Best hair products for dry curly hair

CURLY hair is a blessing when you can tame it. But doing that can be a frizzy struggle if you don't know the best curly hair products for you.

Your unruly ringlets can be smoothed and defined with the best curly hair products, from serums to creams, and there are even specific shampoos and conditioners.

Curly hair tends to be dryer than straight which means that you need to really nourish it when you do a hair wash. Think moisturising oil cleansers and shea butter shampoo.

According to Ghanian-born Wakati Hair expert Jennie Roberts, who has worked with stars like Rita Ora and Ella Eyre, the key is to apply your products to dripping wet hair.

"My top tip is that hair care should always be in the shower. Don’t leave once you’ve washed and conditioned, utilise that moment to apply everything else too," she explained.

It's also all about staying hydrated when it comes to curly hair textures. "I find that lots of people throw money at products without thinking about diet," Roberts continued. "A good diet is essential for healthy hair. Hair is mainly made up of proteins so a good balanced diet of protein, iron, vitamins and other nutrients feed your hair deep in the scalp tissue at the blood supply, before the hair appears."

Caring for curly hair even starts when you're sleeping too. As Roberts told The Sun, "A silk pillowcase or head wrap/bonnet will also help to maintain your texture by avoiding friction when sleeping."

Looking after your bouncy tresses doesn't have to feel like a whole lifestyle change when you know what you're doing. To make things a little simpler, we've found and tested out the best curly hair products on the market right now.


READ MORE:

  • Best Curly Girl Method products
  • Best cheap hair dryers
  • Best cheap hair straighteners
  • Best curling wands for short hair
  • Best hair mousses

What's the best product for frizzy curly hair?

The general rule if you have curly hair when it comes to shampooing?

Use a gentle, low-foaming, sulphate-free shampoo when possible and wash hair infrequently so you don't rob it of essential oils.

Conditioning those curls is also crucial, so invest in a super-hydrating conditioner or leave-in conditioner to get every inch of hair nourished and hydrated.

A weekly hair mask is another mainstay to strengthen and repair those fragile strands.

When it comes to styling your curly hair, you'll want a lightweight cream or gel-oil that combats frizz, that won’t weigh hair down and leaves it looking shiny.

Here's our round-up of the best products for curly hair around.

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

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Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
  • Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream, from £24.50 from LookFantastic - buy here

A curl-defining, frizz-fighting product with Argan oil and proteins to hydrate, detangle and strengthen, wavy-haired gals love this product for encouraging their waves to go curly.

People love how it softens hair - and rave about its delicious smell.

We tested: Bouclème Hydrating Hair Cleanser

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  • Bouclème Hydrating Hair Cleanser, £15 from Lookfantastic - buy here

The Bouclème brand is dedicated to curly hair with their range of curl creams, shampoos, stylers and gels.

For £15, the Hydrating Hair Cleanser is for those with fine hair and loose waves, using a formula of coconut, monongo, camellia oils, vitamin C and vitamin E to nourish and moisturise your hair.

My hair perfectly fits the bill for this as I wasn't blessed with tight curls and instead have frizzy, dry waves, so I was really excited to see the results.

When I started using it in the shower, I was wondering how effective it would be because the texture is quite thin and less creamy or soft in comparison to other shampoos, although the herbal scent is lovely.

However, I've never seen my curls look as good as they looked after I used this as my waves looked so conditioned and fresh, plus it stayed looking clean for a good few days before I had to do another hair wash.

I'm calling it: I've found the best shampoo for wavy hair.

We tested: Aveda Be Curly Shampoo and Conditioner

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  1. Aveda Be Curly Shampoo (250ml), £17.20 from Lookfantastic - buy here
  2. Aveda Be Curly Conditioner (200ml), £19.20 from Lookfantastic - buy here

The Aveda Be Curly range has been formulated to boost shine and reduce frizz, enhancing your curls.

Combining organic lime, lemon, bergamot, orange and other pure plant and flower essences, this deliciously citrus shampoo uses protein and aloe blend to strengthen your hair.

Aveda has a strong reputation when it comes to expert haircare, so I had really high expectations for this duo.

After the first use, I wasn't blown away with the results as my hair is frizzier than most being in that in-between stage of wavy and curly ringlets.

I found that after a couple more washes though, I started to recognise that my bonds felt healthier and stronger, although in terms of reducing frizz, we're not sure how effective this is.

To get shinier results, I recommend also applying the Curl Enhancer on towel-dried hair.

