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So if you’re looking for mermaid-esque waves, this is a really good option for you. Every curly girl knows that having the right set of products takes time to settle on, but once you’ve found the magical combo there’s no turning back. To help you put your bounciest, shiniest curls forward, here’s our list of the best curly hair products of 2023. Boost bend in wavy hair with this balm-esque Pacifica curl cream, made with soy protein and jojoba seed oil.
Aphogee Curlific Curl Definer
When creating beach waves, we find it’s easiest to achieve that look when using a long-barreled curling wand without a clamp, and this tool from InStyler fits the bill. Thanks to the clamp-free design, we were able to loosely wrap our hair along the barrel, creating elongated curls that even a mermaid would envy. That said, the tip of this styling tool features a unique “feeder” grip tip that allows for easy one-handed styling, so if you prefer a clamp, you do have options. Every time someone asks me what shampoo and conditioner to buy for their curly hair, I point them to Not Your Mother’s (i.e., a cult-favorite in Reddit’s r/curlyhair community). The majority of NYM’s Naturals line are Curly Girl Method-approved, meaning they’re free of silicones, sulfates, alcohols, and waxes, so even if you don’t follow CGM, you’re still getting a really high-quality formula for a drugstore price.
Adwoa Beauty Baomint Moisturizing Curl Defining Gel
Every Saturday morning, my mom would sit us down to oil our scalps with a special blend of coconut oil, amla oil, almond oil, and castor oil. Now that I live on my own, I still take the time to oil my scalp once a week—but rather than make my own blend, I use one of the many hair oils on the market. And dare I say, it's the reason I constantly get compliments on my healthy, smooth, long hair.
Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel, $26, sephora.com
Over the past decade, voluminous curls have largely taken a backseat to light, beachy waves. But this spring curly locks are regaining popularity, and Redway has some totally attainable ways to achieve them — no heat styling required! With country music and rodeo style everywhere right now, you can hop on the trend with this “cowgirl“ look. There’s a lot of misinformation on the internet, hair oiling can help "protect your hair from damage, improve the look of split ends, and prevent breakage," she says. "It’s especially useful if your hair has been stripped by washing and styling products." Our beauty experts evaluated over 103 test measurements and 836 survey answers to find the top curlers for all hair types.
We’ve never seen much success when using a curling iron on our fine hair. We had almost given up, accepting that our hair would always just slide out of the clamp looking like a wet noodle. Though it’s pretty budget friendly, it comes with pricier features, including three detachable barrels in different sizes, an LED temperature screen, and accessories, like a protective glove, hair clips, and storage bag. It’s rare to find a curling iron that delivers a solid curl across all hair textures regardless of the size of the barrel, but this one from Hot Tools did just that. We tried three different sized barrels — 0.75-inch, 1.25-inch, and 1.5-inch — and we found that each one delivered on their styling promises (beachy waves for larger sizes, tighter curls for smaller). Not only did our curls look great immediately after styling, but they also held their shape for the rest of the day, and even sometimes the next morning.
Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler Pro Curling Iron
Not to mention, the perfect curling iron needs to be a snap to use (no one has time for an extended learning curve). With so many different curling irons on the market, combing through all your options is no easy task — so we did it for you. If you're currently on the hunt for the best curly hair products, you've come to just the right place. Coconut oil is particularly great to use on dry curly hair since "it's similar to hair's natural lipid structure and able to penetrate the hair more than other oils," says Leo Izquierdo, co-founder of IGK Hair Care. Stylist Andrita Renee recommends mixing the hydrating oil with styling gel for a firm hold and hydration that won't leave hair feeling crunchy.
Thankfully, most formulas these days are alcohol-free and loaded with rich and nourishing ingredients. With that said, hair gels aren't necessarily a one-size-fits-all either. Just because it works for one curl type doesn't mean it will work for another, which is why we decided to hit up the pros for some recs. Described as a "glossing gel," this curl potion defines curls, hydrates hair, and delivers major shine. "I had low expectations for this product since lightweight gels usually do not provide good definition for my hair," says one reviewer.
30 of the Best Natural Hair Products for All Curl Types 2022 - Oprah Mag
30 of the Best Natural Hair Products for All Curl Types 2022.
Posted: Wed, 17 Aug 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
From the kinkiest coils to loose waves, we're celebrating natural hair in its many forms by sharing expert tips for styling, maintenance, and haircare. And while finding the perfect product that provides both hydration and hold without the crunch could feel impossible — it's not. There are countless high-quality options, from foamy mousses and smooth creams to, of course, gels. "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."
This does-it-all formula helps give curls a lasting shape while keeping the texture soft and flexible. It’s chock-full of natural strand nourishers like aloe vera (hydrating and shine-enhancing), thyme (soothing and anti-inflammatory), and rosemary (strengthening). “When you go with a natural, clean brand [like this one], you’re not going to get that flakiness,” says Leison. DeLeon Ramirez, who is also a major fan of this gel, loves to use this on his clients with 3A to 3C who have fine, thin curly hair.
"Gels can be tricky. We typically use it to tame frizz or better define our curls but experience has taught us that they can't all be trusted," says hairstylist and curly expert Dazy Lyn. If you experience some light crunch from your gel, she recommends scrunching it out half way through diffusing or before it dries for those who prefer air drying. Scrunch hair from roots to ends as you're diffusing until the texture meets your liking. Having fine hair and curls can be tough since many defining creams can weigh them down.
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. 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.
In our Beauty Lab tests, consumers found this co-wash left hair feeling cleaner than any other. It didn't weigh hair down or make it feel greasy, and was easiest to rinse from curly hair. "It removed oil from my roots, moisturized my scalp and hydrated the ends of my hair,” said one tester. Testers rated it tops for scent, making hair look smoother and stronger, as well as defining curls. Hair gels have come a very long way since the early 2000s, when they would leave our tresses dried out and looking like ramen noodles.
If you’re not a fan of reaching into tubs or squirting gel into palms, this spray formula lets you apply gel directly onto hair (just be sure to rake it through so it’s evenly distributed). It has an extra hold that’ll help clump curls together without crunchiness. Skip the cream step in your routine without compromising on hair’s much-needed moisture.
Curly hair stylist and expert Ona Diaz-Satin swears by this gel, especially for fine or thin 3A to 3C curl types. "I love this so much! It's organic, the viscosity is perfect for fine curly hair, and once you break the cast it's like you put nothing in your hair but it still has definition," she says. It's formulated with natural ingredients like rooibos tea, which helps nourish hair while nettle and eucalyptus work to increase shine, flexibility, and strength. Actress Tracee Ellis Ross created Pattern specifically to fulfill the unique needs of those with curly hair.
As your hair dries, the gel forms a crunchy shell around each of your curls/waves, defining it while protecting it from humidity and frizz. Whether you should use a mousse or a gel for your curls depends on what type of style you're going for. If you're looking to do a gel cast, protective style, twist/braid-out, or any other sleek and/or really defined look, you should be using a curl gel. On the other hand, if the look you're going for requires more of a lighter hold—yet still a bit of definition—you should be using a curl mousse. This custard is on the lighter end of the custard spectrum, so it won't feel as heavy on finer hair types.
With moisture as the focus (an essential for curl maintenance), we enlisted the help of several curly hair experts to help us round up the best curl creams, butters, and custards for all curl types. These options will allow your coils, kinks, curls, and waves to shine and be their best selves. When it comes to curls, kinks, and coils, there’s no space to compromise on the best curly hair products.
