best travel products for curly hair

Texture Tales
TEXTURE ON THE RUNWAY
Leaders In Curl
BEST OF THE BEST
ASK A CURL EXPERT
Wavy (2A-2C)
Curly (3A-3C)
Coily (4A-4C)
Hair Breakage
Hair Growth
Heat Damage
Transitioning
Straightening
Retexturizing
Curly Girl Method
2nd Day Hair
Conditioning
Salon Finder
Celebrities
Trendsetter
Get Involved
Essence.com
LEADERS IN CURL
Best of the Best

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

Home ▪ Curlreading ▪ Curls ▪ Best Travel Size Products for Curly Hair You Need in Your Bag

Best Travel Size Products for Curly Hair You Need in Your Bag

Travel sets are the easiest, most convenient way to keep up with your regimen when on the road (or in the air”>. Besides being sealed and less likely to spill all over the place while in transit, they are the perfect size for the limited space available in your luggage and in hotel showers. The smaller-sized bottles also mean that you can take a moisturizing product in your carry-on for touch-ups before and after flights. According to the TSA rules for 2019, bottles should contain 3.4 ounces or less. Try these air travel-compliant sets below for smoother boarding, and shinier, softer curls.

Jessicurl Confidence Collection Travel Set

Best Travel Size Products for Curly Hair You Need in Your Bag

Specially formulated for curl patterns 3C to 4C, these hydrating, luxurious products will keep your curls and coils looking great no matter where your adventures may take you. Everything you need to cleanse, moisturize, and style is in a compact set that contains:

Jessicurl Hair Cleansing Cream (2 oz.”> . This gentle conditioning wash will get your hair clean without stripping it of beneficial moisture.
Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner (2 oz.”> . If you want a leave-in to provide you with extra hydration for the softest, most manageable hair, this is the perfect product for you.
Jessicurl Deep Conditioning (2 oz.”> . For deep, restorative moisture and repair, this conditioner may be your next holy grail. The trial-size gives you a chance to sample this five-star favorite.
Jessicurl Confident Coils (2 oz.”> : This is a styler that creates excellent curl definition and provides strong hold to stand up to even the highest humidity.

Curly Hair Solutions Loose Curl Kit

Girls with waves, looser curls, or a combination of the two, this is the kit for you. With three products for cleansing and definition, you can hit the beach with bouncy hair that won’t be weighed down. These lighter products will leave you with plenty of volume and shine. This kit includes:

Curly Hair Solutions Treatment Shampoo (3.4 oz.”> . For a deep clean, look no further than this shampoo that gets out all the dirt and oils that would weigh your hair down. This shampoo contains silk amino acids and panthenol for stronger, more resilient strands.
Curl Keeper Original (3.4 oz.”> . Curl Keeper Original can provide you with frizz-free defined waves and curls that have gorgeous shine and bounce.
Curl Keeper Gel (3.4 oz.”> : Panthenol provides you with extra hold and support in this non-flaky gel.
Curl Keeper Slip (3.4 oz.”> : Detangle with ease with Slip. It contains aloe and chamomile to help seal and smooth the hair and prevent flyaways.

Many Ethnicities Beautifully Blended Box Sampler

If you have several different curl patterns on your head, you know that it can be a challenge to give every curl what it needs, especially when you can’t pack all of your products. This lovingly-curated kit can help you out. These moisturizing, gentle products are perfect for all curl types, and can work well in any climate. This sampler includes:

Many Ethnicities Invigorating Shampoo (2 oz.”> . This curly girl friendly shampoo contains ingredients to keep your hair strong and healthy, and your scalp cleansed, including hydrolyzed pea protein, argan oil, avocado oil, and algae extract.
Many Ethnicities Moisturizing Conditioner (2 oz.”> . Follow the shampoo with this extra-moisturizing conditioner for frizz-free, defined curls and coils.
Many Ethnicities Leave-In Conditioning Cream (2 oz.”> . If moisture-retention is a struggle, you will love this rich, creamy leave-in that will not weigh your hair down.

DevaCurl Travel Kit for All Curl Kind

For stunning yet effortless curls that feel and look their healthy best,

DevaCurl is the travel companion you will want in your life. This travel kit contains all you need to cleanse, condition, and style your hair, including:

DevaCurl No-Poo (3 oz”> . This gentle yet cleansing creamy co-wash will leave your hair in great condition.
DevaCurl One Condition (3 oz”> . If you love multi-purpose products, this one ‘s for you. It can be used as both a leave-in and a light daily conditioner.
DevaCurl Light Defining Gel (Formerly AnGEL 3 oz”> . With a light hold, and a fresh summer fragrance, your curls will smell as lovely as they look.
DevaCurl Styling Cream (3 oz”> . For moisture, definition, and curl-elongation, this styling cream is the go-to for curlistas in the know. Plus, if you’re a coily they’ve got just the travel kit for you to keep your hair moisturized on the go.

Curl Keeper Original Multipack

The gel for all-seasons is available in minis in this must-have multipack. It contains three 3.4 oz. bottles that are just perfect for air travel. You can use one for touch-ups in transit, one for your hotel stay, and one for your return.

Jane Carter Solution Natural & Curly Hair Essential Travel Kit

This citrus and floral scented collection is filled with all your favorite products. It contains:

Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo (2 oz.”> . This stimulating shampoo will cleanse your scalp of excess sebum and debris while leaving your hair soft and shiny.
Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner (2 oz.”> Even the driest, most thirsty tresses are revived with this rich, nourishing conditioner.
Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner (2 oz.”> Bring your curls and coils back to life with a leave-in that will protect your hair from the sun’s harsh rays.
Wrap & Roll (2 oz.”> . Use this setting styler to create gorgeous waves and curls that last.
Nourish & Shine (1 oz”> . You can use this one product as a pomade to enhance shine and texture, or as a moisturizer that will leave your skin super soft and smelling like lemons, oranges, and honeysuckle.
Curl Defining Cream (1 oz.”> . For definition and hold without stickiness or flakiness, this curl defining cream is a necessity.

What are your favorite travel products? Let us know in the comments.

For more favorites to take along with you on your next adventure, see below:

Alikay Naturals Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil
The Mane Choice Laid Back Effortlessly Growth Stimulating Edge Control
Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner
CURLS Creme Brule Whipped CURL Cream
Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper Tweek

10 Travel Size Products for Curly Hair

travel size hair products for curly hair

Hair care can be a challenge when it comes time to vacation. Since you’re only allotted limited space in your luggage, you’ll surely consider travel size hair products for curly hair. You own an infinite number of too-large-to-carry-on-the-plane products and packing them into mini travel size bottles is just another thing to add on your pre-travel to-do list.

For a long time traveling while natural felt like a game of eenie-meenie-miney-moe, as I was forced to pick my 3 favorite products to pack. Before the success of natural hair products, many naturals were purchasing products that weren’t the best for their hair texture, yet once the industry made way for more curl-friendly hair lines, we still lacked travel sizes that would last us for that four-day vacation.

We were reduced to hoarding packets upon packets of sample sizes, or simply purchasing new products after reaching the destination.

When I traveled away for college in 2011, I had only been a year into my natural journey, and wasn’t well versed on how to pack for my hair type. The solution was my mother packing a Fed-ex box full of products I had at home, and overnighting it to me.

In the end when it was time for me to return home, I had given many of my products away to friends that were staying on campus, and had to restock my product collection. Fortunately, those times have begun to cease since many natural hair companies are jumping on the train to travel size, and not just for hair products.

No more reducing big bottles of your favorite Shea Moisture into those store-bought travel containers – this is one trend more natural companies should consider. Below is a list of 10 awesome brands that offer travel size kits and products.

SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Kit, 4 piece set, $19.99

Kit includes: • Curl & Shine Shampoo – 4oz • Curl Enhancing Smoothie – 4oz • Curl & Style Milk – 4oz • Hold & Shine Moisture Mist – 4oz

Cantu Frizz Quit Curl 5pc Kit, 5 piece set, $9.99

Kit includes: • Cleansing Cream Shampoo – 1.75oz • Hydrating Cream Conditioner – 1.75oz • Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream – 1.75oz • Coconut oil Shine and Hold Mist – 1.75oz • Intensive Repair Deep Treatment Masque – 1.75oz

DevaCurl Curly Mini Transformation Kit, 3 piece set, $12

Kit includes: • No-Poo Original – 1.5oz • One Condition Original – 1.5oz • Styling Cream – 1.5oz

Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Curl Enhancing Essentials Kit, 3 piece set, $28

Kit includes: • Jamaican Black Castor & Murumuru Oils Ultra-moisturizing Co-wash 3oz • Jamaican Black Castor & Murumuru Oils Defining Butter Crème 3oz • Scent & Shine Jamaican Black Castor Oil 0.15oz

Oyin Handmade 5 Piece Snack Set, 5 piece set, $23.99

Kit includes: • Honey Hemp Conditioner – 2oz • Greg Juice Leave-in Spray – 2oz • Shine & Define coaxing serum – 2oz • Hair Dew Creamy Leave-in – 2oz • Mini Burnt Sugar Pomade – 1oz

Jane Carter Travel Size Kit, 5 piece set, $19.99

Kit includes: • Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo (Sulfate Free) – 2oz • Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner – 2oz • Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner, Wrap & Roll – 2oz • Nourish & Shine – 1oz • Curl Defining Cream – 1oz

TGIN Moist Collection Sample Pack, 4 piece set, $19.99

Kit includes: • Sulfate Free Shampoo – 2oz • Triple Moisture Rich Conditioner – 2oz • Honey Miracle Hair Mask – 2oz • Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer – 2oz

Kinky-Curly Travel Kit, 4 piece set, $24

Kit includes: • Come Clean Shampoo – 2oz • Knot Today Conditioner – 2oz • Spiral Spritz – 2oz • Jar of Curling Custard – 3.4oz

As I Am Coils & Curls Care Package, 6 piece set, $23.99

Kit includes: • Coconut CoWash – 3oz • Leave-In Conditioner – 3oz • Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner – 3oz • Curling Jelly – 3oz • Twist Defining Cream – 3oz • DoubleButter Cream – 3oz

Miss Jessie’s Quick Curls (travel size) – 2oz, $8.99

What are some of your favorite products to travel with? Do you buy smaller sizes or do you pour larger products you own into smaller travel bottles? Leave your tips below.

A cost-effective way to buy products is by signing up for ebates.com . It takes 30 seconds, is free and you get paid to shop! Yep, you read that right. Sign up via this affiliate link and automatically receive $10 in your account then receive cash back every time you purchase something through the ebates.com site.

You can even search for a specific brand name. Bottom line is every purchase you make via the site , hair product or otherwise, you’ll get cash back (not just a discount… cash!!) So now you can use the money you earn over time to try new products or splurge on something else you deserve.

Latest Posts

Tyeshea is the founder of "fro·voc·a·tive" - An individual promoting social awareness and provoking the conscious with an emphasis on afro-culture or afrocentrism. Tyeshea is also NYC based blogger and photographer. Follow her on Instagram (@afrovocative).

3 Must-have Products to Care for Box Braids
Valentine’s Day Date Hairstyles
How I Convinced My Mom To Go Natural

So, You Decided to Transition

5 Alternative Ways to Wash Your Curls That Actually Work

Curly Texture: 5 Vloggers to Follow on YouTube

WOW! This article about travel products for curly hair tips. I worried about hair care for travel. I have read your valuable page and gotten much information and now my confusion has cleared by your review. I love travel. I will go in Australia on next January with my family for travel. This tour will be my first time in abroad. I hope, your all information will help me very much.

Thanks Tyeshea and keep it up…………….

Products My Curly Coily Hair Loves

In recent months I’ve noticed my hair becoming healthier. I have to attribute this to good hair products, protective hair styling and and overall…

2024 Sexiest Men Of the Moment
Of The Essence
Celebrity News
If Not For My Girls
The State Of R&B
Time Of Essence
SSENSE X ESSENCE
2023 Best In Black Fashion Awards
2023 Fashion House
Fashion News
Accessories
2024 Best In Beauty Awards
Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
Relationships
Bridal Bliss
Lifestyle News
Health & Wellness
ESSENCE Eats
Food & Drink
Money & Career
Latest News
Black Futures
Paint The Polls Black
Essence Holiday Gift Guide 2023
2024 Black Women In Hollywood
2024 ESSENCE Hollywood House
2024 ESSENCE Film Festival
2024 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
2023 Wellness House
2023 Black Women In Hollywood
Girls United

10 Travel Essentials Every Curly Girl Needs To Keep Packed In Their Luggage This Summer For Weekend Getaways

It’s true — curly girls can pack light too. It’s that time of the year again where our melanin skin glows in the sun (while wearing our favorite SPF, of course ) and our natural hair soaks up all of the moisture and hydration it needs to remain healthy and defined. Whether you’re tripping to luscious crystal blue waters and mountainous ranges with tranquil views, or heading to your favorite getaway location for some much-needed relaxation and bonding time with your family or circle of friends –– your regimen of curl products can always follow.

Take your curl routine on-the-go with curl products and tools your natural hair will love. Your 2A – 4C kinks, curls and coils deserve the best –– so ESSENCE rounded up some of our favorite travel-sized essentials for your carry-on or weekend tote bag. Your twist-out or wash-n-go can look just as great on the road as it does at home. Check out the below.

COMPANY INFORMATION Our Company Customer Service Essence Ventures Change Your Address Contact Us Job Opportunities Internships Media Kit SUBSCRIBE Newsletters Give a Gift of ESSENCE Magazine Tablet Edition FOLLOW US MORE ON ESSENCE Home Love Celebrity Beauty Hair Fashion ESSENCE festival ESSENCE.com is part of ESSENCE Communications, Inc.

Best Travel Size Hair Products & Essentials (+Curly Hair Tips For Travel)

Yes, this is what every Curly-haired Girl looks when going forward every time on vacation. But a trip is only perfect if it’s stress-free and if your curly hair is taking up 99% of your problems. Well, then you need these best travel-size curly hair products. Here is a complete list of awesome brands that offer travel-size kits and products.

In this pre-travel to-do list, we’ll explain the exact beauty products that you need to keep your curls looking flawless on vacation. And going to share with you a very few easy tips to make sure that your hair stays cute throughout the whole trip. Because let’s be real if your hair looks cute, then you feel cute and if you feel cute, then you can take two pictures and that’s really what vacation is all about…

Travel Hack You Never Knew About

First things first, we’re gonna take a deep breath in pale, oh because I know that you’d probably feel very overwhelmed about all the beauty products that you can have. And apparently, they’re not gonna fit and you’re gonna go over your weight limit. Eventually, the trip may gonna ruined.

Now just take a breather because there’s a solution to your problem whether it’s your curly hair or skincare.

De-pot your products

Just head over to the dollar store and purchase the 100ml refillable containers. On those bottles pack shampoos, conditioners, micro creams, gels, or, everything you have been using for. Because the 100-milliliter bottle is absolutely crucial assuming that you’re going to be packing carry bags. Most airlines, have a liquid limit in your carry-on of not exceeding 100 milliliters but see I notice that they never limit how many 100-milliliter bottles you can have.

According to the TSA rules, bottles should contain 3.4 ounces or less means 100ml or less.

Therefore the system allows whatever you need, how many you need in your refillable bottles. You can keep these valuables close to your heart and in your carry-on.

Therefore if potentially god forbid your luggage goes missing, you have what really matters in your carry-on.

Product Categories You Need

So now let’s get into the travel-size curly hair products categories that you will absolutely need if you are going to a place somewhere where it is hot or humid. These are the types of products that you will need to keep your curly hair tamed.

1. Cleansers Co-washes + Conditioners

Similarly, conditioners are the need because it caters to your hair needs. So a protein conditioner, a moisture conditioner, and also a leave-in conditioner are equally necessary. Just do not forget the leave-in conditioner! If you don’t want to bring all three because it could be a lot, having a leave-in conditioner is a great two-in-one and it’s an amazing product for when you’re at the beach or you’re at the pool and you just got your hair wet. So a leave-in conditioner is something you need a lot.

Moreover, for blonde hair a purple shampoo is listed because the sun could cause hair to go a little bit brassy; this just keeps the blonde color in check.

2. Hair Masks And Detanglers

3. curl creams foams and gels, 4. finishers and hair tools, 5. accessories for best styling, let you know in visuals.

Video credit: YouTube (Mairaly)

People Also Loved Reading: Top Hat Carriers & Cases To Help You Pack like a Travel Boss

The Best Travel Hair Products for Every Type of Hair Texture

By Shauna Beni

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

When you’re traveling, you want to make the most of every minute—and ideally not spend two hours fussing over your hair. But when it comes to summer vacations , the sun, saltwater, harsh winds, humidity and drastic changes in temperature can all play a role in making our hair behave unpredictably. And let’s face it, those complimentary bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your hotel room don't suit everyone’s hair needs.

I have super curly hair and always resort to getting a protective style like braids so I don’t have to worry about it on the road, but I’m tired of doing braids every time I take a trip, and would much prefer to wear my curls out and not suffer the next day consequences of tangled, dry locks. Luckily, a slew of brands have come to the rescue with everything from anti-humidity gels to dry shampoos with UV filters that protect your hair from the sun—all in TSA-friendly sizes. I called on my fellow Traveler staffers to help test the few dozen products that crossed my desk—here are our favorites travel hair products to pack for your next trip.

All products are independently selected by our editors. However, if you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

For straight, thin hair that needs a pick me up

Amika Silken Up Dry Conditioner

Dry conditioner hasn't gotten as much hype as dry shampoo, but Silken Up Dry conditioner has proved its worth. Vegan and cruelty-free, this formula includes Provitamin B5 which restores hair’s resilience and reduces split ends, plus an anti-static spray that softens and smooths hair between washes.“I have straight, super fine hair, but this conditioner gave it some volume and made my hair look fresh from the cut I had two days before,” says photo editor Meg Reinhardt. “It also left my hair feeling soft and clean without the grit that some dry shampoos have.”

Buy Now: Amika Silken Up Dry Conditioner (1 oz), $10 on amazon.com

This image may contain Cosmetics Bottle and Shaker

Ouai Hair Oil

Oil is an essential item for keeping hair moisturized, and this multitasking one from Ouai really gets the job done. Ingredients include African galangal root extract, which protects hair from color degradation caused by UV exposure, smooths frizz, and seals split ends with a high gloss finish. Bonus: it doubles as a hydrating overnight mask, too.

Buy Now: Ouai Hair Oil (1.7 oz), $28 at nordstrom.com

Oribe Gold Lust Repair Shampoo & Conditioner

This shampoo and conditioner set combines century old healing oils like cypress, argan, and maracuja to rejuvenate hair and give it a youthful and healthy appearance. It’s formulated for all hair types, but especially hair that's been damaged from styling and processing over time. “My hair is dyed and often feels dry and brittle at times. I loved the conditioning properties of both the shampoo and conditioner—my hair felt noticeably softer after the first use,” says articles director Stephanie Wu. “The products are light enough to be used daily as well, and didn't make my hair feel heavy afterward.”

Anna Borges

Reclining Airline Seats Are Disappearing From Economy Class

Jessica Puckett

How to Pack Light When You're Only Traveling With a Carry-On

Karthika Gupta

Buy Now: Oribe Gold Lust Repair Shampoo (1.7 oz), $17 at nordstrom.com

Buy Now: Oribe Gold Lust Repair Conditioner (1.7 oz), $18 at nordstrom.com

For wavy hair that refuses to do what it's told

R+Co TV Perfect Hair Shampoo & Conditioner

R+Co’s perfect hair shampoo and conditioner provides body and shine; strengthens, softens, and smoothes all at once; and includes ingredients like Juniper berry extract to help maintain optimal oil balance of the scalp and detoxify hair follicles. Community editor Megan Spurrell gave it a test drive on a recent vacation: “This shampoo/conditioner duo was great, and helped keep my hair soft and minimally frizzy, even in the humidity of Belize ."

Buy Now: R+Co TV Perfect Hair Shampoo (1.7 oz), $15 at nordstrom.com

Buy Now: R+Co TV Perfect Hair Conditioner (1.7 oz), $16 at nordstrom.com

Pantene Intense Rescue Shots

Quick hair treatments on the go? Yes please. These Pro-V Intense Rescue Shots come in single-dose tubes and contain a deep absorbing blend of Pro-Vitamin B5, natural glycerin that protects strands from environmental stresses and heat damage. All you need is one minute from start to rinse and you're immediately closer to smoother, softer hair.

