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Curly hair is a blessing, but keeping our coils healthy and defined can be a real challenge. Happily, especially over the past decade, more brands are formulating exceptional products for curls. As the natural hair industry has evolved and expanded, curly-haired girls have a plethora of products to shop.
The best place to start is to find the best shampoo and conditioning routine for your curl type. While it sounds easy enough, it can feel like a never-ending research project to find a formula that's just right. Pro hairstylists say conditioner is a key element whether you're doing a twist-out, a wash 'n' go, a blowout, or any other style.
What to consider
When choosing a conditioner for curly hair, Myiesha Sewell, beauty director at Sephora, says to take your hair type, especially the porosity (which is the ability to absorb and retain moisture) into consideration. Sewell explains that low-porosity hair doesn't absorb moisture from products easily, so lightweight conditioning products are great because they don't sit on top of the hair and weigh it down. "High-porosity hair or hair with open cuticles easily absorbs moisture, but the moisture can just as easily escape, so heavier, more emollient options are preferred." Think: nutrient-rich ingredients like coconut oil or shea butter. Ahead, shop curly hair conditioners for all curl types.
The experts:
- Myiesha Sewell, beauty director at Sephora
- Sophie Rose Gutterman, hairstylist based in California
Why We Love It
- Hydrating
- Beautiful scent
What to Consider
- Some reviewers say the product can feel heavy on thinner heads of hair
This conditioner will leave your curls with a bounce they've never seen before. Gutterman says it's her go-to because it gives thirsty curl necessary hydration, thanks to ingredients like shea butter.
Why We Love It
- Defines curls
- Reduces frizz
What to Consider
- It has a strong jasmine scent
Ranavat's macadamia-nut-oil-infused frizz control will actively hydrate and redefine your curly locks. "Anything from Ranavat is always going to be a luxurious, sensorial experience," Sewell says. "I love that this formula is just as much of a treatment as it is a moisturizer, working to improve the condition of your hair even when you're not wearing it." Even better, this product sources naturally derived ingredients and is cruelty-free, vegan, and non-GMO, and has no silicones, SLS, or synthetic fragrance.
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Why We Love It
- Designed to prevent color-fading in hair
What to Consider
- It may not provide a lot of hydration for very dry hair
"Bumble & Bumble’s primers boost the results of the products you use afterward," says Sewell. She loves this formula because it's lightweight, moisturizing, and a heat protectant. "I use it as a styler in my toddler’s hair—the amount of moisture it provides doesn't weigh his hair down and defines his waves."
Why We Love It
- Boosts shine
- Lightweight
What to Consider
- Some reviewers said they had trouble with the bottle's pump
Oils such as Kalahari melon seed, red raspberry seed, and strawberry seed promote hydrated and healthy hair and scalp. It's a lightweight formula that doesn't weigh down strands and helps reduce frizz. "This silicone-free formula is perfect for low-porosity hair," says Sewell. "I also like to use it as a refresher between washes."
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Why We Love It
- Hydrating
What to Consider
- Some reviewers found the smell overly strong
Calling members of the BeyHive and beyond. Beyoncé's haircare brand, Cecred, contains this impressively hydrating conditioner in its lineup. The formula is infused with African oil, olive oil, and amino acids to effectively condition, detangle, and hydrate hair. It also has bioactive keratin ferment to offer smooth and soft results.
Why We Love It
- Boosts shine
What to Consider
- The mask is in place of a traditional conditioner
"Blake Lively just launched her new haircare brand—and shared that she uses a hair mask instead of conditioner whenever she washes her hair, which is a great tip for curly hair that needs extra moisture,” says Oprah Daily beauty director Kate Sandoval Box. “I like this nourishing formula. It makes hair noticeably softer, and the scent is warm and sexy. Blake suggests switching to her strengthening mask after you finish this one."
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Why We Love It
- Reduces frizz
- Strengthens
What to Consider
- It's more expensive than other options on this list
This rinse-out formula calms frizz and boosts shine. It's a favorite of Oprah's hairstylist, Nicole Mangrum, who is credited with keeping Oprah's hair so healthy. "This has noticeably defined my curly hair," says Oprah Daily editorial intern Ruby Gregg. "I struggle to find quality products meant for curly hair, but I keep coming back to this one; my hair has become softer, stronger, and shinier because of it."
Why We Love It
- Defines curls
What to Consider
- May not be hydrating enough for severely dry, damaged hair
Moroccanoil's Curl Enhancing Conditioner is designed to nourish your coils with argan oil, which is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids. Meant for all shapes and sizes of waves, curls, and coils, this coconut-rich formula will enhance your head of hair and leave you smelling great.
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Why We Love It
- Nourishing
What to Consider
- Some reviewers don't like the earthy smell
Aveda understands curls and coils are naturally more fragile, which is why this conditioner is made to replenish the hair with curl-strengthening peptides derived from plant proteins. The formula is silicone-free and vegan, and will leave your hair less frizzy and with increased shine.
Why We Love It
- Subtle scent
- Budget-friendly
What to Consider
- The rich formula may be too heavy for some hair types
If you haven't tried this budget-friendly formula (or brand) yet, this is your sign to run-not-walk to your nearest store. This conditioner does exactly what it says on the bottle, leaving your hair soft, defined, and free of frizz. Mielle, known for catering to hair growth and retention, really hit the jackpot with this one.
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Why We Love It
- Defines and softens
What to Consider
- It may not be suitable for low-porosity hair
Tracee Ellis Ross's brand, Pattern Beauty, caters to curly and coily hair types. We love this formula because it replenishes moisture without leaving the hair feeling weighed down or greasy. "It's a nice and thick leave-in conditioner that my high-porosity hair absolutely loves," says Sewell. "I typically layer it under gel or wear it on its own for a protective style."
Why We Love It
- A little goes a long way
- Very moisturizing
What to Consider
- May not be great for those with low-porosity hair
For severely dry hair or coarser textures, this aloe-vera-based formula works overtime to rehydrate the hair shaft. It also contains moisturizing glycerin and Inca inchi oil. If summer heat has been drying your curls seemingly beyond repair, use this formula to repair and strengthen dehydrated and damaged strands.
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Why We Love It
- Smooths hair
What to Consider
- May be too heavy for some hair types
Briogeo should definitely be on a naturalista's must-try list. This curl-defining conditioner is silicone-free and filled with nutrients that seal in moisture to boost hydration, keep your frizz minimal and enhance the shape of your waves.
How We Chose the Best Curly Hair Conditioners
Our beauty team is dedicated to finding you the best of the best formulas. We spoke with experts to learn about what to look for in a curly hair conditioner and got their go-to recommendations. We also researched and tested top-rated and brand-new formulas that hit the market to help you find the best products out there.
Ruby Gregg
Ruby Gregg is the Editorial Intern for Oprah Daily where she covers fashion, beauty, and culture. She is a student at Washington and Lee University, studying journalism and entrepreneurship. Outside of school, she enjoys going on long walks with friends, traveling, and trying new recipes.