to sink in for an hour, then shampoo and condition normally.

What reviewers say: “I love using a few drops of oil on my hair in the AM. I have very dry ends and this oil helps smooth the flyaways, and make my hair look shiny and healthy.” —Sephora customer review

Baobab oil: R+Co On a Cloud Baobab Oil Repair Collection

R+Co On a Cloud Baobab Oil Repair Collection

In search of an oil that delivers a nongreasy shine? Baobab oil has incredible conditioning properties that “adds a subtle gloss to all hair types,” says Kay. Beyond making your strands look more lustrous, this spray-on oil styling mask has a baobab oil-protein technology that rebuild bonds and seals the hair cuticle.

How to use: Spray this oil mixture evenly from roots to ends on clean, damp hair. It'll help detangle knots, while repairing dry hair damage. Comb through and style as normal. You’ll be left with a soft, lustrous finish.

What reviewers say: “I'm of Caribbean descent and have thick curly hair. This product helps define my curls with a twirl of the finger. It keeps my hair soft, shiny and frizz free.” —Amazon customer review

Tea tree oil: Briogeo Scalp Revival Organic + Australian 100% Tea Tree Oil

Briogeo Scalp Revival Organic + Australian 100% Tea Tree Oil

A healthy scalp is essential for hair growth, and tea tree oil contains potent nutrients that calm and soothe a dry, itchy, oily, or flaky scalp. This 100% organic version works for all hair types and textures, without leaving oily residue behind.

How to use: For a refreshed scalp, Kay recommends, mixing a few drops of this organic tea tree oil with coconut oil or water. Then massage it onto a clean scalp before bedtime and rinse it out the next morning. Pro tip: If you have a really flaky scalp, repeat two or three times weekly.

What reviewers say: “I deal with a dry and itchy scalp. I added a few drops to both my shampoo and conditioner. After two weeks I have noticed less dandruff and the itchiness is not as bad as it was prior to using the oil. I would highly recommend this product, it can also be used as a spot treatment as long as it's diluted with water.” —Sephora customer review

Sweet almond oil: Pure Body Naturals 100% Cold Pressed Sweet Almond Oil for Hair and Skin

Pure Body Naturals 100% Cold Pressed Sweet Almond Oil for Hair and Skin

Rich in vitamins E and D, sweet almond oil stimulates the scalp and protects against ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can lead to dryness, brittleness, and limp strands. Nearly 12,000 Amazon reviewers love this version because it’s nongreasy, smells great, and calms the scalp.

How to use: You have the option to add this oil to wet or dry hair, though adding it to dry hair will improve its manageability, shine, and softness. This is probably the better option for those with very thick or brittle hair. Simply pour a nickel-size amount into your hands and distribute throughout your hair, focusing more on the middle to the ends of the hair. Avoid adding too much to the root so your mane won’t look greasy.

What reviewers say : “It keeps my scalp free of dandruff, and I rarely have problems with split ends, but it's a great leave-in conditioner, as well, and takes [away] flyaways without weighing down my hair.” —Sephora customer review

There are two different types of natural oils: carrier oils and essential oils. Carrier oils are extracted from the fatty parts of plants, like seeds and nuts (think olives for olive oil or coconuts for coconut oil). They tend to be thicker and odorless, and are especially helpful with hydrating the scalp.

On the other hand, essential oils are extracted from flowers, leaves, and stems (like rosemary and castor oil). They are highly fragrant and require dilution with carrier oils before topical application. When massaged onto the scalp, these oils increase blood flow and stimulate the hair follicles, which can help hair grow. Plus, they have antifungal and antimicrobial properties that can help prevent dandruff and are rich in fatty acids to promote growth.

“The best hair oils offer a holistic approach for faster hair regrowth without any side effects,” says Kay. In addition to helping alleviate a number of scalp conditions, “oils penetrate the hair shaft to help lock in hydration to leave them softer and more resilient.” They can also be used as a leave-in conditioner to make hair more manageable and easier to detangle. All these factors create an environment that fosters growth and strengthens hair to retain length over time. Dr. Gaunitz says essential oils can be helpful with preventing seborrheic dermatitis (a scalp rash condition), psoriasis, dandruff, itchy scalps, and hair loss.

When applied to the scalp, certain natural oils can calm irritation, fight off unwanted bacteria that cause scalp issues, deliver important fatty nutrients directly to the hair root, and stimulate blood flow, says Dr. Gaunitz. These healing properties can treat several dermatological conditions that can hinder hair growth such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, cicatricial alopecia, and overall hair loss, he says. Essential oils, including tea tree, lavender, and clove oils, can also zap fungi, which eliminates excess sebum and oily hair . When it comes to your strands, “almost all natural oils will provide a degree of protection to the hair shaft (the part of the hair that sticks out of the surface of the skin), thereby protecting it from breakage caused by heat, color, and pollution,” says Dr. Geddes-Bruce.

When integrating oils into your hair-care routine, Kay suggests starting slow to see the effect on your hair health. “Start by massaging a few drops of diluted scalp-stimulating oils (like castor or rosemary essential oil) on your head one or two times weekly,” she instructs. “Try leaving them on close to an hour before washing it out. Observe the effect on your hair. If it leaves it too greasy, apply a smaller amount and less frequently or try a lighter oil.” For more damaged or thicker hair, add a few drops of heavier carrier oils (like coconut or avocado) to your shampoo and conditioner for an additional boost of moisture. If you have coarse or curly texture, rub a few drops of carriers (like jojoba or grapeseed) toward the bottom as a leave-in conditioner to heal split ends.

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By Jenny McCoy

By Petra Guglielmetti

By Lisa DeSantis

By Danielle Sinay

The 35 Very Best Natural Hair Product on the Market

Your curls never had it so good.

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Satin bonnet? Check. Vent hairbrush? Done. An extra-large bottle of conditioner? Of course! No natural hair journey is complete without these essentials, but there's a laundry list of other strand-saving products your hair needs to flourish. With summer approaching—and the looming debate about what protective style to install next—there's no better time to stock up on the best products that'll meet all of your hair needs.

But with a new hair launch every week, how do you even shop for natural hair products anymore?

According to celebrity hairstylist Xia Charles, you should consider your hair type and current needs first and then make your shopping choices from there. "Some companies will state the hair type and/or porosity that their products and lines are most compatible with, and from there you can find what’s best suited to you," says Charles. "For example, if your hair is type 4 and you experience a lot of breakage, you may want to find a product that helps retain length and strengthen the hair shafts."

It's important to pay attention to the ingredients listed on product labels. "DMDM hydantoin a formaldehyde used in some shampoos and conditioners as a preservative has been proven to cause skin irritation and hair loss," Charles says. Of course, you should also stay away from drying alcohol-based products. "Some alcohols often used in hair products as thickening agents can make your hair extremely dry. Dimethicone, although used to treat skin irritations, is a silicone added to some hair products that can cause unnecessary buildup if not used in moderation," Charles adds. You should, however, invest in products with natural ingredients such as moisturizing vitamin E and aloe vera.

As a self-professed natural hair product hoarder, I scoured the web (and my bathroom cabinet) to find the best natural hair products for every hair type, length, and concern.

Grace Eleyae GE Slap Satin-Lined Cap

As you'll see a few times on this list, protecting your curls while you sleep is critical for your curl health. Grace Eleyae's Slap Cap is lined with satin to help cut back on breakage while you snooze or even on a grocery store run.

Taliah Waajid Protective Styles Healthy Hair Under There Bamboo, Peppermint & Avocado Conditioning & Restoring Serum

Taliah Waajid designed the most soothing and nourishing treatment to apply to your hair when in a protective style. The peppermint cools the scalp and relieves any irritation and itching.

The Potion Studio Monoi Mango Moisturizer

This moisturizer smells good enough to eat, but the monoi, mango and shea butter, and babassu oil in the leave-in are strictly meant to deeply nourish hair. The ingredients impart moisture and sheen and can be used on your body or your man's beard, too.

Darling Hair Thrive Braids #1

Darling hair is easy to use and comes in a variety of styles and colors that can help you achieve whatever protective style. you desire, from box braids to 30-inch ponytails.

African Pride Moisture Miracle Hydrate & Renew Curl Milk & Detangler

Formulated with aloe and coconut water, Charles uses this detangler and moisturizing cream to "refresh and nourish my natural hair when braiding," she says. The moisturizing cocktail nourishes the hair to keep it soft and healthy in between styles.

African Pride Moisture Miracle Pre-Shampoo

A favorite of Xia Charles, this pre-poo is "great for after you take your braids out" and need to detangle before going in with shampoo. The treatment breaks down build-up on both the hair and scalp and makes your hair manageable for wash-day.

Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-in Growth Mist

Jamaican black castor oil is an age-old remedy for healing hair and skin, but its more well-known use is for hair growth. This nutrient-rich mist can be used to refresh your scalp and nourish your hair when wearing a protective style.

Baby Tress Edge Styler

No natural hairstyle is complete without perfectly swooped baby hairs. This double-sided edge styler from Baby Tress comes with a mini brush on one side for smooth and easy styling, and a comb on the other to create more intricate designs.

Meraki Organics Rose Quartz Multi Purpose Glow Oil

If you want to give your hair the very best of the best, look no further than Meraki Organics. The Rose Quartz multi-purpose oil serves as a facial oil and as a nourishing sealant for your hair. What's more, the oil—as well as every other product in the brand's lineup—is all infused with gemstones to channel different energies.

GIRL+HAIR Under Hair Care Nourish+ Nourishing Leave-in Conditioner

If you're not protecting your hair while it's in a protective style then what's the point? Girl + Hair makes it easy to keep your hair hydrated and strong under braids, twists, and weaves, with its Under Hair Care system.

Carol's Daughter Coco Creme Coil Enhancing Moisture Butter

Carol's Daughter's Moisture Butter has an impressively hydrating formula of beeswax, coconut oil, and a variety of seed butters. Try it to add residue-free definition on twist-outs.

Soultanicals Knot Sauce Coil Detangler

This Knot Sauce is everything and then some for melting away tangles. Formulated with hair-softening blue malva herb, broccoli seed oil, and coconut nectar, the detangler glides smoothly onto strands, seeping deep into the cuticle to loosen every snag and knot.

Oribe Moisture & Control Deep Treatment Masque

Treat your hair to a luxurious thirst-quenching mask with coconut oil and seed butters (mango, murumuru, illipe) that will leave you feeling like you just left the salon.

Mielle Organics Hawaiian Ginger Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner

Just a few pumps of this moisturizing leave-in treatment are all you need to take your hair to the next level; it's thiccc at first, but as you work the product through your strands, hair becomes bouncier and shiner.

African Pride Black Castor Miracle Hair & Scalp Sealing Oil

Twist-outs come out juicer when you show a little extra love to your ends. How extra? How about a nourishing blend of castor oil, soybean oil, and tea tree oil? All three oils work together to prevent damage, strengthen your hair, and promote growth.

Curls So So Clean Vitamin C Curl Wash

You'll never want to touch another bottle of shampoo after using Curls' Curl Wash. The thick, creamy texture is full of vitamins to fight against hair breakage and damage. Plus, it legit smells like a bowl of fresh pineapples, so there's that.

My Kinks Clip-Ins

Looking for extra volume to create some of your favorite hairstyles but don't want to commit to a sew-in or a wig? Curly clip-ins will be your best friend. Just snap a few pieces throughout your hair to add an extra oomph to your twist-outs or up-dos. (These ones look particularly natural.)

Beautify Beauties Hair Spray Bottle

Detangling your hair without any water can cause a lot of breakage—not to mention a prolonged wash routine. Cut your wash day in half by grabbing a spray bottle and dousing your hair with water (or a mixture of water and conditioner) to loosen up any knots before adding shampoo.

Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

Any oil with peppermint listed as an ingredient is sure to give your scalp a soothing, tingly feeling. Not only does it stimulate circulation in the scalp, but this biotin-infused oil also promotes hair growth.

Fishers Finery Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

A common rule of thumb for many naturalistas (next to drinking lots of water to help keep hair hydrated is to protect your hair with a satin/silk bonnet or pillowcase. Silk pillowcases prevent friction against your hair and help to retain the natural oils in your hair.

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Natural Hair: Products, Hairstyles, & How to Care for Hair

In order to have a successful natural hair journey, you must first understand exactly what the term  natural hair really means.

There are several different definitions of the term. Still, below I’ve provided the most common definition for natural hair and the one we will talk about most often on Curl Centric.

Table of Contents

• 1 What Is Natural Hair?
• 2 Key Takeaways
• 3 How to Start a Natural Hair Journey
• 4 Why Is Natural Hair So Hard to Manage?
• 5.1 Actionable Opportunities
• 6 Understanding Hair Types
• 7 Advice to Help You Start Your Hair Care Journey
• 8 What Causes Shedding in Natural Hair
• 9 How to Prevent Hair Breakage and Split Ends
• 10 Health, Nutrition, Hair Vitamins, and Supplements
• 11 Does Exercise Help Hair Growth?
• 12 Shampooing
• 13 The Best Natural Hair Shampoos
• 14.1 Related Articles
• 15.1 Related Articles
• 16 The Best Natural Hair Conditioners
• 17.1 Related Articles
• 18 How to Identify and Fix Hair Problems
• 19.1 What Is Considered Natural Hair?
• 19.2 What Are the 4 Types of Natural Hair?
• 19.3 Does Natural Hair Mean Black Hair?
• 19.4 How to Grow Natural Hair?
• 19.5 Related Articles
• 20 Final Words

What Is Natural Hair?

Natural hair is relaxer-free hair that hasn’t been chemically straightened with a relaxer (sometimes loosely called a perm ). When you have natural hair, you’re wearing your hair in its natural state.

Oftentimes, within the black community (or the natural hair community), you’ll hear women talk about going natural.

The process of going natural usually refers to black people (or African American women) transitioning from relaxed hair to their natural hair. Some women choose to cut their hair when they go natural; this process is called usually a big chop.

Over the years, more and more women started wearing their natural hair.

The emerging trend is commonly referred to as the natural hair movement today (or the afro hair culture by those often disconnected from the movement). It’s important to understand that natural hair is different from chemical-free hair.

Chemicals, on the surface, are often considered dangerous, but this is oftentimes not the case at all.

Most chemicals that you encounter daily are perfectly safe and harmless. For example, water or H 2 O is a safe chemical.

Key Takeaways

• Natural Hair Regimen:  Keeping a natural hair journal helps troubleshoot common hair problems. Make adjustments as needed to ensure your hair stays healthy and vibrant.
• Protective Style:  Wear protective hairstyles regularly. These styles safeguard the hair shaft, protect your ends, and promote length retention.
• Deep Conditioner:  Regularly condition your hair after shampooing. Then, utilize a deep-penetrating conditioner monthly to strengthen your natural curls and kinks.
• Sulfate-Free Shampoo:  To keep your hair healthy, choose sulfate-free shampoos. For example, we like ArtNaturals Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo. Sulfate-free shampoos won’t remove your hair’s natural oils.
• Healthy Hair:  Change how often you wash your hair depending on how it looks and feels so it stays shiny and healthy.

How to Start a Natural Hair Journey

Natural black hair (i.e., African American hair) is sometimes labeled as nappy hair that needs to be corrected by a relaxer (i.e., having the hair straightened with chemicals).

We’ve heard of situations where women have been discriminated against in the workplace due to having natural hairstyles (on textured hair), which are deemed unprofessional by some employers.

These so-called “unprofessional” styles are often common among black women; examples are dreadlocks , box braids , bantu knots , afro puffs , wash-and-go styles , and the popular twist-out.

Other ladies have been denied jobs or promotions because of their natural hairstyle. Natural hair has also caused relationship issues for many couples.

Curl Centric is about helping you understand your own hair and providing you with information and resources to achieve healthy, bouncy curls.

Why Is Natural Hair So Hard to Manage?

There are problems with some of the advice that’s typically given out online, which can make natural hair care confusing and more difficult to manage.

Some hair advisors or product manufacturers will tell you that you need to find the perfect beauty products (i.e., holy grail products) or master a specific technique for your hair texture, like  protective styling, twist-outs, or bantu knots, to have a successful natural hair journey.

If you’ve tried some of these techniques and haven’t found the success that you’re aiming for, you probably know by now that you need more than generic recycled advice. That’s one of the main reasons that we built Curl Centric.

Our hair care system is based on a comprehensive blueprint for building a successful natural hair journey. It’s designed to build a robust foundation that will lead to a lifetime of success on your natural hair journey.

Natural Hair Blueprint: Foundation, Hair Products, Styling, and Maintenance

The Natural Hair Blueprint will be your guide throughout the course of building a successful hair journey (i.e., your own journey).

The blueprint is based on everything that we have learned over the years, reading cosmetology books, and scientific periodicals, performing research, working with ladies worldwide, and watching their hair improve with our coaching.

The blueprint is divided into three pillars: (1)  foundation , (2)  products , and (3)  styling and maintenance . Each of these pillars works to help you improve your natural hair journey.

This blueprint is intended to be balanced.

However, depending on your strengths – you may need to spend more time on certain areas of the blueprint to see real improvements in your natural hair.

Actionable Opportunities

We like to focus on taking action during your natural hair journey. You have to implement the things that we discuss to really see improvements in your hair.

Taking action is the best way to benefit from Curl Centric. We try to thoroughly explain concepts and give you very specific ways to take action.

Understanding Hair Types

We tend not to focus on hair types (or hair textures) in our articles for one particular reason. Regardless of your hair type – there are several common things that are often overlooked that everyone needs to do in order to have healthy natural hair.

At times we will write articles for specific types of hair and hair textures.

Although keep this simple point in mind – you must drink plenty of water, reduce stress, wear protective styles, limit the amount of heat you put on your hair, wash your hair regularly, live a healthy lifestyle, and more, regardless of your hair type.

Besides, many people have multiple hair types or categorizations of hair on their heads, so we tend to focus on those aforementioned things around here instead of your hair type.

Read this article to learn more about how to determine your hair type (e.g., type 3b vs. 4c curls) and the most popular hair typing system.

Advice to Help You Start Your Hair Care Journey

There is no right or wrong way to go natural; the important thing is that you are going natural. If you decide to transition to natural hair (instead of doing a big chop ), it’s important to know that the line of demarcation is where your natural hair and relaxed hair intersect.

You’ll definitely notice a difference in the natural texture of your hair and your relaxed hair. Relaxers weaken your hair , leaving it dull and damaged over time. So, the difference should be fairly obvious.

You’ll learn that your hair will tell you what it needs, and it’s critical that you pay attention to what it is telling you.

Selecting your initial set of hair products is important, and many naturals spend quite a bit of time trying new products in an attempt to find the best natural hair products (i.e., holy grail products) for their hair.

You must get to know your hair to understand which products will work best for you.

My advice to you: Start a natural hair journal and begin documenting everything that you do to your hair. This will help you understand over a period of time what works and what doesn’t work for your hair.

The key is to focus on what works for your hair and start to eliminate the things that don’t work. This process will help you select the right hair products and finalize your natural hair regimen .

Several women have seen great success by openly documenting their natural hair journey by starting a natural hair blog.

What Causes Shedding in Natural Hair

Some experts estimate that shedding more than 100 hairs per day is perfectly normal.

About 10% of the hairs on your head are in a resting phase (telogen), and those hairs shed (exogen) after a period of time (generally 2 or 3 months). The other 90% (roughly) of your hair strands are growing at any given time.

Hair growth occurs in cycles consisting of four phases: Anagen (growth phase), Catagen (transitional phase), Telogen (resting phase), and  Exogen ( shedding phase ) .

Hair grows at different rates for different people; the average rate is around one-half inch per month. Due to a short active growth phase, some people have difficulty growing their hair beyond a certain length.