Buy Now: Pantene Intense Rescue Shots (.5 oz), $5 on amazon.com

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Bodybuilder Hair Spray

Hairspray can be tricky and sometimes leaves your hair feeling stiff. This one from Living Proof comes with a customizable nozzle that lets you adjust the particle size and spray rate, and the formula contains a blend of polymers that help create body and softness, allowing the hair to still feel light and moveable. “On days when I just need a little extra oomph, a couple spritzes of this will do," says associate editor Meredith Carey. "While on nights when I want to go all out with curls or volume, I can turn the power-up. It’s an all-in-one bottle."

Buy Now: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Bodybuilder Hair Spray (2.8 oz), $15 at nordstrom.com

For loose curls that don't agree with humidity

Ouai Anti-Frizz Sheets

These anti-frizz sheets are game changers for curly hair that tends to get frizzy in humid weather. A few swipes from the roots to the ends leaves the hair shiny, smooth and free from flyaways. Ingredients include coconut oil and shea butter, and it's made of eco-friendly hemp paper. “My hair was a mess after a recent flight and I was headed straight into several meetings, with no time to stop and clean up. These sheets took the edge off, if you will, made some of my impossible flyaways tame down, and helped revitalize my red-eye ragged curls,” says Paulie Dibner, Traveler's director of operations.

Buy Now: Ouai Anti-Frizz Sheets, $15 at nordstrom.com

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel

Humidity has been a longtime foe for those with curly hair, but this climate control heat and humidity gel changes everything. The formula includes a protein from silk that helps to keep the hair cuticle moisturized and sealed, and a UV filter that helps protect against sun damage. “I normally dislike hair gel. I don't like to feel like I have the product in my hair. This gel actually didn’t leave any kind of residue and really tamed frizz without leaving my hair looking oily” says photo contributor Natalie Leonard.

Buy Now: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel (2.5 oz), $10 at ouidad.com

Living Proof Frizz Instant De-Frizzer

Smooth, soft and shiny curly hair can be achieved with this instant de-frizzer. It works as a dry conditioning spray that tames over 90 percent of frizz, refreshes dull hair in-between shampoo, and contains a special five-oil blend that mimics natural oils found in healthy hair. “It feels light and leaves zero residue in the hair. It didn’t make my hair feel sticky, and solved all of my frizz problems,” says Leonard.

Buy Now: Living Proof Frizz Instant De-Frizzer (2.8 oz), $15 at sephora.com

For tight curls that are all about bounce

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie Styler

This coconut and hibiscus curl enhancing smoothie provides great moisture and definition to tight curls. It’s an all-natural styling cream formulated with neem oil and silk protein which helps protect hair against breakage, keeping curls moisturized and super soft. On days when you want to throw your hair up into a quick ponytail, it adds definition and bounce.

Buy Now: Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie Styler (3.2 oz), $4 at target.com

Head & Shoulders Root Rejuvenating Pre-Wash Masks

Made from a lightweight formula that includes tea tree extract to invigorate roots and restore the scalp, this pre-wash mask does a great job at getting all the product residue out of your hair at the end of the day—an essential for coily hair, which tends to suffer from more build up at the roots. Even better, the masks come in carry-on-friendly packaging that takes up no space, and can be packed individually depending on how many washes you think your hair will need throughout a trip.

Buy Now: Head & Shoulders Root Rejuvenating Pre-Wash Masks (1.7 oz), $2 at target.com

Packing List

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Skip to primary navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to primary sidebar

Tips for traveling with curly hair & best curly hair travel products for every curly hair type

October 23, 2017 by Karen Turner 12 Comments

As someone with crazy curly hair, I have found many of the tips for traveling with curly hair not applicable to my own hair. I’ve asked some amazing ladies (+ one guy) with all kinds of curly hair for their tips for dealing with curly hair on vacation, the best curly hair products for them, and easy travel hairstyles for curly hair.

This includes natural hairstyles for traveling as straightening your hair 24/7 is not good for it. I also include travel beauty tips for WOC, which is often not included in tips for curly hair. Thanks to my contributors for their fantastic tips for their recommendations for travel tips for curly hair and the best curly hair travel products.

As a traveler with curly hair, I know the struggle of find in a good travel hairstyle for curly hair given the craziness that travel can bring: rain, humidity, water…

However, as someone with thick frizzy hair somewhere closer to 3B/3C, I can tell you that it’s tough to find curly hair travel hairstyles that are inclusive of women who don’t have straight/slightly wavy hair. Unfortunately, straightening my hair every day is terrible for it, so I’ve struggled to find curly hair tips that work for me.

I’ve asked curly haired bloggers (who are majority WOC) with every consistency of curly hair to give their favorite easy travel hairstyle for curly hair, including vacation hairstyles for black hair, and the best travel hair products for curly hair. (Sorry to those with straight hair, but you’re not included here.)

0.1 Type 2 Curly Hair
1 Amy from TwoDrifters
2 Suzannah from The Veggie Passport
3 Jacob (from Wanderlustingk.com)
4 Type 3 Curly Hair
5 Olga Maria from LatinasWhoTravel.com
6.1 Tips for dealing with curly hair in the rain…
7 My tip for easy travel hair with not much work: PLOP your hair after getting out of the shower
8 Paroma from Yrofthemonkey
9 Gabby from Packs Light
10 Type 4 Curly Hair
11 Eulanda Shead from Hey Dip Your Toes In
12 Annette from FromAnnette
13 Briona from YouMeTravel
14 Chelsea from That’sChelsea
15 Do you have curly hair? What’s your go-to travel style for curly hair?

Type 2 Curly Hair

Type 2 Curly Hair is slightly curvy and/or wavy. You might have an S shape close to your head. It is still prone to frizz.

Amy from TwoDrifters

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Two Drifters | Nathan + Amy (@twodriftersxo) on May 17, 2016 at 7:51am PDT

My hair is an odd blend of wavy/curly. It usually “listens” when I straighten it, or curls up nicely with mousse and a diffuser. But when traveling, I do NOT have that kind of time!

My tip is use a good styling creme /curl mousse after showering and then DON’T TOUCH THAT HAIR ! (Put your curl mousse in a travel sized container to ensure you’re safe to fly with it!) I usually just throw stuff in it and go, and embrace the natural texture.

It can be fun to see how different climates affect my hair; I never know what I’m getting. I prefer to wash every other day and use dry shampoo on the off days. Seriously, whoever invented dry shampoo deserves a medal. This keeps my ends from getting too dry but minimizes the oil that seems to collect on the scalp hair.

If you’ll be flying, be sure to get a travel sized dry shampoo spray as a larger bottle may not be allowed on the plane. Similarly, it’s good to bring leak proof travel sized containers to allow you to bring your high quality hair mousse with you when carrying carry-on only.

Speaking of oily hair….whenever I have an overnight or long, long flight, I totally give up on keeping my hair looking cute. It seems to get especially oily and dirty in transit. However, I hate tossing my hair up into a ponytail.

My go-to easy travel hairstyle that looks cute when I arrive: I do two braids and cross them over the crown of my head, a bit of a Heidi look. I keep them in place with bobby pins. It’s a very cute look, virtually prevents my hair from moving an inch, and best of all, goes untouched by my hands. Once I arrive at my destination, I take down my hair and enjoy the fun crimped waves that result. Voila….beautiful upon landing. 🙂

Suzannah from The Veggie Passport

Curly or straight? That all-important decision determines if I’ll be ready and out the door in 5 minutes, or 5 hours. My hair is long and thick. When I allow it dry naturally, I get nice loose curls, but I prefer my hair straight – which amounts to some serious time, effort and maintenance on the road.

This year, I was desperate to get some good shots of me and my luscious locks, looking out into the distance for Instagram, so, naturally, I had to have PERFECT straight hair, and this is what I did:

Step 1: Ultimately, you need a GOOD travel hair straightener if you want to straighten your hair. I went with the ghd Gold V Max Hair Styler , because the regular sized plates are just too damn small and time consuming for my hair.

Step 2: After applying heat defence, section your hair into manageable pieces. After each piece, spray a generous amount of Lee Stafford’s Dehumidifier spray , and then finish with any extra hold hairspray. Note: your hair might feel a little greasy at first, but I was amazed at how well it held and how well it tackled the intense humidity of Thailand and UAE.

Note from Karen: You don’t need an expensive hair straightener f or it to do the trick. I love my Remington Wet2Dry hair straightener for straightening difficult curly hair, which is only around $25. For hair straighteners, it’s good to have a converter/adapter depending on where you’re traveling as hair straighteners are prone to issues if you only have a basic adapter.

Jacob (from Wanderlustingk.com)

Man with long curly hair. Read about the best tips for dealing with curly hair while traveling and the best products for traveling with curly hair! Includes tips for traveling with all curly hair types.

Yes, my husband! Perfect curls while traveling is also important for guys with long hair! For those days where he’s just not feeling like having frizzy hair and is on the go, he swears by the three hairband ponytail (one at the top, one in the middle, and one towards the bottom) for keeping the frizz under control while hair dries.

He’s become a bun person after realizing how fantastic it is to keep your hair off the back of your neck while traveling in hot weather. His must : Extra hair ties.

Jacob is a big fan of ethical products that don’t test on animals. He’s been amazed by how much healthier his hair has become after using products with argan oil/not using an all-in-one shampoo. (Luckily, he has a wife who recommended changing his shampoo from an all-in-one to a shampoo and conditioner.)

One additional note: if you have issues with dandruff while traveling, it’s best to bring a small travel sized dandruff shampoo as the options where you’re traveling maynot work as effectively as what you have at home, as Jacob has learned.

Jacob’s go to shampoo and conditioner for curly hair is from the Organix brand shampoo for frizzy hair with argan oil. When he’s traveling, he carries his shampoo in travel sized containers. Showering often and conditioning well is an essential for him due to how bushy his hair gets when it’s dry.

Type 3 Curly Hair

Type 3 Curly Hair includes lightly curled hair and very curly hair. The defining feature is springy soft curls.

Olga Maria from LatinasWhoTravel.com

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Olga Maria 👠Travel IGTV 🌎Blog (@dreamsinheels) on Jul 27, 2015 at 4:26pm PDT

Managing my curls and avoiding frizz while traveling is not always easy. I’m a Latina traveler with very curly hair (small, tight curls that also get dry easily).

One of my biggest secrets is to find and get the right haircut forcurly hair before I travel, especially when traveling for a longer period with curly hair. You don’t want to risk finding a new person abroad to cut your hair, especially if you are in countries that can’t understand or have experience with your type of hair.

I always carry a bottle of travel sized coconut oil and I typically freeze it. I use coconut oil for shine enhancement, moisturizing my hair, styling my curly hair while traveling, detangling, frizz control and deep conditioning treatment. Make sure that your coconut oil is TSA size compliant.

I also carry a wide tooth comb to detangle my hair and a universal diffuser , that attaches to any hairdryer, to dry my curly hair faster. If all else fails (we’ve all had bad hair days), I just pick up my hair in a quick bun. I always carry a brush, pins, some spray or gel and hair ties.

Karen from Wanderlustingk (Me!)

This might shock my readers and friends, but I have very curly, frizzy hair (closer to 3B) and dealing with my curly hair while traveling has been a struggle. I am learning to be better about my curls, but I’m getting there.

I find that not washing your hair daily makes a huge difference for my hair (which is a bit oily) and it looks best on the second or third day. I also love dry shampoo. It is also a lot better for the health of your curly hair as it makes good hair last a lot longer and you can just spray/go if you’re having a good hair day.

After a good hair day (with plopping [more below!], I often tie up my hair in a tight bun overnight, brush my fingers through it (a boar’s head brush can make it too poofy), then just spray dry shampoo in it in the morning to be able to go in 5 minutes. I’m always shocked how many people still compliment me on my bed hair. Also, hats are very helpful if you want a photo on a bad hair day.

When I lived in Singapore , which has very high humidity, I worked hard to find the right curly products to just keep the frizz down as straightening it was almost useless as my hair would explode once I got outside.

The best product for curly hair in hot weather for me has been the John Frieda Frizz Ease Beyond Smooth Frizz serum. I’ve used it on a daily basis, which gave me big curls that also looked cute. (If you are into straightening your hair, it’s good for dealing with the frizz.)

Be aware that if you’re traveling with curly hair in countries where most people don’t have curly hair, you need to bring your own curly hair products for travel. Finding good curly hair products abroad may be difficult and expensive (and just not work for your hair). I really struggled when I was in Singapore for this reason.

As mentioned by Olga, your haircut is important and I made the mistake of getting a hairstyle that looked better straight, not curly, so it’s good to think what your hair will be like curly when getting it cut before your vacation. It was also a bit too short to tie up properly, which was a pain.

If you’re looking for an easy hairstyle for travel in hot climates, it’s important that it does not touch the back of your neck when down and/or you can tie it up easily. Similarly, bangs are a terrible idea for people with poofy/frizzy hair while traveling (in my experience). It just looked like I had a big poof ball in front of my face. ( No photos .)

Tips for dealing with curly hair in the rain…

I’m kind of an expert after living in Amsterdam for dealing with the rain after biking in the rain a lot. It’s best to tie your hair down using a scarf with keeping it tight on your head prior to going outside to compress the frizz and get inside ASAP.

For straightening, I swear by straightening my hair with a high quality travel straightener that gets very hot (I usually do about 400 degrees F) with only going once over my hair and giving my hair a pre-straightening treatment to prevent damage.

I swear by the Aussi 3 minute Miracle as an overnight treatment to help it heal. If you don’t have much time to let your hair straightener cool off, I recommend using a towel to gently wipe it in every few seconds.

When I travel, I try to take time in between straightening my hair whenever possible to prevent damage and when you’re having a long travel day: who cares what your hair looks like. That said, when I’m in humid environments for days on end, I love a good bun.

My tip for easy travel hair with not much work: PLOP your hair after getting out of the shower

You don’t need to straighten your hair on vacation. I swear by a thing called plopping that you can watch in this short video (I’ve queued it up for you). As soon as you get out of the shower, you’ll want to brush your hair, then flip your hair upside-down prior to wrapping it in a t-shirt to compress the frizz as it dries.

You might need to keep your hair inside of the t-shirt for some hours (and bear the mocking of family members cough for how silly you look, but it works like magic on my curly, frizzy hair.

I usually use an old shirt, but if you’re traveling, it might be good to carry a microfiber towel as you might not have an old shirt laying around and it’s just good to have a microfiber towel. As soon as your hair is dry (check and don’t fully unwrap the towel until it is), your hair will look curly, magical , and perfect until the humidity kicks in.

Paroma from Yrofthemonkey

View this post on Instagram A post shared by PC (@yrofthemonkey) on Jul 1, 2017 at 4:12pm PDT

I want to start off with these bold lines of “frizzy hair, don’t care” but in all honesty, I so absolutely do. I have super curly hair, and not the good kind which is lustrous and can be tossed around with that sexy careless abandon, much like what those darned models do.

I have extremely thick hair and as my curls metamorphose from tight ringlets right after a shower to loose, dry balls of frizz with every passing day, my head looks like an untended topiary where some little bird could easily lose her way.

So once the D-day of nightmarish bad hair day approaches, I put some styling product (I use Oribe hair styling shield ) to get some moisture in those dry strands, comb them up into a top knot, tie it first to a pony tail, twist it into a bun and secure that with bobby pins.

When my hair is of shorter length, I simply let it hang loose or just tie a simple pony tail near the nape of my neck to create the illusion of a low bun and pull out some curls from near the sides for a disheveled look (kind of like a glam bed head, with way more bed head and way less glam in the mix).

I also wear chunky, colorful and bright drop earrings to take the attention away from the mess that is on top of my cranium and that trick works when all else fails.

Click for Paroma’s favorite product: Oribe hair styling shield . Be warned that it’s a bit expensive, so you might want to consider the budget alternative of ALTERNA BAMBOO Smooth Pure Kendi Oil Pure Treatment Oil .

Gabby from Packs Light

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gabby • Travel Blogger 🌎 (@packslight) on Dec 10, 2016 at 8:54am PST

Hey there, I’m Gabby and I’m a curly-headed traveler. I have what my fellow WOC would know as “3C” hair, meaning my hair has tight coils, and is not at all “loose” or “wavy.

My hair type is often the most temperamental, and I feel like I’m always in an endless battle with both humidity and dryness! If I use too much product, I have crispy or greasy curls, and if I use too little all definition is lost and I’m left with frizzy, massive hair.

My hair does not do well with directly applying oils, but thrives with mayonnaises and lotiony conditioners. I’m carry-on only, so often this means trying a ton of different products in each country because I can’t cart around my favorite conditioners in bag!

My tips is to KNOW YOUR INGREDIENTS. It took trial and error, but now I know products that are sulfate-free, contain shea butter, and avocado oil (very light), are my saving graces when on the road. I swear by SheaMoisture coconut and hibiscus curl enhancing smoothie !

Type 4 Curly Hair

Type 4 hair ranges a lot in texture as it can be thin to course, however curls tend overall to be coily. I’ve asked Eulanda, Annette, Briona, and Chelsea to go into their favorite natural hairstyles for traveling because everyone deserves to have fabulous curly hair while traveling. Keep reading for vacation hair routines for WOC and easy travel hairstyles for curly hair.

Eulanda Shead from Hey Dip Your Toes In

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eulanda+Omo👉Content creators (@dipyourtoesin) on May 8, 2017 at 4:20am PDT

The popular saying ‘curly hair, don’t care’ doesn’t quite do it for me. I do care. A lot . My hair was first relaxed (chemically straightened) by my grandmother at the age of twelve. I went through the next seven years trying to make my hair (and mind) conform to what I saw was attractive in the mainstream media. The idea of embracing my natural hair texture never even crossed my mind until I started university.

The best I can ascertain is that by the time I reached the age of twenty, I was pretty fed up with slathering on the burning white cream, commonly referred to as ‘creamy crack,’ every two months.

Additionally, being in a university atmosphere and taking thought provoking classes addressing the systemic racism present in the American media, was like rehab for my ‘creamy crack’ addiction. These are the best hair products for Afro-textured hair curly hair while traveling (at least for me).

Washing: I use Beautiful textures ‘Tangle Taming Shampoo’ & their ‘Tangle Taming Conditioner.’ I’ve tried the whole wash my hair every day, and that definitely does not work for my hair texture. I co-wash (washing with conditioner only) and fully detangle every two weeks, and then do a full shampoo & conditioning wash with a deep condition once a month.

Deep Conditioning: I slather Cantu’s Leave-in Conditioning Repair Cream through my hair, and separate it into four sections, which a roll, and pin into Bantu knots. I then put a shower cap over my head, and let it sit for thirty minutes. I sometimes use my blow dryer to gently blow over the cap. I condition and style as normal.

Daily upkeep: Before jumping in the shower, I spray my hair with Jane Carter Solution’s ‘quench’ hydrator. It gives my curls a moisture boost and helps to detangle it when I run my fingers through it in the shower (using steam and wet hands). Every few days, I use Cantu’s Leave-in Conditioning Repair Cream (with argan oil) to bring more definition and length to my curls. I put a dab on my fingers, and then pull it through my hair, stretching out the curls. I also alternate with the leave-in cream and swap it for Cantu’s Coconut Curling Cream

Travel essentials for afro hair textures : I take three small travel sized containers that easily fit in my carry on allowance. I fill a small spray bottle with the ‘quench’ spray, and two small containers filled with Cantu leave-in conditioning cream and Repair7 Oil Elixer. If I’m going on long haul trips, I’ll also take a travel sized container of the Beautiful Textures conditioner.

Fun stuff: I use Jane Carter Solution’s ‘Natural Twist Out Foam’ for more defined styles like twist and braid outs.

Although I feel quite confident in my current hair regimen, I’m still learning what works best in various climates around the world when I travel. For instance, when I travelled to Iceland I had no clue what to do with my hair when I got in and out of the thermal baths.

Let’s just say, I had a new introduction into the effects of cold weather on wet afro hair. I’m grateful that I now have access to products that are created for my hair type. However, I’m more grateful for what the journey towards embracing my hair has taught me about patience, fortitude, and self-love.

