Best Products For Curly Hair

Nykia Spradley Feb, 20, 2017

This feature originally appeared in the March 2017 Issue of ESSENCE Magazine.

If the graveyard of products in your bathroom cabinet is any indication, the curly strand struggle is real. The quest for coil perfection is common for pretty much every naturalista.

Keep reading for easy product recommendations, based on your specific curl pattern.

(All styling done by Celebrity Natural Hair Guru Nedjetti Harvey.)

1 of 12 Hairstyling by Nedjetti Harvey

For Frizzy Waves

Wavy curls have a more visible S-shape pattern (type 3A to 3C), while tighter curls can range from tiny circles to a Z-shape coil (type 4A to 4C).

If you're on the wavy end, your strands still crave moisture, but for definition without the weight Harvey says to opt for light styling creams. Shampoo and apply a rinse-out conditioner once every three days. To produce volume, start with your stylers, then use a diffuser. An alcohol-free, lightweight gel will help enhance your locks too. Looser curls are also more prone to heat damage, so keep the straightening to a minimum. "Sometimes heat damage can take place toward the root to the middle of the shaft," says Harvey. "When this happens, curl the hair with perm or flexi rods to create the coil instead of using a heated wand."

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For Frizzy Waves: RENE FURTERER Sublime Curl Curl Nutri-Activating Cream

available at Rene Furterer $28 Buy Here

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For Frizzy Waves: OUIDAD Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Conditioner

available at Dermstore $20 Buy Here

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For Frizzy Waves: OUIDAD Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo

available at Dermstore $18 Buy Here

5 of 12 Hairstyling by Nedjetti Harvey

For Combo Coils

Layering lineup for 3C hair types: sulfate-free shampoo, rinse-out conditioner, light to medium styling cream or non-alcohol gel and moisturizing spritz.

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For Combo Coils: EUFORA Curl'n Forming Cream

available at Eufora $26 Buy At Salon

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For Combo Coils: L’OREAL PARIS EverCreme Deep Nourish Conditioner

available at Ulta $8 Buy Here

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For Combo Coils: Hair Food Sulfate Free Hair Milk Shampoo

available at Target $10 Buy Here

9 of 12 Hairstyling by Nedjetti Harvey

For Tight Tresses

Layering lineup for 4A to 4C hair types: sulfate-free shampoo, rinse-out conditioner, medium to heavy styling cream, moisturizing spritz, and oil blends with vitamins A and E, coconut, jojoba, olive, avocado, grapeseed, sunflower or almond.