Bouncy, Defined Curls

While wearing your hair au naturel has never been cooler, those of us with curly or wavy hair know that letting our kinks loose with abandon is easier said than done. Although genetics determine the formation of our curls, the products we use can make all the difference when it comes to shiny, bouncy, and frizz-free curls and coils.

The bottom line: Look for products that help you embrace your natural texture and are specially formulated to give your curls what they need. To help narrow down your search, we tried out some of the highest-rated curl products—from styling creams to smoothing oils and leave-in conditioners—that cater to a range of curl types, hair concerns, and budgets. Our testers rated how well these products lived up to their claims, and we combined these results with our thorough product research to compile this list.

Ahead, find the best hair products for curly hair.

Best Overall Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-in Defining Crème

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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 frizz, 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.

Price at time of publish: $24

Hair Type: Wavy, curly, coily | Size: 6 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best BudgetSheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk

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Coconut oil is this leave-in conditioner’s secret ingredient, which works 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 frizz and humidity. The natural formula includes ethically-traded ingredients that are also sustainably produced.

Price at time of publish: $13

Hair Type: Curly, coily | Size: 8 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best ShampooKérastase Curl Manifesto Shampoo

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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.

Price at time of publish: $40

Hair Type: Curly | Size: 8.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best GelAG Care Curl Re:Coil Curl Activator

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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. To use, apply a small amount through damp hair and dry your hair as usual. Then, wait for the compliments to roll in.

Price at time of publish: $26

Hair Type: Curly, coily | Size: 6, 12 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Runner-Up, ALODIA Moisturize & Strengthen Curl Enhancing Butter Creme

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A creme 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.

Price at time of publish: $16

Hair Type: Curly | Size: 8 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Fine HairMoroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

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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 frizz 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. 

Price at time of publish: $36

Hair Type: All | Size: 2.5, 8.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best DetanglerKinky Curly Knot Today Detangler

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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.

Price at time of publish: $14

Hair Type: Wavy, curly, coily | Size: 8 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Pre-Wash TreatmentNexxus Curl Define Ultra-8 Pre-Wash Treatment

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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.

Price at time of publish: $15

Hair Type: Curly | Size: 8 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best OilLiving Proof Curl Moisturizing Shine Oil

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Make this fast-absorbing finishing oil the final step of your styling routine. Just a few drops help to smooth and fight frizz 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.

Price at time of publish: $33

Hair Type: Curly | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes