21 Best Curly Hair Products, Tested and Reviewed on Actual Curls

“This dynamic duo—including the H.A.P.I Conditioner—is a whole reset ritual—cleansing without stripping and hydrating without heaviness. It leaves my scalp and strands feeling brand-new.” —JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE

• Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
• Moisture levels: Medium
• Key ingredients: Coconut oil, baobab oil, aloe vera
• Hair type: All curl types

“Of all the shampoo and conditioner sets I’ve tried, this one gave me my best curl day. My hair felt moisturized just after just the shampoo. Oh, and it smells like yummy green apple!”—KH

• Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
• Moisture levels: High
• Key ingredients: Coconut seed butter, argan oil, squalane, black currant seed oil
• Hair type: Dry, coarse curls

"Curly girls, rest assured: You aren't forgotten. Color Wow also has a line of products for those of us with more texture. And while I'll admit it takes a LOT to get me to change up my tried-and-true curly hair routine (that took years to perfect, might I add), this curl-defining duo really wowed me. The shampoo's sulfate-free formula claims to "lock" your curls in at the root, which I instantly noticed in my before/after photos. My 3a ringlets felt light, voluminous, and defined."—SAMANTHA JONES, EDITOR

• Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
• Moisture levels: Light
• Key ingredients: Sodium PCA, aloe vera, hydrolyzed wheat protein
• Hair type: Damaged curls

“This co-wash is a curl lover’s dream—creamy, nourishing, and packed with slip that detangles like magic. It cleanses without stripping, leaves my coils juicy, and smells like a whole vibe in the shower.” —JW

• Curly Girl Method-approved? No (contains silicones)
• Moisture levels: Medium
• Key ingredients: Aloe vera, rosemary leaf extract, silk amino acid
• Hair type: Type 3 and 4 curls and coils

“I reach for this mask when my hair needs a little extra love. It’s a bit thinner than their OG hair mask, which I honestly love because it doesn’t weigh down my hair or make it overly greasy. Since it’s on the lighter side, I can also use it with my conditioner for a deeper conditioning moment. And the honey smell isn’t overly strong like some of their other products.” —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR

• Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
• Moisture levels: High
• Key ingredients: Squalane, grape seed oil, safflower seed oil, sunflower seed oil
• Hair type: Might be too heavy for low-porosity curls

"I use the OUAI Fine to Medium Hair Mask in the shower once every 1-2 months (or whenever it's looking/feeling too dry at the ends). I love that it's deeply hydrating without weighing down my fine hair."—SJ

• Curly Girl Method-approved? No (contains alcohol and silicones)
• Moisture levels: Medium
• Key ingredients: Shea butter, hydrolyzed keratin and protein
• Hair type: Fine, thin waves and curls

“This milk is like your overachieving bestie who does everything—detangles, softens, hydrates, and leaves hair smelling like a dream. A few spritzes of this almond, coconut, and oat milk concoction and my curls are thriving.” —JW

• Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
• Moisture levels: Light
• Key ingredients: Coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk
• Hair type: All curl types (although, might not be hydrating enough on its own for very-dry curls)

"It's a medium-thick texture but didn't feel like it's weighing my hair down. I also love that it's a product to apply immediately after the shower as I get frizz anxiety if my hair is drying for more than five minutes without any product in it."—KHADIJA HORTON, SENIOR DESIGNER

• Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
• Moisture levels: Medium
• Key ingredients: Coconut oil, jojoba oil, pequi fruit oil
• Hair type: All curl types (although might be too heavy for low-porosity curls)

"The brand was founded by curly-haired Latina, Shakira, and I've found it caters to similar hair types. As a Cubana with curls I've learned how to manage, I feel like it really speaks my language. It's hydrating, it makes my hair feel weightless, and as a fragrance lover, it fully vibes well with my favorite scents. I always get complimented when I layer my tried and true perfumes on top of the product, and that's always the best feeling."—SO

• Curly Girl Method-approved? No (contains silicones)
• Moisture levels: Medium to high (but doesn't feel too heavy)
• Key ingredients: Camelia seed oil, squalane, castor oil, sodium PCA
• Hair type: All hair types, but will likely jive best with type 3 curls

"It’s so lightweight and doesn’t feel crunchy on my hair and gives my waves (that are normally lifeless) some actual shape and structure. It also feels amazing and I even love slicking my hair back with it."—JH

• Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
• Moisture levels: Medium
• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, collagen amino acids, castor oil
• Hair type: Type 2 and 3 curls

"Okay, real talk: I don’t play about moisture, and this leave-in is giving goddess energy, for real. Hence the name. I use it right after washing, when my hair's still damp, and it instantly melts in like butter. No greasy residue, just soft strands that feel STRONG. Like, I could run a brush through my hair and not have intense shedding. A miracle. This is a staple for me now—especially when I’m rocking braids or other protective styles and need something that keeps my hair nourished underneath. It’s a holy grail for dry, breakage-prone hair. She understands the assignment!"—JW

• Curly Girl Method-approved? No (contains silicones)
• Moisture levels: High
• Key ingredients: Coconut oil, black cumin oil, castor seed oil
• Hair type: Coarse and/or dry hair

"Sis, when I tell you this cream is the curl whisperer—I’m speaking facts! My hair (I’m a 4b girlie) legit springs to life with one pump—defined, moisturized, and living its best life. I use it on damp hair and put it in two-strand twists. The result after it dries is juicy and bouncy curls that are super soft. And it also works perfectly on wash-and-gos and refreshing three-day old curls when they need a lil help. Basically, this is the curl cream my textured hair has been dreaming of. Period."—JW

• Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
• Moisture levels: High
• Key ingredients: Shea butter, mango seed butter, linseed oil
• Hair type: Type 4

"This is my go-to mousse when I want my twist-out to actually twist-out. If you know, you know. It gives me so much definition and zero flake drama—which is rare in the world of mousses. Plus, it's got this juicy hydration built in, so my hair never feels dry or crunchy. I rake it through damp hair, twist it up, and the results are *chef's kiss* every time. Even my baby hairs behave. Also, the smell is super light and fresh. I’m obsessed. This is that one product I pack every time, no matter what natural style I’m rocking."—JW

• Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
• Moisture levels: Medium
• Key ingredients: Coconut oil, aloe vera, squalane
• Hair type: Might be too heavy for low-porosity curls

“I immediately notice my curls have more bounce and spring after applying this cream. It has a thick creamy texture that’s super hydrating and a salon-worthy smell. This will be my go-to curl cream from now on!”—KH

• Curly Girl Method-approved? No (contains silicones)
• Moisture levels: Medium
• Key ingredients: Coconut oil, argan oil
• Hair type: All curl types

“The most important thing you need to know about my hair journey is that I’ve been spending so much time and money on eBay buying the same (now discontinued) hair mousse because it has been the one thing that has worked for me for years. So to have something that could (a) replace that and (b) be so much better was something I never expected. Since I started using this, I’ve never gotten this many compliments on my hair before. It’s clearly a lot healthier for my hair and gives me more volume than I could ever ask for. And it’s great for small touch-ups too.” —TAMARA FUENTES, ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

• Curly Girl Method-approved? No (contains alcohol)
• Moisture levels: Very light
• Key ingredients: Castor oil
• Hair type: Type 2 waves