The Best Curly Hair Products to Enhance Your Natural Curls, Tested on Types 2 to 4 Hair

$10.99

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 top 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.

Editor testing and review notes: “I first picked up Mielle’s rosemary oil to encourage hair regrowth around my temples — the first area I’ve started to notice hair thinning. I loved the tingly sensation and refreshing fragrance so much that I began experimenting with it on my ends, too. I’ve noticed a measured improvement in the thickness of my hair around my temples, plus softer, bouncier ends of my type 2 curls.” — WWD Shop Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Commerce Editor Claire Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $9.97

Fenty Beauty The Homecurl Curl-defining Styling Cream

Size: 11.5 fl oz
Key ingredients: Wild mango butter

$28

$28

Buy Now at fenty

Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty made its highly-anticipated entry into the hair care category in 2024 with nine products catering to all hair types and textures. This Fenty Hair formula is designed for the full spectrum of curl patterns, designed to supply soft-touch definition. Mango butter is the formula’s hero ingredient, working to deeply hydrate hair without weighing down curls to the point that they elongate or fall flat. Our curly hair product testers noted incredible results when paired with a hair gel for extra hold.

Product testing review notes: “My curls felt very smooth and soft with this product, and when paired with a gel, I found that using this after a wash day allowed for up to 4 days of looking good,” reports WWD Shop product tester Isabelle Bouvier, who has type 3 curls. “I tried this product two ways: one on wash day to style dripping wet hair, brushing it through; and also on damp hair to refresh my curls. I found that when used on soaking wet hair, this product works beautifully to smooth curls and provide both definition and volume. However, if my hair wasn’t soaking, the product makes my curls crunchy.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $28

Pattern Beauty Medium Conditioner

Size: 13 fl oz
Key ingredients: Jojoba oil, olive oil, avocado oil, honey, and tea tree oil

$28

Buy Now at nordstrom $28

Pattern Beauty founder Tracee Ellis Ross went through 75 samples to narrow down her curly hair care brand’s first seven products, which included this conditioner. Available in four intensities that cater to different levels of hair dryness, the Medium Conditioner strikes a balance by deeply hydrating strands without weighing them down. The lightweight formula, which is best for type 3 curls, features plant-based ingredients like jojoba and olive oils. Choose from the sweet floral Original scent or opt for the earthy Palo Santo option.

This curly hair product earned a spot on WWD’s list of the Greatest Hair Products of All Time, as voted on by nearly 700 beauty industry insiders.

Price upon publish date of this article: $28

Better Natured Hydrating Leave-in Milk

Size: 6.7 fl oz
Key ingredients: Plant-derived milks

$22

To quench thirsty curls or enhance ringlets a few days after washing, go with this Better Natured Leave-in Milk. This surprisingly hydrating formula gets its magic from a high concentration of plant-based milks (derived from coconut, Tahitian Palm, and white orchid). The brand ranks high for curly types on Amazon — and was a standout amongst our testers who trialed curly hair products across a range of prices and formats.

Product testing review notes: “My hair was soft, hydrated, and easy to manipulate after using this product. The hydration definitely gave my curls more definition,” explains WWD Shop product tester with type 4 hair, Breana Beaudreault. “Typically sprays don’t work well with the porosity of my hair, but this one did. It’s a little heavier than other sprays I’ve tested, which seemed to help my hair retain moisture once dry. I also used to it to revive my hair between washes.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $22

Expert pick

Ouai Curl Créme

Size: 8 fl oz
Key ingredients: Linseed, chia seed, and coconut oils

$32

$32

“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

Shaz & Kiks Unearth Yourself Balancing Clay Hair Cleanser

Size: 7.7 fl oz
Key ingredients: Multani Mitti clay, Jamun Indian berry seeds, and hibiscus

$42

Pencil this in for your next wash day. For a deep cleanse, Shaz & Kiks’ hair wash contains mineral-rich clay that efficiently draws out excess oils. This is beneficial for type 3 and 4 curl patterns who prefer to go weeks without a true wash — the clay works efficiently to lift product buildup from days of styling and refreshing your curls (all without stripping the strands, according to our testers). On top of clay, the waterless cleanser includes berry seeds to slough dead skin from the scalp and hibiscus to strengthen the follicles for less hair loss.

Product testing review notes: “This hits the perfect balance of cleansing without stripping my hair; it smells great, and it feels amazing on the scalp when lathering. I usually co-wash rather than shampooing regularly, but when I do need that deeper clean, I trust this won’t entirely strip my hair in the process. I have to be very careful to make sure all of the seed bits have been effectively rinsed out as they can definitely get lost in your hair! I found a few bits when I was combing and conditioning the first time, so I just have to be mindful of that when using the hair wash.” — Beaudreault

Price upon publish date of this article: $42

Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls Cream

Size: 8.5 fl oz
Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed keratin and avocado oil

$17.97

For silky-but-defined curls, go with this cult-favorite cream that’s earned quite a reputation on TikTok for its ability to tamp down frizz. Devotees of the formula swear by it for its ability to create definition while also softening strands for a touchable feel — a rare combination to find in a product, and one component that earned it a spot on WWD’s list of the Greatest Hair Products of All Time. Use it on damp hair or to reinstate ringlets between washes.