Annette from FromAnnette

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Annette 💜 (@fromannettewithlove) on Aug 6, 2017 at 9:43am PDT

When I was younger I didn’t know how to manage my 4C hair, Coily Ziggly hair. The universal beauty standard tells women that long straight locks are more desirable than kinks and curls. So I remember getting my hair pressed and flat ironed as a little girl to achieve a more acceptable look. After one bad perm, I gravitated towards natural hairstyles like braids and dreadlocks.

One of the best things about being a Black Woman is the opportunity to change up my look in a matter of minutes. From a mohawk to a fro and everything inbetween I just love switching up my look. And don’t even get me started on my wig collection!

Favorite easy hairstyle for traveling: Braids because of their flexibility. Braids are my bestie! I braid my own hair, so that’s a major plus. I like to swim and be active while I travel so braids are my best bet for the digital nomad lifestyle I’m currently living.

Briona from YouMeTravel

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bri • A Traveling Poet (@briyoumetravel) on Oct 7, 2017 at 12:40pm PDT

My hair type is mostly 4B with curls that have a lot of definition but it doesn’t seem like it because I prefer really big hair and usually pick it out to elongate the strands. Sometimes I do twist outs, but I’m a lazy naturally curly girl who like to spritz and go.

I got my first chemical relaxer when I was in middle school just like most of my friends had. There was no more hair barrettes after this point. Instead, I embraced the straight look. I wore my hair relaxed until my sophomore year of college when I did the big chop. I allowed my hair to transition first, so that it wouldn’t be such a drastic change but it still was.

Suddenly I’d gone from having the shoulder length hair I’ve had most of my life to rocking a short and coily tapered haircut. I loved it and the style forced me to find new angles when I took pictures. Almost three years later, my hair has grown tremendously and I’m a lazy natural now.

My hair retains moisture well so I don’t have to use oils or butters everyday to keep it healthy. I opt for Jane Carters Leave In Conditioner to refresh my fro’ in the morning and sleep with a satin pillow case to keep the moisture in my hair overnight. I wash once a week with SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Shampoo. (When I travel, I like to use a shampoo bar from Lush ) deep condition with SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque .

Chelsea from That’sChelsea

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chelsea Williams | MPH, CCPH (@thatschelsea) on Aug 23, 2017 at 9:38am PDT

helsea Williams is a wellness blogger based out of Washington, DC. She is the founder of ThatsChelsea.com , an “all things wellness” blog that encourages women to live a more mindful lifestyle through a plant-based diet and non-toxic cosmetics.

Chelsea has type 4C curly hair. When traveling, she prefers to wear her hair in its natural state as a curly fro or in a “pineapple”, otherwise known as a high curly ponytail as she finds it difficult to keep her hair stretched while she is on the road. Some of her favorite products to use are:

Innersense Organics Hydrating Collection – Great for dry, coarse curls
Lux Naturals Passion Fruit Rose Whipped Shea Butter – Provides medium hold for twist outs and braid outs without any crunchiness or flaking
Coconut Oil by Conscious Coconut – Perfect for traveling as it’s packaged in a convenient squeeze tube

Do you have curly hair? What’s your go-to travel style for curly hair?

Tips for perfect curly hair while traveling & dealing with frizzy hair while traveling with the best hair products. #CurlyHair #Travel #Hair #Beauty

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

October 23, 2017 at 6:50 pm

This is such a great post!! I love learning about all the different ways these ladies (and gents!) take care of their curls, because it’s so different for everyone. I’ve definitely got some new ideas I wanna try. Thanks for featuring my wavy locks! <3

November 17, 2017 at 6:33 pm

Love this post – have had a love-hate relationship with my curly hair my whole life! When traveling I rock the bun almost every day – or when my hair is long enough, a braid. I only wash my hair every 4-5 days or so (although I shower and get it wet every day). When the humidity is being friendly, my go-to leave-in hair product is Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk. It’s not heavy or greasy, but tames the frizz and holds the curls. Although nothing works in Singapore!

November 17, 2017 at 6:39 pm

I agree with your husband that extra hair ties are essential. I forgot to bring any when I did a no doors heli experience and my hair was all over the place then full of knots ;-). I take mini hair straighteners too when I remember

November 17, 2017 at 6:41 pm

Oh Karen, your post kinda reminded me that I have curly hair now after perming them, lol! I feel you about the struggle for finding hair products in Singapore – they’re not exactly cheap nor are we always sure if it’ll work as we imagined. For me now, I put a ‘stiffer’ leave-in hair conditioner so that the hair can be more ‘clustered’, and then put a styling lotion (it’s very liquid) from Lucidol (Japanese hair product brand) to make them stay longer. So far, it works alright for my hair here. Will test them when I head overseas soon, hopefully they stay!

You’ve put together such an interesting and useful post!

November 17, 2017 at 8:52 pm

The Frizz Ease series by John Frieda was the reason my hair was at it most splendid when I was in New York! I was later able to find the conditioner in Europe, but never the leave-in cream. That was my magic trick in NY. And I also believe it was the water. I wish I could get the hair I had there back, have never been able to get the same effect!

November 17, 2017 at 9:10 pm

I didn’t know you are a Latina. I am form Puerto Rico. I think we have several hair types. I usually straighten it chemically because I cannot deal with it. I went on without any treatment for two years and you can imagine the tangled mess it was after my last big trip. After that, a got the Brazilian blowout and that has helped a lot. I do not was it daily like you and I using some coconut and argan oil products since it is very dry at the moment. Thanks for the tips. Only people with curly hair understand what we have to deal with.

November 17, 2017 at 9:32 pm

I don’t have curly hair but appreciate the POV. Have you ever tried pineapple hair? Apparently that’s good for before bed. I did it for fun last night and it actually made my hair nice and wavy 😀

November 17, 2017 at 10:26 pm

I love this post! I used to relax my hair until 18 months ago. Like Eulanda, I’m still trying to figure out what type of hair products or regimen works for me. The struggle is real but now I have a few products ideas to try out! Thanks for sharing.

November 18, 2017 at 3:09 am

This is such a fabulous post Karen! Gorgeous ladies with great tips. I never knew that hair had ‘types’ but my hair is like Amy’s – wavy and prone to fizz as well as extremely thick. I straighten it a lot, use dry shampoo on occasion and tend to just throw it in a plat when I can’t be bothered dealing with it.

November 19, 2017 at 12:31 am

My hair’s straight as a board but I love this article- I have so many friends with beautiful curls and it’s something I simply never thought about!

November 19, 2017 at 6:59 am

THIS IS BRILLIANT!!!!! I think I’d say that I have type 2 hair, but maybe type 3? I usually like using Deva Curl light gel, but only brought a small bottle with me on our year-long trip so I’m not sure what I’ll do when it runs out. To ration it, I’ve been doing a lot of buns, braids and Panama hats. I’ve tried plopping before, but hadn’t thought to use one of my pack towels — on the agenda for tomorrow night for sure. When you plop your hair, do you put any product in beforehand or does your hair retain its curls without? My issue is that once I sleep on it, one side still looks great and the other side looks terrible.

April 12, 2023 at 5:24 am

While I certainly don’t feel like I’ve mastered this, I have learned some things that help me manage my 2a-3a curls. First, I can’t expect to achieve the same results as at home traveling, so managing expectations is first. I’ve started using bar a conditioner and shampoo so I can easily pack all the product on need in a carry-on. When my curls have relaxed and if I don’t want to refresh, I will some times just get my hair a tiny bit damp and roll it into a tight bun on top of my head with a scrunchy (that’s important or ends are crimpy). I’ll sleep with that overnight and end up with nice waves and loose curls sort of old Hollywood. If it isn’t falling nicely at my crown I wip it into a pretty high pony that still maintains that texture.

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

Mahisha Dellinger

Tips For Traveling With Curly Hair

International curls - the best tips for traveling with curly hair.

Curly hair is a statement whether you're in your hometown or across the world. That's right, we're going to go over all the basics of traveling with curly hair! We love our curls, and while they can be great, they can be a bit difficult to travel with. Whatever your destination may be, your curls can still stand out and look as healthy as ever! So don't shy away from taking good care of your hair while on the road or in the air - we'll go over everything you'll need to keep your curly crown healthy and beautiful! In this post, we will go over all the basics of traveling with curly hair, the products you should take with you, styling tips while you're traveling, how to travel with hair products, and so much more! Curly hair tends to be more delicate than straight or wavy hair, so it requires more attention when traveling. Here are some tips for getting through your next trip with curly locks intact. This post is all about the best tips for traveling with curly hair!

The Best Tips For Traveling With Curly Hair

Study the weather forecast before you pack your luggage..

When you're traveling, it's easy to get distracted and forget about how your curly hair will be affected by the new climate. But if you don't take care of it properly, your curls could end up looking a lot different than they normally do. The first step is to check the weather before you go on your trip so you know how to plan to care for your curly hair. If there's a chance of rain, bring an umbrella along with some extra products like our B Smooth Curl Butter Gel . When you're packing for your trip, make sure to include a wide-toothed comb or brush—they'll be helpful for detangling after washing or styling. If you have time before leaving on your trip, try applying a deep conditioning treatment like our So So Smooth Vitamin C Leave In Conditioner from CURLS at least once per week (twice is even better). This will help prepare your hair for any time spent in high humidity or dry air. To protect against heat damage from blow dryers and curling irons, use a heat protectant spray before styling tools are used on damp hair so that strands stay smooth instead of frizzy or damaged. These things will ensure that you can continue doing your curly hair care routine!

Keep your hair up and away from your face and neck.

If you're a curly-haired traveler, you know that one of the biggest challenges is keeping your hair up and away from your face and neck. You can't just toss it in a ponytail or clip it back—it has to be up, but not too high, with enough volume to keep it looking full. In the section above, we went over some pre-hair care before traveling, but here is where we'll go over how to manage our curly hair better while on a plane or on the go. But what's the best way to do this? What will keep your curls from frizzing out, but still make them look healthy? Here are some tips for styling your curls while traveling!

1. If you're traveling by plane, you can use a scarf or bandana to keep your hair from getting tangled in your seat belt or falling into your face when you're sleeping. When I'm on a long flight, I always wear a bandana under my hat or beanie so that my hair doesn't get messed up by the headrests on either side of me.

2. If you're going somewhere that requires a lot of walking or hiking, consider wearing an elastic headband so that your curls don't get tangled up in the wind or rain. You can also try using bobby pins to pin back any stray hairs that are sticking out in awkward places—I like using these pins because they don't leave marks on my scalp like normal bobby pins do (and they're great for keeping my bangs out of my eyes!).

Bring multiple hats and scarves to keep the sun at bay.

Curly hair is already prone to frizz, so when you add the elements of wind, rain, and sun to the mix it's like you're asking for trouble. The last thing you want when you're trying to enjoy your vacation is to have your curls getting all puffy and wild-looking because of all the moisture in the air. So what do you do? Well, if possible, bring some wet wipes with you so that you can clean off your face every few hours (or as often as needed). If not possible, put on a hat or scarf—anything that will keep the sun at bay and make sure your curls stay smooth and tamed!

How to style hair while traveling?

Since we're talking about keeping hair out of your face, let's talk about some super easy vacation hairstyles for curly hair! Treating your hair like gold is important because this will help keep the frizz and craziness at a minimum! We highly recommend using any type of twisting or braiding method. These are super cute looks that will also help protect your hair while you're on the go! Top knots can be a good option if you want your hair completely off your back and neck. Even when your hair is down, you can still enjoy your travels and flaunt those curls!! Using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners when washing your hair will help keep your hair sleek and moisturized. And you should also try using a wide tooth comb as opposed to a brush when detangling your curls, since brushes tend to create frizz in curly hair types! Here is one brush you might enjoy from Curls, our CURLS Detangler Brush !

A Point to Remember: Use A Curl Defining Cream Or Mousse When Traveling

If you want some extra hold in your hair while traveling, then consider using a curl defining cream or mousse instead of gel or hairspray on top of your usual styling products (like leave-in conditioner). These products will give you extra hold without making your hair feel weighed down. Something to consider before your travels is getting a haircut before you go. That way, your curls will be ready for some serious beach time! If you want to try something new with your hair, this is a great opportunity to experiment with different styles. Just make sure that you don't cut off too much length if you want to be able to use your favorite products while you're away from home. Whatever vacation hairstyle you choose to rock on your trip, just remember that your curls are a gift and something you should be proud of!

How to travel with hair products?What are the best hair products for traveling?

When packing for a trip with curly hair, it's important to remember that your products are just as important as any clothing item in your suitcase. Don't forget your favorite shampoo and conditioner — especially if you have long hair that needs extra TLC — or leave out all the styling products you use daily (mousse, gel and hairspray). Here are some examples of travel essentials for your curly crown:

● Lavish Curls Moisturizer

● So So Smooth Vitamin C Leave In Conditioner

● Blueberry Sculpting Mousse

Now that you have all the necessary tools to pack and style, you are only one step away from your road trip! Choose a beautiful destination and enjoy being a different version of yourself. Be confident in your curls and they will love you back. I also recommend reading these other amazing blog articles from curls about everything from how to refresh your curls, how to stop hair breakage, and so much more! This post was all about the best tips for traveling with curly hair!

Collections

Baby It’s A Curl

Newsletter and SMS Text

The Ultimate List of Tips for Traveling with Curly Hair

quickwhittravel

Updated August 28, 2022.

“The straight-hair girls, they all want curls And the brunettes wanna be blonde…” –Sara Evans, “I Keep Looking”

Isn’t it true? We all want what we don’t have. Hair is one of those things we don’t get to choose for ourselves, making it one of the more frustrating things in life! I hated my curls until I was about 12 because I didn’t know how to take care of them. My poor mom always had stick-straight hair, so she didn’t know what to do with it either. But once I figured out you’re not supposed to brush curly hair, wash it every day, or let anyone without their own curls EVER cut your curls, things started to fall into place!

My hair has gone through crazy changes over the years, from tight kinky curls to ringlet curls to waves, to almost completely straight! And I’ve heard all kind of stories of hair changing from straight to wavy to curly and vice-versa because of hormonal changes as a teenager, pregnancy, and my biggest change actually happened because of anesthesia used for my two foot surgeries! I’ve cried more tears over my hair than anything else in my life! Curly girls, you know the struggle.

With all the craziness of curly hair, travel can definitely throw a wrench in an already complicated hair situation! Not to worry, though, because I’ve got you covered with my tried-and-true tips, tricks, and curly hair hacks for traveling with those beautiful curls!

Know What Works for Your Curls

Because every curly head is different, we won’t all be able to use the same products with the same results. I’ve tried gel, cream, mousse, foam, wax, Curly Girl, Deva Curl, dry cuts, wet cuts, straightening and then cutting, foam rollers, finger curls… you name it, I’ve probably tried it! What has worked for me over the years has changed, and it probably has for you, too. So be willing to try new things when your hair needs a change, but once you know what’s working, use it with confidence!

Tip for Travel: Test out new products for a few days at home first, instead of taking something new on travel. If it doesn’t work like you’re expecting, it’s better to know that before you travel. Always pack products that you know will work!

Right-size your product load.

Whether your goal is to pack light or not, packing less is always a good idea: less to remember, less to lug around, less mess to be made if it leaks in your luggage, and less to forget at the hotel when you come home! Less is more, girl friend. I encourage you to cut it down to a maximum of three products. For me, the max is conditioner, gel, and foam. But I can also make it with just conditioner and mousse if I need to go lighter!

Cut Matters

One of the best ways to get a handle on your curls and use less product is to get the right cut. Whether that’s a Deva Curl cut, Ouidad cut, layered cut, or something else, the right cut will make a world of difference. For me, the Ouidad method actually brought my curls back to life after the anesthesia made it straight! But it’s not right for every curl, so be willing to try a few things! Google “curly hair expert in _____” and fill in your hometown or the largest city nearby to see if there are some options you haven’t thought of yet.

Trip for Travel: I know it’s hard to “break up” with your stylist, but if you’re not happy with your cut every time or if they don’t seem to be listening to what you want, make the change! Talk to your stylist about what you want, what you struggle with, how your hair may have changed recently, and be very clear about what you want! I recommend a low-maintenance cut that can look great with just a few products and an air-dry when you’re on travel!

Conditioner counts.

The one product that has always been there for me, always been my curls’ saving grace… is conditioner. I can’t shampoo every day because it just dries out my hair too much. I usually wash once a week or as needed, but I condition everyday! It keeps my hair happy, but in a pinch I know I can also use it as a leave-in product just in case I forget or run out of mousse, gel, or foam.

Ouidad’s Advanced Climate Control Conditioner works really well for me. It’s on the pricier side, but you don’t have to use very much, so it lasts quite a long time. What conditioner works for you? Please share your secret in the comments section!

INSFIT Travel Bottles for Toiletries, TSA Approved 2oz Travel Size Bottles Leak Proof Travel Containers for Toiletries, Refillable Travel Accessories for Shampoo Body Wash Liquids 4 Pack

Solid Natural Options

The solid hair product people have very recently come out with a solid shampoo and conditioner bar made with shea butter and argan oil , and I am loving it! These are fantastic natural options, and because they’re solid, you never have to worry about them taking up space in your TSA liquids bag.

Argan Oil Shampoo And Conditioner Bar for hair Set. Solid shampoo and conditioner Travel. 100% Vegan, Plastic Free, Handmade in USA.

Tip for Travel: Definitely bring your own conditioner instead of relying on the hotel’s brand. Get a good refillable travel-size bottle and make sure it’s topped up before every trip!

Pick and choose the right products.

My go-to products are Frizz-ease mousse on its own, or a combination of Ouidad Advance Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel and Ouidad PlayCurl Volumizing Foam. If I want to keep it as simple as possible, I take my travel-size mousse. If I want the whole polished look and I have the room in my liquids bag, I leave the mousse at home and take the gel and the foam! So, use the products that work for you. If they don’t come in travel size, bring them in your own travel-size container.

RAYNAG 2 Pack Clear Plastic Foamer Bottle Pump Mini Travel Size Soap Dispenser,50 ml/1.7 oz

Tip for Travel: The hardest travel size container to find is a foam dispenser, so if that’s what you use, here you go!

A note about blow dryers.

Okay, curly girls know that heat is the enemy, but sometimes it’s a necessary evil. I definitely always recommend going without heat styling as a rule of thumb, but if you think you need it to feel your most confident, be smart about the products you choose.

Converting to the Right Voltage

Remember that international power outlets can have a different voltage, so if you’re traveling internationally, make sure you bring a converter , not just an adaptor . Otherwise you could have an explosion on your hands and in your hair. Not good.

This one has both:

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter One International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor with 5.6A Smart Power and 3.0A USB Type-C for USA EU UK AUS (TA-105, Grey)

Blow Drying

If you need to bring your own blow dryer because you’re not sure what will be provided at your accommodation, this is a good option for travel. It’s flatter than your usual blow dryer, making it easy to pack. It also has a cool setting and a cold blast setting to minimize heat exposure.

Bed Head Curls-in-Check 1875W Hair Diffuser Dryer | Great for Curly Hair

If you want to make sure you have a diffuser, go with this one! It is silicone, and not only does it stretch over most standard blow dryers, it also collapses down for easy packing!

Collapsible Silicone Hair Dryer Diffuser - Travel and Easy Storage - Fit Nozzle Diameter D-1.575Inch to 1.968 Inch (4-5cm) KingKam-Pink

Don’t Be Afraid to Try Dry Shampoo

I resisted dry shampoo for a long time. Brush it out? Are you kidding me?! But hear me out! Sometimes it’s fun to wear my hair straight. I have a great blow drying hairbrush that I use to straighten my hair in just 10 minutes or less (use the warm or cool setting, never hot!), and with dry shampoo, I can make it last a whole week—even through workouts! You’ll just need a hairbrush, dry shampoo, and shower cap to make it happen. I never take the brush-dryer with me; I just keep my hair straight as many days as I can (or want) with dry shampoo and my travel brush, and then go curly from there!

REVLON One-Step Volumizer Original 1.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush, Pink

Tip for Travel: If you know you’ll be in a dry climate or you just want to try something different, use dry shampoo to make your straight locks last a few days!

Don’t let your hair stop you.