My advice to you:  Don’t worry too much about your hair shedding unless it seems truly excessive. If your hair shedding does seem excessive, you should start by investigating the following areas: tight hairstyles, diet and nutrition, current medications, stress, illnesses, nervous habits, alopecia areata , and hormonal changes.

It is important to note that women make up nearly 40% of the individuals in the United States who experience hair loss .

We recently wrote an article about the best shampoos for hair loss ; however, several of these issues may require a medical doctor’s professional diagnosis to determine the root cause of the hair shedding.

How to Prevent Hair Breakage and Split Ends

Your hair is dead material, which is the reason why you can treat it with strong chemicals, cut it with scissors , or apply heat to it without feeling a thing. The only problem with that is – since your hair is not alive, it cannot repair itself.

Damage to the hair must be trimmed away or grown out. For example, there is no permanent cure for split ends. Some conditioners can essentially patch split ends and make them less visible, but those split ends will reappear over a period of time.

The only way to permanently get rid of your split ends is to trim them away. You should absolutely never burn away your split ends.

Hair breakage is the most common cause of hair loss. Tight hairstyles (ex., tight ponytails and braids) can break off the hair and damage the hair follicle.

If your hair constantly breaks (i.e., you have brittle hair), you will need to identify exactly what’s causing the breakage and eliminate the culprit to prevent further breakage.

The most common causes of breakage are heat styling, harsh chemicals, tight hairstyles, and rough treatment.

My advice to you: Hot appliances, like flat irons , hair dryers , hair steamers , curling irons, and pressing combs, are popular but often lead to serious hair damage because their high temperatures can result in brittle, dry hair that breaks easily – especially when they’re overused.

If you decide to use heat, especially a flat iron, then you should use measures to minimize the likelihood of irreparable heat damage . However, it’s important to understand that it’s impossible to completely protect the hair from heat damage.

If an appliance is hot enough to burn your skin, then there is a legitimate chance that the appliance will cause significant heat damage to your hair.

Ensure that your natural hairstyles aren’t overly tight, stay away from chemical relaxers and processes that change the structure of your hair, and handle your hair with care.

Too-frequent manipulation (combing, brushing, tugging, pulling, etc.) can lead to increased breakage.

Some of our favorite hairstyles for natural curls include box braids, bantu knots, afro puffs, twist-outs, spring twists , passion twists , and wash-and-go styles. Note that all of these aren’t “protective” styles, so be sure to follow the tips provided above to protect your hair.

Health, Nutrition, Hair Vitamins, and Supplements

Generally speaking, the same nutritious foods that are good for your body also promote stronger, healthier hair. If you don’t eat a healthy diet, your hair could suffer.

It’s important to mention that your hair doesn’t contain vitamins – it is not a living structure.  If you’re eating a balanced, nutritious diet, there isn’t much benefit gained from taking hair vitamins and supplements.

If you concentrate on eating low-fat proteins, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you can help your hair reach its full potential without supplements.

The United States Department of Agriculture has established dietary guidelines for Americans  ( Chapter 1 ). According to most surveys, the average American isn’t familiar with the guidelines and doesn’t manage their dietary intake accordingly.

You might need to consider hair vitamins and supplements to help your hair reach its full potential for those who aren’t  eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet or have a medical condition or imbalance. You should consult your doctor to determine if a multivitamin is right for you.

My advice to you: Eat a healthy, well-balanced, nutritious diet and save your money on hair vitamins and supplements unless you have a medical condition or imbalance.

Curl Centric recommends the  Magic Bullet NutriBullet High-Speed Blender . It’s designed to help you easily add more fruits and vegetables to your daily diet. Kira and I start the day with a smoothie every morning from our NutriBullet.

For a wonderful list of smoothie ideas and a great plan for living a healthier lifestyle, we use the New York Times bestselling book “ 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse ” by JJ Smith. With this book, you can lose up to 15 pounds in 10 Days and improve your energy level.

Does Exercise Help Hair Growth?

There is no evidence that exercise promotes hair growth or has any direct benefit on your hair’s growth rate or your hair’s overall health.

However, there are many other benefits of exercise , including weight control, mitigating health conditions, and boosting your energy, among other things.

My advice to you: Exercise regularly because it reduces stress and promotes general health, which indirectly can have substantive impacts on your natural hair’s success.

Kira and I are huge fans of the Insanity Workout Program, but it’s definitely not for everyone. It’s an extremely intense, high-impact workout program for people that are already in pretty good shape.

Many low-to-medium impact programs are effective too. Check out our recommendation below.

Curl Centric recommends the Apple Watch Series 8 or the Fitbit Sense 2 Smart Watch  to track steps, workouts, heart rate, distance traveled, calories eaten, calories burned, floors climbed, and overall active minutes.

It’s designed to help you improve your overall physical activity, which can be done without hours of crunches, cardio, and high-intensity gym workouts.

The most often purchased natural hair product is shampoo. The main problem with shampoos is that there are so many different types, one for every type of hair and/or scalp condition. It’s easy to get confused when choosing a product as simple as shampoo.

My advice to you: Choose products that are designed to be gentle on your hair. Many hair care experts recommend a pH-balanced shampoo to prevent excessive dryness and hair damage during the shampooing process.

The Best Natural Hair Shampoos

The Jamaican Black Castor Oil shampoo with shea butter and apple cider vinegar can work well on heat-styled, chemically processed, colored-treated, and curly or straight hair. Hair color can damage your hair, so use it sparingly.

Curl Centric may receive compensation if you make a purchase using this link, at no additional cost to you.

The organic PURA D’OR Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo is an effective solution for thinning hair. Still, we like it because it uses certified organic ingredients and doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate or parabens. It’s also hypoallergenic and gluten-free.

We like As I Am Coconut Co-wash Cleansing Conditioner if you prefer to co-wash. For natural newbies, co-washing is the process of washing your hair with a conditioner instead of using traditional shampoo. Many naturals also rave about how great this product smells.

The argan oil shampoo by Art Naturals is a paraben-free product designed to reduce hair thinning and shedding.

How often should you wash your hair?

Each head of hair is different, so there is really no correct answer. However, you can tell when you’re washing your hair too much if it starts to get dull, which means it’s time to scale back on the shampooing.

By over-washing your hair, you can wash away your hair’s natural oils, which helps your hair look healthy. If you’re not washing your hair often enough, you can have product build-up, which could negatively impact your natural curls.

My advice to you: When washing your hair, use lukewarm water because hot water can strip the scalp of sebum, which is the protective oil that acts as a natural conditioner and gives your hair its shine.

When you create your initial natural hair regimen, schedule a wash day once per week. Record how your hair responds for a few weeks in your natural hair journal, and make adjustments to your regimen as necessary.

For a more comprehensive article on how often you should wash your hair and whether you should use shampoo, co-washes, or other techniques, read this article .

Related Articles

• How Often Do Black People Wash Their Hair?
• Should You Wash Your Hair Before Getting It Cut?

Conditioning Tips

Conditioners are intended to deposit protein or moisture into the hair strand to restore the hair’s strength, give your hair body, and protect your hair against possible breakage.

The effects of conditioners are only temporary. The term conditioner is often used to describe many different things.

For example, there are finishing rinses, like the rice water hair rinse , cream rinses, protein conditioners, hot oil treatments using natural oils (e.g., tea tree oil), deep conditioning treatments , and leave-in conditioners – and I’ve only named a few.

My advice to you: Start by regularly conditioning your hair after shampooing and having a deep-penetrating conditioner every month. You should document how your hair responds in a hair journal and make adjustments as needed.

Also, buying really expensive hair care products isn’t necessary, but you should beware of products that are extremely inexpensive relative to the competition.

• Can I Condition My Hair Everyday Without Shampooing?
• Can You Leave Conditioner in Your Hair?
• Why Does My Hair Feel Like Straw?
• Squish to Condish Technique

The Best Natural Hair Conditioners

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner with sea kelp, argan oil, and shea butter was formulated for dry, damaged hair. It's important to note that this product contains natural ingredients that vary in color and consistency.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioning Treatment contains mostly natural ingredients from Australia, like aloe and jojoba, and consistently receives rave reviews from ladies with natural hair. It also has a coconut-like smell, which most women seem to really like. The product is called the "3-minute miracle" because it's designed to work in minutes.

Hair Styling Tips

Protective styling is critical to the success of your natural hair journey.

When we use the term protective styling on the Curl Centric blog, we’re referring to incorporating more “protection” into your overall natural hair regimen (instead of specific natural hairstyles).

The lack of focus on protecting the hair is often why several women suffer from excessive breakage and fail to grow their hair to their desired length.

One way to incorporate more protection into your natural hair journey is to utilize protective hairstyles. 

A protective hairstyle generally requires minimal upkeep, allows you to moisturize as needed, and it keeps the ends of your hair safe and tucked away – protected .

You can successfully grow your hair quite long with the appropriate selection of hair care products, proper styling techniques, and general handling/maintenance.

My advice to you: Look for ways to incorporate more protection into your hair regimen. Be sure that you’re gentle with your hair at all times.

I also recommend finding a few protective hairstyles that you like and frequently incorporating them into your natural hair regimen so that you can protect the ends of your hair.

A significant component of growing long hair (or, more accurately, retaining what you’ve already grown) is mitigating hair breakage to retain the hair you currently have, and protective styling improves your ability to accomplish this goal.

• What are Protective Styles?
• Protective Hairstyles for Swimming
• Protective Styles for White Hair

How to Identify and Fix Hair Problems

During your hair journey, there are many different things that you might have to correct: dry hair, product build-up, heat damage, and dandruff are just a few. This is often why some women say going natural is a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.

Generally speaking, you should refer to your natural hair journal when you’re experiencing a problem with your hair.

It’s the primary guide to correcting your hair problems. You should begin asking yourself questions until you determine the potential root cause of the problem.

For example, have you changed anything about your regimen recently? Are you shampooing more often?

What about taking a new medication? Did you recently start a stressful job? When was the last time you applied heat to your hair?

Use a root-cause approach to correcting the issues that you identify.

This troubleshooting technique is based on the premise that you can solve many problems that you’re having with your hair by addressing (correcting or eliminating) the potential root causes instead of only addressing the symptoms.

For example, dry hair can be caused by external factors like harsh shampoo, chlorine, applying heat to the hair, too much sun or wind exposure, and hard shower water , to name a few.

On the other hand, dry hair can also be caused by internal factors such as medications, nutritional deficiency, or medical illnesses.

My advice to you: Identify the root cause of your “hair problem” and address the root cause.

And finally, we’re here for you as you progress through your natural hair journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions? We’ve got answers! Dive into our FAQ section below to find quick and straightforward responses to common questions about natural hair.

What Is Considered Natural Hair?

Natural hair is hair that hasn’t been altered with straighteners, relaxers, or texturizers. Natural hair retains its original texture. It hasn’t undergone treatments that change its natural curl pattern.

What Are the 4 Types of Natural Hair?

The four types of natural hair are categorized as Type 1 (straight), Type 2 (wavy), Type 3 (curly), and Type 4 (coily or kinky). Each hair type has subcategories based on the tightness or looseness of the wave, curl, or coil.

Does Natural Hair Mean Black Hair?

No, natural hair does not exclusively mean black hair. Natural hair refers to hair that hasn’t been chemically altered. Natural hair is not specific to an ethnicity or race. However, within the black community, it refers to the textures and patterns of black hair.

How to Grow Natural Hair?

To grow natural hair, maintain a healthy scalp by cleansing and moisturizing regularly. You’ll also want to avoid excessive heat and chemical treatments. Trim split ends and wear protective hairstyles. Finally, maintain a balanced diet to nourish your hair from within. It’s also essential to handle your hair gently to prevent breakage.

• What Is Coily Hair?
• How Often Should You Moisturize Your Natural Hair?
• Best Way to Detangle Natural Hair
• Should I Wet My Hair Everyday?

Curl Centric recommends The Science of Black Hair for new naturals who want to quickly understand how to care for their naturally curly hair, how to grow long hair, and how to get started with a healthy product regimen.

This book is a well-research reference guide for ladies serious about hair care.

Final Words

To keep natural hair healthy and vibrant, it needs a personalized approach. Use sulfate-free shampoos, such as Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil. These products protect the hair shaft and maintain the hair’s natural oils. Using a deep conditioner, like Aussie 3 Minute Miracle, strengthens your hair strands.

Also, protective styles are important for protecting your hair’s ends. These styles help your hair grow longer and achieve beautiful natural curls. To sum up, a dedicated regimen works best. Combine quality hair products with best practices to create healthy, natural hair.

Kenneth Byrd , with a BS in Accounting and Management Information Systems and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has over 15 years of experience and is a recognized authority in hair care. Co-founder of Curl Centric® and Natural Hair Box, Kenneth has dedicated himself to promoting ethical and scientifically-backed hair care practices. Rigorous editorial guidelines , industry recognitions, and features in numerous media outlets evidence his expertise. Kenneth’s commitment to transparency, quality, and empowerment has positioned him as a trusted voice in the field, empowering readers to confidently embrace their natural beauty.

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The Best Natural Hair Products, According to Stylists and Customer Reviews

From leave-in conditioners and sulfate-free shampoos to detanglers and curl creams, treat your strands to the good stuff.

Natural hair can be misunderstood. Having naturally curly, coarse, coily, or textured hair is not a disadvantage. In fact, it's the opposite since the versatility of natural strands makes styling fun and the journey of finding the best products for your tresses quite an adventure. (Because, natural hair gals can't grab just any ol' product to nourish and style their manes.)

If you're looking for the scoop on how to care for natural hair (or any hair type for that matter), you should keep in mind that hair care and scalp care are inclusive. "Maintaining a healthy scalp is important for healthy hair," says board-certified dermatologist, Adrianna Browne, M.D. And when scalp concerns aren't addressed, hair loss and breakage can occur. The funny thing is, many people have a 10-step skin-care routine to keep their complexions in tip-top shape, but when it comes to scalp health, it's easily forgotten. But nourishing, hydrating, exfoliating, and cleansing your scalp, is just as important as your face.

To take care of both your scalp and hair, a regiment including quality products is a must. Celebrity stylist, Kiyah Wright , who blesses the manes of Jennifer Hudson, Ciara, and Gabrielle Union, advises every black woman to have a conditioning mask and leave-in conditioner in their hair-care rotation. "This helps to infuse moisture into the hair, leaving the hair feeling healthy and hydrated," she points out. Moisture, moisture, and more moisture are key for natural hair. (

To help you on your natural hair journey or if you're looking to switch up your routine, consult the guide below for the best products that are actually worth the hype and backed by experts and customer reviews. From a suds-free shampoo to a mega-hold gel, keep scrolling for the best natural hair products you'll want to snag, stat.

Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo: DevaCurl No-Poo Decadence Zero Lather Ultra Moisturizing Milk Cleanser

Traditional shampoos are usually super drying and can make already tangle-prone spirals even more knotty (um, no thanks). On top of that, harsh cleansing agents in some shampoo formulas can cause curly hair to be stripped of natural oils, which is a big no-no since curls need all the hydration they can get. That's where this no-poo cleanser comes into play. The ultra-rich formula was created for medium to thick curly hair and works wonders to keep curls hydrated and strong, thanks to the combo of chufa milk and quinoa protein. And even though it doesn't lather, it surely gets your scalp and strands clean. It's Dr. Browne's go-to shampoo since it's free of sulfates and silicones. (

Buy It: DevaCurl No-Poo Decadence Zero Lather Ultra Moisturizing Milk Cleanser , from $24, sephora.com

Best Co-Wash: Pantene Gold Series Hair Repair Cleansing Conditioner

If Wright claims this is the best co-wash for natural hair out there, you better run to grab a bottle for yourself. "This cleansing conditioner is great for black hair because it's infused with biotin and kukui nut, which are two ingredients that help remove buildup on your scalp and keep the hair moisturized," she says. And even if you're not a regular co-wash user, having a dependable one in your hair-care stash will come in handy. They're creamy, conditioning, and help to reset the hair when curls are out of whack, but it's not quite wash day yet. And since it's less than $10, it's a win-win. (

Buy It: Pantene Gold Series Hair Repair Cleansing Conditioner , $8, walmart.com

Best Conditioner: Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner

Conditioner is non-negotiable when it comes to the best natural hair products. If I travel with one hair-care product, it's a jumbo-sized bottle of conditioner. I can use it to refresh my hair if I need to detangle and start over without a bottle of shampoo and it doubles as a leave-in styling product when I'm in a pinch. And when you're looking for a formula that really packs a punch, this 3-minute miracle worker is a must. The texture is thick and super creamy, which gives you great slip when using it as a detangling aid. And it really softens, defines, and nourishes the hair in just minutes. Simply apply it in the shower, continue the rest of your routine and rinse. There's a reason there are more than 500 five-star ratings of this beloved natural hair product.

Buy It: Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner , $5, was $6, amazon.com

Best Detangler: DreamGirls TLC Comb-Out Treatment

No matter how thick or thin your hair is, all curls are prone to tangles. And as you probably know from experience, removing tangles can be painful and, well, down-right annoying. But having a product that helps tangles and knots to slide out pain-free can make a world of difference. This comb-out treatment is infused with peppermint oil and pro vitamin B5 that help to keep hair moisturized and smooth so you can remove tangles without the hair breaking or snapping. For maximum slip, use this treatment alone or dilute it with water.

Buy It: DreamGirls TLC Comb-Out Treatment , $30, dghair.com

Best Leave-In Conditioner: It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product

Leave-in conditioners are the unsung heroes of a hair-care routine. They are a great staple because they help keep the hair healthy and soft, says Wright. And that's exactly what this fan-favorite spray does. It essentially does everything from adding shine, controlling frizz, protecting color, stopping breakage and so much more. With an impressive 4.8 rating on Amazon, users swear this magical potion is the real deal and leaves strands silky soft . (

Buy It: It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product , $14, amazon.com

Best Curl Defining Cream: SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

This tropical-scented curl cream has to be on the list of best natural hair products — it's had a cult following since it first hit shelves. It has the perfect amount of weight — not too light and not too heavy — and has a magical way of smoothing, hydrating, and defining curls no matter how loose or tightly coiled. It's formulated with certified organic shea butter, coconut oil, and neem oil that lock in hydration and keep hair smooth and soft for days. Not to mention, the scent is heavenly, like a tropical vacay. (

Buy It: SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie , $8, walmart.com

Best Gel: Eco Styler Professional Styling Gel

This no-frill gel is a tried-and-true formula that has won over the hearts of those with natural hair for years. It has mega-hold, so even the toughest of humidity won't cause your curls to frizz, and it's super conditioning thanks to the 100 percent pure olive oil infused into the formula. The best part is you won't get any flakes or itching with this product. And if you prefer a softer hold, simply allow the cast to form and scrunch hair until the crunch disappears. With more than 22,000 five-star ratings, Amazon shoppers say it moisturizes and defines curls , keeps frizz at bay , and won't flake or feel itchy . (

Buy It: Eco Styler Professional Styling Gel , $3, was $7, amazon.com

Best Edge Control: CURLS Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste

A frizzy and unruly hairline can really put a damper on a cute hairstyle. And while the tousled bedhead look is still totally on-trend, there are some styles that require a sleeker approach. That's where this blueberry-infused paste comes to the rescue. It's formulated with blueberry extract, argan oil, and mango and shea butters to smooth down flyaways and frizz while adding a slight sheen. Walmart shoppers say it holds their edges in place for hours, and they love that it doesn't cake up or flake.

Buy It: CURLS Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste , $12, walmart.com

Best Oil: African Pride Moisture Miracle Essential 5 Vitamin Oil

Not all curlies use oils, but for those who do, you'll want to find an oil that locks in moisture and adds natural-looking sheen. This natural hair product is a blend of five essential oils and vitamin E that helps to keep hair soft and hydrated without being weighed down. And it even works as a sealant to lock in moisture for those who practice the LOC method (translation: liquid, oil, or cream). Celebrity hairstylist Derick Monroe says this oil is best for coarse hair since it requires more moisture and can be highly porous. (

Buy It: African Pride Moisture Miracle Essential 5 Vitamin Oil , $9, amazon.com

Best Scalp Reliever: Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Scalp Elixir Treatment

As previously mentioned, scalp health is the first step to maintaining healthy hair of all textures. Yet, it's often overlooked when it comes to building a well-rounded hair-care routine. "This elixir is great for braids and other protective styles , because it protects, cleanses, and soothes itchy, dry scalp," says Wright. "It also smells great and has a cooling effect on the scalp." And since the formula is rinse-free, you can pack this elixir in your purse or workout bag for a quick spritz whenever your scalp is feeling off-balanced or itchy.

Buy It: Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Scalp Elixir Treatment , $9, was $11, amazon.com

Best Deep Conditioner: Bread Beauty Supply Hair Mask Creamy Deep Conditioner

This brand might be new to the natural hair scene, but that doesn't mean it hasn't impressed the community. When you're looking for a deep conditioner, you want a formula that's rich and that really quenches dry and thirsty locks. The formula itself is thick but not heavy, and uses kakadu plum and starflower oil to help restore strength and softness to dry curls. (

One Sephora user raved, "I love this product! My hair is very dry and frizzy, but this product made my hair so much more manageable and soft."

Buy It: Bread Beauty Supply Hair Mask Creamy Deep Conditioner , $28, sephora.com

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From Embracing Texture to Chopping it Off: 7 Women Share Their Natural Hair Journey

For some of us, giving up perms and chemicals is more than just a beauty statement. It’s the long history of the natural hair movement in the ‘60s. (Thanks, Angela Davis and Diana Ross.) It’s the increased representation on television, festivals and advertisements. It’s also dismantling negative perceptions that natural hair is “bad,” “unprofessional,” or “dirty.”

And it’s a decision that’s deeply personal and variable, involving anything from a big chop, to a commitment to eliminating chemical relaxers to simply switching to using natural hair products . It’s been seven years since I started embracing my natural hair and it’s still a learning process.

Read on to hear from seven women who’ve been through the journey and come out the other side.

9 Things You Should Stop Saying to People with Natural Hair

Hair Protection Is Key

Sable Gravesandy , Student, 27

What inspired you to start your natural hair journey?

I was perming my hair and it was starting to get thin, so my mom suggested I loc my hair. I’ve had my locs for almost 16 years. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I think I’m finally learning how to really take care of them.

How would you describe the relationship with your natural hair?

When I first started, I had no idea what I was doing, so I really damaged my hair by over-washing and using gels that cause buildup. But I finally learned that less is more, and my hair has been growing a lot more in this past year.

How has the natural hair movement impacted you?

I’m very happy to see women loving and protecting their natural hair. I think protecting your hair is more important than anything because I’ve seen what perming, pulling and build-up can do down the line.

Embrace Your Unique Texture

Nakeisha Campbell , Assistant Editor, 30

I've actually been natural my entire life. But even though my hair was never relaxed, I struggled to keep it moisturized and retain length. I did hot-comb presses pretty often and did blow-outs (without heat protection), which messed with my natural curl pattern and led to some breakage. Seeing excessive shedding, and having to go through multiple trims, I felt more like it inspired me to change how I dealt with my hair.

As a child, I was really insecure because I was taught that 4C hair is not professional or beautiful. It's why I always felt the need to apply heat or hide my hair under straight styles. But now, I absolutely love how full, thick and versatile it is. I love how it defies gravity. I love that I can shape it into cool patterns and add different extensions.

I think the natural hair movement is one of the main reasons why so many people in the Black community rock their afro-textured hair today. It reminds us that the significance of hair in Black culture runs pretty deep and more importantly, it continues to challenge European standards of beauty.

There’s No Such Thing As A “real” Natural

Shamari Coleman , Publicist, 27

I went natural when I was 19 years old. I think I was just SO tired of the upkeep of braids, sew-ins and relaxers that in my mind I thought going natural would be easier. Boy was I wrong!

There was a lot of trial and error and learning how to embrace and love my hair. After my big chop, I was so scared to wear my natural hair out that I wore protective styles like wigs for the first two and half years until my hair grew out. After getting my first blowout—post big chop—and seeing my hair be the longest it’s ever been, I realized if I could love and flaunt my hair when it’s straightened out, I have to learn to love it when it’s poofy and full of coils.

I think that some focus entirely too much on certain hair types, and use one million products to achieve a certain “look.” You should avoid feeling like you have to fit a certain mold to be a “real” natural. If you decide to do a big chop and then wear a bunch of protective styles, cool, do you. Don’t feel like you have to do what everyone else in the community is doing to be “real.” Do what works for you.

Hair Representation Matters

Cortney Moore , Journalist, 27

During a summer beach trip in 2008, I saw a little girl and noticed she had long curly hair with small ringlets. I had never seen such a thing in person before. At the time, relaxers and Dominican blowouts were all the rage where I grew up in the South Bronx. I was astounded by the little girl’s hair and called my mother over to point it out and say how beautiful it was. To my surprise, my mother scoffed at me and said, “That’s what your hair looks like when it’s not relaxed.” On that day, I took a vow to stop relaxing my hair with the goal to get my curls back.

Since my hair was relaxed at such a young age, I was completely ignorant of what my natural hair looked like for a good chunk of my life. What I thought was my natural hair—those frizzy waves— wasn’t actually anything like what grows on my scalp.

I wonder if “movement” is still the right word to use because natural hair almost seems to be the norm in my opinion. I hope one day we get to a point where hair is just hair and people who have texture won’t have to worry about whether their hair will be viewed as acceptable or not.

It’s Ok To Alternate Between ‘fros And Braids

Stephanie Sengwe , Associate Editor, 28

I officially went natural back in 2011. There weren’t really that many products that catered to 4C hair back then so I had been perming it for like two years. The damage was so dire that I basically had no hair at the back of my head. Fortunately, the summer before college, Rihanna came through with the pixie cut trend and I cut all my hair to mimic hers. When that didn’t work, I decided to just go back to braids and spent the next year and a half transitioning and just braided it for about four years straight.

Like any other relationship, my ‘fro and I have our moments. There are months when I don’t want to deal with it at all. But when I leave it in braids, I find myself missing it sometimes. Overall, I’m very happy with being natural. My hair has always been fuller and healthier without chemicals in it.

It saved our edges! Honestly, if we were all still perming our hair I don’t know what would’ve happened to our curls and coils at this point.

Videos And Blogs Can Help You Feel More Connected

Hortencia Caires , Influencer, 32

My curly hair journey was a journey of self-love. Like a lot of curly girl stories, I grew up hating my curls. From family and friends telling me it looked better straight to not having the knowledge on how to fix it… it was a constant battle with my hair ever since I was little. In my early 20s, after years of flat ironing and chemically straightening my hair, I decided to chop it all off into a pixie cut and start fresh.

Even though the journey wasn’t easy, I love my curls now. I definitely have my days where I wanna put it in a bun and forget about it, but it’s a much better relationship than before.

The natural hair movement helped me find countless resources to help me take great care of my hair. Without the help of different videos, blogs, etc, I’d still be very lost. I love that there’s so much knowledge out there for everyone.

“by Honoring Your Crown, You Honor Yourself”

Whitney Eaddy , Founder and CEO of Juices & Botanics , 38

After going away to school my first semester of college, I had experimented so much. I remember feeling my roots in between relaxers and one day I noticed how amazing my natural texture felt. My roots felt healthy, full of life and at that moment it was almost like I wanted them to be free!

I remember all of the “traumas” that I’ve endured related to my own hair. I know that universally Black women have never really been taught how to take care of our natural hair. That’s where I come in! Natural hair is like a language that I speak. I’ve learned our hair. I know our hair. I believe in our hair. I ultimately love our hair.

I think the natural hair movement now is more of an awakening. More people are coming into their own natural beauty and defining their own beauty. I believe that by honoring your crown, you honor yourself. By honoring yourself, you honor who you were created to be.

8 Tips to Properly Care for Natural Hair, Straight From the Founder of Miss Jessie's

Associate Editor, Ultimate Fangirl, Aspiring Beauty Guru

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

The 11 Best Hair Growth Serums for Long, Strong Hair

By Deanna Pai

We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.

Hair rarely stays the same, shifting in its thickness and texture with time, amid stress, and through health changes like pregnancy and menopause. The best hair growth serum can help; it won’t necessarily restore your hair to normalcy, but rather establish a foundation that spurs hair growth , thus helping offset the effects of thinning and shedding.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Nutrafol Hair Serum , $69
• Best with Minoxidil: Hers Women’s Minoxidil 2% Topical Solution , $45
• Best with Peptides: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density , $23
• Best Silicone-Free: Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Hair Serum , $54
• Best for Damaged Hair: Kérastase Genesis Fortifiant Hair Serum , $60
• Best for Dry Hair: Divi Scalp Serum , $48
• Best for Grays: Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum , $64

But finding the right formula isn't a matter of simply choosing a product off the shelf and hoping that it works. First, it helps to understand what’s causing your hair changes. “I encourage everyone with a concern for hair thinning or shedding to consult with a health-care provider first,” says Paradi Mirmirani, MD , a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in hair disorders with Kaiser Permanente in Vallejo, CA.

That’s because factors like genetics, your nutrition, stress and anxiety, and changes in your hormones, metabolism, or medications can all contribute to thinning hair. And the cause of your hair loss can help you determine the right ingredients for you—and, with that, the best hair growth serum. Therefore, “the best guidance is to ask questions and rely on trusted sources for scientific evidence and advice that is tailored to your individual need,” she instructs. With that in mind, consider these the serums worth trying to achieve your unique hair goals.

In this article

What is a hair growth serum, what to look for in a hair growth serum.

• What’s the difference between a serum and a supplement
• Expert tips to apply hair growth serums

Do hair growth serums really work?

• Meet the experts

Best Overall: Nutrafol Hair Serum

• Why We Love It: Much like its bestselling supplement—which many Vogue editors consider the gold standard among hair care products —Nutrafol's topical serum takes a novel approach to thinning with ashwagandha, an adaptogen long used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce inflammation and quell anxiety. This non-greasy serum also uses exosomes (small vesicles packed with protein, lipids, and plant RNA) to encourage cellular renewal at the scalp and defend against stress.
• Key Ingredients: Ashwagandha exosomes, Irish moss peptides, pea sprout extract
• Best for: All hair types
• Size: 50 ml

Best with Minoxidil: Hers Women’s Minoxidil 2% Topical Solution

minoxidil solution

• Why We Love It: Minoxidil is the sole active ingredient approved by the FDA to support hair growth in women, but it often comes in a less-than-elegant format, like a foam. That’s not the case with this topical solution by Hers, which absorbs quickly into the scalp and extends the hair's natural growth cycle. Worth noting: It can’t be used while you’re breastfeeding or pregnant, so it might not be an option for postpartum hair loss.
• Key Ingredients: Minoxidil
• Best for: Female pattern baldness
• Size: 60 ml

Best with Peptides: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

multi-peptide serum

• Why We Love It: Peptides are often used in skin care to encourage collagen and elastin production, but applied to your scalp, they can also support hair health and lend a thicker, fuller appearance. This formula harnesses an array of proprietary peptides to do just that, as well as caffeine to stimulate circulation on the scalp, thus delivering more nutrients to the roots.
• Key Ingredients: Caffeine, peptides, green tea extract

Best Silicone-Free: Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Hair Serum

GRO hair serum

• Why We Love It: Free of silicones yet brimming with plant extracts, this water-based formula uses phytoactives like turmeric to increase the look of hair density and caffeine to stimulate the scalp. Although it contains biotin (often derived from animal sources), the formula is still vegan and cruelty-free—and helps deliver the thicker-looking hair in a matter of months.
• Key Ingredients: Turmeric, biotin, caffeine
• Best for: Thinning hair
• Size: 30 ml

Best for Damaged Hair: Kérastase Genesis Fortifiant Hair Serum

Genesis strengthening serum

• Why We Love It: Regular washing, brushing, and styling can take a toll on hair, which is where this Kérastase formula intends to help. The silicone-free serum pairs science-backed peptides like arginine with botanicals like ginger root extract and caffeine to help reduce mechanical damage to hair. Also worthy of noting is the fragrance, which has a woody yet refreshing feel thanks to notes of lavender, bergamot, and vetiver.
• Key Ingredients: Ginger root extract, arginine, caffeine
• Best for: Thinning or breakage-prone hair
• Size: 90 ml

Best for Dry Hair: Divi Scalp Serum

hair scalp serum

• Why We Love It: With an ingredient list that could rival a face serum , this formula brings together a lineup of ingredients meant to nourish the scalp—and in doing so, encourage hair growth and density. A blend of copper peptides, caffeine, and rosemary oil encourages healthy growth, while hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and vitamin E supply moisture.
• Key Ingredients: Copper tripeptide-1, hyaluronic acid, caffeine
• Best for: Thinning hair, dry scalps, or those with tight hairstyles

Best for Grays: Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum

Living Proof

scalp care density serum

• Why We Love It: No matter how well you may care for your hair, time takes a toll in the form of thinning and graying. This scalp serum intends to address both, with a proprietary complex that minimizes the appearance of grays alongside peptides, phytonutrients, and other cutting-edge actives that simultaneously boost hair density. Together, they deliver the hair of your youth in a matter of months.
• Key Ingredients: Amino acids, amaranth peptides, pea sprout extract
• Best for: Age-related hair loss and graying

Best for Age-Related Thinning: Act+Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Scalp Serum

stem cell scalp serum

• Why We Love It: Born of a desire to support scalp health, Act+Acre is the brainchild of trichologist Helen Reavey, whose celebrity clients include Tilda Swinton and Alicia Keys. The brand’s stem cell-powered scalp serum connects the dots even more clearly between scalp health and thick hair. It uses apple stem cells extracted through a cold-pressing process—the better to retain its nutrients—as well as aloe vera and bamboo extract to bolster the scalp's skin barrier and microbiome, thus restoring (and maintaining) the hair growth cycle.
• Key Ingredients: Apple stem cells, aloe vera, bamboo extract
• Best for: Mildly thinning hair
• Size: 65 ml

Best for Temporary Hair Thinning: René Furterer Triphasic Reactional Concentrated Serum

René Furterer

triphasic reactional concentrated serum

• Why We Love It: Some forms of hair loss, such as those related to acute stress or postpartum hormones, are temporary—but still worthy of treatment. This serum uses plant-based extracts, such as a lotus complex and Brazilian ginseng extract, to restore hair to its anagen, or growth, phase. It has an extra advantage in terms of convenience, too: Each of the 12 ampoules in this set is intended to be applied just once a week for three months.
• Key Ingredients: Lotus minerals, pfaffia extract, lemon essential oil
• Best for: Sudden or temporary hair thinning
• Size: 12 0.16 oz. vials

Best Wash-Out Treatment: The Nue Co. Supa_Thick Treatment

Supa Thick treatment

• Why We Love It: This is one of the few serums that works as a pre-shampoo treatment , as it needs to be washed out after 20 minutes. The benefit, however, is that it only needs to be used two or three times a week to offer the results, such as a soothed, less flaky scalp and healthy hair growth. It deploys botanical oils like rosemary leaf and peppermint to encourage blood flow (and thus nutrients) to the hair follicles, while a blend of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics bolster the scalp’s microbiome.
• Key Ingredients: Larix wood extract, camellia extract, rosemary leaf oil
• Best for: Imbalanced scalp
• Size: 100 ml

Best Hair Oil: Ranavat Might Majesty Fortifying Hair Serum

Mighty Majesty hair serum

• Why We Love It: For those seeking shine alongside strength, this pre-shampoo treatment draws from the Ayurvedic tradition of hair oiling, delivering moisture and a glossy finish with a blend of sunflower seed and jasmine oils. (The latter lends a light floral fragrance, too.) Suspended in this oil is amla extract, a potent antioxidant that has long been used in India to soften and protect hair—giving this serum the ability to both minimize shedding and encourage growth.
• Key Ingredients: Amla extract, sunflower oil, jasmine oil
• Best for: Dry hair
• Size: 1.7 fl. oz.

Like that for your scalp, a hair growth serum is a formula that, generally speaking, offers a high concentration of ingredients, such as vitamins, botanical extracts, and essential oils , with the purpose of improving the appearance, strength, and thickness of hair, according to Dr. Christine Shaver, MD , a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in hair restoration at Bernstein Medical Center in New York, NY. You can also find hair growth serums that contain active ingredients that have been FDA-approved to promote hair growth, like minoxidil.

Depending on their formulation and how often you use them, “hair growth serums can provide a variety of benefits, from improving the healthy appearance of hair to enhancing hair growth,” says Dr. Shaver, who notes that it’s critical to choose a formula that targets your unique hair goals.

First, consider your hair needs. For instance, if your hair tends to be dry, then “look for serums that contain oils to help hydrate the dry hair shaft,” says Dr. Shaver. Meanwhile, if you simply want better, faster hair growth, then she recommends looking for products with ingredients that have been clinically proven to do just that—and have scientific data that support their use.

One such ingredient that both she and Dr. Mirmirani recommend is minoxidil, “which is a drug with a long and proven track record for hair growth,” says Dr. Mirmirani. “These minoxidil serums will have a benefit, but are often more costly than over-the-counter minoxidil solution or foam.” (That investment may be worthwhile if a serum makes you more likely to apply it consistently, which typically yields better results.)

Also, consider avoiding formulations that contain additives that might irritating to the scalp and inadvertently cause dryness or itchiness, such as harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances. Instead, seek out those that have been dermatologist-tested, says Dr. Shaver.

What’s the difference between a serum and a supplement?

For one, supplements, which are often taken orally, can “address specific nutritional deficiencies that may be lacking in a person’s diet,” says Dr. Mirmirani. So, they can be helpful to address systemic causes of hair thinning, such as a deficiency in certain nutrients. (For instance, research has found that deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, and folate may correlate to hair thinning or slow hair growth.)

But these do take longer to work, as supplements “must first be metabolized by the body and dispersed by the bloodstream to be beneficial,” says Dr. Shaver. And oral supplements may have more systemic side effects and interactions with other medications, so it’s especially important to check with your doctor before taking a supplement.

Meanwhile, “the goal of a serum is to target the hair follicle directly by delivering compounds that may allow for improved or optimal hair growth,” says Dr. Mirmirani. These ingredients are those that aren’t typically found in the diet, such as minoxidil and plant-based compounds.

Topical serums tend to be better for “addressing superficial concerns, such as scaling of the scalp and dryness of the hair shaft, since the product can be applied directly to the location that needs the serum,” says Dr. Shaver, who notes that they can also offer benefits more quickly, such as hydrating and comforting the scalp.

How to apply hair growth serums

The most important step is to test your serum before using it for the first time. “Apply the serum to a small spot on the scalp for a few days to ensure that there is no irritation before applying it more broadly,” says Dr. Mirmirani. “A measured approach is best.” To that end, get comfortable with the fact that you’ll need to be both consistent and patient in your usage, as the results can take time.

As for the application itself, apply a hair growth serum to a clean scalp (though this might vary with the exact product). Ideally, it helps to do it while hair is lightly damp, since this “can help to disperse the product across the scalp and make the scalp more porous and enhance absorption,” says Dr. Shaver. (However, she notes, a very wet scalp would dilute your serum and potentially make it less effective.)

By Alexandra Macon

By Kiana Murden

By Christian Allaire

For those with thick hair, then “partition the hair so that the scalp can be exposed and the serum can reach the skin if the purpose is for hair growth, since the product needs to be directly on the scalp so it can be absorbed and reach the base of the hair follicles,” says Dr. Shaver. While many products do provide applicator nozzles that reach through the hair, some droppers aren’t as precise.

