Curly Hair Styling Products: The Best Styling Products for Curls, According to the Pros (2024)

Color Wow Cleanse & Quench Wash Day Duo for Curly Hair ($58)

“Curly hair has a tendency to be dryer so it’s important that your curl product hydrates without weighing the hair down,” says hair and skin-care expert Josh Rosebrook, “Two of my recent favorites for a defined soft touchable curl come from Color Wow’s curl line. It’s consist of 5 products however you can co*cktail and customizewhat works best for your curl type. The Cleanse & Quench Wash Day Duo is a hero product for me.”

BUY NOW – $58

Color Wow Flo-Etry Vital Natural Serum ($30)

Another one of Rosebrook’s favorites from the ColorWow curl line, he says the Flo-Etry serum is a “rich oil blend that moisturizes strands from root to tip for instantly plump, plush, juicy curls. No weight or greasy feel!”

BUY NOW – $30

ColorWow Shook Mix + Fix Bundling Spray ($38)

Another staple curl product from the Color Wow collection, Rosebrook recommends this “naked technology” spray for reviving second-day curls without that greasy, heavy feeling.

BUY NOW – $38

Leaf + Flower CBD Instant Curl Defining Cream ($34)

Another Leaf + Flower recommendation from Rosebrook, this innovative, alcohol-free curl cream helps to nourish and define curls without that crunchy or sticky feeling.

BUY NOW – $34

Leaf + Flower CBD Instant Curl Shampoo/Conditioner Duo ($67)

Another favorite line of Rosebrook’s, the hair expert likes this CBD-infused line for both it’s curl-loving properties and the scalp-healing benefits, both of which make styling a breeze.

BUY NOW – $67

Paul Labrecque Curly Hair Care Collection ($116)

“I love styling products that make curls bigger and looser, so I came out with my own line of four products that do just that, called thePaul Labrecque Curly Collection,” explains CreativeDirector, Master Stylist and Colorist Paul Labrecque with Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa “They add hydration and just enough lipids to eliminate frizz and create bounce.”

BUY NOW – $116

Olaplex’s No. 6 ($30)

Another personal favorite of Labrecque’s, Olaplex No. 6 is a bond smoother that he says “helps keep your curls conditioned. It is a leave-in that helps hair dry naturally beautiful.”

BUY NOW – $30

K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil ($65)

“I also likeK18’s Hair Repair Oil,” Labrecque says, “This is excellent for when your hair does not shine and needs extra help, which is always an issue with curly hair.”

BUY NOW – $65

Revitalash Volume Enhancing Foam($152)

“For those frayed curls, I loveRevitalash’s Volume Enhancing Foamfor hair that helps grow those tiny annoying baby hairs around the forehead,” Labrecque syas, “This helps them grow longer due to Revitalash’s unique BioPeptin technology.”

BUY NOW – $152

Ouidad Mongongo Oil Multi-Use Curl Treatment ($38)

Using oil is a must for curly girls; it tames, de-frizzes and soothes the hair, giving your locks the perfect sleek finish. This oil in particular, derived from the oils of the mongongo nut and coconut, helps to diminish the harsh look of split ends while protecting stands from heat—without the worry of having a greasy finish.

“I regularly reach for the Mongongo Oil when I’m looking to add an extra boost of shine and hydration–curls really come to life when I apply it,” says Chadwick Pendley, Ouidad master artistic educator. Another fan of the oil blend is head designer and trichologist at Cosmo & Company Salon & Spa, Helen Wagmeister. Her go to-tip? “For tight and kinky curl types, which typically need more love, the oil makes a great overnight hydrating treatment.”

BUY NOW – $38

Bumble and Bumble Bb.Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil ($35)

This frizz-fighting, heat-defying oil deserves to be in your next shelfie if you have thick, ringlet-full hair. The best way to use this is post-shower and you can even enhance your unique curls by shape-curling individual tendrils with your fingers. Not only is the hold amazing, but it immediately quenches your curl’s thirst with the help of exotic oils like Babassu and Pracasi.

Celebrity hairstylist Patrick Kyle, who has worked with celebrities like Zara Larson and Willa Fitzgerald, says this formula works on everything from waves to tight spirals.

BUY NOW – $35

Davines LOVE Curl Controller ($28)

This taming cream is a must for getting naturally polished curls without the heat. Applying this fresh out of the shower yields the best results; simply work through the hair and let the magic of powerhouse ingredients rhizobian gum and mica do the dirty work. What you’re left with is a defined, elastic texture that is gloriously smooth to the touch.

Leonardo Manetti, editorial hair stylist and founder of ION STUDIO NYC—a sustainable salon hidden among the streets of SOHO—uses this potion daily. “I love this curl controller; it helps to keep the hair’s texture alive and tamed.”

BUY NOW – $28

Bounce Curl Light Creme Gel ($20)

I love when I get my hands on an inexpensive hair product—I constantly find myself running out of my must-haves in a blink and if it doesn’t break the bank, I don’t stress about it. This one in particular is a blessing because it keeps my curls in tact for days. It’s a gel and a cream combined into one and it gives the perfect amount of volume without any weight.

Hortencia Adams, influencer and curly-haired goddess, raves about this product on her blog. She writes: “I use Bounce Curl’s gel to define and give my curls the extra hold they need to provide me with 2 and 3 day hair! Embrace your curls people!!!”

BUY NOW – $20

Nexxus Comb Thru Volume Finishing Mist ($18)

Coming in hot with another affordable steal is a salon-crafted hairspray that leaves the hair full of natural movement. Hairsprays are tricky; they can rid your hair of natural elasticity and they can build up in your hair, causing it to look desperate for a wash day. This finishing spray, however, administers just enough product to weightlessly refresh and set the hair for a look that can last through any party.

Lacy Redway, celebrity hairstylist, keeps this in her back pocket. In an Instagram picture featuring this product being put to work on red carpet–ready Zazie Beetz, she writes, “The last few mins before running out the door are the most crucial especially on Oscar day. Thankfully @nexxushaircare comb thru can help me keep these gorgeous locks in place…especially on this rainy Sunday afternoon.”

BUY NOW – $18

Oribe Priming Lotion Leave-in Conditioning Detangler ($38)

Oribe’s Priming Lotion is the ultimate product for improving manageability. This silicone-free dream conditions the hair to protect from dryness, smooths the cuticle to prevent breakage and unleashes an irresistible finish. This can be used on both wet and dry hair, depending on how much love your curls need on that day.

Manny Rolon, cofounder of hu.MANE beauty and co-owner of hair salon My Darling Ivy, uses this primer before the styling process begins. “The combination of the beautiful oils—avocado, jojoba and olive—do such a great job of offering hydration to dehydrated curls and assist in encouraging the formation of the pattern. The other reason is because, come on… who could possibly resist that Côte d’Azur fragrance.”

BUY NOW – $38

Aveda be curly Curl Enhancer ($34)

No matter what look you’re going for, this styling know-it-all will be your best friend. It goes to work on wet or dry hair and is formulated with high-tech ingredients that make sure it’s always living up to every curl’s expectation. The secret? A Hydrolyzed wheat protein and aloe blend that expands when hair is wet and retracts when it’s dry to enhance the pattern.

BUY NOW – $34