Okay, truth time: Who’s guilty of arranging their day to accommodate their hair? Confession: I have! But I never let my hair stop me from doing things I can’t do anywhere else or things that make me happy on my travels. For instance, everything I read about going to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland said to never, under any circumstances, get my hair in the Lagoon’s water. So I put extra conditioner in my hair, piled it up and secured it on top of my head, and hoped for the best.

But things happen, and wouldn’t you know, I slipped and fully submerged myself—and my hair—under the water! And you know what? It wasn’t the end of the world! My hair didn’t feel like straw later, it didn’t fall out, it didn’t break, it didn’t turn green, etc. In fact, I think the conditioner protected it well enough because my hair actually felt softer when I washed it after our time at the Blue Lagoon! So, don’t let your hair stop you from doing the things you want to do!

Tip for Travel: Curly girls feel very strongly about their hair as part of their identity, so it makes sense that we want to protect it! But don’t let your hair keep you from experiencing the places you visit!

Hair scarves and scrunchies are in.

And the curly girls are here for it! Scrunchies are so much easier on your curls than regular hair ties, and they can easily become an accessory, not just a hair tie. And scarves—oh the scarves! I love tying them in a bow to dress up a ponytail, especially after a long flight or a long day of traveling.

We all know that curls are a one-shot wonder: for the most part, if we want to change our hair style, we just have to wet and reset—there’s no brushing it out and starting over again! So we have to work with what we’ve got between showers. So scrunchies, scarves, barrettes, headbands, and the like are all fair game!

28 Pcs Macaron Hair Clips for Women Acrylic Pearl Hair Clip Handmade Pearl Hair Pins Gifts for Girls Hair Barettes for Women Fashion Hair Accessories for Party Wedding (28 Pcs)

Tip for Travel: Pack a few hair scarves or other light hair accessories for days or evenings when you need a bit of flair!

Winter hair.

One of the most complicated times of year to travel with curly hair is winter. Curls get serious and unfixable hat hair, but it’s so important to keep your ears and/or head covered and warm outside in the cold! I have found two solutions that I absolutely love and recommend to you!

The “Messy Bun Beanie” is perfect for hiking or a casual day outside because you can still show off your curls while keeping your head warm. And “Ear Bags” are a real good hair day saver for days when you want to wear your hair down or need to keep it nice. They slip right over your ears and don’t give you hat hair, fuzzy hair, or put a weird bump in your hair like regular ear muffs. I love mine!

Hatsandscarf CC Exclusives Ribbed Confetti Knit Beanie Tail Hat for Adult (MB-33) (Ivory)

Tip for Travel: These are so light and packable, and the ear bags can literally just slip in and out of your purse or pocket as needed.

Okay, curly girls! Tell me your stories! Tell me your secrets! Straight-haired girls, comment with your own travel hair woes!

Need more travel tips, hacks, and essential information? Check out my Travel Tips Page for all of it!

Love this post? Pin it for later!

How to Style Curly Hair When Traveling

Hair , TOILETRIES , Travel Beauty Tips

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

The last thing you want to worry about is your hair when you’re on the go. However, a well-groomed do adds the perfect touch to any travel outfit. Read on to find out how to style curly hair while traveling!

by Vanessa Yates

Having curly hair requires extra love and care. My own solution is to get my naturally curly hair permanently straightened . For others who love their curls, Vanessa Yates shares her expert hair tips for how to maintain curly hair while traveling the globe. She knows what she’s talking about – she’s got an awesome set of curls that always look amazing even in the South East Asia humidity!

Anyone traveling who has curly hair knows that it comes with a lot of weight, and not just on your head. Traveling with hair product adds a few pounds to your bag and takes up a fair bit of space! Throw in the unpredictability of environmental factors and curly hair can seem less desirable than it looks.

Easy travel hair styles are helpful to ease bad hair days but when your mane is up in a frizz frenzy you need some extra help. I have found that sticking to a few tips for styling and maintaining curly hair really helps keep the defined curls that are loved!

Styling Gel

Best Products for Curly Hair:

I like to use as little product as possible to save space in my bag. Creams and serums were often giving me too much frizz (that word we all dread) so I started exploring with a little hair glue/extra strength gel to define the curls and maintain them in heat. Wow was I impressed! Yes I looked like I could blend in with the wildlife in Africa on the first day with a mane like a lion if I use too much but after sleeping on my hair overnight it calms down to a great strong hold curl that lasts for days!

I use Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel and just a small amount goes a really long way. I have tried over 30 products of varying costs and lines and this is my favorite. Surprisingly, DIPPITY-DO is a close second. I also pack a travel size hairspray for a quick touch up!

Hot Tools Travel Hair Dryer

How to Style Curly Hair:

I should note that I do sacrifice room in my pack for a travel hair dryer (and diffuser) as I have really thick hair and sometimes the humidity can leave my hair wet for longer than desired. Dryers are commonly available in hotels and fold up/travel hair dryers are becoming more available at less expensive costs.

Not sure if it’s worth traveling with a blow dryer? Read this!

After washing your hair, flip your head over, rub some of the gel/glue through your palms and disperse freely throughout your hair. Make sure to get the front roots as that part of your hair is seen and gets touched the most (the flirty flip)! Stand back up and split your hair (as in half up/half down). Rub some more gel in the back half of your hair which is too often forgotten about. Diffuse or blow dry and you’re done!

If you’re looking for the best travel hair diffuser, read this post !

I use and recommend this Hot Tools Travel Hair Dryer because it’s dual voltage and has a diffuser, too!

How to Maintain Curly Hair:

Keeping your hair up during the day is a great way to keep the curl for a long duration of time and it helps stay cool in the hot weather by not having hair on your neck. Bring it down at night to glam up a little and bring out the roar of that new outer lion! Going on a few days and still want to wear it down? Try a little hairspray and another blow dry (on dry hair) to give it a little extra volume.

The main purpose of the hard gel is to keep your curls tight for a long time. This means, keeping the washing to a minimum. Your hair will love the natural build-up of oil that will happen while no one will notice how long it has actually been (trust me, I’ve gone longer than I’d like to mention and I’ve still got compliments on it!)

Overall, the less you play with your hair (including keeping it up and away from the wind) the longer it will keep the fewer products you use and the more money you save – a travel girl’s secret to staying beautiful on a budget.

Plan to travel with hair tools? Read this post on voltage converters and travel adapters.

If you want to find out more about permanent hair straightening for curly hair, check out my post on Hair Rebonding. For tips on finding a salon, check out How to Find a Good Hair Salon when Traveling Abroad .

What are your tips for how to style curly hair while traveling? Comment below! For more travel beauty tips, please read:

For more travel beauty tips, please read:

Traveling With Jewelry: 10 DIY Packing Tips & Tricks
The Beauty Junki’es Guide to a Minimal Travel Makeup Kit
5 Best Makeup Palettes for Travel
Best Hair Products for Travelers with High Maintenance Manes

Hope you liked this post on how to style curly hair while traveling. Please share the love on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio: Vanessa Yates and her backpack and have traveled 28 countries throughout North America, Central America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Her adventure continues in South East Asia where she will soon begin working at a Canadian international school in Malaysia. She hopes to never stop traveling!

10 Comments

I’m really surprised coconut oil doesn’t get mentioned at all. I use it for everything! I use it as a leave in conditioner, wash my face with it, use it as lip balm and body lotion. I have super long, thick curls, so I just load up a goobtoob or 2 and freeze, so it stays solid through the tsa check.

Does it work the same once it thaws out?

Check out the ‘hot sock’ diffuser (can find it on amazon!). I use this baby at home and take it whenever I go anywhere where I will blow dry/diffuse my curls. It is elastic and literally does fit on ANY dryer, compresses FLAT and weighs practically nothing! For product, I love Ouidad heat and humidity gel. It’s light and works great!

awesome, thanks!

Curly hair….. gotta have products. I will be spending a month in France and I will pack with carry on only. My biggest concern is that 3 oz. allowed carryon will not take care of the frizz and curl for a month. Where can I find products there, yes this is my first trip to France. Also, scarves are great with curly hair. Always a good stand by when I travel. It will be summertime, are hats acceptable in France?

Hi Deb! What if you pack (2) 3oz bottles of your favorite product? I will also post this question on Facebook later today to get more input for you. Thanks!

I am just going to try my best with curly styling cream and gel! I hope it doesn’t go too frizzy with all of the humidity in SE Asia!

Hi Stephanie

The humidity is so high right now! You might need a small hair spray to calm it down a bit. We curly haired girls are suffering but you’ll be having so much fun, it will be an after thought! small price to pay 😉

Thanks for reading!

I love the Mixed Chicks leave in conditioner. It made my hair amaaaazingly curly, beautiful locks. It is however, not travel friendly, and hardly sold anywhere. A blow dryer has become a necessity though, if you want hair you actually enjoy looking at! lol

Sounds like a curly hair dream! Thanks for the tip 🙂

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

FREE Full size Strength Recipe when you spend $50

BRAND NEW Volume Recipes - Explore today!

4 for 3 on all Travel Sized Recipes!

FREE Shipping over $35 in the US

Not sure where to start? Take our Curl Quiz

Shopping Bag (0 products) .cls-1{fill:none;stroke:#000;stroke-miterlimit:10;stroke-width:2px}

By Product Type
Shampoo & Co-wash
Conditioners
Leave-in Conditioners
Temporary Color
Tools & Accessories
By Collection
Moisture Recipes
Strength Recipes
Shine Recipes
Scalp Recipes
Volume Recipes
Anti-Frizz Recipes
Color Recipes

Travel Sizes

Jumbo Sizes
Kits & Bundles
Fragrance Free
Frizz Control
Repair & Protect
Scalp Health
Glossy Hair
By Hair Type
Our Mission
Curl Advice
Curl Academy
Product Guides
Tips & Tricks
Ingredients
Curly Community
Get the Look
Inside Curlsmith
Sustainability
Shop By Product Type Shop All Shampoo & Co-wash Conditioners Leave-in Conditioners Stylers Treatments Temporary Color Tools & Accessories By Collection Moisture Recipes Strength Recipes Shine Recipes Scalp Recipes Volume Recipes Anti-Frizz Recipes Color Recipes Travel Sizes Jumbo Sizes Kits & Bundles By Benefit Fragrance Free Frizz Control Volumizing Repair & Protect Scalp Health Hydration Glossy Hair By Hair Type Wavy Curly Coily

Best selling
Alphabetically, A-Z
Alphabetically, Z-A
Price, low to high
Price, high to low
Date, old to new
Date, new to old
Accessories
Conditioner
Mini 2 fl oz.
Mini 3 fl oz.

Travel Trio

Effortless Waves

Essential Moisture Cleanser

Essential Moisture Conditioner

Curl Defining Styling Soufflé

Weightless Air Dry Cream

Hold Me Softly Style Balm

Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash

Hydro Style Flexi Jelly

Bond Curl Rehab Salve

Miracle Shield

Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream

In-Shower Style Fixer

Multi-tasking Conditioner

Moisture Memory Reactivator

Double Cream Deep Quencher

Hydro Creme Soothing Mask

Shape Up Aqua Gel

Shine Cream

Shine Shampoo

Shine Jelly

Travel size shampoos & conditioners.

Achieve the tresses of your dreams with our range of travel size products for every wash day. No matter where life takes you, you’ll need to have your favorite curly hair products with you. Be flight-ready with our products under 3.4 ounces that can be packed in your carry-on baggage.

Moisturize your curly hair with travel size conditioners and leave-ins products. Conditioners for curly hair are essential to add hydration, which is essential for this hair type. Leave-in conditioners help to prime your curls for styling, and lock in vital moisture. Travel size hair products are key to ensuring your curly hair can look its best on vacations, weekends away, or day trips.

Cleanse your locks with travel size shampoos that remove dirt and product build-up from the scalp. Our shampoos and co-washes cleanse the hair, remove product build-up and sebum from the scalp.

Be Vacation Ready with Styling on the Go

Stay in control of your locks no matter where life takes you with travel size hair products for styling curly hair . Tame frizz, add shine, provide hold, or boost volume with our range of styling products for curly hair . Our stylers have a 1-10 range of hold, which can help to create the perfect hairstyle for every occasion.

Curly hair gels - perfect for definition and long-lasting frizz control even when you travel to humid destinations.

Curl creams - provide a soft, crunch-free hold, enhancing your curls or waves for a natural-looking style.

Styling jellies - these spread easily through your curls offers medium hold and definition, without weighing your hair down.

The Best Travel Size Products for Every Trip

No matter where life takes you and your curly hair, our travel size products conveniently fit in your luggage. You could even take them with you every day. For use at the gym, to a weekend away. Our travel size curly hair products are 2 fluid ounces, perfect for taking on the go.

For those times where your locks need a little extra care, our hair treatments are also available in travel size. Our deep conditioner can offer a deep moisturizing treatment to support your scalp, soften curls, and plump your tresses. A pre-shampoo treatment provides protein to your curls to target hair bonds to help strengthen and repair, in a conveniently sized tube for every vacation spot.

Hair Care with Curlsmith

At Curlsmith, we provide the essential curly, wavy hair products and coily hair products . All our products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, silicones and sulfates.

All Wellness
All Skin Care
Moisturizers
Mineral Sunscreens
Sunscreens for Kids
Sunscreens for Dark Skin
SPF Lip Balms
Under Eye Patches
All Hair Care
Purple Shampoos
Thinning Hair
Head Shavers
Hair Dryers
All Oral Care
Electric Toothbrushes
Toothpastes
Mouthwashes
Water Flossers
Meal Kit Delivery
Gluten-Free Meal Kit Delivery
Disposable Face Masks
Air Purifiers
Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents
Natural Deodorants
Period Underwear
All Fitness
Exercise Bikes
Walking Shoes
Fitness Trackers
Reusable Water Bottles
Blackout Curtains
Sound Machines
Home & Kitchen
All Home & Kitchen
Kitchen Appliances & Tools
All Kitchen Appliances & Tools
Coffee Makers
Kitchen Gadgets
Small Home Appliances
All Small Home Appliances
Air Conditioners
Space Heaters
Humidifiers
Bedding & Bath
All Bedding & Bath
Bath Towels
Silk Pillowcases
Duvet Inserts
Office Chairs
Standing Desks
Desk Organizers
Seat Cushions
Under Desk Ellipticals
All Outdoor
Raised Garden Boxes
Garden Hoses
Beach Towels
Solar Pool Covers
Grilling Accessories
Electronics
All Electronics
Wifi Routers
Gaming Consoles
Streaming Devices
Instant Cameras
Handheld Gaming Consoles
3D Printers
All Headphones
Noise Canceling
Wireless Earbuds
Smart Gadgets
All Smart Gadgets
Smart Watches
Smart Bulbs
Garage Door Openers
All Computers
Gaming Laptops
Laptops for College Students
Computer Monitors
Ergonomic Keyboards
Dog Carriers
Litter Boxes
Scratching Posts
Cat Carriers
All Pet Care
Nail Clippers
Flea & Tick
All Luggage
Lightweight
Weekender Bags
Accessories
All Accessories
Luggage Tags
Travel Pillows
Tech Gadgets
Packing & Organization
All Packing & Organization
Packing Cubes
Toiletry Bags
Gift Guides
All Gift Guides
Valentine's Day
All Valentine's Day
For Any Loved Ones
Mother's Day
All Mother's Day
Last Minute Gifts
Best Mother's Day Gifts
For Moms Who Have Everything
Best from Amazon
All Graduation
For College Grads
For High School Grads
For Teachers
Father's Day
All Father's Day
Best Father's Day Gifts
For Dads Who Love Fishing
Holiday Season & Christmas
All Holiday Season & Christmas
Gifts Under $25
Practical Gifts
Other occasions & loved ones
All Other occasions & loved ones
For Grandparents
For Bridal Shower
For New Parents
For Any Occasion
Deals & Sales
All Deals & Sales
Most Popular This Month
Sales This Week
New & Notable
What to Buy This Month
All Sleep Week
Body Pillows
Sleep Week Sales
CNBC Select
All CNBC Select
Credit Cards
Small Business
Personal Finance
Credit Monitoring
Help for Low Credit Scores
Sign up for the Select Newsletter
Check out Shop TODAY
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Terms Of Service
NBC News Sitemap

Follow Select

Top-rated travel diffusers for smooth, defined curls whenever, wherever

There are a few different types of travel diffusers, including collapsible versions and soft, sock-like diffusers.

If you’ve ever owned a hair dryer , there’s a good chance you’ve encountered a diffuser attachment before. Diffuser attachments are round, claw-like pieces that fit onto the nozzle of a hair dryer and, spread out any air emitted from the blow dryer. This allows for a gentler and more even airflow than what you might get from the nozzle alone.

Diffusers are especially useful for people with curly hair, since, by evenly dispersing (and slowing) the force of air, they can dry waves, curls and coils without affecting their shape and definition. Plus, depending on how you use your diffuser, this attachment can also boost volume and enhance texture.

However, diffusers’ round, thick shape can make them bulky, so they may be particularly troublesome to travel with. Some are even designed to fit only on dedicated hair dryers, which is why finding a portable option can be helpful. With that in mind, we asked hairstylists to share their picks for travel diffusers that’ll give you healthy, shiny curls wherever, whenever.

Our top picks

How we picked top-rated travel diffusers

If the size of a standard diffuser is too large for your luggage, then you have two options, according to experts we spoke with. You can either find a collapsible diffuser, which folds into a flat, round shape, or opt for a sock diffuser, which is made of a soft, foldable material. Some also prefer to use the attachments that come included when you buy a travel hair dryer. Here’s what else to consider.

Compatibility : Diffusers aren’t always one-size-fits-all. If you’re planning to use a hotel hair dryer, opt for a diffuser attachment that comes in a universal size to ensure it fits.
Material : The material of your appliance can determine how much space it will take up. Soft, mesh materials will take up the least amount of space.
Size: Diffusers can differ in their diameter, which can impact how easily they are to travel with’ as well as how they style hair.

select Why co-washing can be a game changer for curly and coily hair

Top-rated travel diffusers to shop in 2024.

Below, we compiled the travel diffusers that experts use to style their clients’ hair on the road. We also include travel hair dryers that come with diffuser attachments, since these often have more bells and whistles, like cool-shot buttons and multiple heat settings, than your average hotel dryer. (Plus, there’s no guarantee that a dryer will necessarily be available wherever you’re traveling.) For that reason, we included recommendations for both.

Top-rated travel diffusers

Ys park large diffuser.

Several experts we spoke with recommended this soft sock dryer, since it’s incredibly versatile. “I use this diffuser for setting a wet look and drying men’s hair, as well as drying natural waves and curls,” says Jennifer Nast , a hairstylist at Sharon Dorram Salon at Sally Herschberger in New York City. Mia Santiago , a hairstylist in Los Angeles, also says that it’s easy to pack and use. The mesh fabric is infused with silver and titanium particles, which help it retain heat, plus it comes with an adjustable strap to fit any nozzle, according to the brand.

Compatibility: Universal | Material: Mesh | Size: N/A

Hot Sock The Ultralight Diffuser

Unlike a plastic option, this foam sock diffuser is small enough to put in a purse and is effectively weightless, according to the brand. It has a 4.3-star average rating from 2,771 reviews on Amazon, and should extend as far as four inches beyond the tip of the dryer, according to Hot Sock.

Compatibility: Universal | Material: Foam | Size: N/A

The Curly Co. Collapsible Hair Diffuser

The stretchy, flexible silicone of this diffuser, which collapses flat to a width of 2.25 inches, can fit on most hair dryer nozzles, according to the brand. It also has built-in grips, and works best with low heat, according to The Curly Co. It has a 4.1-star average rating from 5,410 reviews on Amazon.

Compatibility: Universal | Material: Silicone | Size: 5.25-inch diameter

Conair Volumizing Universal Hair Diffuser

When she doesn’t want to pack a hair dryer, Sandra Almanzar , a Davines Salon specialist and hairstylist, relies on this diffuser, saying that it fits comfortably in her suitcase. Plus, this has prongs, or fingers, which lift the hair while diffusing, adding volume and body to the hair, she says. It doesn’t have the smallest profile, but it does fit most hair-dryer nozzles, including many Conair models, according to the brand.