Finally, if you’re applying hair growth serum in the evening, consider your skin type—since certain ingredients, such as oils, can potentially rub off onto your pillow and be transferred to skin. “For sensitive or acne-prone skin, either frequent pillowcase changes or wearing a hair bonnet after serum application may be helpful,” she says.

They can work, with some caveats. It’s key to choose your product carefully. “I’m generally skeptical of products that promise a lot of benefits and don’t provide good scientific evidence to support their claims,” says Dr. Mirmirani. “Some hair growths serums are promising, but the vast majority don’t provide strong evidence for me to recommend to my patients.”

She also stresses the importance of other, healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a well-rounded diet, getting eight hours of sleep, making time for regular exercise, and addressing sources of stress. “These changes to your routine may be just as effective as some serums and supplements,” she says. “While these behaviors can be difficult to implement or difficult to stick with, they are free—and will have benefits far beyond hair growth.”

Meet the Experts

• Christine Shaver , MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in hair restoration at Bernstein Medical Center in New York, NY.
• Paradi Mirmirani , MD a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in hair disorders with Kaiser Permanente in Vallejo, CA

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Transitioning to Your Natural Hair? Keep These Tips in Mind

" The key word is patience," says DevaCurl stylist Latoya Moore.

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

The small upside of quarantining was that I had a natural excuse to hide as I underwent the famously awkward stage of transitioning. I was confident with my decision. (For the first few months, at least.) But as time went on, and my curls grew in, I got to know the coils that I hadn't let free in over a decade. And let me tell you, they're beautiful, but the maintenance is a journey . Getting used to managing my much thicker locks—always remember, comb and brush from ends to roots—let alone styling two vastly different hair textures , and experimenting with various curly hair products and deep conditioners , was a lot to add to my daily routine.

I finally understood why my cousin went for the "big chop" during her transition a year earlier, and why my sister spends hours in front of the mirror on wash days. If your goal is healthy, voluminous natural hair, it takes time, effort, and education to tame your mane. " The key word is patience," Latoya Moore, a DevaCurl stylist told me. "You have to have patience because if you don't, you're going to revert back to having relaxed hair."

To answer my growing list of questions, I spoke with Janell Stephens, CEO of Camille Rose Naturals , Gillian Garcia, a Brooklyn salon owner and creator of Ju Poppin haircare products , and Moore, all of whom offered valuable words of wisdom. I got all the details, including the timeline to expect, the products I needed to keep an eye out for, and whether or not the "big chop" was necessary.

Find a stylist you trust.

Both starting—and continuing—the journey from relaxed to natural hair can be overwhelming. And the thing is, there's no set timeline because everyone's hair is different. If you choose to cut a majority of your permed tresses, your transition is basically done. But if you'd like to grow it out over time, transitioning could take as long as a year.

During this time, in order to receive the best service in the salon and to make the smartest decisions for the health of your curls while at home, find a stylist who will be in your corner.

" You need to research and find a great expert that will guide you through this transition period," Moore says. "They will educate you on how to take care of your hair at home after leaving the salon. You have to have a stylist that will give you that confidence before you leave their chair."

Moore advises that DevaCurl's "Find A Stylist" tab on their website is a great starting point, as it helps you locate a professional in your area. In addition, Instagram accounts like @TheCutLife , @VoiceofHair , and @healthy_hair_journey feature the work of stylists from across the country that may be in a city near you. And when in doubt, if you see someone on social media or in person with a healthy head of hair that's #goals, why not ask them about their stylist.

It's possible to transition without the big chop.

Over the years, "going natural" has become synonymous with "the big chop," which means cutting off your permed, straight strands, to start fresh with cropped curls. Not only is it a practical, swift way to get to your natural roots, but many see it as a spiritual journey as you do away with the Westernized idea that smooth locks are the key to beauty.

"I feel like all women should experience a big chop," Garcia says. "It's such a great time to just learn to love yourself, and look in the mirror and say, 'It's just me and you.'"

But it's also a personal decision. If you're not quite ready to be rid of your length, it's totally okay to wait a few months to allow for an inch or two of new growth or to transition to your natural hair without cutting off your relaxed ends. However, the obstacle that comes with this decision is learning to style and take care of two different hair textures. As your hair grows out, the area where your curls meet the permed strands becomes thinner and weaker, making your hair prone to breakage, which is bound to happen throughout your hair growth process. We have the keys to lessening breakage ahead.

Using moisturizing products is essential.

If there's one magical word associated with easing your transition, it's moisture. All the experts I consulted emphasized the value of hydration. Your coils can easily become dry and susceptible to excessive breakage if you don't take the time to invest in products and an at-home hair routine that puts moisture first.

"Sulfate-free products are key," Stephens says. "Stay away from drying ingredients, such as all of the alcohols and ingredients that will disturb your true pattern. You want ingredients that are rich in emollients, like oils and butters. They penetrate the hair and infuse it with moisture."

Our Experts's Favorite Natural Hair Products

Ju Poppin Moisturizing Shampoo

Ju Poppin Sunflower Vitamin E Oil

Camille Rose Curl Maker

Pantene Pro-V Gold Series

Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioner

DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler

Head & Shoulders Scalp Cream Treatment

Curls Blueberry Bliss Twist-N-Shout Cream

When shopping for shampoos , deep conditioners, and styling products, always keep an eye out for cream-based formulas and stay away from anything that contains silicone or parabens.

Also, you also shouldn't be afraid to use a few tried-and-true DIY remedies . Stephens emphasizes the healing benefits of the natural gel from the aloe vera plant , which she used on her hair throughout her own transition. Massage the plant's oils into your scalp and strands for hydration, letting it sit for up to 10 minutes before your weekly shampoo and conditioning routine.

Garcia also shares two recipes for an at-home protein treatment (to strengthen hair) and a moisture treatment to be done every four to six weeks.

DIY Protein Treatment

• 1 ripe banana
• 3-4 pumps of vitamin e oil

Mix and apply to hair. Cover with plastic cap, and let sit for up to 30 minutes. Rinse and follow immediately with moisturizing treatment.

DIY Moisture Treatment

• 2 tsp. of honey
• 1/2 an avocado

Also, you know how in the "Directions" section on your new deep conditioner label it advises to section-out your hair during application? As tempting as it is to skip over that step, Moore says that parting your hair into four sections throughout your wash day routine (shampooing, conditioning, and styling) make all the difference to ensure all parts of your hair are receiving equal moisture treatments.

But, be mindful of when you apply oils to your hair.

While oils are essential to a healthy mane, it's important to be aware of when and how you apply them.

"Apply your creams or your gel first," Moore says. "Oil doesn't moisturize if it's applied directly to your scalp. It just sits on your strands, and whenever you put any moisture into it, the oil will block it, creating a barrier. I always say to apply oil after to help loosen up your curls and give them a little bit more shine."

Briogeo B. Well Organic + Cold-Pressed 100% Castor Oil

SheaMoisture 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Leven Rose 100% Pure & Organic Jojoba Oil

Maple Holistics 100% Tea Tree Essential Oil Pure

Experiment with protective styles..

One of the biggest adjustments when transitioning is figuring out how to style your hair, particularly when you've forgone the big chop and are dealing with two vastly different textures. That's where protective hair styles come in. A few basics include:

• Flat twists
• Twist outs with rod sets
• Bantu knots
• Knotless braids

Each come in a variety of stylish variations that allow you to mix up your look. Both Moore and Garcia like twist outs with rod sets. It's a style that's easiest for those who still have relaxed ends. They can twist their roots and curl the ends using rods.

"When you do rod sets, you are temporarily creating the same curl pattern," Garcia says. "They're one of the easiest, best ways for styling and also rod sets and flexy rods are easy to apply yourself."

She also advocates for weaves and braids—particularly knotless braids, which use your natural hair at the root and weave in extensions further down, reducing the stress on your scalp. (Keep in mind: Any style using synthetic hair should be removed after four to six weeks.)

Worried that the strain on your strands will cause more damage and breakage? Consider this tip from Garcia: "Anything that's painful and uncomfortable for you to lie on the pillow with is too tight."

Have the proper detangling brush and wide-tooth combs on hand.

Garcia says to invest in these essential styling tools, which are best for managing coils. And Moore swears by a silk bonnet or scarf , silk pillowcase , and microfiber towels. Each help to reduce breakage.

BESTOOL Detangling Brush

HYOUJIN Black Wide Tooth

YANIBEST Bonnet Satin Sleep Cap

YoulerTex Microfiber Towel

Get regular trims..

The stylists all agree that you should trim your ends every four to six weeks while transitioning with relaxed ends. Getting rid of dead, split ends will reduce further breakage.

Pay attention to the temperature of your water on wash day.

Yes, details as small as this have an impact on the overall health of your curls. And a golden rule? Stay away from hot water.

"Wash your hair with lukewarm water to open up your follicles. Once you've finished putting all your product in, that's when you're going to rinse and seal it with cold water," Moore explains.

Minimize heat.

" I would not encourage someone to stop using heat altogether because people love switching up their look," Moore says. "But, once your hair is healthy and grown out, keep it to a minimum.

If you're looking to blow dry or straighten your hair for a special occasion, use low temperature settings and always use a heat protectant. Professional silk presses—a styling technique using heat to maintain your natural curl—are also okay if your hair is healthy, but only have them done once a month, max.

And if you ever (understandably) get discouraged throughout this process, and think about reverting back to your permanently straight strands, remember this last bit of advice from Moore:

"If you keep holding on to that dead hair, it's going to break off eventually. So make up your mind and give yourself confidence. It's just dead hair weighing you down. And once you take that off, the spring factor of your curls will come back," she says.

For more stories like this, sign up for our newsletter .

McKenzie Jean-Philippe is the editorial assistant at OprahMag.com covering pop culture, TV, movies, celebrity, and lifestyle. She loves a great Oprah viral moment and all things Netflix—but come summertime, Big Brother has her heart. On a day off you'll find her curled up with a new juicy romance novel.

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20 Best Curly Hair Products

By Sarah Hoffmann and Erin Parker

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If you're currently on the hunt for the best curly hair products , you've come to just the right place. As beauty editors, we know there are a lot of options out there, so determining each step of your ideal wash day routine can be tricky whether you want to defrizz your hair , define your curls, keep your curls moisturized , or give them a little lovin' after a super sleek blowout.

Our Top Picks:

• Best Shampoo: Rizos Curls Hydrating Shampoo , $20
• Best Conditioner: Rizos Curls Deep Conditioner , $20
• Best Blow-Dryer: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer , $430
• Best Scalp Treatment: DpHue ACV Rinse , $37
• Best Heat Protectant: Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner , $25
• Best Curl Cream: Pattern Styling Cream , $28
• Best Hair Gel: Bread Beauty Supply Hair-Gel , $26

We combed through all the jams, jellies, puddings, custards, gels, and creams to come up with some of our favorite foolproof products for curls . There's a bottle of something for everything here — loose 'fros, crisp braids , bouncy ringlets, or cropped coils . So, what are you waiting for?

Scroll to find the best hair products for curly hair , including the best shampoos , conditioners, bubbly mousses, and penetrating oils that will help give you the gorgeous curls you deserve — no matter how thick or slim your wallet is. Consider your curly hair routine upgraded.

Best Shampoos, Conditioners, and Co-Washes for Curly Hair

Rizos Curls

Rizos Curls Hydrating Shampoo & Deep Conditioner

Ulta Beauty (shampoo)

Ulta Beauty (conditioner)

Why We Love It: This 2023 Best of Beauty-winning duo excels at locking in moisture, and combating dandruff and split ends — all while remaining silicone, sulfate, and cruelty-free. Latinx-founded brand Rizos was created to celebrate the natural texture of curls, coils, and waves everywhere. If you have thick, dense hair that's best detangled in the shower, consider this a must-try.

Editor Tip: When you've got time on your hands for some extra TLC, apply the conditioner evenly throughout your strands, put on a plastic cap, and blow-dry on low for enhanced absorption and maximum reparative benefits.

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, moringa oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, argan oil

Ouidad Curl Recovery Ultra Nourishing Cleansing Oil

Ulta Beauty

Why We Love It: Need a deep cleanse but afraid a clarifying shampoo will be too harsh on your dry hair? Ouidad's water-activated Curl Recovery Ultra Nourishing Cleansing Oil may become your new favorite, thanks to its innovative formulation that gently removes dirt and buildup without stripping your strands. Designed to cleanse while preserving hair's natural moisture, it's a welcome departure from harsh sulfates and boasts marufa butter and Kalahari melon for improved elasticity and a smooth finish.

Editor Tip: Take a moment to massage the product into your scalp in a circular motion to promote circulation for optimal hair health and speedier regrowth.

Key Ingredients : Meadowfoam seed oil, castor oil, wheat protein, jojoba seed oil

DpHue ACV Rinse

Why We Love It: Leaving your hair's natural oils alone for a bit and letting them do their thing is an essential part of any solid hair-care routine. That said, too much oil can lead to weighed-down curls, scalp irritation, and looking like you just went swimming when you most certainly did not. DpHue's ACV Rinse takes the place of your regular shampoo when you need a clarifying boost.

Expert Tip: This rinse uses apple cider vinegar to gently cleanse hair without stripping away beneficial oils — while also adding shine and balancing hair pH. Los Angeles-based hairstylist Gabriella Mancha deems it a favorite for curls, thanks to its tapered nozzle, which "allows direct access to your roots and doesn't leave a chemical itch like other shampoos [might]."

Key Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, argan oil, lavender extract, aloe vera, fire tulip

Kristin Ess

Kristin Ess Ultra-Hydrating Curl Co-Wash

Why We Love It: Launched as part of a silicone-free curly hair-care collection in 2020, founder Kristin Ess said products like the Ultra Hydrating Curl Co-Wash align with the Curly Girl Method . This 2020 Best of Beauty-winning formula has hydrating glycerin and hydrolyzed linseed, which is rich in omega fatty acids, to keep curls from drying out as it gets rid of grime on your hair and scalp. The non-sudsy formula — free of drying alcohols, sulfates, and parabens — is prime for curly and kinky textures alike.

By Aliza Kelly

By Marci Robin

By Marisa Petrarca

Editor Tip: Swap in this co-wash when you need to cleanse hair without compromising moisture retention. Massage it into your scalp for a minute and work the formula through your middle and ends when rinsing it out.

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, hydrolyzed linseed oil, sodium PCA, Moroccan lava clay, green tea

Pantene Gold Series

Pantene Gold Series Root Stimulating Shampoo and Root Rejuvenating Conditioner

Target (Shampoo)

Target (Conditioner)

Why We Love It: Formulated by a team of Black PhDs and hairstylists, Pantene's Gold Series Root Stimulating Shampoo and Root Rejuvenating Conditioner cleanses and conditions hair while encouraging and maintaining new length.

Editor Tip: Apricot oil and green tea extract are the star ingredients in this sulfate-free set , which work their magic by detoxing the scalp and fortifying the hair for sustainable growth with regular use over time.

Key Ingredients: Apricot oil, green tea extract

SheaMoisture

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner

Why We Love It: This beloved drugstore conditioner is cherished for its lightweight formula that's ideal for every day. Silk protein restores and revitalizes damaged ends, resulting in softer, more supple curls, while shea butter adds a silky shine. What's more, we can't get enough of its subtle hibiscus and coconut aroma.

Editor Tip: When you've got extra time on your hands, leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes and cover your hair with a shower cap for boosted revitalization.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, hibiscus flower extract, silk protein, neem oil, shea butter

Best Detanglers and Leave-In Conditioners for Curly Hair

Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Heat Protectant Leave-In Conditioner

Why We Love It: If you're on the hunt for a product that can add moisture and definition and protect hair against heat (up to 450⁰F), this hybrid Miracle Milk is the leave-in treatment that's editor- and hairstylist-approved. On busy days, reach for this one-and-done formula for detangling, defrizzing, and prepping hair before other products.

Editor Tip: "I can't recommend this holy grail product enough to detangle, defrizz, or prep hair — it truly does do it all," says LA-based hairstylist Lana Hunter . "It's also amazing as a quick refresher that doesn't leave hair feeling weighed down."

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, fennel seed oil

Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner

Credo Beauty

Why We Love It: This clean (a.k.a. sulfate-, paraben-, and silicone-free, among other qualities) and weightless leave-in conditioner detangles and hydrates freshly washed curls while boosting shine and equalizing porosity, making it easier for strands to absorb moisture. It boasts serious versatility and can be spritzed as a refresher in addition to its post-wash application. Thanks to plant extracts (hi, lavender and honey), you'll be left smelling delectable, too.

Editor Tip: "A little of this spray goes a long way," says hairstylist Mona Baltazar , creator of The Mona Cut. "Work it through the hair, concentrating on the ends, which allows a bit of slip and ample moisture at your base to combine with additional products," she instructs, adding that this treatment is a go-to in the winter months.

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask

Why We Love It: This ultra-nourishing mask is a staple in so many beauty routines. Famous for its restorative properties that combat damage from even the hottest of heat tools, it includes a delicious blend of essential oils (bonus points for biotin!) to quench parched curls and leave them luscious, smooth, and lively.

Editor Tip: Apply this Best of Beauty winner to wet hair in the shower to aid in detangling with a wide-tooth comb .

Key Ingredients: ​​ Rosehip, sweet almond, avocado oils, biotin, algae extract

Ouai Leave In Conditioner

Why We Love It: No matter what your hair type is, you'll love the Ouai Leave-In Conditioner 's moisturizing formula. After all, it is a three-time Readers' Choice Award winner. This detangling frizz-fighter contains hydrolyzed proteins to protect hair against environmental damage while tamarind seed extract, panthenol, and vitamin E condition hair so you can easily detangle knots and curls. Plus, this sweet-smelling spritz has lingering floral notes that can double as a light perfume .

Editor Tip: Heading straight into styling post-wash? This leave-in also acts as a heat protectant for up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, so you're good to go. Former digital editor Jihan Forbes, who describes her hair as kinky/curly, said she loves to mix this spray with a bit of water to moisturize and smooth her curls.

Key Ingredients: Tamarind seed extract, amaranth extract, amino acids blend

Best Blow-Dryers and Diffusers for Curly Hair

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

Why We Love It: You're likely no stranger to the iconic hair dryer that's been a fixture on social media feeds and bathroom counters since 2016. With patented technology, a lightweight motor, quick drying time, and the ability to keep heat damage at bay, this is worth the hype and the splurge. The best part is the Supersonic comes with a detachable diffuser that distributes heat more evenly, causes a bit less damage, and helps curls stay supple and frizz-free.

Editor Tip: For added protection, choose the Gentle Air Attachment (one of six included in the set) for diffused air coupled with a gentler, cooler flow.

Curlsmith De-Frizzion Dryer

Why we love it: Meet your new favorite tool to make unruly frizz a thing of the past. With its precision engineering on your side, defined, voluminous curls are here to stay. Enjoy expertly diffused results thanks to 360-degree airflow and a porcelain ceramic element for even heat distribution. And it's the little luxuries, like the hands-free stand, that make styling almost as breezy as a salon visit.

Editor Tip: For even more bounce, gently scrunch your curls as you diffuse in sections.

Best Curl Creams for Curly Hair

SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Why We Love It: SheaMoisture has been a trusted name in natural hair care for years, and this decadent curl cream is a star of the assortment. Loaded with certified organic shea butter , it has the power to breathe life into lackluster waves, curls, and coils — resulting in nothing but bouncy, frizz-free hair days ahead. Not to mention, its cost-effective price point fits right into any budget-conscious beauty routine.

Editor Tip: If you're a dedicated clean beauty user, SheaMoisture is an excellent brand to shop.

