Throughout my life, I’ve had varying stages of curly hair. From waves to soft curls to full on ringlets, my hair has definitely been on a journey.
But finding the right products to get my hair looking its best has been an even bigger one. As any curly girl will know, one routine does not fit all. And this is a lesson I’ve learnt almost too well.
Trying to find a routine that works for you will be one of the best things you do for yourself. But fair warning, it can also be the most frustrating.
I’ve always had long(ish), thick hair and at the moment I would say it’s sitting somewhere between curly and wavy. I have the odd ringlet interspersed with softer curls and waves.
Unlike our friends with soft, luscious straight hair that looks pretty much the same no matter what they do, us curly girls have a bit more going on. And I’ll be the first to admit, that I’ve definitely had more than one breakdown about my hair in my 24 years so far.
But, thanks to TikTok and the rise of the curly girl method, I’m back in my haircare era, as my colleague has called it, and ready to tame the beast.
Created and popularised by hair stylist Lorraine Massey, the Curly Girl Method is based on the idea of “setting your curly hair free” says Nassim Belhaq, Innovation Director at Coco&Eve.
And like most beauty routines, it has gone off on social media. The #curlyhairroutine currently has over 4.4 billion views on TikTok. For context, the current world population is at around 7.8 billion. Clearly, curly hair is having its moment.
While I am still also on my own journey and haven’t quite figured out my perfect routine, I have trialled a lot of products.
And so to help you on your very own hair journey, I’ve put together a list of all the curly hair products I’ve tried. From shampoos to masks, and from curl creams to gels, I’ve tried them all including the Christophe Robin curl cream I now cannot live without.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of products available, it’s impossible to test every one out there. To help you find the best curly hair products I tested a mix of well-known and viral products at different price points. In addition, I read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best curly hair products from premium to budget to help you find the right one for you. I also spoke to Maeva Haim, founder of Bread Beauty Supply, Lauren Mackellar, founder of ROBE Haircare, Richi Grisillo, Colour Director at Academie Salon and Moroccanoil Ambassador, and Nassim Belhaq, Innovation Director at Coco&Eve, for their expert advice on all things curly hair.
OUR TOP PICKS
In this article
BEST SHAMPOOS AND CONDITIONERS FOR CURLY HAIR
Kérastase Curl Manifesto Hydrating Douceur Shampoo 250ml, $55 at Adore Beauty
Kérastase Curl Manifesto Hydrating Nutrition Mask 200ml, $76 at Adore Beauty
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
This is potentially the best product I’ve ever put in my hair. Both the shampoo and the mask work together to not only clean my hair but they’re also just super nourishing too. I only brush my hair in the shower so I need a really good conditioner or mask to help me get the knots out. This mask is perfect.
It also enhances my natural curl so well and before I’ve even started with any other products, I can see the curl taking shape. I’ve used it in a full routine but also on its own when I’m in a rush and my hair still looks surprisingly good. If I had to recommend one product on this list, it would have to be this one.
Morrocanoil Curl Enhancing Shampoo, $52 at Sephora
Morrocanoil Curl Enhancing Conditioner, $52 at Sephora
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Another shampoo and conditioner designed specifically for curly hair, this one is another great option. I really liked how well the shampoo lathered up and my hair and scalp felt seriously clean after use. The conditioner also really worked well to soften my hair and helped me get through all my knots. Immediately after use, my hair was still fairly bouncy in comparison to after a regular shampoo but was noticeably less curly than after using the Kerastase. But, if you’re planning on following up with a full routine then this isn’t such a deal-breaker.
Christophe Robin Luscious Curl Conditioning Cleanser With Chia Seed Oil, $56 at Sephora
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
To say I was hesitant to try this would be an understatement. As mentioned above, I really need a good softening, nourishing conditioner or mask to really work through my knots and curls so I was worried that this two-in-one conditioning cleanser wouldn’t quite cut it.
If I am being completely transparent, I didn’t love this one purely for those reasons. It pretty much felt like a shampoo to me which meant that brushing out my hair afterwards was quite the challenge. But in saying that, when I did use this shampoo (along with the Christophe Robin Luscious Curl Defining Cream), I got so many compliments on my curls from my colleagues. They all said it was one of my best. So maybe it was worth it in the end?