Compatibility: Conair hair dryers | Material: Plastic | Size: 5.5-inch diameter

Top-rated travel hair dryers with diffusers

Curlsmith de-frizzion travel hair dryer & diffuser.

Curlsmith De-Frizzion Travel Hair Dryer & Diffuser

While this hair dryer is relatively small as it is, the handle folds down to further shrink its footprint. It has dual voltage, multiple speed and heat settings, and comes with a 6-inch diffuser, which is smaller than the 8-inch version that Curlsmith typically offers, according to the brand. The dryer, which has a 5.0-star rating from 47 reviews at Sephora, also comes with a storage bag.

Combined weight of diffuser and blow dryer: 1.1 pounds | Size: 6-inch diameter

Bed Head Curls-in-Check 1875W Hair Diffuser Dryer

This diffuser, which comes recommended by NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin , is built into a compact dryer (although you can remove it for cleaning and to increase the airflow). It has three heat and two speed settings as well as a cool-shot button, according to the brand. “It honestly doesn’t take up much space in my luggage and is super reliable,” says Malin. “I’ve had mine for over a year and use it at home every day in addition to while traveling.”

Combined weight of diffuser and blow dryer: 1.55 pounds | Size: 8.5-inch diameter

Dyson Supersonic

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

The Dyson Supersonic has a slim profile and light weight (clocking in at 1.8 pounds) that makes it easier to pack than the typical hair dryer. It comes with a diffuser that magnetically attaches to the nozzle of the dryer. “I absolutely love the diffuser attachment with the Dyson blow dryer because of the long prongs and how it dries the hair evenly,” says Almanzar.

Combined weight of diffuser and blow dryer: 1.8 pounds | Size: 5.5-inch diameter

InfinitiProBy Conair Worldwide Travel Folding Dryer

This folding travel hair dryer has two voltage levels, which automatically adjust when you plug it in, according to the brand. It also has an LED display to note the voltage, too, as well as three heat and two speed options. The diffuser attachment itself has long prongs, and the dryer has a 4.4-star average rating from more than 1,100 ratings on Amazon.

Combined weight of diffuser and blow dryer: 1.55 pounds | Size: 4.7-inch diameter

select We tried Shark’s two new hair tools for 10 days — here’s what to know

How to shop for travel diffusers.

When you’re shopping for a travel diffuser, the most important thing to consider is whether you want a standalone diffuser — meaning you’ll attach it to a hotel hair dryer — or a diffuser attachment that comes with a travel hair dryer.

That said, the wattage (which measures the power of the dryer and influences the drying time) will differ between hotels, travel dryers, and your usual, at-home hair dryer. “Most travel dryers aren’t as powerful as an at-home dryer, so it may take a bit longer than normal to diffuse your hair,” says Meri Kate O’Connor , a hair colorist at Benjamin Salon in West Hollywood, CA.

Then, there’s the type of diffuser. There are generally two types to consider:

Sock diffusers: These are essentially small, sock-like bags that cover the end of the blow-dryer. “This option can easily be packed in any carry-on or suitcase,” says Nast. This type of diffuser is very gentle on the hair, but it can take longer to fully dry waves and curls.
Collapsible diffusers: These diffusers, which are typically made of silicone or plastic, pop out for diffusing, and then collapse down for storage. As a result, they’re helpful for saving space while traveling, says O’Connor. The drawback is that depending on the quality of the diffuser, it might not stay popped open while you’re using it.

The material of your diffuser is also important to consider when shopping. Some are made of silicone, which allow the base of the diffuser to fit over any nozzle size. Others are made of plastic; the advantage here is that these typically have prongs throughout, which grip and lift the hair while you diffuse, improving volume and texture.

And, of course, the size matters. The larger the diffuser, the more evenly it can disperse air — and the faster your hair dries. However, “compact or collapsible diffusers may have a smaller diffusing area,” says Almanzar. “This could slightly compromise the overall styling effect compared to standard-sized diffusers.” It’s ultimately the tradeoff for being able to easily transport a diffuser.

Who should use a hair diffuser?

If you have any bend to your hair, be it a loose 2A wave or a springy 4B coil, a diffuser can be helpful. “A diffuser attachment is beneficial for individuals with curly or wavy hair textures , as it helps enhance natural curls and reduce frizz,” says Almanzar. “It can also be used by anyone looking to add volume and texture to their hair.”

That’s because these attachments diffuse the airflow coming from your hair dryer, making it gentler so the force of it doesn’t straighten out hair or reduce definition. (For my own 2C and 3A curls, which I typically air dry, I find that using a diffuser is a fast way to get a tousled, air-dried look without the wait.)

Using a hair dryer with a powerful airflow, can inadvertently cause frizz, so the diffuser also minimizes frizz and flyaways and delivers a smoother, shinier appearance to curls.

How to use a hair diffuser

First, it’s important to position your diffuser correctly. Start by aiming the diffuser downward, in the direction of the hair shaft, says O’Connor. By aiming the airflow in a single direction, it helps keep the cuticle of the hair — and your hair itself — smooth.

Try not to touch your hair during this step, since doing so can create frizz. (And, depending on the material of the diffuser — as with a sock diffuser — you could make your hair fuzzy.) Then, “gently check the hair periodically to see how dry the hair is,” says Nast. “When you are about 80 to 90 percent dry, lower the heat and speed level.”

At this point, you can go in and start scrunching your hair with your hands, moving the diffuser around the hair and placing your curls in the bowl of the diffuser until they’re fully dry. You can also style your hair to get different effects. For instance, if you’re looking for volume, you can flip your head upside down or tilt it to the right or left while aiming your diffuser upwards, says Santiago.

For the best results, “don’t drag your diffuser through your hair,” she says. “Bounce it in and out to disperse the airflow into the hair.”

How to pack a diffuser

Once you have your diffuser in hand, it’s important to pack it right. If you’re working with a sock diffuser, it’s simple: Simply fold it up and stash it with the rest of your clothes or toiletries . Meanwhile, when packing a standard-size diffuser for travel, “try placing it in the middle of your suitcase , preferably between clothes,” says Nast. (That way, it’ll be cushioned to minimize the chance of it breaking.)

But you can adjust it to whatever feels most secure. For instance, “I keep mine sideways to pack things around it so it doesn’t move or get broken,” says Santiago.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Jennifer Nast is a hairstylist at Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger Salon in New York, NY, where she specializes in easy-to-maintain haircuts.
Sandra Almanzar is a Davines Salon specialist and hairstylist based in New York, NY.
Mia Santiago is a hairstylist who splits her time between Columbus, OH, New York City, and Los Angeles. She specializes in editorial, advertising, and red-carpet hairstyling.
Meri Kate O’Connor is a hair colorist at Benjamin Salon in West Hollywood, CA. She focuses on blonde hair colors, as well as extensions and keratin treatments.

Why trust NBC Select?

Deanna Pai is a freelance beauty writer and editor who has been covering beauty and health for more than a decade, including recent stories on how to identify your curl type and roundups of the best brushes and combs . She uses a diffuser to dry her Types 2C and 3A curls in a pinch, and interviewed four hairstylists to learn how to take your hair diffuser on the go.

Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Deanna Pai is a freelance writer and editor at NBC Select.

21 Best Curly Hair Products to Help You Finally Master Your Curls

Never dread wash days again.

her hair product gets the job done everytime haircare

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

The fact of the matter is that people with curly hair do need a stockpile of products on hand. "Our curls are governed by the weather," explains Lorraine Massey , creator of The Curly Girl Method, founder of CurlyWorld , and owner of Spiral (x,y,z) , a salon in NYC. "Water molecules that are ever-present in the atmosphere affect our hair like a mood ring," which means your curls change by the hour, with the weather.

"Everyone’s hair is going to need a little something different when it comes to products, so mixing a few things helps you really hone in on what your hair requires to look its best," explains Bryce Scarlett, Moroccanoil hairstylist. It's important to find the right product combo for your curls, meaning you need to consider your hair's texture, porosity, thickness, and curl pattern when shopping for (and applying) products.

While identifying your curl type is useful for styling, to find the right products for your hair, you'll want to focus more closely on your hair density . "Products aren't necessarily specific to [curl] type," says Tippi Shorter Rank , celebrity hairstylist and Global Artistic Director for L'Oréal's Mizani. "It’s really about the consistency of the hair."

For fine hair, keep your routine simple and light: Don't layer on a bunch of products or use too much of any single one. If you do over-layer products, "they will start to weigh down the hair and make it lethargic and appear thinner," Massey says. As for your hero product? "Fine curly hair tends to respond well gel or mousse as they are lightweight and help really hold the curl together," says Scarlett. Steer clear of rich, thick products that will flatten fine curls.
Medium to thick hair "tends to do well with oils and creams as it helps add weight and decrease frizz," says Scarlett. Layering products will help compact, define, and weigh curls down (in a good way). "Look for products that are truly water-soluble [so] they can commune and pair up together," says Massey.
Coarse or super thick hair "responds really well to hair masques followed by creams and pomades, things that really intensely moisturize," says Scarlett. Shorter says, "no matter if it's a wave, curl, or coil, or even straight," coarse hair demands thicker products that can match its density to work effectively. Look for rich-textured creams, thick, hydrating gels, and viscous oils .

No matter your hair thickness, all curly girls should sleep on a silk pillowcase to prevent frizz and gently tie up hair with a silk scrunchie to keep your style in tact between washes. You can also try swapping your traditional towel with a t-shirt or microfiber towel to scrunch wet hair dry: The texture is smoother than terrycloth towels, which can rough up hair and create frizz.

Now, here's your breakdown of the products you should buy for curly hair, as well as how to use them:

Cleansers & Shampoos

Every hair regimen starts in the shower. But curly hair is different from other hair types in that it needs more moisture, and conversely, less cleansing. No matter which type of hair cleanser you choose, you probably won't have to wash your hair every day. Here are your options:

Traditional shampoos are made with sulfates, the cleansing agent that creates that familiar foamy lather when you shampoo and the super clean feeling that follows. Sulfates often get a bad rap for being harsh on the hair and scalp, but that's not necessarily the case, according to Trefor Evans, Ph.D. , Director of Research and Institute Fellow at TRI-Princeton. While Evans says sulfates could be harsh on the scalp, he says any effect they may have on hair is “minimal compared to all the other things we do to our hair such as chemical treatments and high heat.” TLDR : Despite claims otherwise, there's currently no technical evidence that sulfate-free formulas are gentler, healthier, or better for hair — but many curly-haired folks still tend to prefer them.
Cleansing conditioners or "co-washes" are two-in-one formulas that claim to wash and condition hair without sulfates for hair that's cleansed, but not squeaky-clean (a.k.a. stripped of natural oils), explains Danusia Wnek, chemist in the GH Beauty Lab . Unlike the 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner hybrids of the past, Shorter says co-washes are the opposite: All conditioner with a little bit of shampoo. "Using a co-wash gets you that clean that you would have gotten from a shampoo, but it leaves it feeling you just rinsed conditioner out of your hair." This makes it ideal for curly hair.

For clean hair that doesn't feel dry, Shorter suggests combining the two shampoo formulas: Use a scalp-specific traditional shampoo at roots, and a co-wash for the rest of your hair. That way, you get the best of both worlds.

Experts say these are the best products for the job:

CURLYWORLD Sham-Free Hair & Scalp Cleanser

If you're looking for a sulfate-free cleansing option, this co-wash is an all-in-one scalp-and-hair fix that cleans, conditions, and detangles . It's a "hydrating product that you can use for the tightest coils to the loosest waves," Massey says.

Joico Co+Wash Whipped Cleansing Conditioner

In our Beauty Lab tests, consumers found t his 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.

Herbal Essences BioRenew Hydrating Coconut Milk Shampoo

When we tested shampoo for dry hair , this formula was a standout. Though it contains sulfates, the creamy texture removed buildup and cleansed hair while leaving it feeling moisturized and soft, even before conditioner .

John Frieda Frizz Ease Daily Nourishment Shampoo

A shampoo designed specifically to to fight frizz, in GH Beauty Lab tests, this John Frieda pick moisturized so effectively that testers said they were tempted to skip conditioner . One tester said they "could already tell a significant change in my hair texture for the better" after one use. FYI: This formula contains sulfates.

Pattern Heavy Conditioner

Made specifically "for coilies," this thick-textured conditioner is formulated with shea butter, making it perfect for coarse hair. The lightly-fragranced product melts through knots and is loaded with hydrating oils like avocado and safflower to detangle and hydrate high porosity hair. Curly girls will love that the conditioner bottle is significantly larger than its matching shampoo to reflect actual usage.

Leave-Ins, Masks & Deep Conditioners

Deep conditioners and hair masks, like regular conditioners, are used in-shower after shampooing. Though they are rinsed out, they are left on for a longer period of time and tend to offer deeper hydration than traditional conditioners — perfect for coarse or curly hair. Typically, you can use these one to two times a week for a hydration boost, but Shorter says, "If your hair is incredibly, excessively dry, you can run a conditioner through every time you cleanse."

Meanwhile, leave-in conditioner is an absolute must for every curly hair pattern. "Textured hair in general has multiple challenges, the main one being it's just dry," says Shorter. The moisturizing formulas are "priming your hair, getting it ready to accept [more] product," and to help fight frizz. For most curl types, Massey suggests a silicone-free leave-in conditioner as a first step for styling: "Squeeze and scrunch a little bit out before adding more styler(s)." Use them on soaking wet hair after every wash or rinse, or on styled hair to refresh dry-looking spirals.

Here are our top picks for ultimate hydration:

Head & Shoulders Deep Moisture Masque Conditioner Treatment

Since curly hair tends to be drier than other hair types, that can translate to an itchy, uncomfortable scalp and dandruff. This hydrating mask treats your hair and scalp with flake-fighting pyrithione zinc. When tested on textured hair in our Lab, it scored high for reducing scalp and hair dryness, with testers swearing that "flakes disappeared!”

It's a 10 Miracle Deep Conditioner Plus Keratin

The winner of GH's deep conditioning hair mask test , this pick was super hydrating without being greasy and earned a perfect score for its ability to condition hair and prevent damage in the Lab's wet-combing test. A tester said it made bleached hair feel "softer and more manageable." The cream formula is best for medium to thick hair.

L'Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Protein Recharge Leave-In Conditioner

A past GH Beauty Awards winner, this budget-friendly conditioning treatment prevents breakage by strengthening hair with almond and protein. The brand also claims it can protect against heat up to 450º which further prevents breakage. You can use this hydrating cream on medium to coarse strands.

Garnier Whole Blends Gentle Detangling Hair Milk Oat Delicacy

This lightweight conditioning spray is best for fine curls . In one Beauty Lab test, 90% of consumer testers agreed that it left hair feeling soft and hydrated without weighing it down. It's backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal , so if it doesn't live up to its claims, we will refund you in full.

Tea Tree Lavender Mint Conditioning Leave-in Spray

Most leave-in conditioning sprays are lightweight, but this formula is thicker which makes it ideal to rehydrate and soften medium, thick, and even coarse textures . The spray form factor makes for a quick, easy application: Spray it onto wet hair for noticeable softness and shine, or spritz onto dry hair to rehydrate second- or third-day curls. Bonus: It smells like an aromatherapy treatment.

Curl Creams

Curl creams come in all forms and can do anything from hydrate to style, but traditionally, these products are "for frizz control and for hydration," says Shorter. Pick your product based on thickness: "A thicker texture for thicker strands of hair," says Shorter.

As for usage, Shorter says, "I use creams wet and dry. So if I'm using it to really help emulsify my curls, I use it while my hair is wet." After a day or two post-wash, when hair is dry, you "could use something that's a little richer," to revitalize curls, she says.

Here, the curl creams that will hydrate, define, and otherwise zhuzh your curls:

SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Hair Smoothie Cream

People with coarse, curly hair love this product (we're talking nearly 4,000 Amazon reviews ). A little goes a long way to hydrate hair and smooth frizz, though the thick-textured product doesn't do much in the way defining curls — the flip-side means no crunchiness or stiff-feeling spirals .

MOROCCANOIL Curl Defining Cream

A cult favorite, this rich cream is great for taming thick hair . You can smooth it onto hair with your palms or gently rake through soaking wet hair with your fingers, but don't comb it through: "It’s important that curls are never brushed," says Massey, especially when it's being styled. Brushing curls can lead to frizz (at best) and damaged hair (at worst). Use it for finger styling, twist-outs, or braids.

Mixed Chicks Coil Kink Style Cream

A favorite for thick, full, or coarse textures , this styling cream is rich in hydrating oils like sweet almond, olive, and safflower to replenish moisture and make easy work of styling. Apply it to wet hair for wash-and-go styling or to tame unruly coils and spirals.

Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Creme

Good for waves, curls, and coils , this cream (made with avocado, soybean, and orange peel oils) gives flexible hold while hydrating and defining curls . Apply it to wet hair to seal in moisture and block out humidity and frizz. Thicker textures may be able handle more product, but stick to a quarter-size amount on thinner strands for starters.

Gels & Mousse

" Mousse is really great for finer texture hair," says Shorter. By and large, mousses are bodifying formulas that plump up strands and add volume to waves and curls. Scrunch into wet hair and let dry; "It’s ok if they dry a bit crispy at first," says Scarlett. "Wait until the hair is completely bone dry then scrunch with your hands to break up the crispy bits and fluff out the hair for volume."

Gels can be great for all types of curls, from waves to coils, depending on the product's texture. "Gels that are water-like ... are great for everybody: Great for waves, curls, and coils, thin, fine, all the way to coarse," says Shorter. A good rule of thumb: "The thicker the gel, the coarser and the thicker the hair," so if you'll want to reach for a more viscous formula if your hair is on the thicker side. Only use gels on wet hair, Shorter advises, and know that applying thicker product when curls are sopping wet (as in, before you even touch 'em with a towel) ensures the best definition and the smallest amount of frizz.

These gels and mousses are our favorites for taming and amplifying spirals:

Dove Amplified Textures Shine & Moisture Finishing Gel

Perfect for fine hair, Dove's patented Fiber Actives plump up strands while adding hydration to curls and waves with softening jojoba and coconut oils, glycerin, and shea butter. Apply to damp hair in sections or scrunch all over. The alcohol-free formula won't flake or crunch as it dries.

Biolage Styling Whipped Volume Mousse

Among the top performers from the GH Beauty Lab's hair mousse test, this pick scored highly for adding volume that lasted for hours and withstood various humidity levels. Curly girls loved the whipped cream consistency and pleasant scent, saying, "my curls lasted longer after styling with this mousse, I didn't have to use as much for volume all over." Perfect for fine and medium textures, it hydrates and defines without crunchiness or stiffness.

Tea Tree Lavender Mint Defining Gel

This lightweight formula helps to add definition, shine, and control. A thin-textured and watery gel like this one can be useful for nearly all hair types: Use it to define curls on thin hair, and tame frizz or flyaways on to medium-thick strands. It's hydrating and won't feel stiff or crunchy as it dries.

Oils, Serums & Frizz Fighters

With textured hair, "natural oils just don't make it from the scalp to the hair, so oils or oil-based products are always going to be key," says Shorter. Whether that's a serum, oil, or cream-based frizz fighter will depend on your hair's thickness. "Lighter oils — the ones that are like dry oil — those are great for all hair types or all hair textures ... You don't want to use a really heavy type of oil on fine hair because it will weigh it down." And remember: "The thicker the oil, the thicker the hair," says Shorter.

You can smooth these products onto wet hair or dry hair to combat frizz at any time. These frizz-fighters are our favorite:

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum

In Beauty Lab tests, this serum scored high for fighting frizz in humid conditions, and our testers were impressed with its performance — even in Florida humidity. It was our testers' outright favorite for softening and smoothing hair without weighing it down , despite a texture that has "the feel of olive oil." Smooth it on thick hair from the midshaft to the ends of dry hair at the end of styling for shine that "almost [makes] hair sparkle," said one tester.

Garden of Life Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

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.

Joico K-PAK Protect & Shine Serum

In Beauty Lab tests, this serum was the only product earn a perfect score in Lab humidity resistance tests where it actually prevented strands of hair from thickening and expanding in high humidity. Testers loved using it too, saying it made hair soft, shiny, and smooth, smelled great, and had an easy-to-apply texture.