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil, hibiscus flower extract, silk protein

Authentic Beauty Concept

Authentic Beauty Concept Amplify Mousse

Why We Love It: Who says mousse is passé? While you may not be channeling '80s hair icons of yore, a quality mousse remains a solid addition to any curly hair routine. Just ask celebrity hairstylist Mia Santiago, who always keeps this lightweight, non-crunchy pick on hand. "I rely on this mousse to define and volumize curls while keeping frizz at bay," says Santiago. With its lightweight blend of green tea and lime extracts, Authentic Beauty Concept's Best of Beauty-winning Amplify Mousse is ideal for zhushing up finer curl patterns and ensuring your look holds all day.

Editor Tip: To amp up the volume after a long day, spray your hair with a little bit of water to reactivate the mousse for added shape and dimension.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, jojoba oil

Pattern Beauty

Pattern Styling Cream

Why We Love It: We love a product with a long, honest resumé, and Tracee Ellis Ross isn't afraid to list out exactly what her hard-working, curl-conscious Pattern Beauty haircare can do. Pattern's Styling Cream for Curly & Coily Hair is good for twist-outs, braids, bantu knots — deep breath — locs, air-drying, and more.

Editor Tip: When it comes to truly iconic formulas, versatility is a must, and the professionals agree this one does it all. "It's awesome for curly hair to detangle and to allow the styling cream to help define curls adding a nice luster," notes Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist Alexander Armand . It’s packed with hydrating shea butter and almond oil to boot!

Key Ingredients: Rosemary leaf extract, Kahai oil, shea butter

Moroccanoil

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

Why We Love It: There's no doubt that Allure readers love Moroccanoil's Curl Defining Cream. If you need further proof, know that 2022 marks the fourth Readers' Choice Award win for the product. "For me, the real test of a curl cream is if it can keep your hair defined as the days go by, while also fluffing out to its former, voluminous glory," former Allure digital editor, Jihan Forbes, previously shared. "This one did just that."

Editor Tip: If frizz is your arch nemesis, this Argan oil-rich formula is your new best friend. Renowned for its nourishing and hydrating properties, it's an excellent choice for parched, unruly strands.

Key Ingredients: Argan oil, aloe leaf juice

Best Hair Gels for Curly Hair

Best Curl Styler

Bread Beauty Supply Hair-Gel

Bread Beauty Supply

Why We Love It: Cool girl brand Bread Beauty Supply made magic yet again with a reimagined hair gel (and 2023 Best of Beauty winner , no less!), boasting an innovative formula that delivers a glossy shine free of flakiness or stickiness. Rake it through damp hair, add water as needed as you work it through, and finish off by finger-coiling or plopping the hair. Whether you want to air-dry, diffuse, or blow-dry is totally up to you.

Editor Tip: Want to rock a sleek bun or ponytail in the heat? This medium-hold gel fends off humidity and flyaways keeps your polished looks thriving all day long.

Key Ingredients: Yuzu extract, snow mushroom, red algae

Oribe Curl Gelée

Why We Love It: Oribe Curl Gelée is as nourishing as a hair oil — but it also preserves your style with all-day hold and frizz control. Formulated with curl-enhancing neem seed oil and cuticle-strengthening avocado butter, this Oribe styling product is ideal for tight and coily curl types who want added shine and definition without any unwanted crunch. Smooth this 2020 Best of Beauty Award over damp hair before diffusing or air-drying, and you’ll see the difference for yourself.

Editor Tip: Forbes said that the Oribe Curl Gelée, despite having a thick texture, dried down to a weightless finish and left her highly-textured hair with a bouncy finish and days-long definition.

Key Ingredients: Watermelon, lychee and edelweiss flower, murumuru, mango and cocoa seed butters, apricot oil, avocado butter

Adwoa Beauty

Adwoa Beauty Baomint Moisturizing Curl Defining Cream

Why We Love It: Adwoa Beauty's cream-based Baomint Moisturizing Curl Defining Gel is the real deal when it comes to moisturizing dry curls. Formulated with baobab, cactus, sweet almond, and vitamin-E-rich pumpkin seed oils, it’ll leave your hair feeling pillowy-soft and conditioned.

Editor Tip: It's Allure 's associate news editor Gabi Thorne's preferred last step in her wash-and-go routine, as it also adds long-lasting definition and hold to her style.

Key Ingredients: Baobab oil, peppermint oil, silk amino acids, shea butter, honey

Curls So So Def Vitamin C Curl Defining Jelly

Why We Love It: It’s easy to mistake the ingredients in Curls' So So Def Vitamin C Curl Defining Jelly for your favorite face cream . Laced with vitamins A, B, and C, this 2020 Allure Best of Beauty winner introduces moisture into thirsty curls and keeps it there so that your curl definition springs to life and doesn't dry out.

Editor Tip: Vitamin C is great at protecting hair from damage caused by free radicals, pollutants, and UV radiation — so consider yourself armed with an unlikely superhero ingredient.

Key Ingredients: Pineapple fruit extract, coconut oil, aloe leaf juice, chamomile flower extract

Looking for more curly-hair product recs? Keep reading:

• How to Keep Your Natural Curls Moisturized Between Washes
• 17 Best Hair Gels for Curly and Coily Hair That'll Make You Forget You Own A Curling Iron
• 10 South and Southeast Asian Women With Curls Share Their Hair-Care Routines

Now, watch actor Novi Brown break down her wash-day routine for her gorgeous Bantu knots:

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25 Must-Read Natural Hair Blogs for Hair Care Tips and Styling Ideas

More and more women are embracing their natural hair textures instead of using flat irons, hot combs, or chemical relaxers . This has become a movement and there is a growing natural hair community. However, for women who are just starting out on the natural hair journey, it can be hard to find the right tools and information. To help in this journey, we have compiled a list of 25 natural hair blogs that will help answer questions about transitioning , protective styling, and managing hairstyles like Teeny Weeny Afros (TWA) .

1. NaturallyCurly

NaturallyCurly started as a discussion board online created by Michelle Breyer and Gretchen Heber. It is now a blog and a top resource for the natural hair community.

If you need help with curly or textured hair, access to natural hair products, hairstylist reviews , or helpful hair information from curl experts, NaturallyCurly is the place to go.

They want to inspire every woman, girl, and person with curly hair to love and learn more about their curls.

2. Curl Centric

Curl Centric is a natural hair blog run by Kenneth & Kira Byrd. Their goal is to provide you with a wide range of resources and tips on how to take good care of your natural hair .

They offer ideas for styling your hair naturally, recipes for homemade hair care products , and information about natural hair products. Whether you're new to natural hair or an experienced natural hair enthusiast, Curl Centric breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps to help you have a successful natural hair journey .

3. Coils and Glory

Coils and Glory is a blog dedicated to natural hair care that helps naturals achieve their hair goals. The founder, Adeola Adegbusi, shares her experience of going natural and provides practical advice for softer, easier-to-manage, and longer hair. The blog covers various natural hair care topics such as hairstyles, hair growth tips, moisture retention , and product recommendations. Coils and Glory is an excellent resource for anyone looking to achieve healthy, beautiful natural hair.

4. Curly Nikki

Nikki Walton started Curly Nikki as a place for curly-haired people to get help with managing their hair. It's a blog where you can learn how to style your hair , find good products, and get advice on your natural hair journey. But it's not just about hair - it's also about the challenges women face with their bodies, mental health, self-esteem, and hair experiences. Nikki uses her education in psychology to help other women have better hair, lifestyle, and mental health.

5.  Un-ruly

Un-ruly is a blog that celebrates black women and their hair. Antonia Opiah started the blog in 2013. It covers hair care tips , tutorials, and interviews with influencers. It also explores the cultural significance of black hair worldwide. Un-ruly offers a comprehensive view of black hair and beauty through a diverse range of content. It is a valuable resource for anyone looking to explore and embrace the beauty of black hair and women .

6. The Curl Market

The Curl Market is a blog that helps people with natural hair grow and maintain their hair. The founder, Ayana Aden, gives tips and techniques to keep natural hair long and healthy .

Ayana started The Curl Market because of her experience and understanding of hair science. She summarizes it all in one place so naturals can grow their hair. The blog has product reviews, testimonials, and recommendations that are personalized to each natural hair type . The Curl Market recognizes that everyone's hair is different and gives tips based on science to help naturals understand their hair better.

7. 4C Hairstyles

4C Hairstyles is a personal blog and style book for natural 4C hair . It was created by Justine Mfulama who found inspiration in women embracing their natural hair in Atlanta. The blog inspires people with 4C hair to find joy in their natural hair texture and provides valuable information on topics such as 4C hairstyles, 4C hair guides, and 4C hair products . Justine's personal journey serves as a testament that loving your natural hair is possible, and her blog is a great starting point for anyone looking to do the same.

8. Curls Understood

Sylvia Kerali founded Curls Understood to help people with curly hair take care of their hair. She started her own journey with natural hair in 2004 when there weren't many resources online to help naturals with curly hair.

Curls Understood focuses on helping new naturals learn to love their curls. They provide information for the curly hair community, including tips for taking care of kids' hair, ideas for natural hairstyles , and product reviews.

You can also use Curls Understood to find a salon that knows how to work with your hair texture or watch videos from vloggers with the same hair type.

9. Thirsty Roots

The Thirsty Roots blog was created in 2010 to help people take care of their Afro-textured hair . It has gained over 2.9 million readers, 362,000+ Facebook fans, and a community of over 53,000 people. Sharina runs Thirsty Roots and it has become a leading resource for women who want healthy hair and body. Thirsty Roots makes it easier for people to learn about their hair and how to take care of it. They do this by providing the right hair information, hair care guides , and natural hair styling tips.

10. Natural Hair Rules

In 2008, Tamara L. Floyd started a blog called Natural Hair Rules to share her experiences with her hair after cutting it all off. She was one of the early bloggers, and now, with over a million readers, her blog is still very popular. Natural Hair Rules is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn about taking care of their natural hair, get ideas for hairstyles , and read reviews of hair products. The blog features experts in natural hair care, and they are always ready to give advice and share their knowledge.

11. Textured Talk

Charlene Walton started Textured Talk because of her passion for natural hair. She wants to encourage other women to embrace their natural curls , so she blogs about her own experiences with her natural hair. She shares what has worked for her hair and what hasn't, along with her frustrations and what she's learned. Charlene has grown to love her natural hair, and she hopes to inspire other women to love theirs too by sharing her hair journey on Textured Talk.

12. Black Girl Long Hair (BGLH)

Black Girl Long Hair is a leading natural hair and beauty site that was created in 2008 by veteran beauty blogger Leila Noelliste. As a top resource for natural hair care, it has grown exponentially and now receives over a million visitors yearly. The site features topics ranging from natural hair care advice to styling and trend tips. In addition, you can purchase natural shea butter directly from the blog to incorporate into your hair and skin routine.

13. Ijeoma Kola

Ijeoma Kola is a blogger who used to be known as Klassy Kinks. She is a public health researcher, entrepreneur, and someone who loves natural hair. In 2010, Ijeoma cut off the relaxed parts of her hair after transitioning for a year. This is when she started her natural hair journey. On her blog, she talks about her experiences with her curly hair, shares ideas for natural hairstyles, recommends natural hair products, teaches how to do protective styles , and gives tips on beauty and style.

14. Black Natural and Proud Sistas

Ariane Williams started Black Natural and Proud Sistas in 2010 as a blog about her own journey to embrace her natural hair. She wanted to share tips on how to care for Afro-textured hair . Soon, Black Natural and Proud Sistas became a big resource for women with afro-textured hair looking for ways to make their hair healthier. Black Natural and Proud Sistas have everything you need for natural hair, including hairstyle ideas, hair care tips, inspiration, guides, and product recommendations .

15. Seriously Natural

Seriously Natural is a lifestyle blog run by Sabrina. It covers topics ranging from beauty, style, and travel, to natural hair. The blog provides readers with solid knowledge, tips, and tricks on natural hair and skincare routines, as well as honest product reviews , all curated by natural hair experts. Seriously Natural aims to help every aspiring natural learn how to embrace their natural curls while living their best life.

16. Naturalicious

Naturalicious is a company that helps you take care of your hair and feel good about your natural beauty. Their blog has tips on how to care for your natural hair without using harsh chemicals, and how to look great without spending too much time on your routine. Naturalicious has become very popular because of their great hair care products . The CEO, Gwen Jimmere, started by making her own products in her kitchen, and now her company is one of the fastest-growing in the country.

17. The Kink and I

The Kink and I blog is run by two Nigerian girls, AB & MeeMee, who live in different cities - Lagos and New York, respectively. These two best friends are on a journey to discovering their natural hair on a daily basis, while also educating other women about healthy natural hair. The Kink and I blog shares personal experiences and well-researched content on ways women can achieve healthy natural hair. You can find hair product reviews , natural hair care advice, and natural hair styling tips on The Kink and I blog. It's a good resource if you want to learn more about healthy natural hair journey.

18. Igbo Curls

Igbo Curls is a blog run by Chinwe Juliet. She had a bad experience with chemical relaxers that caused damage to her hair and scalp , so she decided to transition to natural hair. She has been natural since 2011. Igbo Curls has great tips on natural hair care and styling. Besides hair, Chinwe also talks about motherhood, parenting, tech, faith, and lifestyle topics. She also has a YouTube channel where she shares natural hair tutorials , DIYs, how-tos, and product reviews.

19. Discovering Natural

Discovering Natural is curated by Sola, who transitioned for one year before doing the big chop in November 2012.

On her blog, she constantly shares how she takes care of her children's natural hair. She also provides helpful tips and shares her own regimen for natural hair, transitioning, and her kids' natural hair.

Sola also has a YouTube channel with over 1,000 videos on natural hair, including a cute video of one of her daughters talking about her own natural hair journey.

20. Long Nigerian Hair

Long Nigerian Hair is a blog dedicated to sharing tips on how to grow long and healthy natural hair . Joie documents her own natural hair journey and provides helpful advice on natural hair regimens, protective styling, effective products , length retention techniques, and safe ways to promote hair growth.

21. Natural Sisters

Natural Sisters is managed by Evenes Ruth Mafupa, who is a wife, mother of 3 boys, and one of the founding Directors of Natural Moisture (Pty) Ltd. Evenes has learned to embrace and appreciate her curly hair and wants to help others with natural hair to do the same. On Natural Sisters, she shares her journey to healthy and natural hair with informative content on tips for taking care of curly hair , tutorials for natural hair, and reviews of products and styling methods that she has tried out on her natural hair, and what works best.

22. Toia Barry

Toia Barry, formerly known as ToBNatural, created her brand to share her love for hair. As a child, Toia was fascinated by the hairstylists at the local hair salons she visited with her mom, so she would often watch them work. She acquired her Cosmetology license in 2004 and, five years later in 2009, she began to embrace her natural hair texture. On her blog, Toia Barry is dedicated to inspiring other women by sharing her natural hair journey, useful hair care tips , routines, beauty advice, life hacks, and fashion inspiration.

23.  4C Hair Chicks

4C Hair Chicks is a blog that promotes natural hair care and beauty for women with type 4 textured hair . By sharing information on healthy hair maintenance , the blog challenges negative stereotypes about the 4C hair type and encourages women to embrace their natural hair. The blog also celebrates underrepresented beauty and discusses difficult topics about misrepresentations in popular media. Overall, 4C Hair Chicks seeks to empower women with type 4 hair and promote a more diverse and inclusive representation of beauty.

24. MoKnowsHair

MoKnowsHair is a blog about natural hair care founded by Monica, a licensed cosmetologist, content creator, and product innovator. Her aim is to share her knowledge and simplify healthy hair care and styling for different types of kinky coily , curly, and afro-textured hair.

Through her blog, she offers tips and tricks on hair care for all curl types . Her blog is a reliable and practical resource.

Monica's passion for hair care and her skills as a licensed cosmetologist make her blog a trustworthy source for hair care advice. Her goal is to help her readers feel confident with their chosen hairstyle .

25. Natural Girl Wigs

When it comes to top natural hair blogs, it's impossible not to mention Natural Girl Wigs . Our blog provides detailed guides and well-researched articles on natural hair care and styling. At Natural Girl Wigs, you'll find how-to tutorials , product reviews, and step-by-step guides that can be very helpful for anyone who wants to enhance their natural curls. If you're in search of high-quality wigs and helpful resources for caring for and styling your curly hair, look no further than Natural Girl Wigs.

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7 Ways to Look Flawless While Transitioning to Natural Hair

By Barbara Gonzalez and Tiffany Dodson

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

While the transition from relaxed to natural hair texture is usually a beautiful and empowering experience, it can often be a real struggle. Styling hair when it's in-between textures—or straight, wavy, and/or curly at the same time—can make it tempting to disguise your hair in a top knot every single day of the week.

"When transitioning from relaxed to natural, retaining moisture and proper detangling is key," says Monique Rodriguez, founder of hair brand Mielle Organics. "As your natural hair grows, you may experience a new challenge in caring for two different textures. Products designed to make your natural hair more manageable are best during this period."

I've had plenty of moments in my personal journey where, after a wash and go, my hair has been super coily in certain sections, while simultaneously having straight ends in others. Needless to say, these moments can be extremely frustrating when you're ready for your hair to finally have one cohesive texture. To find out how to best manage transitioning hair (without wanting to pull it out entirely), we spoke with a few natural hair gurus to get details on how to help your hair look and feel healthy in 2019 and beyond. These expert tips will help make your curls really pop.

1. Consider the "big chop".

Going all in on the "big chop"—or dramatically cutting off relaxed hair into a short style—is one of the fastest ways to start your natural hair journey , but it's definitely not a requirement. "It’s not for everyone, but a big chop is very therapeutic and it naturally pushes you headfirst into self-acceptance and understanding your texture," celebrity hairstylist Angela Stevens tells SELF.

If you're interested in hanging on to your hair length for a little while longer, don't feel pressure to chop it all off. During her transition process, celebrity hairstylist Monique McCorkle would snip her relaxed ends after each shampoo. “Every time I washed my hair, the dead ends would get all knotted up, so trimming my hair made it more manageable and cut down on my styling time,” she explains. For those who don’t feel as comfortable cutting their hair totally off, regular trims at a salon are a great option for keeping hair healthy and even while it grows. Stevens advises trimming hair every four to six weeks, because as curly strands grow, straight hair is often more prone to breakage at the meeting point.

2. Experiment with protective hairstyles.

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" Protective styles , like weaves, braids, and wigs, to are great tools to help protect new growth," explains McCorkle. While it's easy to pull your hair back every day, hairstylist Sammy LaCombe says these looks can thin out your hairline and damage your roots from all the tugging and excess force. Instead, try out different protective styles that put less tension on the hair, but still keep your ends tucked away.

"Braids and weaves are great protection when done with the health of the hair in mind," says Stevens. "Here are some things to consider: Pain and hydration. At no point in the service should the styling be painful, although it is a common misconception that has allowed hair loss to prevail. If it’s too tight, speak up, or reconsider your hairstylist. It's also very important to make sure the hair and scalp are moisturized prior to implementing a protective style. Brush through the hair with a paddle brush after oiling the scalp to evenly distribute the moisture on the hair that’s meant to be braided—it will help increase circulation, which helps to promote hair growth." While protective styles can help give your hair a break, hairstylist Gabrielle Corney suggests wearing these styles in moderation, as more breakage could be caused between natural and relaxed parts of hair.

3. Disguise straight ends with a well-placed curl.

Even if you're dealing with particularly straight ends, it's still possible to wear a curly hairstyle while transitioning. A two-strand twist out or foam roller set can completely hide the appearance of relaxed hair by helping to make it more uniform. Bonus: Since foam hair curlers are cushy and narrow, they won't tug at your hair like many plastic rollers can, and can be purchased at most drug or beauty supply stores. To get a curly look with foam rollers at home, wrap a one-inch section of conditioned damp hair around a rod at a time, then sit under a hood dryer until hair is completely dry. Next, gently remove the rollers to reveal a bouncy set of curls. LaCombe’s preferred curly style method is created with two-strand twists. “At night I’ll put my hair in thick twists, coil the twists into buns, and pin them,” she explains. “In the morning, I’ll take them out and shake them out."