We tested: Christophe Robin Luscious Curl Cleansing Lotion With Chia Seed Oil

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  • Christophe Robin Luscious Curl Cleansing Lotion With Chia Seed Oil, £33 from FeelUnique - buy here

Holy grail in the curly-hair world, Christophe Robin is one to have in your best books.

For £33, the Luscious Curl Cleansing Lotion with Chia Seed Oil is a gentle, detangling way of washing your locks.

Combining omega three and six, it has smoothing-oils which apparently tame frizz.

After using this for multiple hair washes, I can confirm that it definitely is a shampoo and conditioner in one for curly hair.

I thought that not using conditioner was going to leave my hair extra dry, but it actually did the opposite when using this.

It gets better each time that you use it, leaving your curls feeling nourished and defined. Just make sure that you follow the directions of letting it soak in for two minutes.

We tested: Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Treatment Serum

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  • Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Treatment Serum, £15.99 from Holland&Barrett - buy here

After seeing countless TikToks showing the power of Argan oil in keeping your hair luscious and thick, I had to try it.

For less than £16, the Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Treatment Serum is so easy to add to your daily routine.

You can add it to both dry and wet hair, feeding your tresses with natural, organic essential oils and fruit extracts to leave it feeling its best.

After using it for a week, I even noticed the benefits of my hair feeling slightly stronger and less brittle.

Not only is it great for nourishing your hair, it's also amazing for removing make-up and even strengthening your nails.

Is there anything coconut oil can't do?

We tested: Virtue Curl Leave-In Butter

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  • Virtue Curl Leave-In Butter, £42 from FeelUnique - buy here

Virtue might be on the pricey end of the curl-spectrum, but the best-selling products are a favourite for a reason.

The leave-in butter combines keratin and delicious ingredients, from kumquat to grapefruit, to give you high quality haircare.

All you have to do is run it through wet or damp hair from the roots to the ends, then leave it.

It's not something that is made for scrunching up your curls but it's definitely good for leaving them feeling conditioned and a lot less frizzy.

As someone with thick hair, this is such a good product for me to control it and get that glossy shine that can be really hard to achieve with curls.

Think of it as a leave-in conditioner.

We tested: Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil

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  • Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, £26 from CultBeauty - buy here

Loved by the Kardashians, Vicky Pattinson and just about every celebrity hairdresser, Olaplex never disappoints – their No.7 Bonding Oil is a curly-hair must-have.

This concentrated golden oil repairs broken bonds but also maintains any frizz or stray hairs, leaving your hair soft and well-tamed at all times.

From one curly-haired person to another: once you start using this, it's hard to imagine life without it.

It's not greasy at all, and you only need a tiny bit to really get a smooth, glossy finish that makes you feel like your hair is completely under control.

I use it both on wet and dry hair – on dry hair, it works wonders at taming any flyaways whilst not weighing your hair down in the process.

Plus, it's so tiny that you can take it on the airplane in your hand luggage. Ideal.

We tested: Vita Coco Coconut Oil

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  • Vita Coco Coconut Oil, from £2.99 from Holland & Barrett - buy here

Coconut oil has so many benefits for curls. It can add protein to your locks, as well as moisturising them and generally strengthening the bonds so that you have healthier hair.

The best part? It's really cheap. This one from Holland & Barrett starts from £2.99 for 50ml.

Seeing as some don't like using this and some do, I was sceptical at first, but I happened to be one of the people who love it.

It's amazing for those suffering with dry hair on a budget.

Sometimes you don't have to splash out for the good stuff.

We tested: VIRTUE Curl Conditioner

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  • VIRTUE Curl Conditioner, £32.30 from FeelUnique - buy here

One of the newest launches at VIRTUE, the Curl Conditioner hydrates without leaving your hair feeling heavy with unwanted oil or moisture.

Incorporating the brand's own Alpha Keratin 60ku®, jojoba oil and really lightweight olive oil, this is a premium conditioner crafted to care for curly hair – I decided to see if it lives up to its price tag.

First off, the smell deserves some praise: think watermelon breeze. For £38, I was a little let down by the 200ml bottle though, as within two hair washes, it had already gone down a fair amount which suggests that you're not supposed to use very much at a time.

In regards to results? My hair is in that annoying middle between curly and frizzy, so I usually scrunch with curl creme after a shower which makes it difficult to notice the impact of other products.

However, after using VIRTUE's Curly Conditioner, my hair was noticeably shiny and soft. It gives you a deep condition but not one that's extremely drastic, so don't expect immediate results.