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, $54 at Sephora
Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, $54 at Sephora
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Although this shampoo and conditioner isn’t necessarily designed for curly hair specifically, it does work well. It is designed to strengthen and add moisture back into your hair while leaving it shinier and healthier with each use.
It definitely left my hair feeling super smooth and soft and I loved how well the conditioner softened my hair which meant that brushing out my knots was a breeze.
Unlike the shampoo and conditioners above, I didn’t notice my curls having any sort of distinct change straight after use but as soon as I popped in a curl cream, my curls were back to their bouncy selves.
Super Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner Set, $59 (down from $74) at Coco&Eve
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Another one that isn’t specifically made for curly hair, the Coco & Eve hydrating shampoo and conditioner still works wonders. It’s made with hyaluronic acid (yes, that one you usually put on your face) which hydrates the hair and helps to reduce frizz. It also works to strengthen the hair which in turn creates healthier, more manageable locks. And of course, it smells amazing.
Despite not being for curly hair, my curls were definitely more defined after use and I noticed my hair also stayed cleaner for longer so I could go for a couple more days without washing my hair. A win in my books!
Vegamour HYDR-8 Hydrate and Repair Shampoo, $62 at Sephora
Vegamour HYDR-8 Hydrate and Repair Conditioner, $62 at Sephora
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Clinically proven to provide eight times the hydration after one use, if your hair needs some love this shampoo and conditioner is for you. Deeply moisturising (which is a must for curls), it leaves your hair so soft and seriously revives the curl.
I loved how rejuvenating my hair felt after use and although the curls when wet may not have been as defined as after the Kerastase, they still held up fairly well on their own.
Plus, the brand is actually Nicole Kidman approved. Nicole is an investor and brand advocate so you know it’s going to be worth the extra spend. If it is good enough for Hollywood’s finest then it’s good enough for me.
Clean + Finish, $59.99 at ROBE Haircare
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Another shampoo and conditioner in one, I was also tentative about trying it out. But unlike the Christophe Robin, the Robe Clean + Finish cleans the hair without a lather making it perfect for reducing frizz in curls.
I really did notice a reduction in frizz and my curls definitely looked more defined after use. Personally, I did still miss the conditioner and now know that any sort of two-in-1 product isn’t quite going to work for me.
BEST LEAVE IN CONDITIONERS AND MASKS FOR CURLY HAIR
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector Treatment, $54 at Sephora
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
I have been using this cult product for years and I can’t see myself stopping anytime soon. It makes a big difference to my hair and I can really notice when I don’t use it.
Not only does it strengthen the hair and leaves it feeling super soft but by doing so, it improves the curl too. As a pre-wash mask, sometimes I will wet my hair at night and leave it on while I sleep or if I’m working from home I’ll leave it in all day or if I am in a rush, I’ll simply pop it in for around 10 mins before washing. No matter which way I use it, it is a must in my haircare routine.
Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Hydrating & Detangling Leave-In Conditioner, $34 at Myer
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
If you’re looking for something to tame your frizz, this product will soon be your best friend. Designed to nourish dull, dry hair, this is a product I can seriously get behind. It’s very lightweight as well so won’t weigh your curls down during the day.
My hair felt so healthy after use from the added hydration and moisture which in turns worked to better restore my natural curl.
R+Co Cassette Curl Defining Masque, $59 at Adore Beauty
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Unlike others on this list, this one was specifically designed for curly hair. I used it in place of conditioner and left it in for around five minutes. I seriously noticed the difference in my hair before I’d even gone onto styling. When soaking wet, the curls were already forming and it really left my hair feeling super hydrated and nourished.
Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque, $57.90 at Myer
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Aptly named “super nourishing”, this hair mask is seriously that. Leaving my hair feeling ultra soft, it not only helped detangle my hair with ease but also left my curls super bouncy. I’m more and more convinced that a hair mask is truly a gamechanger.
BEST CURL CREAMS, GELS AND MOUSSES FOR CURLY HAIR
Christophe Robin Luscious Curl Defining Cream With Chia Seed Oil, $47 at Sephora
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Another product on the list that I seriously loved. As mentioned above, when I used this in my hair before going into the office, I received so many compliments. Everyone at work said they were shook at how little frizz there was and how curly my hair looked. This is definitely one I will be repurchasing myself.