4. Try out new hair accessories.

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With the chill of winter months ahead, you'll probably want to avoid going outside with a wet head. If you don't have time to style your hair before heading to work in the morning, there are plenty of accessories—some made specifically for natural hair types—that you can use to illustrate your personal style. One versatile accessory is the head scarf or turban, which can be tied into a wide variety of different shapes to completely cover or accent your hair. Other quick and easy accessory ideas can include decorative headbands or barrettes for days when you want to keep hair out of your face, or spice up a second- or third-day hairstyle.

5. Make heat protectants your new BFF when using hot tools.

When heat is used properly, it can be a wonderful aid for styling natural hair. Hairstylist and author Anthony Dickey recommends transitioning women use hooded dryers, hair dryers, and other hot tools on a low setting to better protect against heat damage. If you're looking to completely straighten your hair while transitioning from a relaxer, a great heat protectant is key.

"Some natural hair lines that I love with heat protectants are Mielle Organics and Alodia ," says Stevens. "I usually like to use a thermal leave-in cream before blow drying, and a heat protectant spray throughout the hair before straightening. Lastly, one pass of a hot tool per section is the best protection against heat damage—don’t overdo it, ladies!"

6. Supplement your shampoo routine with co-washing.

Co-washing is a process that utilizes a conditioner to hydrate and cleanse hair in place of shampoo. Using this method can help to not only reset your curly wash-and-go style, but also provide moisture outside of your go-to leave-in conditioner. Reserve use of a sudsy shampoo for about once every two weeks to help remove any product build-up from hair.

"The reason to love co-wash is that the cleanser is made of antimicrobial oils that still clean the hair but give it added moisture," says Stevens. "Any style that’s heat-free will love the benefits of co-wash." While this cleansing method can be useful to help keep hair hydrated, Corney says it should never take the place of a regular shampoo.

7. Schedule a consultation with a hairstylist who can help you transition properly.

Just like any other life experience, you may need a bit of professional help on your natural hair journey. Although there are some things you can do at home, utilizing the expertise of a stylist who understands natural hair can be a total game changer. "Seek the assistance of a professional cosmetologist who specializes in natural hair," Rodriguez explains. "They can provide useful information on proper care for your hair texture and recommend at-home solutions in-between visits related to dryness, heat damage, dandruff, and more."

Many salons offer hair consultations before the actual appointment to help better assess their clients' needs. “From the first consultation alone, you will know whether or not the stylist understands your needs and will give you what you’re asking for,” says LaCombe. “If within that consultation, you feel like there’s a misunderstanding or they’re not going to do what you want to do, it’s not a good fit.”

Corney suggests that while the internet is vast and plenty of information available, it won't cancel out the advice of a professional. "Seek out a qualified professional who wants to be your healthy hair care partner," she explains. "You may be surprised on how much healthier your hair can be."

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

A (Not-So) Natural Hair Journey

Senior beauty editor Erin Stovall dishes on her 4C curl quest.

I’ve heard it said a few different ways, but it always rings true. “ Ask a Black woman about her hair and she’ll tell you about her life .” My hair journey has been complicated, to say the least. Over the past three decades, I’ve gone from natural to relaxed and back again — twice. It’s taken years for me to figure out what works best for my tight 4C curls — and, to be frank, it’s still a work in progress, filled with trials and (many, many) errors. Keeping my natural coils in tip-top shape takes time and effort.

I wore my natural coils until I turned 12. During that time, my mom styled my coils almost exclusively. She handled it all: the wash-day tangles, the hours-long deep-conditioning process, the intricate braiding patterns. When I hit middle school and wanted to start styling my own hair, my relationship with it drastically changed. Suddenly, I was the one spending hours in the bathroom trying to flat iron and gel my 4C curls into submission. My little arms were the ones hurting as I attempted to braid all on my own.

I personally loved my natural texture , but the pressure to have every baby hair perfectly placed felt like a lot (head’s up: coily hair doesn’t lay flat). It took work, and I felt like the way that my hair naturally grew out of my scalp was unacceptable to society. The kind of curls that were glamorized were loose and silky; representation for coarse, tightly-coiled textured hair wasn’t (and still isn’t ) as common . Even the Black celebrities I idealized — Aaliyah, Beyoncé, and Gabrielle Union just to name a few — seemed to have long, straight hair. Suddenly I wanted nothing more than to have the same super straight strands. They appeared to be much easier to manage.

For years, I begged my mom to let me relax my hair and was beyond thrilled when she finally relented. Over the next six years, I happily relaxed every other month and straightened it just about every day. The heat tool usage alone would have been enough to permanently damage my curl pattern. The constant relaxing, however, was the fatal blow. Still, I barreled on, thinking straight hair was “easier” to style and willfully ignoring the fact that my relaxed hair was falling out — and quickly.

One day, I looked down as I was standing in front of the mirror brushing my hair. I was absolutely covered in short, broken-off pieces; it seemed like more hair was strewn around my feet than was on top of my head. Tears stung my eyes as I stared at my reflection. I had a misshaped mullet (this was before they were cool ), and I finally had to face facts: My coils had officially been damaged to the point of no return, and I had to try going natural.

The transition was anything but. The “big chop” was out of the question — 18-year-old me didn’t have the confidence to pull off a short haircut. For the next few years, I kept my natural hair braided underneath various wigs and weaves . But one day, I was twisting my hair and my coils stretched way, way down past my shoulders. I finally — finally! — had long, luscious, chemical-free coils. I had religiously avoided hot tools for years, and my hair was the healthiest it had been since I was a little girl.

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Eight years went by, my career advanced, and overall I was happy with my natural texture. But over time, my old grievances would slowly reemerge — in the evenings, when I’d spend hours two-strand twisting my hair so that my curls could have picture-perfect definition in the morning; every weekend, when I’d sacrifice an entire day to pre-poo , wash , and deep condition ; and during the night, when bulky flexi-rods made sleeping uncomfortable.

I started cutting corners and reacquainted myself with the flat iron . I straightened my curls with wild abandon, more recklessly than ever before. Months later, a hairstylist shook her head with disappointment as she examined my coils. They were, once again, completely fried.

She suggested that I relax my hair again, and my eyes widened in shock. I had sworn off relaxers forever. Plus, would I be seen as a “traitor” to the natural hair community? I put my faith in my stylist and let her go to work. She used a mild formula that left me with a looser curl pattern, not stick-straight, flat hair. It seemed like the perfect solution, and I was in love.

Six months later, March 2020 happened, and salons were ordered to close — I had no choice but to transition my hair back to its natural state. Even though salons have opened back up, I’ve decided to stick with it — it’s a learning process, sure, but one that I actually enjoy these days. My hair regimen is time-consuming, but I light a Diptyque candle in my bathroom, turn on some tunes, and think of those hours as an essential part of my self-care routine. Will I go back to relaxing in the future? Maybe. Will I let anyone else’s idea of “natural” influence my decisions again? Never.

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How to Care for Your Relaxed Hair, According to Hairstylists

Natural hair gets most of the attention, but plenty of people still do get relaxers. This treatment chemically straightens the hair, typically with sodium hydroxide, which breaks down hydrogen bonds inside coily hair to produce a straighter strand. Like with any other chemical treatment ( hair dye or keratin), a relaxer can weaken and damage the hair. There has also been some research linking excessive use of certain relaxers to a higher risk of estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer . Hair damage and potential toxicity are two reasons why so many women have embraced their natural curls. Still, last year Hampton, Virginia–based stylist Joie Wallace says she saw a reversal: an uptick in people getting relaxers. “A lot of people that were natural and having that maintained in the salon, felt like they couldn’t handle it themselves, so they actually put relaxers in their hair,” says Wallace. Many people find straight hair easier to care for and if you’re someone who regularly wears your hair straight , not having to iron out your coils every wash day makes that process much more simple. “I have a lot of clients who still have a relaxer and their hair is just as healthy as the natural-hair girls,” says Mika English , founder of Grew by M.E. It just has to be done properly.

With that in mind we asked Wallace, English, and four other hairstylists about how to relax your hair properly and what you can do to keep it healthy.

Types of Relaxers

It’s the professional recommendation of all our experts to have a licensed stylist apply your relaxer, in a salon setting, but we know some of you do this at home. So we want to give you the guidance to do it right. Having the best products is a good starting point. As mentioned above, the main ingredient in relaxers is sodium hydroxide, but Wallace explains that there are actually four chemical straighteners on the market: sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, and ammonium thioglycolate. Sodium hydroxide, also known as a lye relaxer, is commonly used in salons by professionals as it is effective and very strong. Lye relaxers are also those that some believe are linked to an increased risk of cancer, and lye is the same ingredient found in industrial solvents and can be highly corrosive, so many argue that it is not fit for your hair, which is why there are so many alternatives. Calcium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, and ammonium thioglycolate are commonly marketed as no lye relaxers, but they all have some amount of lye in them. “The proportion of Lye versus other ingredients in the relaxer can vary from brand to brand, with some companies choosing to label theirs ‘No Lye’ to give the impression that it’s a safer product to use, when in fact there is still lye present,” says Mellissa Phills , a stylist with Yeluchi mobile hair salon. Calcium hydroxide is pretty synonymous with “no lye” relaxers and is milder than sodium hydroxide and therefore recommended for home use. Most of our experts also recommend no lye, with the caveat that the calcium build up on the hair makes it drier.

Lithium hydroxide is another type of straightener that Wallace says can be used in conjunction with low volume hair coloring , because “it won’t break the hair as much, and will be much more gentle on the hair and smooth the hair out,” but traditionally getting a relaxer and color on the same day is a no-no. Finally, ammonium thioglycolate won’t fully straighten the hair but will give it a permanent wave like a jheri curl or perm.

When it comes to specific brands, three of our experts name dropped Mizani as one they trust. “I’ve personally been a huge fan of Mizani for years, as they offer a wide variety of higher end relaxed hair care products,” says Phills. Mizani’s Butter Blend relaxer, is one of Kadeisha Placide’s, the owner of Classic Beauty Studio , favorite lye relaxers. English also loves Mizani but only uses no lye, and goes for the fine and color treated version of Butter Blend. For a no-lye option Placide likes Design Essential’s Lo-Lye Conditioning Relaxer With Shea Butter, and Wallace uses Syntonics, a KeraCare brand. While you might find a one-off of these relaxers on Amazon or Overstock from a third party seller, you need a license to purchase these professional grade products, so we don’t recommend purchasing them there.

This is the one relaxer we heard of that is legitimately available for purchase without a license. Phyto Specific is a plant-based relaxer with no chemicals, so when we say this one is no lye we really mean it. It’s made with soy, egg, and shitake mushrooms instead of sodium hydroxide so it’s more gentle. It also only takes out 95 percent of your hair’s texture instead of 100 percent, which Wallace appreciates. “If I relax hair I don’t like to relax all of the texture out of the hair because curl is what actually maintains the body and movement of the hair,” she says. It’s definitely more expensive than other chemical straighteners on the market, but Wallace says it’s well worth it — plus, you get everything you need. It comes with a base, and a cleanser to stop the processing and a Milky Restructurer that acts like a conditioner. There are two versions. Index 1, which is for fine and color-treated hair and Index 2 for more coarse textures. The brand recommends consulting a professional before use, if you’d never done your own relaxer.

Application

Relaxer application begins with parting your hair and applying a “base.” The term refers to a petroleum-based product used to protect the scalp. “As relaxers are caustic chemicals that can cause severe scalp irritation and hair loss, a petroleum based protectant should be liberally applied throughout the scalp, nape, front hairline, and ears,” says Phills. “This process should never be skipped as it can greatly lessen or prevent scalp burns.” As celebrity stylist Kah Spence notes, “We were told that if the scalp is ‘burning,’ the relaxer is doing its job, but that’s actually incorrect.” Another misconception is that Vaseline is a perfectly fine base to use. While it has petroleum in it, “you don’t want to use anything that would adhere to these chemical processors and Vaseline could be a little too thick,” says Wallace. Instead, most relaxer kits, like Phyto above, come with a base you should use.

If for some reason it doesn’t come with a base, they are also sold separately. Placide likes this one, which she says “prevents damage and soothes the scalp from any irritation.”

Once the base is on, it’s time to apply the relaxer. If this is your first relaxer, (also known as a virgin relaxer), apply it from root to tip and leave it on for no longer than eight minutes before washing it out, says English. To maintain your new straight locks you’ll need what’s called a touch-up every eight to ten weeks, and this is when the relaxer is only applied to the new growth at the roots.

“Previously relaxed hair is permanently straightened, it doesn’t require any additional chemical processing,” says stylist Myss Monique . During a touch-up, to ensure no chemicals slide down on the already relaxed hair and over process it, English recommends protecting the shaft of the hair with an oil . “I’ll use an argan oil to serve as a filler,” she says.

After Care and Maintenance

Hopefully if you’ve been following our tips up to this point you’ve successfully relaxed your hair. In addition to trims, touch-ups, and regular trips to the salon, our experts stressed how important it is to keep chemically-straightened hair moisturized.

Shampoos and conditioners

“If you’re shampooing and styling your hair at home, get a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner,” says Wallace. She says her highest recommendation would be Mizani’s Thermasmooth line. Thanks to its C3 Smoothing Complex — cationic polymers, ceramides, and coconut oil — this shampoo addresses the specific needs of straightened hair. The polymers coat the hair to repel humidity and lock in shine, the ceramides strengthen the hair, and the oil adds that much needed hydration.

For about half the price, Placaide likes the Almond & Avocado line from Design Essentials. It was specifically formulated for chemically relaxed hair to help restore its natural luster. This conditioner also helps with frizz, dehydration, and breakage — all things your hair is more susceptible to when it’s chemically treated.

“Relaxer aftercare should ideally include weekly or biweekly shampoo, conditioning and a roller set or blow out as this helps to keep the hair hydrated, smooth and straight between touch ups,” says Phills. It’s no surprise she recommends the Olaplex system for that. The line has been recommended to us time and time again. The shampoo specifically is loved for color treated hair as it “repairs protein bonds in hair, limits split ends and subsequent hair breakage, and helps keep hair smooth and frizz free,” Stephanie Louis, the chief executive and operating officer of Stylebox Salon , told us, which is equally as important for relaxed hair. The conditioner is also a stylist favorite and is so thick and moisturizing, we’ve heard it doubles as a hair mask too.

Leave-in conditioners

Some of the stylists we spoke to also recommend a leave-in conditioner for added moisture. “Your hair type will determine which products are best for keeping it nourished and moisturized,” says Spence, but his personal favorite is this lightweight spray from Mielle Organics. It won’t weigh down your straight hair, and it doubles as a heat protectant, so it’s perfect to use before you go in with your blow dryer or flat iron.

Placide loves all things Design Essentials, but says this leave-in works particularly well on relaxed hair. It’s designed for extremely dry and brittle hair, which it brings back to life thanks to the botanical extracts and jojoba, coconut, sweet almond, and avocado oils in this formula.

Not all of our experts like using oil in relaxed hair. “I’m not one to use a lot of oils because I like the hair to be very flowy,” says Wallace. “If the hair is healthy it does not require heavy oils or paraffins that will just build up on the hair.” If you do think your hair requires oils, she recommends something light weight. Phills likes this one because “it effectively treats dry or flaky scalp patches, while not being super heavy.” She recommends having some around to occasionally apply to the scalp or ends.

Deep conditioners

“You should use a gentle moisturizing shampoo followed by a conditioning treatment once or twice a month,” says Monique. She has several favorites and one of them happens to be this Strat-favorite Briogeo mask. Rio loves it for bleached, dry hair. “This mask has a great consistency — not too thick or rich, not too light,” she says. “It’s formulated with rose-hip and argan oils, algae, and biotin — all of which replenish, rejuvenate, and deeply condition your hair.” Another writer with 4c hair, who was initially skeptical about this genuinely working on all hair types, was proven wrong when ​​the mask detangled her hair “leaving me with shinier, fluffier hair that is pillow-soft to the touch.”

This Aveda mask is another one of Monique’s favorites. We’ve previously recommended it for nutrient-deprived, dry hair because it uses quinoa protein to repair and has other moisturizing ingredients, like meadow seed foam and castor and jojoba oils.

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• Hair Products And Tools

The 15 Best Curly Hair Products for Bouncy, Defined Curls, Tested & Reviewed

From leave-in creams to lightweight gels.

Melanie Rud is a Chicago-based writer with 10 years of experience covering beauty. She covers all things skincare for Byrdie, from ingredients to acne advice.

Byrdie / Kristin Kempa

While the "I woke up like this" look has never been cooler, those of us with curly or wavy hair know that it's not as effortless as it sounds. While genetics determine curl formation, the key to creating shiny, bouncy, static-free tresses is finding products that are specifically formulated to provide hydration and create definition.

We've scoured the beauty aisle to find the highest-rated curl products—from styling creams to smoothing oils and leave-in conditioners —for every curl type, hair concern, and budget. Most of our picks were rated by Byrdie testers , who used them at home to see how well they lived up to their claims. We then combined our intel with industry expertise and advice from expert stylists Leigh Hardges and Larry King . The result: A treasure trove of hero products to guide you on your curl journey, no matter where you are on your path to hair goals.

Choosing the Right Products for Your Curls

Curly hair comes in many forms but is often categorized into three main types: wavy, curly, and coily, with subcategories representing curl tightness. Knowing your specific curl pattern is the first step in finding the products that help you have more good hair days.

Wavy Hair: For loose curls and waves, reach for lightweight products like mousse, leave-in conditioners, and styling milks, which add definition without weighing down your hair. A texturizing spray with natural ingredients like sea salt can boost volume and create that coveted beachy look, all while keeping your hair hydrated.

Curls & Coils: Tighter curls and coils crave moisture-rich products like deep conditioners and rich styling creams. Look for ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and hyaluronic acid – these hydration heroes help lock in moisture and prevent frizz. Lightweight gels can also be your friend, providing strong hold and definition for your dense curls and coils without feeling crunchy or stiff.

• What to Look For

Why Trust Byrdie

Best overall, briogeo curl charisma.

Moisturizing

Helps define curls

Long-lasting results

Natural formula

Bottle could be larger for the price

Hair Type: Wavy, curly, coily | Size: 6 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Coming in at the top of our list is this leave-in cream from Briogeo, which works double duty to both define and humidity-proof your curls. The formula is infused with rice amino acids and avocado oil to help your hair retain moisture and reduce static, and the creamy texture is lightweight and doesn’t ever flake or feel sticky. Also nice? This cream is made with 96 percent naturally-derived ingredients and contains no dyes or silicones, so it’s safe to use on all hair types.

Byrdie contributor Bianca Lambert took it for a spin and gave it a perfect five-star rating. “My curls were not only soft to the touch but defined, and the moisture lasted all week,” she writes. Needless to say, she was impressed.

Byrdie / Bianca Lambert

Best Budget

Sheamoisture curl & style milk.

Strengthens

Sustainably produced formula with ethically-traded ingredients

Hard to get product out of bottle

Hair Type: Curly, coily | Size: 8 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Coconut oil is this leave-in conditioner’s secret ingredient, working to detangle and hydrate. Ideal for letting your hair air dry, it’s a major time saver. Curls are left soft and swingy, protected from static and humidity. The natural formula includes ethically-traded ingredients that are also sustainably produced.

"This is a tried and true styling product that never disappoints me. Creamy styling milks always leave my curls ultra-hydrated and defined. And this one does just that," confirms Byrdie editor Olivia Hancock .

Best Shampoo

Kérastase curl manifesto shampoo.

Sulfate-free

Has a strong fragrance

Hair Type: Curly | Size: 8.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This shampoo formula checks all of the curly hair shampoo boxes. It’s sulfate-free , first and foremost, so you don’t have to worry about it stripping away your natural moisture. The creamy formula cleanses super gently, and it contains hydrating ingredients (manuka honey and ceramides) to keep your curls in tip-top shape. Plus, it’s a good option for wavy, curly, or very curly hair.

