If you have curly hair, you know what a hassle it can be to tame and control those natural coils or waves. Curly hair may look amazing, but it is finicky. It gets frizzy. It gets flat. Some products don’t do enough, while others do too much. Thankfully, the Curly Girl Method has made it much easier to find products that enhance curly hair rather than stifle or anger it.
In case you’re unaware, the Curly Girl Method is a list do’s and don’ts for curly hair. It also includes ingredients to look for and to avoid when buying hair products. Everything from shampoo to styling spray and even your towel makes a difference in how your curls form and last.
A major essential of the Curly Girl Method is avoiding sulfates, which are present in many shampoos (check the ingredient list). Wash your hair as little as possible and avoid heat, brushing, and towels. All of this breaks the curl pattern, damages the hair, and leads to frizz.
Now that you know the major rules, what products will give you the best results? Although it does depends on your type of curl, these products seem to be winners all around in the Curly Girl community.
Shampoo
One of the most loved shampoos for curly hair is made by the vegan and cruelty-free brand Pacifica. Pacifica Pineapple Curls Curl Defining Shampoo (click here) enhances bounce and defines your curls with lightweight hydration. It also doesn’t hurt that it smells like a tropical vacation. If your curls are falling flat and looking lackluster, this could be the holy grail you’ve been looking for.
Conditioner
Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment (click here) is an affordable deep conditioner to strengthen hair and banish dryness. This will smooth and soften even the most coarse hair types. If you suffer from major frizz issues, this conditioner will calm it down and give you the definition you crave.
Co-wash
A co-wash is a conditioner that also cleans the hair. It sounds odd, we know. It isn’t a 2-in-1, but instead is a cleansing conditioner. It conditions the hair from root to tip while still dissolving oils and build-up, which means it won’t dry out your curls like normal shampoo. I wouldn’t recommend this for ladies with oily scalps, but everyone else will love it.
The Kristin Ess Ultra-Hydrating Curl Co-Wash (click here) is the perfect product. Not only does it smell like pure heaven, but it doesn’t leave any weight or build up. It softens the hair, defines curls, and actually hydrates without going overboard. Really, all of Kristin Ess’ curl line is worth adding to your shopping cart.
Hair Oil
Hair oils can be miracles for some and greasy messes for others. Hair oils are meant to treat the hair’s issues at the source. Oils strengthen texture, minimize breakage, and protect the hair from heat. They work well both as a pre-shampoo treatment and as a shine boost any time.
Instead of going on a hunt for the oil that works for you, try Prose (click here). Prose is a custom hair care brand that sends you products custom formulated for your hair and curl type. You can get a whole routine or just a treatment, styler, or oil.
Scalp Treatment
Many curly-haired folks get caught up in their curls and forget about their scalp. The thing is, your scalp health is essential to the health of your hair. Most scalp scrubs are meant to remove product build-up, which can be a little harsh and drying for your curls. Instead, look for scalp scrubs that reduce dryness, soothe the scalp, and help to accelerate growth and shine.
dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub (click here) is ideal for curly hair. It uses natural ingredients to scrub away build-up without damaging the follicle. It also rebalances pH and soothes the scalp, leaving your hair feeling clean but not dried out.