Ouai Hair Curl Crème, $49 at Sephora
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
The Ouai curl cream is a viral product from celebrity hair stylist Jet Atkin so I knew I had to try it. I was not disappointed. It is a game changer. It seriously reduced my frizz and gave my curls such a nice structure and bounce. Plus, it also smells super nice too.
Bread Beauty Supply Hair-Gel Curl Capturing Gloss, $48 at Sephora
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
If I am being completely honest, the idea of a gel did scare me. I was worried it would leave my hair feeling hard and crusty. But after watching many TikToks, I realised that gel is not my enemy but in fact could be my new hair best friend. Used as the second last step in my routine, I used the gel to further give my hair a good scrunch and also ensure that the curls and waves would stay in place.
While I definitely still noticed my hair was a little bit harder than it would be without the gel, my curls also looked super defined so in my opinion it was worth it. And if you’re after a hint to ensure your hair doesn’t get a super hard cast after a gel, a hair oil (see below) is your best bet.
Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream, $57 at Sephora
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
I bravely decided to try this curl cream before going out one Friday night. My reasoning was that if I wasn’t happy with the result, I’d quickly put my hair up in a slick bun before anyone sees me. Luckily, that wasn’t necessary. Unlike, the other two curl creams above I would say this left my hair more wavy than curly. The waves were definitely defined and my hair felt super soft but the curls were not quite co-operating this time.
Bread Beauty Supply Hair Cream – Elastic Bounce Leave-In Curl Styling Cream, $46 at Sephora
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
This top-rated curl cream left my hair feeling not only silky-soft but my curls were super bouncy too. I would 100 per cent purchase again. It was another one I used before work and it led to many compliments from my colleagues which always makes a girl feel good. It made my curls super defined and even brought out my ringlets. Obsessed. Lastly, it smells amazing which is always a plus.
Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask, $54 at Sephora
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Another product that technically isn’t for curls only but is designed to add shine, smoothness and body. Healthy hair means better curls so even though it isn’t only for curly hair, it is still suitable. I definitely noticed a difference in my hair after use. I do try to look after my hair so I wouldn’t say it was necessarily damaged before use but I think if you were someone who frequently used hot tools or loves a super slick bun, then it could seriously help restore your hair.
R+Co Teleport Flexible Control 89ml, $51 at Oz Hair and Beauty
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
If I am being completely transparent, this one wasn’t my favourite. It did hold my curls super well but I felt like my hair was just a bit too stiff when it was dry. Admittedly, it did decrease my frizz by a lot and it only felt stiff rather than looked stiff so I was the only person to know. If you’re a gel fan then it could be a good option but I think I’ve just decided gel isn’t for me.
Moroccanoil Curl Control Mousse, $49 at Sephora
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
I was excited to try this out because I’d seen lots on TikTok about the importance of mousse in a curly girl routine but had yet to use one myself. A mousse is normally used to add volume to the hair and this one certainly worked. It was super lightweight and I didn’t notice any weird sticky residue left behind that some others reportedly do.
BEST OILS FOR CURLY HAIR
Kérastase Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil 100ml, $73 at Adore Beauty
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Another cult item, this hair oil by Kerastase is one of my favourites. Super nourishing, this multipurpose hair oil works for all hair types but don’t let that deter you if you have curly hair. I used it as the last step in my routine and not only does it leave my hair looking lush but also works to reduce frizz and helps stop any stickiness leftover from a gel.
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil, $54 at Sephora
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Similarly, I also used this fan favourite oil to add some extra shine and reduce any hard shell leftover by my gel. The ends of my hair where I applied most of the oil felt seriously soft and no hard cast from the gel was felt. But, I clearly didn’t use enough at the roots because the top of my head definitely still felt quite hard. Clearly the oil works though!
Apart from softening the gel, it also reduced any frizziness and really made my ends feel so soft and lush. I’m a fan.
Bread Beauty Supply Hair-Oil Everyday Gloss, $39 at Sephora
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
If there is any brand I am going to trust to make a hair oil for curly hair, it’s Bread. The haircare brand is known for its amazing curly hair products and once again they did not disappoint.