AG Care Curl Re:Coil Curl Activator

Reduces static

No sticky or stiff residue

May weigh down finer hair types

Hair Type: Curly, coily | Size: 6, 12 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

As the name suggests, this curl-friendly gel formula helps define, strengthen, and moisturize coils so they look and feel their best. It's not overly heavy on the hair, and it's a salt-free formula which helps to make it less drying.

"I really loved how my curls looked after I finished drying my hair, but this isn't a product I could use solo since it didn't hold my 4C coils and may have contributed to flakes," says product tester Bianca Lambert . "But I think for wavy, curly hair types, the AG Hair Curl Re:Coil Curl Activator would give the perfect amount of hold and hydration."

To use, apply a small amount to damp hair and dry it as usual. Then, wait for the compliments to roll in.

Runner-Up, Best Gel

Alodia haircare moisturize & define curling cream gel.

Naturally-derived fragrance

May not combine well with other hair products

Hair Type: Curly | Size: 8 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

A gel that defines your curls without leaving them dry and flaky? Yes, please! This hydrating cream-gel hybrid adds shine, moisture, and hold without any of the stickiness or stiffness associated with gels. It’s great when you want to wash-and-go or for styles, such as buns and ponies. It works equally well on wavy, curly, and coily textures.

Ouidad Curl Quencher Cream

Not heavy enough to prevent shrinkage

Hair Type:  Coily   |  Size:  5 fl. oz |  Cruelty-Free:  Yes

Think of this curl cream as nutrient-rich food for your curly hair. It's ideal for tight curls, and it's formulated with sweet almond oil to keep them nourished. It coats every last coil with intense moisture to eliminate static and dryness. Instead, your curls will look instantly defined and feel super soft.

"It had a pretty good slip and glided onto my coils with ease," adds product tester Bianca Lambert . "I loved my curls’ definition, especially at the front of my head, where my curls are loosest."

BYRDIE / BIANCA LAMBERT

Bianca Lambert

Best for Fine Hair

Moroccanoil curl defining cream.

Lightweight

Restores hair elasticity

Minimal slip

Hair Type: All | Size: 2.5, 8.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Having fine hair and curls can be ​tough since many defining creams can weigh them down. But not this gem from Moroccanoil. The featherweight formula is infused with argan oil to calm static and refine ringlets, all without ever feeling greasy or sticky. It works its magic to bring on the bounce for all curl types, from waves to tight coils. Plus, it restores elasticity, making hair more manageable. "I think for those with wavy to loose curly hair types, this product is worth a try," says product tester Bianca Lambert .

Best Diffuser

Devacurl devadryer and devafuser.

Fits most commercial hair dryers

Bulky design can make it difficult to use

Hair Type: Wavy, curly, coily

When you have curly hair, you may find that the hair dryer can be your enemy. For instance, if you apply too much heat, you could contribute to a damaged, staticky result. But now there's an entire industry around maintaining healthy curls, resulting in products like this diffuser. It attaches to the end of your hairdryer (try ionic dryers to cut drying time in half) and coaxes stunning ringlets out of hair. "As someone who has a difficult time keeping my hands off my head as I dry my curls in an attempt to get to my roots, I love this design," adds product tester Bianca Lambert .

InStyle / Jessica Juliao

Best Detangler

Kinky curly knot today detangler.

Doubles as a leave-in or rinse-out product

Has great slip

Doesn't offer much hold

Hair Type: Wavy, curly, coily | Size: 8 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Say goodbye to knots that lead to breakage and grow your hair longer and stronger with this herbal conditioner, which is formulated with organic ingredients like slippery elm, marshmallow root, lemongrass, and mango fruit extract. The name says it all: Those with kinky curly hair know that wash day can be a time-consuming task, but the slip in this moisturizing product makes detangling a breeze by smoothing the cuticle and removing knots. Use it as a traditional rinse-out conditioner for those with waves and loose curls, or try it as a leave-in for those with tighter textures.

Best Relaxing Balm

Phyto botanical hair relaxing balm.

Doesn't add volume or lift

Hair Type: All | Size: 4.4 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Another great way to tame coarse, flyaway hair is to use a relaxing balm. This one by Phyto helps to loosen the curls so they start to straighten, but not so much so that you lose texture or volume. You'll love the lightweight consistency that won't leave your hair feeling greasy.

Best Co-Wash

Kristin ess frizz management cleansing co-wash.

Multi-tasking formula

Doesn't strip hair

May leave hair looking a bit greasy

Hair Type: All | Size: 8.45 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Celebrity hairstylist Kristin Ess (known for her work with Lauren Conrad, Lucy Hale, and more) has a line of affordable, high-quality hair products that we recommend giving a try, and this co-wash is at the top of the list. Rather than using traditional shampoo, this hydrating formula cleanses, detangles, and softens—all without stripping curls of their natural moisture. (Oh, and it’s choice for combating static, too.) And while it’s ideal for those with curly hair, this is a great option for anyone whose hair is on the drier side.

Best Deep Treatment

Bounce curl ayurvedic deep conditioner.

Can cause buildup if used too often

Peach scent may be too strong for some

Hair Type: Curly | Size: 8 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Give your hair some extra love with this deep conditioning treatment, which boasts a clean formula filled with natural and plant-based ingredients. The stars of the show are oils (sunflower seed and baobab seed) that add a hefty dose of moisture but are still lightweight enough that they won’t weigh down your hair. Also nice: Leave it on for five to 10 minutes to reap those deep conditioning benefits. If you’re in a rush, you can also use it as a traditional conditioner. Bonus points for the light, peach scent, which is naturally derived.

Best Leave-In

Pattern leave in conditioner.

Thick consistency may make it harder to distribute evenly

Hair Type: Curly | Size: 9.8 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Actress Tracee Ellis Ross created Pattern specifically to fulfill the unique needs of those with curly hair. All of the products consistently pull in rave reviews, but if you’re going to try just one, make it this leave-in, a true hero SKU that gets tons of five-star reviews. It hydrates, seals in moisture, and detangles while also helping to enhance curl definition. "It softens and defines curls in just one step—pretty revolutionary for someone who typically uses a slew of other curl-defining products as well," says senior social media editor Star Donaldson .

Top tip: Apply it all over while hair is still soaking wet.

Best Pre-Wash Treatment

Nexxus curl define ultra-8 pre-wash treatment.

Hair Type: Curly | Size: 8 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Okay, so you don’t need to use a pre-wash treatment, but it can be a good way to give your curls a little extra care. What’s unique about this one is a proprietary blend of proteins specifically meant to target the needs of curly hair (which, FYI, has a different composition of proteins than straight hair). Work this into wet hair and let it sit for five to 10 minutes to do its thing—namely strengthen, moisturize, soften, detangle, and elongate your curls—then shampoo and condition as usual.

Living Proof Curl Moisturizing Shine Oil

Silicone-free

Doesn't provide heat protection

Can make hair greasy if you use too much

Hair Type: Curly | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Make this fast-absorbing finishing oil the final step of your styling routine. Just a few drops help to smooth and fight static while also adding mirror-like shine—for all curl types. Credit a blend of five different oils, plus the fact that the formula is silicone-free, so you don’t ever have to worry about it weighing down your hair.

What to Look for in a Product for Curly Hair

• Make sure it’s curly hair-specific: First and foremost, make sure you choose a product that’s specifically formulated for curly hair. It sounds obvious, but because curly hair is so different, using curl-specific products, including a hair dryer made for curly hair , if you use one, is paramount.
• Moisturizing ingredients: Hydrating ingredients are your curls’ best friend (think glycerin, shea butter, and natural oils). Because curly hair is naturally more prone to dryness than straight hair, the more hydration you can pack into your curly hair routine , the better. That being said, while curls do need a little extra care, they also need some downtime. “Curly hair needs lots of attention, but it also needs to just be left alone. It thrives with the least amount of styling and manipulation,” notes Hardges. In other words, style them and then leave them alone—the less you touch and mess with them, the better.
• Ingredients to avoid: While curly hair thrives on certain ingredients, there are a few you might want to skip or be mindful of when browsing hair products.
• Sulfates: Cleansing agents that can strip away natural oils and leave hair prone to breakage. 
• Alcohols: Skip products with ingredients like ethanol, propanol, or alcohol denat, that can dry out your hair.
• Silicones: Silicones coat strands to maximize smoothness and shine, but they can build up over time, making curls appear limp. If you choose to use a product that contains silicones, opt for a dimethicone or cyclomethicone, and clarify your hair regularly to remove buildup.
• Artificial fragrances: Artificial scents can irritate your scalp. If you’re prone to sensitivity, consider fragrance-free products or those scented with natural essential oils.

“The follicles on the scalp that house the strand as it grows are flat and elliptical, which causes the hair strand to curl as it grows,” explains Leigh Hardges, stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. Further, that difference in shape is largely why curly hair needs more moisture and hydration; it makes it harder for the scalp’s naturally moisturizing oils to travel down the hair shaft. This also means it's more susceptible to the negative effects of hard water.

According to hairstylist Larry King, those with curly hair should apply most products while the hair is still wet. Static begins as the hair dries, so keeping your products in the shower will give you the most defined results. Start with a curl cream, then scrunch a blob of mousse through the lengths to keep the curls defined and static-free.

Curly hair only needs a few key products to thrive; don’t overdo it, or you might weigh your natural texture down. Other than shampoo and conditioner (or co-washing or whichever method works best for you), all you need is the aforementioned curl cream and mousse, as well as a refreshing spray to keep definition and bounce between washes and hairspray to hold any styling. Any other products are up to your individual needs.

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She considered dozens of products for this roundup, researched peer-reviewed journals, and consulted our testing insights. Our product testers tried some of the top-rated products for weeks at a time, taking note of how well they delivered results as well as any extra product features.

Team Byrdie worked with experts to help inform this story:

• Leigh Hardges is a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. She has been trained in hair-cutting at Vidal Sassoon Academy and has over 15 years of professional experience.
• Larry King is a stylist and the founder of London-based Larry King salons and Larry King Haircare.

Gavazzoni Dias MF. Hair cosmetics: An overview .  Int J Trichol . 2015;7(1):2. doi: 10.4103/0974-7753.153450

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Updated September 29th, 2023: This article on the best naturally curly hair products was updated with new product releases, editor product testing and review notes, and tips on selecting the right item for your curl pattern and concerns.

Curls can be a challenge, and they come by that reputation honestly. A rainy day or the introduction of one new product can throw the whole look off, but now that more of us are shelving our hot tools in favor of rocking our natural hair textures, it can be difficult to know where to start - especially because no two curls, even on the same head, are identical. But don't feel discouraged: The best products for curly hair give you full control of your tresses.

"What's interesting about curls is that there's an inconsistency a lot of times," says Larry Sims , celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union. "They can be so in between - straight here, wavy there, curly here - and going with the natural texture, it looks fuller a lot of times and just healthier. Don't be afraid to lean into natural hair, because a lot of people, for the longest, tried to fight what they were born with."

The trick is to style your natural texture with good curly hair products for women to keep your hair nourished and curls defined. "I agree that curly hair has a reputation," says Maeva Heim , founder and CEO of the revolutionary curl-focused brand Bread Beauty Supply. "However, I don't agree that it's true. Or rather, it's only true if you have misaligned expectations, or the wrong products and routine knowledge."

And to know what naturally curly hair products you need, you first need to know what hair type you have.

"Hair type refers to your hair's curl pattern," explains celebrity hairstylist and natural hair YouTuber   Annagjid "Kee " Taylor , adding that hair type is categorized by numbers and letters. "The numbers - 1 to 4 - refer to curl families, and the letters - A to C - indicate how tightly wound the actual curls are. So, type 1 hair has basically no curls or is straight, type 2 has waves, while type 3 includes spiraled curls and 4s have kinks and coils." The best curly hair products are carefully designed with each of these curl patterns in mind, so look for products that embrace and enhance your natural texture. When you start working with your natural hair and not against it, you may be surprised that it'll start working for you, too.

With personal testing and the help of Sims, Heim, Taylor, and Chicago hairstylist Alex Brown, we've pulled together the best products for curly, frizzy hair. From creams and oils to mousses and co-washes , these curly hair products are guaranteed to bring new life to your curls and coils.

Top Curly Hair Products of 2023

Best shampoos and conditioners for curly hair and frizzy hair, briogeo curl charisma hydrating shampoo, vegamour gro revitalizing shampoo and conditioner set, bread beauty supply hair wash gentle milky hair cleanser, ouidad coil infusion drink up cleansing conditioner, briogeo don't despair, repair super moisture conditioner for dry + damaged hair, best styling products for curly hair, pattern the blow dryer, colorwow dream coat for curly hair, unite hair 7 seconds detangler leave-in conditioner.

• Davines All-In-One Hair Milk

Nunzio Saviano Anti-Frizz Sheets

Best curl-defining products.

• Shea Moisture Curl Mousse for Frizz Control

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

Oribe hydration & hold curl gloss.

• Bumble and Bumble BB Curl Defining Cream

Ouai Curl Créme

Best hair masks and hair oils for curly hair, mielle organics rosemary mint scalp & hair strengthening oil, olaplex no. 6 bond smoother, shu uemura essence absolue nourishing protective hair oil, kérastase curl manifesto nourishing mask for curly hair, flawless by gabrielle union exotic oil.

• Best for: Weekly wash days; types 2A to 4C hair
• Key ingredients: Rice amino acids, shea butter, avocado oil, grapefruit peel oil
• Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
• Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

A great hair day starts with a good wash, and there's no better option than Briogeo's Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo. This popular line was carefully designed with coils and ringlets in mind - the entire collection includes ingredients that increase hydration, lessen unwanted frizz, and add all-day definition. This shampoo does all that while removing buildup, which is an essential step for curly hair types that require leave-in treatments and infrequent washing.

Price upon publish date of this article: $28

Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo $28 Buy Now at Amazon

Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo $28 Buy Now At Sephora

• Best for: Weekly washes; restoring volume and hair health; all hair types
• Size: 8 fl oz each
• Key ingredients: Marula, baobab, and murumuru butters

Most curls look voluminous after a good styling session, but like all hair types, thinning could be a concern. If you're noticing sparse patches on your scalp, a targeted shampoo and conditioner is one way to rev up your follicles for a fuller-looking head of hair. The vegan, color-safe Vegamour Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner feature plant-based actives like turmeric and red clover to help improve growth with consistent use, plus conditioning oils and butters for immediate shine.

Price upon publish date of this article: $86

Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner Set $86 Buy Now at Sephora

Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner Set $86 Buy Now at Vegamour

• Best for: Weekly washes without stripping moisture; types 2A to 4C hair
• Size: 8.4 oz
• Key ingredients: Argan oil, lemon tea tree oil, aloe vera juice
• Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

Heim wants to redefine what it means to have "good" curls, and she counts a good hair cleanser - like the version from her label - as a crucial first step to curl heaven. "That sounds kind of boring, but honestly, your shampoo sets the tone for your entire wash day," she cautions. "If you use one that strips too much, you'll probably be disappointed with your conditioner results, or if you use one that doesn't clean properly, you'll have to start all over again." And despite its no-glory status, she argues that a shampoo is "one of the most important steps of your routine, so find a really good one that works for you." For many reviewers, this cleanser is the best shampoo for curly and frizzy hair they've tried.

Price upon publish date of this article: $20

Bread Beauty Supply Hair Wash Hair Cleanser $20 Buy Now at SEphora

Bread Beauty Supply Hair Wash Hair Cleanser $20 Buy Now at Ulta

• Best for: Hydrating co-wash for types 2A to 4C hair
• Size: 12 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Castor oil, sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil

"Washing hair too much will deplete natural oils that help your hair grow and retain its shine," explains celebrity hairstylist and Ouidad ambassador Irinel de León, adding that she doesn't recommend washing your hair every day. Instead, she suggests cycling in one of the best co-washes for curly hair, like Ouidad's Coil Infusion option. "Not only does it remove impurities but it also conditions for softness, preventing tangles."

Price upon publish date of this article: $30

Ouidad Coil Infusion Drink Up Cleansing Conditioner $30 Buy Now at Ulta

• Best for: Damaged, dry hair; all hair types
• Size: 16 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Almond oil, algae extract, argan oil, vitamin B5

"Over-processing, color damage, heat damage and sun damage can all contribute to dryness or frizziness to your hair," explains Sims. "You really want to make sure that you're moisturizing your hair and rebuilding it from any of those damaging elements." Enter Briogeo's insanely effective and cleanly formulated conditioner that's clinically shown to decrease hair breakage after just two uses. Loaded with algae extract, argan oil, panthenol and other natural ingredients like minerals and amino acids (95 percent of the composition is naturally-derived, by the way), this conditioner for curly hair will make your strands healthy and strong with consistent use.

Editor testing and review notes: "I frequently style my color-treated curls, so suffice to say that my hair is always thirsty for hydrating, reparative products. This conditioner is rare in that it adds serious moisture and shine without making my curls fall flat or feel weighed down."

Price upon publish date of this article: $39

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner for Dry + Damaged Hair $39 Buy Now at Amazon

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner for Dry + Damaged Hair $39 Buy Now at Sephora

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner for Dry + Damaged Hair $39 Buy Now at Ulta

• Best for: Drying and styling; types 2A to 4C hair
• Special features: 3 heat and 2 speed settings; ion generator, 4 attachments included

You won't find another hot tool on our list for a reason -  Pattern's The Blow Dryer is a peerless styling tool for curly hair, designed by one of the best curly hair brands on the market. Unlike most hair dryers that include only one attachment for curly hair, each of the four attachments in this blow dryer for curly hair are specifically designed to uplift and define your ringlets. The bowl diffuser on this top hair dryer features aluminum plates that heat up to expedite your dry time. And the comb attachment helps detangle without flattening out your ringlets. If you're looking to stretch or smooth your curls, the dryer has two attachments that'll do the trick as well as the best hair dryer brushes out there.

Editor testing and review notes: "Consider Pattern's The Blow Dryer a Dyson Airwrap that's been carefully designed for curly and coily hair textures. The hair dryer includes three attachments that enhance hair types from 2A to 4C, plus a concentrator for days you want to stretch or smooth your curls. The device feels - and looks - like pure luxury, courtesy of its caramel color and sleek design. Its heat and airflow settings also cater to curly hair; you have the option to use low, gentle heat with the diffuser to dry your curls without blasting them through the roof."

Price upon publish date of this article: $189

Pattern The Blow Dryer $189 Buy Now at Ulta

Best Travel Hair Dryers Best Hair Dryer Brushes

• Best for: Heat protection, shine, and definition; types 2a to 3b hair
• Size: 6.7 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Keratin proteins, glycerin

"Always, always, always use a heat protectant," says Heim. "It's such boring advice, but it's really important if you don't want to damage the cuticles and inner layers of your hair." ColorWow's Dream Coat for Curly Hair delivers heat protection, glossy sheen, and bouncy curls. This naturally curly hair products' special formulation provides the hold and definition you'd get from a styling cream or gel, but with absolutely no residue or added weight - a godsend for those who need one of the best products for fine, curly hair to add definition without weighing down ringlets. It'll smooth down the cuticle of your hair without flattening your curls, making it one of the top products for frizzy, curly hair, too.

Price upon publish date of this article: $24

ColorWow Dream Coat for Curly Hair $24 Buy Now at Amazon

ColorWow Dream Coat for Curly Hair $24 Buy Now at SEphora

• Best for: Prepping hair for a protective hairstyle; preventing heat damage and tangles
• Size: 8 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Rice protein, vitamin B5

Detangling is a dreaded step in a curly hair care routine, but Unite's 7 Seconds Detangler Leave-In Conditioner makes quick work of the task. This TikTok-famous beauty product (it has over 100 million views on the app ) is appropriate for all hair types, but particularly helpful for curly ones. You can use this best detangler for curly hair on damp or dry hair in tandem with a wide-tooth comb to break up knots without losing strands or causing damaging friction. Mist it on after shampoo and conditioner, or for extra shine and softness between wash day. This formula isn't exclusive for use on tight curls and coils - it's one of the best wavy curly hair products, too.