I imagine after long-term use it might be a bit more effective, so we'll report back in a few weeks.

We tested: OGX Damage Remedy+ Coconut Miracle Oil Conditioner

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Credit: OGX
  • OGX Damage Remedy+ Coconut Miracle Oil Conditioner, £5.35 from LookFantastic - buy here

A sweet blend of coconut oil, sweet vanilla bean and tropical flower Tiare, the OGX Damage Remedy+ Coconut Miracle Oil Conditioner is perfect for our curly friends out there.

Apparently, with a dash of this you can wave goodbye to any frizz and say hello to sleek, smooth fabulousness.

And I can tell you, it smells great and works a treat.

Even from the first use, your hair feels nourished, moisturised and light, so your curls aren't weighed down at all. It gives the same impact as if you'd just used a curl cleanser.

If you bleach your hair, it's especially good for giving you really shiny, strong results.

For less than £5.50, you can't go wrong really.

We tested: For The Love Of Curls Shampoo

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  • For The Love Of Curls Shampoo, £7.99 from Lee Stafford - buy here

Lee Stafford's sulphate-free shampoo is specifically for those blessed with bouncy waves.

At under £8, it combines shea butter, castor oil and cacao... basically all the best ingredients for taming curls.

I used it with the For The Love Of Curls Conditioner for the full impact and I was definitely happy with how my hair turned out.

Generally, I prefer using curl cleansers when keeping my hair curly because shampooing and conditioning can weigh your hair down, getting rid of the nice tight ringlets.

However, this gave me a really light wash and allowed the perfect base for curl cream to work its magic post-shower.

For soft hair that will work well followed by curl creams and mousses, this is great for your hair wash.

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Edge Treatment Masque

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  • Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Edge Treatment Masque, £10.39 from LookFantastic - buy here

Shea Moisture's Jamaican Black Castor Oil does what it says on the tin, working to strengthen and restore your curls so they can reach their glossy bounce potential.

Complete with a nutrient-rich formula that conditions and encourages hair growth, Shea Moisture's castor oil is perfect for controlling frizz and any unruly baby hairs, sleeking out your locks.

There's absolutely nothing dodgy inside either, free from sulphates, paragons, phthalates, paraffin, mineral oil and synthetic colour. Phew. Plus, it apparently smells delicious.

Percy & Reed Oh-So-Smooth Frizz Fixer

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  • Percy & Reed Oh-So-Smooth Frizz Fixer (150ml), £15 at Look Fantastic - buy here

If you have super frizzy hair that's hard to tame, this light mist is the ideal product for you.

Its formula contains Sweet Almond Seedcake Extract that creates a humidity resistant shield around each and every hair strand, while Coconut & Moringa Oils moisturise and enhance shine.

Spray it over dry hair, for a smoothing effect and to reduce any humidity induced frizz.

Bumble and Bumble BB.curl Curl Reactivator

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  • Bumble and Bumble BB.curl Curl Reactivator, £19.20 from LookFantastic - buy here

Another great-smelling curly hair product: Bumble and Bumble's BB.curl Curl Reactivator is here to boost the energy and life of your locks.

Mixing avocado, coconut and jojoba oils, shea and coca butters, it's made for re-activating your ringlets, letting your curls reach their full potential.

The bottle's 250ml too which is always a plus, so although it's a little pricier than some products, it's sure to last you through months of bouncy good hair days.

African Pride Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner

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African Pride Shea Butter
  • African Pride Shea Butter, £6.73 from Amazon - buy here

A heavy-duty moisturising conditioner is essential for curly, wavy, coily hair, and this popular shea butter product from African Pride does a good job hydrating, detangling, smoothing and adding plenty of shine to curls.

For best results, use daily and enjoy as the compliments start flooding in.

Cantu Shea Butter Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream 

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Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl
  • Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream, £6 from Amazon - buy here

A sulphate-free, shea butter product that you can apply to damp hair and scrunch up to style, Cantu has a cult following among the curly-haired.

It manages to moisturise locks, define curls and leave hair looking shiny.

Fans love that it's "affordable and effective" and "marvellous for frizzy hair," with one declaring: "I'm in love with this product! I have naturally curly and dry hair and this product saves my day every time I use it.

"I use it on dump hair (just a tiny amount is sufficient) and then simply dry it. The result is amazing: my hair is hydrated, soft, and maintains the style all day! Highly recommended."