Price upon publish date of this article: $17.97

R+Co Bleu Soft Bounce Natural Texture & Curl Conditioner

Size: 6.8 oz
Key ingredients: Banana fruit extract, chia and flaxseed-derived polysaccharides, black seed oil, and vegan keratin

$49

$49

Buy Now at R&Co Blue

Finding that magic hair care product — or step in your curly hair routine — can unlock a whole bunch of great hair days. For many of our testers, that was R+Co Bleu’s Soft Bounce Natural Texture and Curl Conditioner. While the corresponding shampoo didn’t impress our panel as much as other curly hair cleansers, the conditioner earned stellar reviews for its ability to make curls feel soft and look hydrated for days on end. This results in less buildup, as fewer hydrating leave-ins are required to refresh, moisturizer, or soften the hair days between washing.

Product testing review notes: “I found that my hair stayed soft and hydrated for longer than it typically does after wash day with this product,” says Beaudreault. “And when I used other styling products during the week, it seemed to prevent my hair from becoming crunchy or stiff with those products because it stayed soft.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $49

Fenty Hair the Gelly Type Strong Hold Gel

Size: 7 fl oz
Key ingredients: Bamboo sap water

$26

Buy Now at fenty

$26

Out of 11 hair gels tested for consideration in this article, none impressed us more than Fenty Hair’s. Where many gels feel sticky, crunchy, or result in white flakes, our testers reported nothing but smooth, shiny hold with the Gelly Type Strong Hold Gel. Notably, it didn’t create buildup after multiple uses and played well with other leave-in conditioners and styling products used during testing.

Product testing review notes: “This is the best soft hold gel that I’ve had. I used it to style my hair in twists and into cleaner french braids. I love that it held my twists in place, tightened and cleaned the look of my braids, all without making my hair feel stiff or crunchy. It also left a great sheen, especially on the twists, and smells divine. It doesn’t become flaky with time as others do, and left my hair looking healthy. This is my new go-to gel for easy styling.” — Beaudreault

Price upon publish date of this article: $26

Truss Miracle Summer Conditioner

Size: 10.14 fl oz

$34.95

Taking good care of your curly hair entails assessing environmental factors that could be impacting it. If you regularly swim or require extra TLC for dyed curly hair, we recommend Truss’ Miracle Summer Conditioner. This incredibly emollient formula earned rave reviews from our testers for its ability to detangle hair (essential after chlorine exposure, a saltwater swim, or even everyday styling) and because it delivered more long-lasting moisture than similar options we tried. Also worth noting: A little goes a long way, upping the product’s value.

Product testing and review notes: “I loved this product (because my hair loved it)! I didn’t even need to use a detangling brush to comb my hair out with this product. My hair retained the moisture for days and my curls felt particularly defined and bouncy. This one is worth the money and also I found a little product went a lot further with this, so it will also be a product that lasts, making it even more worth the price. Considering how much my hair drank this up, it is both a value product and a quality product, which is rare.” — Beaudreault

Price upon publish date of this article: $34.95

Expert pick

Bread Beauty Supply Hair Wash Gentle Milky Hair Cleanser

Size: 8.4 oz
Key ingredients: Argan oil, lemon tea tree oil, aloe vera juice

$20

Bread Beauty Supply founder Maeva 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

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner for Dry + Damaged Hair

Size: 16 fl oz
Key ingredients: Almond oil, algae extract, argan oil, vitamin B5

$39

$39

“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.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $39

SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Size: 12 oz
Key ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil, mango seed butter, avocado oil, aloe extract, and more plant-based oils

$14.49

$10.97 $14.49 24% off

SheaMoisture is a beloved brand for curly hair products that don’t break the bank. This curl-shaping styling cream contains a slew of plant-based ingredients that nourish dry strands while imparting bounce. The lightweight texture makes it a great choice for wavy hair to type 4 curls; expect shine, definition, and touchable hold. The popular formula earned a spot on WWD’s list of the Greatest Hair Products of All Time, as voted on by nearly 700 beauty industry insiders; five tubs are sold per minute.

Price upon publish date of this article: $10.97

Better Natured Heat Styling Lotion

Size: 5.1 fl oz
Key ingredients: Plant-based milks

$22

Protecting your hair from heat exposure is essential for healthy, bouncy curls. Before using a hair diffuser (or on days you’d like to smooth out your curls with a flat iron), ensure you prep with a heat protectant to prevent damage. Compared to similar options in the product category, Better Natured’s is far richer and more hydrating. This works double time to protect delicate hair and enhance shine and touchability.

Product testing review notes: “This is great to keep a blowout frizz free. Usually I use hair oil to tame flyaways from a blowout but I prefer this lotion because it doesn’t leave any residue and doesn’t make my hair oily to the touch,” says Bouvier, who applied the product after blowing out her hair. “The smell is clean but light which is great because I’d imagine it’s always being used alongside other products that might be more fragrant. It’s lightweight and doesn’t leave any residue.

Price upon publish date of this article: $22

Unite Hair 7 Seconds Detangler Leave-In Conditioner

Size: 8 fl oz
Key ingredients: Rice protein, vitamin B5

$40

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.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $40

Expert pick

Bumble and Bumble Bb Curl Defining Cream

Size: 8.5 oz
Key ingredients: Cocoa butter, shea butter, avocado seed oil, jojoba oil

$16

“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.

Price upon publish date of this article: $16

Expert pick

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Hair Oil

Size: 1.7 oz
Key ingredients: Japanese red camellia oil

$42

“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.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $42

Expert pick

Kérastase Curl Manifesto Nourishing Mask for Curly Hair

Size: 6.8 oz
Key ingredients: Manuka honey, ceramides

$68

$68