Editor testing and review notes: "My hair has a mind of its own after I wash it - I get tangles from my roots all the way to my ends. This detangler is the only one I've tried that works without loads of repeat misting - four pumps on my thick hair makes it easy to glide a brush through without a hindrance."

Price upon publish date of this article: $38

Unite Hair 7 Seconds Detangler Leave-In Conditioner $38 Buy Now at Amazon

Davines Oi All-In-One Hair Milk

• Best for: Hydration, smoothing, and detangling
• Size: 4.56 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Roucou oil, sunflower seed oil
• Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars 

One of Sims' favorite curly hair products is a protective leave-in conditioner. This creamy but surprisingly feather-light hair milk from Davines softens strands to make brushing a breeze. It also protects hair from heat styling tools and amps up the shine factor. Sims cautions to avoid over-saturating the hair with this product, however, especially for finer type 2 hair, who should focus application from the ears down. "Just make hair a little damp with it," he says. To use a leave-in conditioner for styling type 2 or 3 hair, he suggests making a couple thick plaits around your head and sleeping in them. In the morning, let them out and glide a bit of oil through the ends for a "very cool, very New York girl vibe," he notes. It's the best anti-frizz product for curly hair on our list, with over 9,900 five-star reviewers on Amazon gushing in agreement.

Price upon publish date of this article: $40

Davines Oi All-In-One Hair Milk $40 Buy Now at Amazon

Davines Oi All-In-One Hair Milk $40 Buy Now at Nordstrom

• Best for: Targeting flyaways and frizz between washes

One of the latest buzzy products for curly hair are anti-frizz sheets , which are perfect for a second-day touch up. These sheets are slightly damp, thanks to the coconut oil molecules, which are small enough to penetrate the hair shaft to instantly add moisture to dull curls - an ideal trait to look for in the best naturally curly hair products. They also add a serious dose of shine and glamour, with one Amazon reviewer sharing that she "takes these with me for my jacket and hair" to "take static down tremendously" while another notes that they "work immediately!"

Price upon publish date of this article: $12

Nunzio Saviano Anti-Frizz Sheets $12 Buy Now at Amazon

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse

• Best for: Air-drying; types 2A to 4C hair
• Size: 7.5 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, hibiscus extract

Curls and frizz go hand-in-hand, but with SheaMoisture's Curl Mousse for Frizz Control , you don't have to settle for a halo of unwanted flyaways when you walk out the door. Where many mousses leave your hair feeling slightly crunchy and stiff, this best drugstore product for curly hair has a hydrating formula that shapes and holds curls and coils with a soft-to-the-touch finish. Ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil make your hair feel and look healthier in the long run, too.

Price upon publish date of this article: $8.03

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse $13.49  $8.03 Buy Now at Amazon

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse $13.49 Buy Now at Ulta

• Best for: Defining and separating curls; types 2A to 4C hair
• Size: 8.5 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Argan oil, vegetable proteins

Inconsistency is always a concern for those with curly hair, whether it's the same few coils that always seem to fall flat while the others look springy, or sleek roots and frizzy ends. Moroccanoil's Curl Defining Cream is magic for its ability to make your hair more uniform, adding long-lasting definition and hold. Any curl pattern can benefit from cycling this product in - just note that those with thin or fine hair should apply a minimal amount to avoid extra weight.

Price upon publish date of this article: $34

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream $36  $34 Buy Now at Amazon

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream $36 Buy Now at Sephora

• Best for: Shine and definition; types 2A to 4C hair
• Size: 5.9 oz
• Key ingredients: Passionflower extract, Brazilian jicama, castor oil

For dramatic style, reach for Oribe's shine-boosting cream to define curls without leaving hair with the dreaded crunch. Unlike other creams, this innovation is easy to use - we recommend rubbing a quarter size amount into hands, rubbing together and scrunching upward - and will hold definition for days on end. Plus, the lychee, edelweiss and watermelon ingredients protect your strands from environmental damage .

Price upon publish date of this article: $42

Oribe Hydration & Hold Curl Gloss $42 Buy Now at Amazon

Oribe Hydration & Hold Curl Gloss $42 Buy Now at SEphora

Bumble and Bumble Bb Curl Defining Cream

• Best for: Hydration and definition; types 2A to 4C hair
• Size: 8.5 oz
• Key ingredients: Cocoa butter, shea butter, avocado seed oil, jojoba oil

"Go into your creams for type 3 texture, because the hair porosity is going to be a little more absorbent," explains Sims, adding that a cream "locks in the smoothness, so the curl won't swell as easily." His go-to technique is the "scrunch-and-go," which means you take a dollop of Bumble and Bumble's frizz-reducing, moisturizing curl cream and scrunch up from the ends toward the root, then let hair air dry. This cream works to add hydration, define curls and reduce frizz. It's one of the best products to make hair curly, too, so you'll love it if you're on the wavy hair train.

Bumble and Bumble BB Curl Defining Cream $34 Buy Now at SEphora

• Best for: Fewer flyaways, hydrated ends, and light definition on types 3A to 4C hair
• Key ingredients: Linseed, chia seed, and coconut oils

"In the winter months, I would recommend swapping out any hair products that include alcohol in the ingredient list, which can cause dryness and static," says Brown "Try replacing them with a moisturizing, defining cream instead, like one of my favorites: the Ouai Curl Créme ." This cream is great for those who are sensitive to chemicals, and it has a fragrance-free option for easily-irritated scalps, too. Word to the wise: Those with type 2 hair should skip the creams, says Sims, because the heavier formulation will not only weigh down the curl and minimize definition, but also make hair look greasier faster.

Price upon publish date of this article: $32

Ouai Curl Créme $32 Buy Now at Amazon

Ouai Curl Créme $32 Buy Now at Sephora

Ouai Curl Créme $32 Buy Now at Ulta

• Best for: Hair growth, treating scalp irritation and dryness, all hair types
• Size: 2 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Over 30 essential oils

Mielle's minty scalp and hair oil is the It girl of curly hair products - the budget-friendly oil has 350 million views on TikTok and over 45,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. What's so great? The blend of rosemary, mint, and 28 other essential oils deliver a soothing feel on your scalp, with the promise of fuller-feeling hair with consistent use. This best natural curly hair product is multi-purpose, too, as you can use it with a scalp massager for a scalp facial moment, or rake it through your ends for shine and bounce.

Price upon publish date of this article: $9.97

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil $9.97 Buy Now at Amazon

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil $13 Buy Now at Ulta

• Best for: Repairing damage; all hair types
• Size: 3.3 fl oz

Olaplex is famous for their highly concentrated treatments, and their leave-in styler, No. 6, will help your hair get ready for its best frizz-free life by smoothing flyaways without weighing it down with lightweight ingredients like vitamin E and coconut oil, which will also diminish frizz for up to 72 hours. With more than 38,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, it's safe to say that this beloved product is on its way to hitting cult-classic status - and is without a doubt, one of the best products for damaged curly hair.

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother $30 Buy Now at Amazon

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother $30 Buy Now at Sephora

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother $30 Buy Now at Ulta

• Best for: Hydrating ends for type 2 hair; hydrating roots to ends for types 3A to 4C hair
• Size: 1.7 oz
• Key ingredients: Japanese red camellia oil

"Add a nourishing oil to your daily routine," Brown recommends, particularly for types 2 through 4 who can benefit from this extra dose of moisture. Brown counts Shu Uemura's Essence Absolue as one of her go-to options, and one of the best products for dry curly hair. "Apply hair oil to your ends before blow drying, but also add a half pump throughout the day to tame static and hydrate the hair - just as you would do with lotion on your hands," she says. Meanwhile, Sims says people with type 3 and 4 hair can use hair oils from root to end to "give moisture without weighing it down and make it look refreshed and polished."

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Hair Oil $42 Buy Now at Sephora

• Best for: Deep hydrating treatment before wash days; types 2A to 4C hair
• Size: 6.8 oz
• Key ingredients: Manuka honey, ceramides

All hair is different, especially curls. But even if your hair type is 1, never skip a biweekly deep conditioning treatment, says Sims. According to the hairstylist, thick hair and coils require mega moisture and types 3 and 4 should ramp up to weekly masking. "Look for creams and be consistent with masking and treatment to maintain your hair's moisture and elasticity," suggests Taylor. Kérastase's mask nourishes strands and smooths the cuticle with manuka honey and ceramides to revive and refresh dull, dehydrated hair. A little goes a long way, so the tub will last you up to six months.

Price upon publish date of this article: $68

Kérastase Curl Manifesto Mask $68 Buy Now at Sephora

Kérastase Curl Manifesto Mask $68 Buy Now at Amazon

• Best for: Added shine and moisture; all hair types
• Key ingredients: Passionfruit oil, sweet almond oil, Brazilian bacuri butter

"Hair oils are great for throughout the hair, not just on the ends," says Sims, adding that less is more when it comes this category of products for curly hair, and that lighter hair types especially should err on the conservative side. " This oil from Flawless is amazing because it's so light and super absorbent with all-natural ingredients. You really can get in there, with a modest amount of product, to give the hair shine and moisture every few days when the hair starts looking sad." Many of the reviewers on Amazon love not only the added hydration of this best hair product for curly hair, but also the cooling effect it has on their scalp to calm itchiness.

Price upon publish date of this article: $10

Flawless by Gabrielle Union Exotic Oil $10 Buy Now at Amazon

The Different Types of Curly Hair

Before you begin your search for the best products for curly hair, you'll need to figure out your curl pattern. Below, a breakdown of the different types of curly hair:

Type 1 : This hair type is pin-straight, without any bend or movement. But as you move from hair types 1A to 1C, you can begin to see a whisper of movement.

Type 2 : "In type 2, you'll see a slight disconnect from straight hair to a light, very loose curl," says Sims. "It'll start from a soft, sort of beachy, natural wave to almost a loose curl." And his favorite part? "You have the versatility of being able to go from straight to curly without really damaging the integrity of the natural curl." This hair type benefits most from light products, like curl, salt or texture sprays , but not heavy creams, which can weigh down the delicate wave.

Type 3 : Ranging from a medium curl to a tighter corkscrew, Sims says that type 3 hair has "great definition" if you work with it correctly. "It tends to be a bit thicker, especially at the root, than type 2," he says. "Think more volume, a thicker root and a cleaner, S-shaped curl." With type 3, you can move into products that feel a little heavier, like leave-in conditioners and creams, plus a biweekly moisturizing hair mask, recommends Sims.

Type 4 : Often coarse and coily, Sims says type 4 hair is "way more thick, and you'll feel the coarseness in the hair versus a tight type." A looser type 4 - 4A - is still super tight, but can be defined with a curl cream, says Sims, while 4B and 4C are the coiliest styles and traditionally set weekly with rods or curlers, or Sims' favorite approach: "rock it fro-y" style. "The biggest challenge for type 4 hair is moisture," he says. "The kinkier the hair, the drier it is. And the tighter the curl, the drier it becomes."

What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Curly Hair Products

• Curl pattern: Assessing your curl pattern is the first step in choosing the best curly hair product for you. Type 2 hair does best with lightweight products like texturizing sprays, water-based foams, and lightweight oils, as these won't weigh down curls and coils. Type 3 and 4 hairs can go with richer products like rich creams, leave-in conditioners, and intensely nourishing hair masks.
• Porosity: Your hair porosity has to do with its ability to absorb products. Curly hair types tend to have high porosity, meaning the cuticle each of strand is more sponge-like, and typically more prone to damage. The best products for high-porosity hair are moisturizing oils, creams, and masks that are formulated without harsh ingredients like sulfates.
• Hair damage: Frequently heat styling your hair, brushing too hard, and chemically treating or coloring your hair can lead to breakage and brittleness. If you fall in that category, you'll want to seek out curly hair products that rebuild bonds (like Olaplex) as well as heat protectants to prevent your hair from feeling then burn when you whip out your favorite hair styling tools . Using a detangler for curly hair is also helpful; these leave-ins help reduce friction during brushing or braiding.
• Styling preferences : Those who wear their hair in protective styles will want to seek out products that deliver major moisture and light hold - a leave-in conditioner and a hair oil for curly hair is a great combination to try. If you tend to air dry your hair, go with a mousse. And for those who use a diffuser to dry curls or refresh them between washes, you'll want a great heat protectant and a curl-defining cream.

The Different Types of Curly Hair Products

Those of us with curly hair deeply understand the strife and struggle that comes along with trying to manage our curly hair. But the truth is, the best products for curly hair are designed specifically for our hair type, helping us in our fight against frizz.

• Shampoos : This important first step is often overlooked, but the key to getting curly hair to cooperate and look gorgeous is to start off on the right foot with the best shampoo for curly hair , especially for your hair type. 
• Conditioners : A creamy conditioner is crucial to make your hair silky smooth, healthy and hydrated. From waves to tight coils, dryness is a common problem and the right conditioner for curly hair will set you up for success by creating a strong foundation to style and manage.
• Hair dryers and diffusers : Many of us with curly hair believed we needed to air dry our locks and stay far away from hair dryers, but as long as we're using a really great diffuser designed specifically for curls , we're in a safe space.  
• Styling creams and gels : Using the right styling product and applying it correctly is often where curly haired folks trip. Dousing hair in product is a one-way ticket to starting over, so it's important to remember to start with a small amount - you can always add more later.
• Hair oils and masks: Hair oils are multipurpose products that pull their weight in your routine - you can massage them onto your ends to decrease unwanted frizz, or apply them from root to tip as a weekly intensive moisture treatment. If your scalp tends to feel dry or irritated, work a rosemary or tea tree oil onto your scalp to help decrease buildup and calm inflammation. Masks, on the other hand, have a sole purpose of treating and preventing damage. The best masks for curly hair will flood your strands with moisture and nourishing ingredients for long-lasting shine and softness.

How We Chose the Best Products for Curly Hair

Since 1910, WWD - often referred to as "the fashion bible" - has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women's and men's fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD's breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD's editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.

To select the best curly hair products, our editors interviewed four curl experts for their input on key steps in a curly hair routine, and considerations to keep in mind when selecting the best products for curly hair. We combined their input with extensive market research, factoring in personal product testing, customer reviews, and new innovations. Our final list includes the best hair products for curly hair types 2A to 4C, including key steps in the hair care process like washing, maintaining, and styling hair. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Experts

Larry Sims is a celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union. Sims' work has been featured on Good Morning America, The View, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, and Entertainment Tonight, to name a few. Larry's artistry on his celebrity clients have graced the covers of Vogue, Elle, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, Allure, and Essence Magazines. His career has spanned over two decades in the entertainment industry with a plethora of film, television, & red carpet credits. His celebrity clients include Zendaya, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kerry Washington, Alicia Keys, and more.

Maeva Heim is the founder and CEO of the revolutionary curl-focused brand Bread Beauty Supply. The Australian native grew up in her mom's braiding salon, and went onto work for major beauty brands before launching Bread Beauty Supply in 2020.

Annagjid ‘Kee' Taylor explains celebrity hairstylist and natural hair YouTuber. Kee owns the Philadelphia salon Deeper Than Hair, which is one of the country's premiere salons for naturally textured and Black hair. She's also the author of the children's book, "All Hair Is Good Hair," to help girls love their natural hair.

Irinel de León is a curl expert, Ouidad Brand Ambassador, and celebrity hairstylist who has worked with the likes of Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Jessica Alba.

Alex Brown is a Chicago-based hairstylist who learned the ropes from the legendary Jen Atkin. Brown is a favorite of many of today's It girls, including Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid and Chrissy Teigen. She recently opened her own hair studio in Chicago.

Meet the Authors

Kaitlin Clark is a New York-based writer and editor. Clark wrote the original version of this story on the best products for naturally curly hair.

Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over six years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She's tested hundreds of curly hair products on her type 2B curls, so she's well-versed in selecting the products that make a meaningful difference in curl definition and hair health.

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Renee Zellweger’s unrecognizable hair transformations over the years as star turns 55

The bridget jones star is back for a fourth movie.

As Renée Zellweger celebrates her 55th birthday, let's embark on a glamorous journey through her remarkable beauty transformation, marking her evolution from a fresh-faced college actress to a sophisticated Hollywood icon. 

Over the years, Renée's hair has been a dynamic canvas, showcasing her adaptability and flair for dramatic changes. Here's a closer look at the transformative styles that have not only defined her career but also left an indelible mark on the fashion world.

In 1997, at the tender age of 27, Renée stepped into the limelight with her breakthrough role in Jerry Maguire. 

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At the MTV Movie Awards shortly after the film's release, she appeared with straight, medium-length hair in her natural dark blonde hue, sporting barely any makeup—a stark contrast to the glitzy transformations that would follow.

By 1999, the MTV Video Music Awards saw Renée experimenting with a bold new look: smudgy eyeliner paired with a voluminous mane of partly straight, partly crimped hair. This style moment, which she herself might admit was a misstep, was indicative of the era's pop diva trends.

The turn of the millennium brought a chic update. At the 2000 VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards, Renée debuted a blunt bob with bangs, a style that remains timeless to this day, complemented by flushed cheeks and stained pink lips.

The 2001 Vanity Fair Oscar Party was a standout moment in Renée's fashion history. Dressed in a vintage yellow gown with berry lips and Old Hollywood waves, she secured her place on every best-dressed list and cemented her status as a fashion icon.

In 2002, Renée embraced a dramatic chop for her role as Roxie Hart in Chicago. For the New York City premiere, she styled her hair in Marilyn Monroe-inspired curls, a nod to her character's flapper-era allure.

The following year, at the premiere of Down with Love in New York City, Renée returned to a straight bob without bangs. This "Life Cut" reflected her professional choice to steer clear of overtly sexy roles, favoring an image that aligned more closely with her career aspirations.

By 2003, Renée's preparation for the Bridget Jones sequel involved a significant physical transformation, adopting a 4,000-calorie-a-day diet to gain over 20 pounds. Her dedication to the role was evident in her fuller appearance at the Los Angeles premiere of Cold Mountain.

Her evolution continued at the 2004 Golden Globes, where she showcased a slightly longer hairstyle with darker roots, having just played Bridget Jones. This subtle ombré effect predated the trend by several years.

In 2005, Renée experimented with brunette locks for her role in Cinderella Man. Although the darker shade was a stark contrast to her usual blonde, it was short-lived. She quickly transitioned to red hair, debuting the vibrant color with bangs at the "Mr. Abbott" Awards.

By 2006, at the New York City premiere of Miss Potter, Renée returned to blonde, a color she has maintained since. Despite the constant changes, her features remained remarkably consistent, though subtle signs of Botox appeared.

The decade rounded off with Renée making a bold statement at the 2010 New York City premiere of My Own Love Song. Opting for a radical chop, she embraced a shorter, more modern hairstyle, symbolizing a fresh start and shedding her previous image.

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The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.

• Sam Taylor-Johnson
• Matt Greenhalgh
• Marisa Abela
• Eddie Marsan
• Jack O'Connell
• 53 User reviews
• 61 Critic reviews
• 49 Metascore

• Amy Winehouse

• Mitch Winehouse

• Blake Fielder-Civil

• Cynthia Winehouse

• Joey the dealer

• Nick Shymansky

• Janis Winehouse

• Raye Cosbert

• Chris Taylor

• Artist Development Man
• Aunt Melody

• Perfume Paul

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• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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• Trivia Marisa Abela had done most of the singing in this film herself. She trained extensively to mimic Amy Winehouse 's vocals.

Technical specs

• Runtime 2 hours 2 minutes

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