Oribe Cleansing Crème for Moisture and Control

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  • Oribe Cleansing Crème for Moisture and Control, £44.50 from Harrods - buy here

First of all, how gorgeous is Oribe's pale green and gold bottle? This cleansing crème is definitely one to have on display in your bathroom.

For £44.50, you get the high quality you pay for as this formula of purifying oils and fruit extracts has an amazing scent of mint, removes impurities from your scalp and helps dry hair in need of serious moisture.

Another 250ml bottle, this is sure to last a long time as you only need a small amount to see results.

KeraCare Oil Moisturizer with Jojoba Oil

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  • KeraCare Oil Moisturizer with Jojoba Oil, £6.75 from BeautyBay - buy here

Suited for both natural and braided hair, KeraCare's moisturising oil is made to soften without making your hair go oily.

For under £7, it nourishes the hair, softly hydrating it and forming a shield against any breakage.

One happy customer new to the hair-product-game says, "10/10 for my curly hair!" and another writes, "It smells amazing and really gives you moisture and shine."

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo

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Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine
  • Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo, £10.99 from Boots - buy here

Finding the right shampoo is essential to keeping curly hair in its best condition - and you also don't want to over-wash it.

The pros recommend a sulphate-free, low-foam shampoo like Shea Moisture's Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo, with gorgeous, nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and silk protein.

It cleanses the scalp gently and protects against breakage and you won't need to use it more than once a week.

Bumble and bumble Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil

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  • Bumble and bumble Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil, £20.40 from Boots - buy here

A lightweight gel-oil hybrid, this Bb product hydrates and holds curls without weighing hair down, while the blend of Brazilian oils keeps hair shiny and glossy.

Fans love it so much they call it their "holy grail," "saving grace" and "amazing on so many levels."

One customer declares: "I have been religiously using this product for a little over a year now. My hair is thick and textured and I like to wear it natural.

"This product lets me do that. Because it is a gel-oil, it has the moisturizing effect of oil but it is lightweight like a gel. It leaves my hair shiny and soft without making it crunchy like most gels."

Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Scrunching Jelly

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  • Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Scrunching Jelly, £7.25 from Boots - buy here

For just £7.25, the Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly from Boots is such a steal for creating defined curls and taming frizz.

Not only has it been best-seller for over a decade, it also works well for fine or thick hair.

According to reviews, most customers have re-bought it after purchasing, as it smells great, leaving curled tresses feeling oh-so soft and defined for a long time. For more volume, apply upside down!

What's better for curly hair gel or mousse? 

Whether gel or mousse is better for your curls will very much depend on the thickness of your hair.

Mousse may be better for thinner hair, it will be enough to keep your hair steady for hours without weighting them down or making them look greasy.

But gel usually works harder in keeping hair in place, so it's a better option for those with thicker curls. It will hold them steady no matter the weather and give you more sculpting ability if you're after a particular style.

How can I make my curls more defined?

There are a few things you can do to get rid of the frizz and get well defined curls.

First, make sure you keep your hair well- moisturised.

Curls that are too dry will never achieve the same definition than well moisturised ones.

Try to set aside some time aside weekly do a regular hydrating treatment or masque, once or twice a week.

Another tip is to start styling your curls while they are still wet straight after you had a shower. Start with a leave-in conditioner to control your hair and seal in moisture before you begin the rest styling process.

Finally, make sure you use a diffuser when drying your hair. It can help even out your curl pattern and boost the volume of heavy curls, giving more body to your hair.

You can still get lovely soft curls with shorter hair - à la Alexa Chung - you just need the right tools. Check our round-up of the best of the best curling wands for short hair. 

How do you keep dry curly hair moisturized?

How do you keep your curly hair moisturized?.
Use moisture-rich products. Choose hydrating and moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, as well as strengthening hair treatment masks for optimal moisture-protein balance. ... .
Keep your curls protected. ... .
Watch out for breakage. ... .
Trim & detangle to prevent split ends..

What helps dry damaged curly hair?

Try gentle cleansing with a co-wash. ... .
Hydrate your curls with deep conditioning treatments. ... .
Wrap hair up in a microfiber towel after washing. ... .
Apply styling products with added nourishment. ... .
Make sure you use heat protection when needed. ... .
Slow-dry your hair for added moisture. ... .
Turn to protective hairstyles to shield strands..

Why is my curly hair so dry?

This is because it is lacking in moisture due to the high levels of protein. Determining a health protein-moisture balance for your locks can help you combat this cause of dry curly hair. Overuse of chemicals - Using bleach, dye, and relaxers too much can damage the hair, making it more prone to moisture loss.