Moroccanoil Treatment

This hydrating oil is an all-time favorite for medium to coarse hair types. Apply the rich argan and linseed formula onto wet hair to encourage smoothness and detangle strands , or smooth onto dry hair from mid-shaft to ends to boost shine and stop frizz. It also comes in a light formula for fine hair .

Jessica (she/her) is a deputy editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a longtime product tester, reviewer, writer and editor of beauty and lifestyle content. She has over a decade of industry experience, previously as beauty editor at USA Today' s Reviewed where she launched the Beauty vertical and tested hundreds of products and has covered trends for publications like The Boston Globe and The New York Times. You can usually find her sorting through piles of beauty products — and testing the best ones on camera.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Hair Ideas for 2024

The Best Hair Straighteners

The Best Hair Diffusers

When You Were Born, This Was the Trendiest Haircut

What Type of Curly Hair Do You Have?

How to Curl Your Own Hair at Home Like a Pro

12 Best Toners for Blonde Hair

How to Clean Your Hairbrush

vanessa hong wears a silver large hair clip during paris fashion week womenswear spring summer 2022

10 Claw Clip Hairstyles You Have to try ASAP

Cher's Most Iconic Hairstyles

african american woman shampooing her hair in the shower

How to Care for High Porosity Hair

The Best Leave-In Conditioners for All Curly Hair

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

The 11 Very Best Shampoos The 11 Very Best Shampoos
The 10 Very Best Conditioners The 10 Very Best Conditioners
The 9 Very Best Flat Irons The 9 Very Best Flat Irons
The 8 Very Best Hair Dryers The 8 Very Best Hair Dryers
The Best Hair Towels on Amazon, According to Reviewers The Best Hair Towels on Amazon, Accordin…
The Best Products for Dry Hair, According to Hairstylists The Best Products for Dry Hair, Accordin…
How to Dye Hair at Home, According to Colorists How to Dye Hair at Home, According to Co…
15 Cult French Pharmacy Products on Amazon 15 Cult French Pharmacy Products on Amaz…
14 Men With Very Different Hair on the Product They Use 14 Men With Very Different Hair on the P…
The Best Hairbrushes, According to Hairstylists The Best Hairbrushes, According to Hairs…
The Best Clip-In Hair Extensions, According to Stylists The Best Clip-In Hair Extensions, Accord…
I Tried Four Dry Shampoos, None Beat My Beloved Regular Ones I Tried Four Dry Shampoos, None Beat My…
The Styling Tools and Accessories I Use on My Damaged Hair The Styling Tools and Accessories I Use…
This Spray Has Made My Bleached Hair Look Naturally Glossy This Spray Has Made My Bleached Hair Loo…
Extremely Culty Hairstory New Wash Is 30 Percent Off Extremely Culty Hairstory New Wash Is 30…
I Can’t Stop Buying Unusual Scrunchies I Can’t Stop Buying Unusual Scrunchies
6 Products I Use on My Post-Sun (Possibly Sunburned) Skin 6 Products I Use on My Post-Sun (Possibl…
19 Things I Recommend to Those Having Breast-Cancer Surgery 19 Things I Recommend to Those Having Br…
Ask Chris Black: What Hair Products Do You Use? Ask Chris Black: What Hair Products Do Y…
This Body-Slash-Scalp Scrub Changed My Mind About 2-in-1s This Body-Slash-Scalp Scrub Changed My M…
This Travel Mask Keeps My Hair From Looking Like A Broom This Travel Mask Keeps My Hair From Look…
5 Best Deep Conditioners for My Tightly Curled Natural Hair 5 Best Deep Conditioners for My Tightly…
NatureLab Tokyo Makes a Perfect Dupe for My Fancy Shampoo NatureLab Tokyo Makes a Perfect Dupe for…
The Hair ‘Milk’ That’s Like a Bounce Sheet for Staticky Hair The Hair ‘Milk’ That’s Like a Bounce She…
I Tried More Than a Dozen to Find the Best Co-Washes for Men I Tried More Than a Dozen to Find the Be…
My 7 Favorite Drugstore Haircare Products My 7 Favorite Drugstore Haircare Product…
How to Get Rid of Dandruff, According to Experts How to Get Rid of Dandruff, According to…
Is There Such a Thing As an ‘Ecofriendly Hairspray?’ Is There Such a Thing As an ‘Ecofriendly…
The Best Temporary Hair Color for Any Halloween Look The Best Temporary Hair Color for Any Ha…
What Are the Best Products for Styling Short Hair? What Are the Best Products for Styling S…
The 6 Products I Use to Combat Summer Frizzies The 6 Products I Use to Combat Summer Fr…
These Purple Drops Keep My Blonde Hair From Getting Brassy These Purple Drops Keep My Blonde Hair F…
This Powder Made My Mother’s Gray Hairs Disappear This Powder Made My Mother’s Gray Hairs…
The Products I Use to Keep My Double-Processed Hair Healthy The Products I Use to Keep My Double-Pro…
Rio Stops By: Going Blonde With Colorist Emaly Baum Rio Stops By: Going Blonde With Colorist…
No Curling Iron Worked Until a Hairstylist Gave Me Hers No Curling Iron Worked Until a Hairstyli…
I Can’t Stop Buying Products Meant for Babies I Can’t Stop Buying Products Meant for B…
The Travel-Sized Products That I Trust on Trips The Travel-Sized Products That I Trust o…
11 Things We’ve Recommended Before Are on Sale at Dermstore 11 Things We’ve Recommended Before Are o…
A Beauty Breakdown With Makeup Artist Katie Jane Hughes A Beauty Breakdown With Makeup Artist Ka…
I’ve Never Gotten a Blowout As Good As This Thermal Brush I’ve Never Gotten a Blowout As Good As T…
The 14 Products I Emptied Out Over the Last Few Months The 14 Products I Emptied Out Over the L…
The 7 Products That Keep My Bleached Hair Soft and Healthy The 7 Products That Keep My Bleached Hai…
The Travel Hair Dryer I Discovered From a Runway Hairstylist The Travel Hair Dryer I Discovered From…
This Japanese Cream Is My Salon’s Secret to Amazing Hair This Japanese Cream Is My Salon’s Secret…
The Shopping List My Mother Uses for Her Curly Hair The Shopping List My Mother Uses for Her…
The Best Products for Oily Hair, According to My Followers The Best Products for Oily Hair, Accordi…
I Use This Vinegar to Stop Rashes and Even Condition Hair I Use This Vinegar to Stop Rashes and Ev…
The 3 Best Dry-Scalp Treatments for My Curly, Bleached Hair The 3 Best Dry-Scalp Treatments for My C…
The Shampoo Replacement I Only Have to Use Once a Week The Shampoo Replacement I Only Have to U…

All the Best Curly-Hair Products We’ve Ever Written About

“There are many different kinds of curls out there,” says Ash Fritzler, a master stylist who specializes in cutting and styling curly hair at the Bird House salon in Brooklyn. To figure out how to style yours best, first identify your hair’s specific type of tight coils or loose waves or anything in between. Fritzler points to a popular chart as a starting point for seeing where you fall on the spectrum from wavy to kinky (or, according to the chart’s labeling, from 2a to 4c). This “helps people find what kind of curls they have so they can come up with the best method of care for them,” Fritzler says.

We combed through our archives for curly-hair advice and talked to Fritzler and 23 other stylists, beauty writers, and salon owners to find the best gels, creams, mousses , shampoos , conditioners , brushes , and blow-dryers . And because styling arguably begins in the shower , we also got their top shampoo and conditioner picks. On that note, it should be said that all these experts stressed that curly hair tends to be on the drier side and less porous, thus requiring less frequent lathering up (the sweet spot for Fritzler is two times a week).

Best styling gels for curly hair

Best styling gel for all curly-hair types.

CurlMix Organic Flaxseed Gel for Curly Hair with Hemp Seed Oil

Stephanie Louis, owner of Stylebox Salon , says this relatively new gel product works “on every single curl type — loose, wavy, tight curls, tightly coiled, all of it.” What she likes about the flaxseed gel is that it can be used for a wash-and-go look (though she notes that you’ll have to use some trial and error to find just the right amount of gel to suit your hair type, depending on its thickness). “And one of the best things about this gel is that it won’t leave your hair crunchy at all ,” Louis says. According to CurlMix, this product is designed so you’ll have to use it only once a week, after washing, and it counts organic jojoba oil , which is similar to the oil that hair naturally produces, on the ingredient list. The gel helps infuse hair with that oil to give it a more moisturized feel. Leigh Hardges, a stylist at Chicago-based Maxine Salon , is also a fan and says it does a great job of separating, holding, and hydrating curls.

Best styling gel for tight curls

“Soultanicals is another brand that really understands curly hair, especially those with tightly coiled hair at the end of the curl spectrum,” Louis says. “This ‘Gelly’ is a phenomenal curl definer and curl elongator — so the holy grail of double whammies.” It has a slight hold, which will keep your hair looking curly but not crunchy, and, Louis says, “makes frizz invisible .” To use it, you apply the gel to wet hair, smoothing it into each section, then let hair air-dry before scrunching your curls (according to Soultanicals’ site, it’s best not to touch the hair while you let it air-dry; otherwise it may start to frizz ). The amount of product you use will depend on the density of your hair, so those with looser, wavier curls should use less, while those with thicker and tighter coils can use more.

Best light-hold styling gel for tight curls

Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel

“When curls tend to be tighter, they don’t need as much hold,” says Dhiran Mistry, a stylist at David Mallett salon . Instead, tight curls need more moisture; that’s what helps them hold their shape. This Ouidad gel contains meadowfoam-seed oil and arnica flower to lock in moisture — and cut down on dryness and frizz.

Best styling creams for curly hair

Best styling creams for all curly-hair types.

Celebrity hairstylist Monae Everett likes this cream from Luxju, which she says works well on various hair types and textures. “I love that you can use less if you have finer hair and more if you have thicker hair,” she says, adding that it dries down completely flake-free and uses ingredients like coconut oil and almond oil to nourish. This should be applied to damp hair, she says; it will help to maintain the hair’s shape as it dries, while also imparting moisture onto strands.

Tree Naturals Honey, Fruit & Flowers Hair Milk

Everett also likes this hair milk from Tree Naturals, which she says makes hair feel great (moisturized and bouncy) and smell good. The six-in-one product acts as a leave-in, moisturizer, detangler, definer, refresher, and styler, meaning any hair type can use it to fit specific hair needs.

Celebrity hairstylist Nicole Newland , whose clients include Queen Sugar ’s Bianca Lawson and Insecure ’s Amanda Seales, swears by this curl-defining cream that defines, hydrates, and works well on everything from a twist-out to a wash-and-go. The formula contains an array of good-for-hair ingredients like flaxseed oil, which is packed with omega-3’s and promotes growth, and shea butter, which helps reduce split ends and has fatty acids and vitamins to boost your hair’s moisture.

Best styling creams for loose curls

SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

“Loose curls will typically have a little less hold to them and need more assistance to coil better,” Mistry says. “Something a little thicker in substance will help hold those curls in place while drying.” His go-to is SheaMoisture’s Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie; the ingredients of silk protein and neem-seed oil, he says, help promote hair growth while preventing damage . Louis is also a fan of the brand’s products (and recommends its Red Palm & Cocoa Butter Curl Stretch Pudding further down on this list). “There’s a reason SheaMoisture has been a long-standing tour de force on the market,” she says.

Another product that may appeal to those looking to amp up loose curls is Aveda’s Be Curly curl enhancer, which Shirley Hagel, a stylist at Parlor Salon , says “uses hydrolyzed wheat protein and an aloe blend that expands when the hair is wet and retracts when hair is dry to enhance the wave or curl.” The expanding effect of wheat protein adds body and volume to hair, and because this protein easily absorbs into the hair shaft, it can help repair damage to the follicle as well.

Best styling creams for bouncy curls

For those with hair that’s more curly than wavy, R+Co’s Turntable Curl Defining Crème can bring out curls that are “more full, bouncy, luscious, and shiny,” says Fritzler. “Turntable has that hold without the crunchy, gritty feeling in the hair, and it also hydrates.” To use the cream, she’ll work between a nickel- and a quarter-size amount into hair, then finger-coil or two-strand-twist the curls before using a diffuser to dry without deflating or flattening them. Another draw of the Turntable cream is that it “reactivates” when wet: If your curls are starting to lose their shape, you can dampen the hair and the product will have a second life. “For many curly girls, it takes a lot of work to get a desired style, so you don’t want to be washing or wetting your hair every day,” says Fritzler. “Turntable is really good because on day two or day three after washing , you can use a spray bottle, rewet the hair, and kind of re-form your curls.”

Another option for those who either want to shape the curls they have or bring out more shape in their waves is this defining cream, a favorite of Mirjam Bayoumi , who owns a namesake salon on the Upper East Side. “It’s a leave-in product to make hair less frizzy,” she says. “You put it on after the shower , and it’s basically wash-and-go — you can twist your curls a little bit, but that’s it.” Mistry recommends the Morocconoil cream as well, saying it “works well on wavy hair as well as curly hair by helping smooth and define curls.”

Adwoa Beauty Baomint Moisturizing Curl Defining Cream

After growing her hair out for nearly four years, Strategist contributor India Edwards sought a way to revive her flat and frizzy curls, so she tried this minty Adwoa defining cream for bouncy ringlets. “When I applied a medium-size dollop to my damp hair, I was surprised at how effortlessly my curls detangled,” she says. “I let them air-dry and found the formula to be fast-absorbing with a medium hold.” It’s full of natural ingredients like honey, shea butter , and vitamins E and A, Edwards says, so unlike products with synthetic chemicals, it won’t strip your hair of its natural oils. And after months of use, Edwards says she has shiny, healthy curls that last all day — it revives her curls so well that she’s been able to cut her wash days down from twice a week to once every nine days. “I’ve had curly hair all my life, and this is the best thing I’ve used,” she says.

Best styling creams for tight curls

SheaMoisture Red Palm Oil & Cocoa Butter Curl Stretch Pudding Styler

“This is a beyond-exceptional styler (or ‘pudding,’ as they name it) to help elongate curly to tightly coiled hair textures,” Louis says. Those with more coiled hair textures may get better results when pairing the product with a set style, like a twist or bantu knots, she says; after you undo the knots or twists, this will leave curls with a more defined look. Meanwhile, “those with looser curls can add the pudding to their pre-detangled hair and get amazing results after using a diffuser or hood dryer,” she says. The product is packed with linseed oil, which supplies moisture to the hair strand and follicle, making the hair healthier and more elastic. Louis does note that some may be concerned to see this cream contains potentially drying alcohol, but she says the high oil content “counterbalances” that effect.

Kinky Curly Original Curling Custard Natural Styling Gel

“This Curling Custard is so popular among people with curly to coil-y hair textures who want easy, super-curl-defining results,” says Louis. She attributes its popularity to the fact that “there are so very few curly products that deliver on the wash-and-go promise.” It may take a little trial and error to figure out the exact right amount of the product to use (“Use too little and you won’t get much curl definition. Use too much and it can get really sticky — and I mean literally sticky and gunky,” Louis notes). But “once you figure out that golden ratio, this will feel like a miracle product.” The custard is also anti-humectant (a.k.a. anti-frizz) thanks to the inclusion of agave nectar among its ingredients.

Best styling primers for bouncy curls

While we’re on the subject of bouncy curls, there’s also a primer out there that Fritzler loves right now for bouncy curls specifically. Similar to a primer you might use in a skin-care routine to keep your makeup in place, a hair primer can be useful for preparing hair for styling and protecting it from frizz, oiliness , and any number of other factors that could ruin an otherwise good hair day. “One of my go-tos right now is Twister, which is a curl primer for really bouncy curls,” says Fritzler. “A lot of people want really bouncy, big, defined curls, without a lot of frizz, and Twister is great for that.” To use the primer, you put a dime-size amount on damp hair and work it through the way you might do with a leave-in conditioner . “You comb it through from maybe an inch to an inch and a half away from the scalp and then continue with curl styling, whether that’s finger coiling, two-strand twisting, scrunching, or diffusing,” she says. “Once you put this in, it can either be used as its own styling product or you can build upon it.” She told us she’ll often pair it with the Turntable cream to achieve more defined curls.

Better Not Younger No Remorse Heat Protection & Taming Spray

“The twists and turns of curly hair mean that natural scalp oils , which confer shine and protection, don’t distribute easily down the hair shaft,” Strategist contributor Cheryl Kramer Kaye says . To replicate the benefits of those crucial oils, Kaye uses this lightweight mist, which has vitamin E and argan and avocado oils to lock in moisture and protect hair from heat and environmental damage — she says she just mists it on and combs it through to balance the porosity of her hair. And because Better Not Younger’s products are created with women ages 40 -plus in mind, Kaye says the brand is an appropriate choice for those who notice their scalp sebum production decreasing with age.

Best mousse for all curly-hair types

Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse

The owner of the Brooklyn-based salon Magic Fingers Studio , Stasha M Harris, is a big fan of this lightweight mousse from Design Essentials for achieving definition and reducing frizz without making your hair stiff or flaky. “If there is any existing curl pattern, whether fine curls or tight curls, this mousse will find it,” she says. For even more definition, she pairs it with Shine ’n Jam Black Castor Flaxseed Oil Styler , which she says offers good hold with no buildup.

Best heat protectant for curly hair

When using heat on your hair, Strategist writer Tembe Denton-Hurst says a protectant is essential for ensuring curls bounce back to their natural state. Nigella Miller, owner of Nigella Hair Studio , recommends this oil-based option from Cantu that behaves like a water product, but “it’s very lightweight, so the hair can suck it right up,” she says. The formula includes shea butter, which the brand says moisturizes while acting as a protective barrier.

Best shampoos and conditioners for curly hair

Best moisturizing shampoos and conditioners for all curly hair types.

R+Co Cassette Curl Shampoo + Superseed Oil Complex

Since curly hair tends to be on the drier side, you’ll want to look for a shampoo and conditioner that moisturize exceptionally well. Fritzler says R+Co’s Cassette Curl Shampoo is her go-to for “pretty much anyone with curly hair, from wavy curly to kinky curly.” Like all of R+Co’s products, the shampoo is sulfate free , which is important because sulfates can dry out hair that already needs moisture. “A lot of curly-hair products used to have petroleum and mineral oils in them because it makes the hair shiny, but it also builds up on the hair,” Fritzler adds. “The R+Co shampoo and conditioner doesn’t have any petroleum or mineral oil in it but is still extremely hydrating without stripping natural oils away.” Fritzler says the shampoo works with the natural oils in your scalp while giving hair a clean feeling. Perhaps her favorite thing about it is that “it has a good anti-humectant in it, which means it tames frizz, making it really good for the summer when it’s hot and humid.”

Aveda Nutriplenish Deep Moisture Shampoo

Hagel says if you want to add moisture to curls, Aveda’s new Nutriplenish Deep Moisture line is a great one to try. “Nutriplenish is all about hydration,” she says. “There is a light-moisture and a deep-moisture option, and the deep-moisture option is great for curly hair of all types.” The shampoo and conditioner are designed specifically for curly hair and are packed with organic pomegranate oil, which is rich in omega-5’s (to hydrate); mango butter (to smooth frizz); and coconut oil (to enhance softness and shine through fatty acids) — not to mention the lovely cocoa, cardamom, and ginger scent.

“If you’re someone who can blow-dry your hair straight but can also get some texture in there with the right products and scrunch, that’s where I really like Atlantis,” says Fritzler. “It’s pretty versatile, so it’s a good one for people who have a little bit of wave and are sometimes blowing out or are heat styling.” The shampoo and conditioner are full of nourishing ingredients like vitamin B5, which hydrates and adds shine to hair; prickly-pear-stem extract, which has vitamin E for balancing the pH of your scalp (meaning less irritation); and nettle extract, which makes dull hair gleam and strengthens at the follicle level for less breakage. The shampoo and conditioner are both lightweight, so they’ll clean and moisturize curly-wavy hair without making it too heavy and work as a perfect preparation for the styling products above.

Best shampoo for tightly coiled hair

Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Tightly coiled hair is prone to tangles and dryness, and harsher ingredients like sulfates can strip it. Hairstylist and owner of Magic Fingers Studio recommends this moisturizing shampoo from Design Essentials, which is sulfate-free. “It cleanses all buildup, as well as softening the texture,” she says of the shampoo, which uses nourishing oils like avocado to moisturize and preps hair for detangling.

BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY Hair Wash Gentle Milky Hair Cleanser

This all-in-one Bread shampoo with argan oil, aloe-vera juice, and lemon tea tree oil gives Cut beauty writer Erica Smith the feeling of co-washing , as she says she loves that the milky formula simultaneously cleanses and hydrates. Smith says it left her 3C curls “clean but not crispy; moisturized but not weighed down; soft, while still embracing all my natural frizz.”

Best shampoo and conditioner for curly, high-porosity hair

If you have high-porosity hair, meaning your hair easily accepts moisture but has a hard time retaining it, it’s important to find a shampoo and conditioner that are reparative and contain ingredients that help to fill in the gaps in your hair shaft. This can be a result of color-processing or genetics, and it can be addressed via your hair-care routine. Owner of Simplee Beautiful hair salon Diane Da Costa likes this combo from Maria Nila, which contains algae extract, known to help repair and strengthen hair.

Best shampoo for curly, low porosity hair

Kinky Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo

On the other hand, low-porosity hair has a hard time accepting moisture but holds onto it pretty well once it’s in. That means it’s also prone to buildup and requires clarifying shampoos like this one, which comes recommended by celebrity hairstylist Christin Brown. “It gives your hair a chance to let go of ingredients that build up, preventing proper hydration,” she says. This shampoo cleanses using phytic acid, which removes hard water minerals as well as old product and oils.

Best conditioner for curly, low-porosity hair

The Mane Choice Peach Black Tea Conditioner

Lightweight conditioners are key for low-porosity hair because it won’t weigh it down or sit on top of it. This one is a favorite of cosmetologist Ebony Clark-Bomani and uses glycerin , a humectant, to attract moisture to the hair. It also doesn’t contain protein, which can build up on the hair and cause it to become dry and brittle.

Best leave-in conditioner

Oribe Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler

“Highly textured curly hair is naturally lacking moisture — and color-treated curls are even more at risk of damage,” say s Austin Medearis , master colorist and “curl enthusiast” at Butterfly Studio Salon . To bring back needed hydration, he recommends Oribe’s Priming Lotion, which he says will penetrate curls and preserve their original texture and bounce while also restoring pH and preventing buildup. Ingredients including murumuru, mango, and cocoa-seed butters to moisturize and smooth, according to the brand .

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner

At half the price of Oribe, this leave-in from SheaMoisture will “have your hair feeling shiny and silky due to its shea butter, castor oil, and reparative omegas,” hairstylist Giovanni Vaccaro says . It’s his choice for really textured curls, as he says it’s “rich and carries weight.” The brand says it will smooth and nourish natural, chemically processed, or heat-styled hair, and reviewers say it leaves their hair feeling much stronger, softer, and healthier.

Best hair masks for curly hair

Best hair mask for fine, curly hair.

If you have fine curls, Kaye says this mask from Hours in Minutes doesn’t weigh hers down, thanks to the formula’s avocado and coconut oils — the first has fatty acids to moisturize and strengthen hair, while the second’s low molecular weight works to lightly condition and prevent breakage. “Faster than you can say Rumpelstiltskin, this heavenly scented hair mask spins straw like hair into gold,” says Kaye, who reaches for it nearly every time she’s in the shower .

Best hair mask for natural hair

TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask Deep Conditioner With Raw Honey & Olive Oil

Natural hair, on the other hand, might need a richer product to lock in moisture, and Michelle Dixon, a stylist at Chicago-based Maxine salon, recommends this deep-conditioning option for 4C hair. She likes that the mask incorporates raw honey (a humectant) and jojoba and olive oils to moisturize and minimize shedding and breakage.

Best finishing cream for curly hair

To preserve her curls, Kaye uses this finishing cream, which she says is like a light pomade — it has a little bit of hold and a lot of shine, thanks to the iridescent mica. She says she simply rubs a drop of product between her fingers and retwists any flat or too-fluffy curls to rehydrate the strands and make them look healthy again. The cream is formulated with biomimetic silk-infused technology, which the brand says helps strengthen hair.

Best detangling brushes for curly hair

In comparison to a basic flat brush , Denman’s is smaller and more rounded, and it has bristles that are slightly farther spaced apart, “which is great for combing out wet curly hair, leaving your curls more individually defined and less frizzy,” hairstylist Sara Jane Booth says . Celebrity stylist Ro Morgan, whose clients include Naomi Campbell and Precious Lee, says the bristles are also flexible and safe to use on delicate natural hair. Plus, the brush has an antistatic rubber pad to help minimize frizz and flyaways.

Strategist contributor Natasha Marsh says she went on a wild goose chase to find the perfect brush for detangling , a task she loathes. After much failed experimentation, she tried this plastic yellow brush for kids from Cantu, which she says has long, spaced-out bristles that glide through hair without pulling. Marsh says her detangling routine shortened dramatically and her arm no longer aches, since the handle is comfortable to hold. Because her curls now have better definition, Marsh says moisture can move down the hair shaft easier and she doesn’t have to use as much product or refresh them as often.

Best blow-dryer for curly hair

After air-drying, Kaye says she blow-dries to add volume, and her tool of choice is this Curlsmith for its frizz-minimizing ions and “great range of settings” (three speeds and four heat levels). It also comes with a diffuser that one reviewer calls an almost comically large dish that “cups all my hair and dries it evenly … It doesn’t scrunch my hair and restrict airflow like a smaller diffuser would.” She says she’s noticed more volume and better defined curls since she started using it.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

the strategist
one stop shop
hair treatments

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Micro sales, greatest hits, most viewed stories.

The 11 Very Best Shampoos
22 Things on Sale You’ll Actually Want to Buy: From Bioderma to PicassoTiles
What Todd Selby Can’t Live Without
13 Things on Sale You’ll Actually Want to Buy: From Banana Republic to Hay
The 7 Very Best Baby Bottles
The 16 Very Best Eye Creams

Shop With Google

20 Best Curly Hair Products

By Sarah Hoffmann and Erin Parker

Best Curly Hair Products a collage of Ouai and SheaMoisture hair products on a red background

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

Image may contain: Bottle, Cosmetics, and Sunscreen

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.

Jennifer Love Hewitt's Dainty New Tattoo Is an Adorable Tribute to 9-1-1

By Marci Robin

Each Zodiac Sign's Unique Personality Traits

By Aliza Kelly

Everyone Will Be Wearing This Aquatic Nail Color for Summer

By Annie Blay

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 silver blow-dryer on white background with red Allure BoB seal in the top right corner

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 Defrizzion Hair Dryer on white background

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:

Don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram , Twitter , and TikTok , or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.

Allure Daily Beauty Blast

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Allure. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The Best Hair Pomades for Slick, Sculpted Styles

By Michelle Rostamian

Walmart Has All of Your Spring Beauty Essentials

By Jennifer Hussein

The Best Color Correctors for All Kinds of Discoloration

By Sarah Han

These Natural Wedding Makeup Trends Will be Everywhere in 2024

By Loren Savini

Search Please fill out this field.
Newsletters
Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Hair Products & Tools

The 20 Best Curly Hair Products To Create a Full, Frizz-Free Routine

We've got your curly hair method covered with sulfate-free shampoos, heat protectants, and hot tools.

What to Keep in Mind

Your Questions, Answered

Why Shop with Us

InStyle / Joy Kim

To achieve gorgeous curls, with definition and bounce, consider your routine. Are you choosing the right products for each step? We're here to help breakdown wash day. “A healthy routine starts with treating your curls with love and care at every turn, from detangling to washing, and from drying to styling,” says Vernon François , famed celebrity hairdresser and founder of VERNON FRANÇOIS Haircare .

Adding moisture, defining curls, and finding the perfect sulfate-free shampoo is a full-time job that requires a lot of trial and error. To help you nail your own personal curly girl method, we dug through dozens of tests, interviewed François for his expert recommendations and leaned on our editors with curly hair to find the best curly hair products.

Best Overall

Pattern beauty leave-in conditioner.

Pattern Beauty

It’s a multi-tasking product that provides deep hydration plus styling benefits.

Some reviewers note receiving broken bottles (but, not to worry, as Pattern’s customer service team is great!).

I’ve spent years trying a variety of leave-in conditioners, but once I found this one there was no going back — the jumbo tub permanently lives on my counter. A nourishing cocktail of coconut, jojoba, avocado, and sweet almond oils hydrate curls, restoring bounce and locking in all that post-condition moisture. As soon as I’m done washing and conditioning my hair, I’ll lather a layer of this on and let it soak in before moving on to my stronger-hold gel. If you prefer to detangle outside the shower (personally, I’m an in-shower detangler), this leave-in has tons of slip and will get the job done without pulling. Plus, I love the scents in all of Pattern’s products — they’re so fresh, like perfume for your hair (but not too strong).

Size: 25 oz. | Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil | Best For: Detangling, locking in extra moisture

Best Budget

L'oréal paris evercurl hydracharge shampoo.

What We Love: Our curls felt relaxed and better defined after the first wash, and only looked better with continued use.

What We Don’t Love: It works best with the coordinating conditioner.

Leave it to L'Oreal and our soft, touchable tumble of curls to demonstrate just how a drugstore shampoo can work. The gentle formula behind its sulfate-free formula worked exactly how we’d hoped it would, exceeding our expectations by giving us those loose, but dreamily defined curls we normally have to scrunch and diffuse to bring to fruition. Beyond that, its formula ditches harsh, stripping sulfates, and allows our color-treated hair to remain vibrant throughout the entire time we washed with the shampoo. What's better, our scalps never suffered from it and still felt squeaky clean even without the cleansing agents. Since it’s so affordable, we recommend purchasing the coordinating conditioner for your very best hair day yet.

Size: 8.5 oz | Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, glycerin | Best for: Curl defining

Best Hair Ties

L. erickson grab & go hair tie tube.

These are hefty enough to accommodate the thickest of hair and come in a rainbow of fun colors.

They can stretch out over time.

The L. Erickson Hair Ties are my absolute favorite; I’ve been using them for years and never leave the house without one around my wrist. They come in an array of bright colors, metallics, and neutrals for all your style needs, and they even blend right into the bracelet stack I wear daily, disguising themselves as just another cute accessory. Because they’re extra thick, stretchy, and comfy I never experience headaches, hair dents, or tangling. I even recently gifted them to a few friends on a bachelorette trip and everyone was so obsessed they wore them for the rest of the weekend.

Size: One size | Material: Elastic | Best For: Hair ties for thick hair

Best Styling Gel

Briogeo curl charisma frizz control gel.

On top of defining your curls, this cream does double duty to strengthen your strands and protect against damage.

This gel offers “light to medium hold,” which is great because it doesn’t leave your curls sticky or weighed down, but it may not keep you completely frizz-free in more humid climates.

All curly hair routines need a trusty styling gel and trust me, I’ve tried plenty over the years. Recently, Briogeo Frizz Control Gel has been my product of choice — its clean ingredients like rice amino acids and quinoa extract work to lock out frizz, enhance moisture, and seal the hair cuticles for future protection, all while providing flexible curl definition that doesn’t leave you with a dreaded sticky feel or that early-2000’s wet look. I like to apply this from my roots to my ends, while scrunching the hair throughout to create extra definition and volume around the crown. After applying, go ahead and diffuse if you’re looking for a quick dry and extra hold, but in my experience, air-drying works just fine for everyday outings.

Size: 5.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, rice amino acids, quinoa extract | Best For: Creating definition and minimizing frizz

Best Shampoo

Vernon françois curl shampoo.

It’s a sulfate-free shampoo that conditions while it cleanses.

It has a very strong scent.

Vernon François is the king of curls. After years of experience styling natural-haired celebs, he created his own product line in 2016, and it’s grown to become a mainstay in many curl routines. We’re especially fond of his Curl Shampoo for the way it moisturizes wavy hair type while it cleanses. Most shampoos for wavy hair types contain sulfates that remove grime and create the sudsy lather we’ve come to rely on to feel our scalps getting clean, but sulfates also strip necessary natural oils from hair. Sulfate-free shampoos tend to be gentler, albeit more expensive. Not only is the price right with this Vernon François formula, it's also packed full of nourishing ingredients like tea tree oil, seaweed extract, olive oil, and shea butter that work double time to clarify and hydrate.

Size: 8.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, olive oil, jojoba seed oil | Best For: Wash days, a cleanser that won’t strip moisture

Best Conditioner

Olaplex no. 5 conditioner.

Olaplex has patented ingredient technology that works to repair your hair bonds.

“A little goes a long way” is not my experience here — I use handfuls every time I shower — so I find myself having to repurchase often.

Aah, Olaplex — a fan-favorite of the curly universe with major internet hype. We’re here to let you know that, well, it lives up to that reputation. With restorative ingredients like biotin, avocado oil, and sunflower seed oil, plus the Olaplex-patented bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate that is scientifically-proven to repair broken hair bonds, this conditioner is the real deal. I’ve been using it for about a year and have noticed a meaningful difference in the softness of my curls, less frizz, and easier detangling (I loosen my curls with my fingers and then run a wide-tooth comb through my strands before washing the conditioner out). And, an extra plus, it’s even recommended for color treated hair.

Size: 8.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate (patented bond-repair technology) | Best For: Conditioning dry hair, repairing breakage, taming frizz

Best Hair Mask

Sheamoisture coconut & hibiscus hair masque.

It will transform the shine and vitality of your curls after a single use.

I don’t love having to open a jar with slippery fingers in the shower, but alas, most hair masks come in these types of containers.

Everyone needs a reliable hair mask in their wash day rotation. If I were more diligent, I’d use this once a week (do it — it’ll pay off!). But, when I have extra time on a Sunday or feel my hair looking a little worse for wear, this SheaMoisture mask is my go-to. The deeply moisturizing formula utilizes shea butter, coconut oil, and hibiscus flower extract to smooth out each hair cuticle and protect against breakage; not to mention it smells incredible. Immediately after one use, you’ll notice less dullness and more shine (hello, fast results!).

The key with a hair mask is to leave it on for some time — no less than five minutes. Usually, I’ll apply the mask with my fingers (making sure to hit everywhere from my roots to my ends) and throw it up with a plastic claw clip while I shave or exfoliate, before rinsing it out. When I’m feeling particularly ambitious, I’ll wash my hair, apply the mask, and then exit the shower, getting into my robe to pad around the house for thirty minutes or so, letting it really sink in before hopping back in to rinse — trust me, it’ll work miracles.

Size: 12 oz. | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil, hibiscus flower extract | Best For: Restoring hydration and shine to frizzy, damaged curls

Best for Scalp Care

Act + acre scalp detox.

It soothes the scalp while simultaneously stimulating hair growth.

You won’t want to use this if you’re in a rush — it needs to sit for twenty minutes to activate.

Unfortunately, the creams and gels used to de-frizz curly hair can cause massive product build-up on the scalp. For years, I struggled with flaking dandruff and itchiness before realizing the life-changing wonders of scalp detoxing. This Act + Acre product is my current fave — its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients cleanse the scalp of excess oil residue without over-stripping necessary moisture. Use it weekly on dry hair before shampooing and conditioning and let it sit for no less than twenty minutes (though, it’s totally safe to leave it in for longer, even overnight) before moving on to your regular wash routine. For bonus points, massage the product into your scalp with a scalp massager .

Size: 3 oz. | Key Ingredients: Baobab and basil leaf, moringa extract, aloe | Best For: Irritated scalp, product build-up

Best Hair Oil

Aquage seaextend silkening oil treatment.

Your curls will soak this silkening oil right up for added moisture and shine.

The bottle isn’t large and I go through this product quickly.

I never used to be a fan of hair oils — I thought they were just an extra step that made your hands hard to wash and turned the sink into a pile of grease — until I found Aquage Silkening Oil. This product is light and feels silky smooth on your fingers (and more importantly, hair). With nourishing ingredients like argan oil and almond oil, it restores brilliance and shine to dehydrated curls. After washing and air-drying my hair, I like to use this as step one in my styling routine. Since it’s an oil, my hair will soak it right up, and it works as a nice hydrating primer to be followed by your curl cream or defining gel. That said, if you have drier hair (like I do) you’ll probably blow through a bottle pretty quickly. So expect to restock often (I promise it’s worth it).

Size: 4.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Argan oil, almond oil | Best For: Dryness, dullness

Best Curl Creme

Amika defining cream.

No matter your hair texture, this cream will leave your strands feeling silky soft and bouncy.

If you’re sensitive to scent, this one is a bit strong.

I love defining creams because they give you the styling benefits of gel, but with a softer hold for more organic looking curls. This one from Amika is a fan-favorite, earning placements among many a beauty editor’s top-shelf recommendations. Formulated with sea buckthorn berry, a highly-researched ingredient that contains over 190 biologically-active compounds (including Vitamins A, C, and E), it distributes deep moisture and nourishing protection. Applied alone, it’ll give your curls a loose, natural bounce, but it can also be coupled with a gel for added definition and longer-lasting frizz-control. This product has a thick consistency, so a little goes a long way. Plus, who doesn’t find joy in Amika’s signature printed packaging? It instantly brightens up your bathroom counter. Just be wary if you’re sensitive to scent because this one is pretty strong.

Size: 6.7 oz. | Key Ingredients: Sea buckthorn berry, oat peptide | Best For: Dryness and defining curls with a looser, softer hold

Best Silk Pillowcase

Slip pure silk pillowcase.

This pillow case creates a luxurious sleep experience and promotes frizz-free curls.

Slip’s pillowcases only come as single products, so you’ll have to purchase two if you want a set.

A silk pillowcase is a must-have for any curly hair routine. When you’re only washing your hair every few days, you’ve got to make your style last — and sleeping on a silk pillowcase will help extend the life of your curls. Silk, as a fabric, is far less absorbent than cottons, allowing the natural oils in your hair (and in your skincare routine, for that matter) remain atop the surface of your strands. “Using a silk pillowcase or a silk cap will reduce friction and tangling while you sleep,” says François. Instead, your hair (and skin) will glide right across the pillow. Slip’s silk is extra soft, and the pillowcases come in a variety of pretty colors, but we do wish they were sold in pairs instead of single cases.

Size: Standard / Queen | Material: 100% silk | Best For: Extending the life of frizz-free curls between washes

Best Hair Dryer for Curly Hair

Shark hyperair hair dryer.

You have ultimate control over temperature regulation to minimize heat damage.

It’s quite loud.

People with curly hair may avoid the hair dryer in fear of damaging or drying out curls, but the Shark HyperAir Hair Dryer won our hearts (and our heads) with its smart engineering. It blends heated air and ionized air to create a smooth, consistent finish without heat damage. Regulating the temperature is a breeze too, thanks to three heat and three airflow settings. The cold shot button is conveniently located on the dryer, and best of all, this hair dryer comes with two versatile attachments that are perfect for curly heads. Use the concentrator attachment for a sleek blowout, or use the curl-defining diffuser to dry your hair without impacting your curl patterns.

Heat Settings : 3 | Attachments Included : Concentrator and Diffuser

Best Heat Protectant

Mizani heat screen hair protectant spray.

Our curls had bouncy, hydrated definition.

The scent is strong and may be overbearing when wearing other perfumes or lotions.

We analyzed this spray in depth when we were testing the best heat protectants , and its lightweight hydration made it a clear winner for curlies. Our curls felt exquisitely defined without being dragged down. The mist distributed across our scalps in a consistent stream, so we could easily control how much we applied. Plus, we were seriously impressed after investigating the ingredients list: rose water to boost shine, salicylic acid to control oil production on the scalp, and glycerin and tea tree oil for perfect definition. Just be warned that the scent—while lovely—is quite intense, so you may opt to skip extra perfumes or scented lotions while using.

Type : Spray | Key Ingredients : Rose water, glycerin, tea tree oil | Heat Protection : Up to 450 degrees | Size : 8.5 oz

Best Brush for Curly Hair

Curls ultimate detangler brush.

Amazon

It only took one run-through to detangle our curls.

It’s on the heavy side.

