Why it's great: Sounds like this best curly hair product truly is multi-use: As one reader explained, "I've tried it as both a serum and a day-two defrizzer. It lived up to both tasks, leaving my hair soft and shiny without looking oily." Another noted that it helped hydrate her "thick, curly hair," while also adding a nice dose of shine.
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.5*
Why it's great: Choose this curl cream if you want a product that will work "all day long" without feeling greasy. The formulation is super lightweight and never feels sticky, making it a fan favorite. One reader who identifies as a "natural girl" says this product makes her hair "super soft and has a great smell." Another reviewer chimes in to say that it keeps her curls "soft, bouncy and tame."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.5*
Why it's great: "This is a must-try for any person out there with textured hair, and it's probably one of the best curl enhancers I have ever tried," gushes one user. "I get nice volume and the prettiest, soft, beachy waves and swirls with this product." Others agree, saying the lightweight product doesn't leave hair "crunchy," but instead produces "soft" and "full round curls."
"It smells amazing, and you only need a little to go a long way," says one reviewer. "I have wavy/curly hair, and I hate the feeling like there's something in my hair, so this is perfect because it's [light] and a great enhancement of my curls."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.6*
Why it's great: Readers rave about the "light coconut smell" of this product, which is reminiscent of a "tropical beverage." One reviewer says, "Nothing beats the smell of coconuts to warm your spirits." Besides smelling "great," this product "[brings] out the waves and curls" in "thick hair," leaving it "gorgeous and bouncy." Another reader with "long, thick, curly, frizzy hair" says she has "never used anything as good as this product."
Other curly-haired girls say the product "enhances curls without weighing them down." They also note that it "does not leave hair crunchy," "works with African-American hair" and leaves even "wavy, thick, and frizzy hair" looking "tame."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.7*
Why it's great: According to readers, dry, tangled hair is a thing of the past with this deep conditioner, and a "small dab" is all you need for "fabulous curls."
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"I have tried so many deep conditioners for mixed-race curly hair, and this is the best one I have found so far," says one user. "It leaves my curls so moisturized and makes detangling so easy. It's almost as if any knots or tangles disappear." Others agree, saying the curly hair product is "by far one of [their] favorite deep conditioners," especially for a frizz-prone mane. "Sometimes I mix in a little argan oil with the conditioner to give it a boost if my hair is really dry and frizzy," says one reviewer. "I have used several different brands, but this is the best."
Those of us with curly hair know it can be both a blessing and a curse. When it behaves, nothing's better than having a head full of perfect ringlets or waves that cascade over your shoulders. But when it's acting ornery or piqued — look out. Thirsty, frizzy, stressed-out curly hair is never pretty. And when we try to wrestle those same misbehaving curls into submission, it only makes things worse. (Because, really, the only thing that looks worse than fried curls are fried curls that have been further fried in an attempt to make them behave.)
The question then is, what's a curly girl's best plan of attack for keeping her genetically blessed curly hair in shape? And what about when she wants to tame her waves and rock a silky-smooth style? The answer is simple and complicated. These days there's no shortage of products designed specifically with the various needs of curly-headed women in mind. The scientists have arrived at the proper formulas, all you need to do is figure out which to use and you'll be set.
But with so many "curly this" and "curly that" products to choose from, your curly head might feel like it's going to explode. So in an effort to keep that messy scenario at bay, we took it upon ourselves to sift through legions of reviews of conditioners and styling aids to find out precisely which ones TotalBeauty.com readers deem worthy of their precious curls — in both their natural and straightened states.
The results on the following pages may surprise you, but remember, you're getting the info straight from other curly-haired women who've tried — and approved — each and every one of these stellar products. It's like having your very own curly-haired sounding board. So what are you waiting for? Get clicking and find out which of these 20 curly hair products you need to add to your arsenal.