It can be used both pre and post wash as well as in between washes too. It left my hair feeling super smooth and looking very shiny. I used it post wash and after all my other styling products on the ends of my hair to really bring some added lustre to my locks and ensure that none of my other products would leave my hair in a hard cast.
WHAT IS THE CURLY GIRL HAIR ROUTINE?
The curly girl method is designed to help people with curly and wavy hair get better results with their routines, says Maeva.
She also says that most hair education and advice that we’re given throughout our life is really designed for straight hair, and not designed to help you manage and enhance your natural curl pattern.
“I believe this is the reason that many people go through life thinking that their hair is just dry, ‘poofy’ or ‘frizzy’, when the reality is that their hair is probably curly or wavy, and they’ve been doing it wrong because we’ve never been taught otherwise,” says Maeva.
Similarly, Nassim says that due to the rising trend around curly and wavy hair, the curly girl method has had a resurgence.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS OF THE CURLY GIRL METHOD?
According to Richi, the key step is to avoid shampoos that are overly drying.
“This can strip the natural oils that protect naturally curly hair and dry out the cuticle, ultimately creating an unruly texture,” he says.
In terms of the actual method the steps are:
DOES THE CURLY GIRL METHOD WORK ON ALL TYPES OF HAIR?
The method only works on curly and wavy hair. Lauren recommends doing some research to figure out what type of curl you have.
“Even mildly wavy hair is capable of a more defined wave pattern with the right products to define the shape,” Nassim says.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR THE CURLY GIRL METHOD TO WORK?
All four experts say that you should see results straight away. But over time and the more you practice and master the method, your hair will improve.
Plus, Maeva says your hair will also look better over time as if you’ve been using daily heat for years then your hair needs time to repair in order to full get back to your regular curl pattern.
“It may take around six weeks of committing to the routine until your hair has recovered from past use of poor quality products or techniques,” Lauren says.
IN WHAT ORDER SHOULD I APPLY CURLY HAIR PRODUCTS?
If you do plan on using more than one curling product, Maeva says the best way to apply is in order of weight. With this in mind, you would go cream, gel then mousse.
However, Nassim suggests applying the mousse after the cream but before the gel.
Clearly, it is a personal choice and I would recommend trialling the different options and seeing what works best for you.
IS THERE ANYTHING TO AVOID WHEN DOING THE CURLY GIRL METHOD?
Richi recommends avoiding over brushing or combing wet curly hair as this is when it is most fragile.
It’s also best to avoid ingredients that could be drying. This includes silicones, drying alcohols and sulfates.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WASH MY CURLY HAIR?
This is very personal and depends on your lifestyle. For example, if you work out often then your hair is likely to get more sweaty and oily so you should wash it more. Whereas if your scalp is on the drier side or if you have coily hair you can probably get away with washing it less.
At a minimum, Maeva says you want to make sure you’re washing your hair once a week. This hydrates it and help to look after the scalp too. Richi says that a “healthy scalp will create healthy hair” so looking after it is very important.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MY CURLY HAIR WHILE SLEEPING?
Lauren says the best idea is to loosely tie your hair up on top of your head with something that won’t put any strain on your strands while you’re sleeping.
Maeva, Richi and Nassim say that using silk hair ties, a silk bonnet and sleeping on a silk pillowcase are other great options to protect your hair while you sleep.
HOW CAN I MANAGE SHRINKAGE IN MY CURLS?
Shrinkage is a normal characteristic for curly hair says both Maeva and Nassim. But if you’re looking to minimise it then Maeva suggests stretching your curls when drying by using heavy clips on the ends.
Lauren suggests using a hydrating leave in treatment. This will help the hair retain moisture and elasticity.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT BREAKAGE AND DAMAGE IN CURLY HAIR?
Most importantly, you should reduce your use of heat tools says Maeva. And when using them, make sure to use a heat protectant.
A deep conditioner also helps to soften and hydrate your curls, says Nassim, which ensures your hair remains bouncy and inturn prevents breakage according to Maeva.
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Originally published as 27 best products to tame and style curly hair in 2023
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