Say goodbye to blocking your calendar for a full hour just to detangle your curls. We tested dozens of brushes for curly hair , and this affordable option from Amazon won the title of best overall. What made it stand out apart from the rest was its surprising customization options: The brush came with interchangeable bristle patterns that were a breeze to snap on and off the brush base. This brush also felt totally gentle—no scalp tugging at all—and had a luxuriously smooth glide, which isn’t something we often enjoy as curly girls. Our curls looked noticeably more voluminous after using this brush, and it’s become a holy grail curly hair product.

Bristle Material: Plastic | Curl Pattern: All types

Best Mousse

Virtue curl-defining whip.

Violet Grey

It protects and repairs your hair at the same time—multitasking for the win.

The nozzle design may induce clogging.

A multitasking mousse that protects and repairs? Sign us up. The star ingredient of this Virtue hair mousse is Alpha Keratin 60ku, a proprietary healing protein that’s a dupe for keratin, so it can repair damaged hair from the inside. Not only does the whipped formula feel rich on our hands, but it delivers a flawless finish too. We’re talking hydrated, smooth, and frizz-free, even in swampy conditions.

While online reviews have noted that the nozzle is prone to clogging, we’ve never experienced that ourselves—and one editor has used this mousse for months.

Size: 5.5 oz | Scented: Yes | Hair Type: Wavy and curly | Key ingredients: Alpha Keratin 60ku®, shea butter, baobab oil

Best Hair Straightener for Curly Hair

Babylisspro nano titanium dual ionic flat iron.

BaBylissPRO

The ionic technology smooths hair without cranking the heat.

The on/off buttons are in an odd position on the straightener.

Avoiding heat damage is the name of the game any time you use a hot tool, and our locks loved the ionic technology in this hair straightener for curly hair. The tool delivered a smooth-as-glass finish at just 375 degrees (which also means it heats up in a flash). It scored highly in our “ease of use” category, thanks to the clear lights indicating temperature levels, and the cord was long enough that we could move around a bit with ease. We didn’t notice any tugging during the straightening process, and once we figured out that smaller sections were more effective for straightening, we were off to the races.

Heads up, the on/off buttons are in an awkward place on the straightener, and we accidentally turned the tool off while using it a few times—so beware of user error there.

Plate Width: 1 ¼-inch | Plate Material: Titanium | Max Temperature: 450 degrees | Cord Length: 4 feet

Best for Fine Hair

Adwoa beauty baomint moisturizing shampoo.

What We Love: The formula taps natural exfoliators to thoroughly clean scalps without feeling too harsh.

What We Don’t Love: It doesn’t do much to fight frizz.

We load our curly hair with a lot (Think: Curl creams , gels, oils, and dry shampoo) to keep it in tip-top shape. In turn, we also face mountains of old-product buildup that causes our fine hair to look greasier, and faster. Not only did the plant-based cleansers in the adwoa beauty shampoo, like peppermint oils and aloe leaf juice, provide our scalps with a good, non-stripping scrub, but these fresh-scented agents also soothed our dry, itchy scalps. Every time we used the shampoo, our hair felt renewed, like we were styling it from a fresh, blank slate. And, it nourished our fine, dehydrated strands — never once leaving it weighted down. As a bonus, the formula even managed to soften our overgrown, split ends for a healthier appearance.

Size: 14 oz | Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, baobab oil, wintergreen, spearmint, and peppermint oils | Best For: Flakiness, moisturizing

Best for Wavy, Curly Hair

Ogx coconut curls shampoo.

What We Love: It gently detangles hair, defines waves, and leaves hair impossibly soft and shiny.

What We Don’t Love: The scent has a slight, acrid tinge to some noses.

With one wash of the OGX curl-defining shampoo, we were tempted to set down our hot tools forever. Our hair air-dried into gorgeous, well-defined S-shaped waves and appeared much healthier and hydrated thanks to a blend of conditioning ingredients like coconut oil and honey. While these oils provided the shampoo with a sweeter, slightly acidic scent that not everyone will love, the formula does a fabulous job at moisturizing our parched, brittle curls without leaving them limp from too many heavy fillers. We were pretty convinced this formula would weigh down our ringlets, mainly because we used over a quarter-size amount of the thin, gel-like formula to work it into a good lather, but, our hair felt just the opposite. It was voluminous, bouncy, and had the same lightweight feel as when we receieve a fabulous blowout and chop.

Size: 13 oz | Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, honey, citrus oil | Best For: Creating definition, moisturizing dry hair

Best for 3A Curls

Oribe shampoo for moisture & control.

What We Love: Oribe’s signature complex of plant-based protein and conditioning extracts restore tired ringlets.

What We Don’t Love: This formula could feel slightly heavy on finer hair types.

While all curls need attention, 3A types are a little more needy, and we love them all for it – especially if it means we get to reach for Oribe’s glinting, luxe green bottle on wash days. The brand knew exactly what our frizzy, worn-out ringlets needed and whipped up a heavenly formula, accompanied by an ethereal light botanical scent, that toughened up our weak, dull, and broken strands and sent them out of the shower radiating with shine. The shampoo also majorly toned down our frizz, which is no easy feat for this static-prone hair type, courtesy of strand-smoothing ingredients such as sunflower extract and a signature polymer complex comprised of fortifying proteins. While we honestly believe the shampoo is a friend to all hair types, we recommend that those with finer strands use it more sparingly, otherwise, it could weigh down their waves.

Size: 8.5 oz | Key Ingredients: Sunflower and amber extract, amino acids | Best for: Restoring hydration, repairing damaged hair

Best for Humidity

Bumble & bumble curl moisturizing shampoo.

What We Love: Hydrating ingredients keep frizz and static at bay even on sticky, humid days.

What We Don’t Love: There wasn’t a noticeable difference in the appearance of our damage.

When rain clouds are imminent, or if our ringlets and waves are simply experiencing their general frizzy state, we’re lathering up the Bumble and bumble moisturizing shampoo to keep curls from misbehaving. Humectants like shea butter, avocado oil, and sodium hyaluronate (a hyaluronic acid derivative) helped our strands retain moisture, making it less likely to puff out on highly humid days. Plus, we easily washed out the shampoo and never experienced any lingering residue or film, only a luxury-level scent we’d attribute to a luxury hair salon. Unfortunately, it didn’t do much to repair our damaged split ends and broken strands, but that’s mostly because we’re long overdue for a good haircut.

Size: 8.5 oz | Key Ingredients: Avocado, coconut, and jojoba oils, shea and cocoa butters | Best for: Anti-frizz, hydration

Your Curl Pattern: Whether you have loose waves or ultra tight coils, your personal hair texture will dictate the kinds of products you should be using, and the hold you’ll require for certain styles. Get to know the curl chart and discover your own curl type. Personally, my hair falls around the 3B level and the products listed above work great for me. But, if your texture is more in the 4C category , you might require even more moisture-rich products, like a good shampoo and conditioner combo made for dry hair.
Your Styling Needs: How you wear your hair, where you part it, how much volume you prefer, and if you opt for protective styles will all determine varying needs from your styling products. Depending on if you air dry your hair or use heat, choose a product made for air drying or a heat protectant. A cream will provide a looser hold for softer curls, while a gel will give you greater definition and tighter frizz-control. For best practice no matter your styling preferences, François advises treating your hair to a deep conditioning treatment every week or two, while seeking out a trim from your trusted (curl-specializing!) hairdresser every three to six months. For a quick pro styling tip, François recommends finger coiling. “Do this when hair is 80 percent dry, then leave it be [to finish drying]. This helps encourage curl definition,” he says. “When it’s fully dry, gently separate the twisted sections, then slide fingers up the back of the head and fluff up from the roots. Finally, flip mid to long length hair from side to side, forward and back to boost volume, and part at the highest point of your eyebrow arch.”

Your Questions, Answered

What are the best ingredients for curly hair.

When it comes to selecting a shampoo, François recommends looking for a sulfate-free option. For thin, grease-prone hair, sulfates can help to cleanse and clarify. But, with dry, textured hair, they are often overly stripping, removing too many of the natural oils our scalps need to thrive.

In general, François advises looking for hydrating ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, and shea butter. Though, he notes that formulas as a whole are more important to consider than individual ingredients. “Curls behave differently on different days depending on factors like when you last washed your hair, how you’ve been wearing it, how much water, vitamins, minerals, and healthy oils you consume, your genetics, and more,” he says. “Getting to know your hair and what it responds to best can be a lifelong journey.”

How do I detangle curly hair?

“My method for hair detangling is to use the pads of my fingertips, thumbs, and palms on dry hair, working from the ends upwards towards the roots, stopping to massage out any knots or tangles along the way,” explains François. He advises to section the hair first. Personally, I detangle while in the shower with conditioner in my hair, using my fingers and a gentle wide-tooth comb. “Give yourself plenty of time. There is no need to pull. It can be pain-free and even enjoyable,” he says. Check out videos of how he demonstrates the technique on his young daughter.

What do curly hair products do?

Different product categories achieve various goals, but generally, the idea is to add moisture, regardless of the formula. Whether you’re detoxing the scalp or restoring shine to your strands, the more hydration you add into your routine, the healthier, shinier, and bouncier your curls will be.

Can you use curly hair products on straight hair?

Technically, sure, especially if your straight hair tends to be extra thick or moisture-deprived, or if you live in a particularly dry climate. But, using curly hair specific products on most standard straight hair textures can actually be too moisturizing, resulting in a greasy effect. Plus, curly hair products are often quite thick consistencies and require a curl to hold the product without weighing down the hair.

Linne Halpern is a freelance beauty, fashion, and lifestyle writer. She is a member of InStyle’s evergreen commerce team where she extensively tests and reviews countless products. For this story, she interviewed Vernon François, famed celebrity hair stylist, curl expert, and educator, to discover his tips and tricks for achieving your healthiest, most hydrated curls yet. Furthermore, Linne’s years of experimenting with her own curly hair routine (3B texture!) inform her favorite products, countless learnings, and best practices.

IMAGES

Best 13 Products for Curly Hair That Will Transform Your Curls
My top 10 Curly Hair Products I'm loving in 2020
Best Travel Size Products for Curly Hair You Need in Your Bag
The 14 Best Products for Curly Hair of 2018
20+ Best Travel Size Curly Hair Products (+Travel Tips)
26 Best Curly Hair Products According to Women With Different Curl

VIDEO

Curly Hair Routine
BEST CURLY HAIR PRODUCTS 2023
Curly Hair Travel Kit
COMPACT HAIR DRYERS
BEST LEAVE IN HAIR PRODUCTS FOR CURLY HAIR
10 CURLY HAIR PRODUCTS I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT! (these changed my hair)

COMMENTS

Best Travel Size Products for Curly Hair You Need in Your Bag
DevaCurl is the travel companion you will want in your life. This travel kit contains all you need to cleanse, condition, and style your hair, including: DevaCurl No-Poo (3 oz">. This gentle yet cleansing creamy co-wash will leave your hair in great condition. DevaCurl One Condition (3 oz">. If you love multi-purpose products, this one 's ...
10 Travel Size Products for Curly Hair
Before the success of natural hair products, many naturals were purchasing products that weren't the best for their hair texture, yet once the industry made way for more curl-friendly hair lines, we still lacked travel sizes that would last us for that four-day vacation. ... This article about travel products for curly hair tips. I worried ...
17 Best Hair Products Our Editors Never Travel Without
Below, 17 of the best hair products to travel with, from trusted brands like Ouai, Biosilk, Ceremonia, and more. Leave-in conditioners. UV protectants. Shampoo and conditioner bars. More hair care ...
Traveling with curly hair: the low maintenance guide to amazing curls
Travel Tips for Curly Hair. Put all your haircare products into tiny, travel-friendly bottles. We're carry-on-only types, so all of our favorite products (yes, Jeremy and I both use the exact same hair products) get decanted into little tiny bottles that neatly fit in our hanging toiletry bag. Bring extra conditioner!
26 Best Travel Size Curly Hair Products To Bring On Your Next Trip
1. Rizos Curls 4-Step Travel Kit for Curly Hair. The ideal Wash N' Go Travel Kit for Curly Hair! For all hair types, from coils and waves to curls and kinks! Shampoo. Conditioner. Curl Defining Cream. Refresh & Detangle. Rizos Curls 4 Step Travel Kit.
10 Travel Essentials Every Curly Girl Needs To Keep Packed In Their
Take your curl routine on-the-go with curl products and tools your natural hair will love. Your 2A - 4C kinks, curls and coils deserve the best -- so ESSENCE rounded up some of our favorite ...
21 best travel friendly hair tools and accessories
Conair Travel Smart Voltage Converter and Universal Travel Adapter. Amazon. When traveling internationally, Siddique recommends Conair's dual converter and adapter, which he says is "super ...
20+ Best Travel Size Curly Hair Products (+Travel Tips)
Moreover, for blonde hair a purple shampoo is listed because the sun could cause hair to go a little bit brassy; this just keeps the blonde color in check. 2. Hair Masks And Detanglers. 3. Curl Creams Foams And Gels. 4. Finishers And Hair Tools. 5. Accessories For Best Styling.
The Best Travel Size Hair Products (2019)
Ingredients include African galangal root extract, which protects hair from color degradation caused by UV exposure, smooths frizz, and seals split ends with a high gloss finish. Bonus: it doubles ...
The 7 Best Travel Size Hair Products for Your Next Trip
The best travel shampoo and conditioner: Moroccan Oil shampoo and conditioner. Travel size mousse: Amika (and it's only 2 oz!) Travel size hairspray: R+Co. Travel size hair gel: a 2-pack of travel size hair gel for under $7! Travel size dry shampoo: I can go for DAYS between washes with this one.
Tips for traveling with curly hair & best curly hair travel products
7 My tip for easy travel hair with not much work: PLOP your hair after getting out of the shower. 8 Paroma from Yrofthemonkey. 9 Gabby from Packs Light. 10 Type 4 Curly Hair. 11 Eulanda Shead from Hey Dip Your Toes In. 12 Annette from FromAnnette. 13 Briona from YouMeTravel. 14 Chelsea from That'sChelsea.
The 15 Best Curly Hair Products of 2024, Tested & Reviewed
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.
Tips & Products for Traveling with Curly Hair
International Curls - The Best Tips For Traveling With Curly Hair. Curly hair is a statement whether you're in your hometown or across the world. That's right, we're going to go over all the basics of traveling with curly hair! We love our curls, and while they can be great, they can be a bit difficult to travel with.
19 Tips for Traveling with Curly Hair: How to Keep Your Natural Hair
It keeps your curls hydrated and helps detangle them, making them easier to manage. Rinse with cold water for added shine. Styling:A good leave-in conditioner and a gel or mousse are all you need. The leave-in will give your curls the moisture they need, and the gel or mousse will provide hold and definition.
Best Curly Hair Products for Healthy, Bouncy Curls
Jessica's Product Picks for Curly Hair. Shampoo for Curly Hair. Conditioner for Curly Hair. Hydrating Hair Mask. Leave-In Conditioner for Dry Hair . Curl Activator. Lightweight Hair Oil for Curly Hair . Hair Pick for Volume. Silk Head Scarf for Overnight Haircare. Curl-Defining Cream: A Must-Have for Perfect Curls. Every curly hair routine ...
The Ultimate List of Tips for Traveling with Curly Hair
Clever Yoga Conditioner Bar for All Hair Types - Perfect Travel Bar Conditioner for Hair - Vegan Solid Conditioner Bar for Full and Frizz Free Hair (Argan Oil 1bar) $12.50 ($10.42 / Ounce) Buy Now. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 04/05/2024 02:08 pm GMT. Tip for Travel: Definitely bring your own ...
How to Style Curly Hair When Traveling
Read this! After washing your hair, flip your head over, rub some of the gel/glue through your palms and disperse freely throughout your hair. Make sure to get the front roots as that part of your hair is seen and gets touched the most (the flirty flip)! Stand back up and split your hair (as in half up/half down).
Travel Size Hair Essentials
Hair Care with Curlsmith. At Curlsmith, we provide the essential curly, wavy hair products and coily hair products. All our products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, silicones and sulfates. Take your favorite curly hair products on vacation with travel size shampoo, conditioners & stylers. Free shipping when you spend $35.
8 best hair diffusers for travel of 2024, according to experts
Sephora. $ 139.00. Ulta. While this hair dryer is relatively small as it is, the handle folds down to further shrink its footprint. It has dual voltage, multiple speed and heat settings, and comes ...
21 Best Curly Hair Products of 2022
Garnier. This lightweight conditioning spray is best for fine curls. In one Beauty Lab test, 90% of consumer testers agreed that it left hair feeling soft and hydrated without weighing it down. It ...
37 Best Curly Hair Products
Best styling gel for tight curls. Soultanicals Sprung Coil Boosting Gelly. $16. "Soultanicals is another brand that really understands curly hair, especially those with tightly coiled hair at ...
20 Best Curly Hair Products to Nourish Natural Hair 2023
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 ...
The 20 Best Curly Hair Products of 2024
Best Conditioner: Olaplex No. 5 Conditioner at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review. Best Hair Mask: SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Hair Masque at Ulta ($15) Jump to Review. Best for Scalp Care: Act ...

Best Travel Size Products for Curly Hair You Need in Your Bag

Jessicurl Confidence Collection Travel Set

Curly Hair Solutions Loose Curl Kit

Many Ethnicities Beautifully Blended Box Sampler

DevaCurl Travel Kit for All Curl Kind

Curl Keeper Original Multipack

Jane Carter Solution Natural & Curly Hair Essential Travel Kit

10 Travel Size Products for Curly Hair

SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Kit, 4 piece set, $19.99

Cantu Frizz Quit Curl 5pc Kit, 5 piece set, $9.99

DevaCurl Curly Mini Transformation Kit, 3 piece set, $12

Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Curl Enhancing Essentials Kit, 3 piece set, $28

Oyin Handmade 5 Piece Snack Set, 5 piece set, $23.99

Jane Carter Travel Size Kit, 5 piece set, $19.99

TGIN Moist Collection Sample Pack, 4 piece set, $19.99

Kinky-Curly Travel Kit, 4 piece set, $24

As I Am Coils & Curls Care Package, 6 piece set, $23.99

Miss Jessie’s Quick Curls (travel size) – 2oz, $8.99

You may also like

So, You Decided to Transition

5 Alternative Ways to Wash Your Curls That Actually Work

Curly Texture: 5 Vloggers to Follow on YouTube

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

More Stories

Products My Curly Coily Hair Loves

10 Travel Essentials Every Curly Girl Needs To Keep Packed In Their Luggage This Summer For Weekend Getaways

Best Travel Size Hair Products & Essentials (+Curly Hair Tips For Travel)

Travel Hack You Never Knew About

De-pot your products

Product Categories You Need

1. Cleansers Co-washes + Conditioners

2. Hair Masks And Detanglers

The Best Travel Hair Products for Every Type of Hair Texture

For straight, thin hair that needs a pick me up

Amika Silken Up Dry Conditioner

Ouai Hair Oil

Oribe Gold Lust Repair Shampoo & Conditioner

For wavy hair that refuses to do what it's told

R+Co TV Perfect Hair Shampoo & Conditioner

Pantene Intense Rescue Shots

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Bodybuilder Hair Spray

For loose curls that don't agree with humidity

Ouai Anti-Frizz Sheets

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel

Living Proof Frizz Instant De-Frizzer

For tight curls that are all about bounce

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie Styler

Head & Shoulders Root Rejuvenating Pre-Wash Masks

Packing List

Tips for traveling with curly hair & best curly hair travel products for every curly hair type

Type 2 Curly Hair

Amy from TwoDrifters

Suzannah from The Veggie Passport

Jacob (from Wanderlustingk.com)

Type 3 Curly Hair

Olga Maria from LatinasWhoTravel.com

Karen from Wanderlustingk (Me!)

Tips for dealing with curly hair in the rain…

My tip for easy travel hair with not much work: PLOP your hair after getting out of the shower

Paroma from Yrofthemonkey

Gabby from Packs Light

Type 4 Curly Hair

Eulanda Shead from Hey Dip Your Toes In

Annette from FromAnnette

Briona from YouMeTravel

Chelsea from That’sChelsea

Do you have curly hair? What’s your go-to travel style for curly hair?

About Karen Turner

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Why Trust Byrdie

Best Budget

Best Shampoo

AG Care Curl Re:Coil Curl Activator

Runner-Up, Best Gel

Ouidad Curl Quencher Cream

Best for Fine Hair

Best Diffuser

Best Detangler