Finding the right products for curly hair often feels like a never-ending science experiment. One day your curls are bouncy and perfect; the next, they are a frizzy, tangled mess. The truth is, curly hair is structurally different from straight hair.1 Because of the twists and turns in the hair shaft, natural oils from your scalp have a harder time traveling down to the ends.2 This makes curly hair naturally drier and more prone to breakage.
To master your mane in 2025, you need a routine built on hydration, protection, and the right styling tools. This guide breaks down the absolute best products for every curl type—from loose waves to tight coils—to help you achieve the definition and shine you’ve always wanted.
1. The Foundation: Shampoos and Cleansers
A great curly hair day starts in the shower. Traditional shampoos often contain harsh sulfates (like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) that strip away the very moisture your curls need to stay grouped together.5 In 2025, “Low-Poo” and “No-Poo” cleansers are leading the way.
Best Overall: Kérastase Curl Manifesto Shampoo
This is a top-tier choice for those who want a professional, salon-quality clean. It is sulfate-free and infused with Manuka honey and Ceramide. It cleanses the scalp effectively while leaving the hair feeling incredibly soft.
Best for Dry Curls: Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating Shampoo
If your hair feels like straw, this is your solution. It uses tomato fruit ferment to seal the hair cuticle, which helps prevent frizz before you even step out of the shower.
Best Budget: SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
A long-time favorite for a reason. It’s affordable, accessible, and uses silk protein and neem oil to provide a deep, moisturizing clean without the high price tag.
2. The Hydrators: Conditioners and Masks
Conditioning is not just a step; for curly hair, it is the step. You want a product with “slip”—that slippery feeling that allows your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to glide through knots without snapping the hair.
Best Daily Conditioner: Pattern Beauty Medium Conditioner
Tracee Ellis Ross’s brand has perfected the art of the conditioner. The “Medium” version is great for classic curls (Type 3), providing a heavy dose of hydration with jojoba oil and aloe vera without being too heavy.
Best Deep Treatment: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
For those with heat damage or color-treated curls, a weekly mask is non-negotiable. This mask is clinically proven to reduce breakage after just a few uses. It balances protein and moisture, which is the “holy grail” for curl health.
Best Detangler: Kinky-Curly Knot Today
This is a cult classic. It works as both a rinse-out conditioner and a leave-in. If you have tight coils (Type 4) that tangle easily, this product provides the best “slip” on the market.
3. The Stylers: Creams, Gels, and Mousses
Once your hair is clean and conditioned, how you “set” the curls determines how long they will last.
Best Curl Cream: Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream
This cream has taken social media by storm because it defines curls without the “crunch.” It uses aloe vera and shea butter to hold the curl shape while keeping the hair touchably soft. It works exceptionally well for air-drying.
Best Gel for Maximum Hold: Olaplex No. 10 Bond Shaper Curl Gel
If you live in a humid climate, a gel is your best friend. This new release from Olaplex not only holds the curl in place for days but also repairs hair bonds while you wear it. It creates a “cast” (a hard shell) that you can easily scrunch out once the hair is dry to reveal soft, bouncy ringlets.
Best for Fine Hair: Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
People with fine, curly hair often find that heavy butters weigh their curls down, making them look flat.6 This product is a “one-and-done” styler that provides the hydration of a cream with the light hold of a gel.
4. Understanding Your Curl Type
To choose the right product, you need to know what you’re working with. Curls are generally categorized into four types:
| Type | Description | Best Product Type |
| Type 2 (Wavy) | S-shaped waves that lay close to the head. | Lightweight mousses and sea salt sprays. |
| Type 3 (Curly) | Defined ringlets that range from “Coke bottle” to “pencil” width. | Curl creams and medium-hold gels. |
| Type 4 (Coily) | Tight Z-shaped or O-shaped patterns; very fragile. | Heavy butters, creams, and sealing oils.7 |
5. The “Curly Girl Method” (CGM) Basics
Many of the best products today are “CGM Approved.” This means they are free from:
- Sulfates: Harsh detergents that dry hair out.
- Silicones: Ingredients that make hair look shiny but can only be removed with sulfates, leading to a cycle of dryness and buildup.
- Drying Alcohols: Often found in hairsprays, these zap moisture instantly.9
How to apply these products:
- Start Soaking Wet: Apply your leave-in and styling cream while you are still in the shower. Curls clump better when the hair is saturated with water.
- The “Praying Hands” Method: Instead of raking your fingers through and breaking up the curls, smooth the product over your hair with flat palms.
- Scrunching: After the product is in, scrunch your hair upward toward the scalp to encourage the curl pattern.10
- Microfiber Only: Never use a regular terry cloth towel. Use a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt to “plop” your hair (wrapping it on top of your head) to soak up excess water.11
6. Finishing Touches: Oils and Tools
Once your hair is dry, you might notice it feels a bit stiff if you used a gel. This is called the “gel cast.”
Best Hair Oil: Bread Beauty Supply Hair-Oil Everyday Gloss
This oil smells like strawberry lip gloss and is incredibly lightweight. Rub a few drops between your palms and scrunch your hair to “break the cast,” leaving your curls shiny and soft.
Best Tool: DevaCurl DevaFuser
If you don’t have time to air-dry, a diffuser is essential. This hand-shaped attachment fits onto your blow dryer and delivers 360-degree airflow to dry your curls from the inside out without causing frizz.
7. Your Weekly Routine Checklist
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, follow this simple weekly schedule to keep your curls healthy:
- Day 1 (Wash Day): Use a sulfate-free shampoo, a deep conditioner (leave for 10 mins), apply cream and gel to soaking wet hair, and diffuse.
- Day 2 & 3: Protect your curls at night with a silk or satin pillowcase.12 In the morning, refresh with a light mist of water and a tiny bit of leave-in cream.
- Day 4 (Co-Wash): If your hair feels dry but not dirty, wash with just conditioner (co-washing) instead of shampoo.
- Day 7 (Reset): Once a month, use a clarifying shampoo (like Ouai Detox Shampoo) to remove any product buildup from your scalp.
Final Thoughts
The “best” product is ultimately the one that makes you feel confident. Don’t be afraid to mix and match brands. You might love a luxury shampoo from Kérastase but find that a $10 gel from the drugstore works best for your specific curl pattern. Start with the basics—moisture and hold—and your curls will thank you.
