15 Best Hairstylist-Approved Drugstore Products For Curly Hair – 2024
Maintain those wonderful curly tresses with nourishing formulas that are also affordable.
Yvey Valcin is a celebrated master stylist based in Seattle, WA, and was one of the highest rated stylists at the flagship Gene Juarez salon in Seattle. He is known for his superior cutting technique and has styled for top editorial and fashion events, such as New York and Paris Fashion Week.
Read full bio of Yvey Valcin
Experience: 5 yearsSakshi Bahal is a commerce writer with a master's degree in English Literature from Calcutta University. She was a part of the editorial team of her school magazine. Her love for writing inspired her to take up literature and follow that up with creative writing after completing her education.
Read full bio of Sakshi Bahal
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
You won’t always need high-end products to flaunt gorgeous curls if you have the best drugstore products for curly hair in place. These haircare products work wonders when it comes to transforming messy and unkempt curls into breathtakingly beautiful ones. With a multitude of curl-enhancing and styling products like drugstore conditioners, shampoos, and creams available on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the right ones for your hair. That’s why we have curated a list of some of the most amazing drugstore products for all the curly girls out there. So, without any delay, go ahead and check it out!
In This Article
Top 15 Drugstore Products For Curly Hair
1. Best Overall:Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
The Curl Defining Cream from Moroccanoil is an all-in-one curl solution that eliminates the need for multiple products. It separates, conditions, and lends definition to your curls to help them look flawless. This drugstore curl cream is infused with the nourishing goodness of argan oil, which calms frizz and adds shine to your locks. It enhances your curls with bounce and a soft yet lasting hold. For a thorough review of the product, have a look at this YouTuber’s video.
Pros
- Suitable for all curl types
- Lightweight formula
- Increases bounce and movement
- Separates and defines curls
- Calms frizzy hair
- Leaves curls silky smooth
- Easy to apply
- Provides soft hold
- Infused with argan oil
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- None
"This curl cream manages my frizzy hair without any stickiness. I love how defined and smooth my hair looks after I apply it. The lightweight formula is easy to apply and works well in humid weather. It never makes my hair feel heavy or weigh down."
Pro TipAfter applying a curl defining cream, always remember to scrunch your hair upwards to define the pattern of your curls.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 18,564 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
2. Best For Chronically Dry Hair:Aunt Jackie’s Purify Me Moisturizing Co-wash Cleanser
Aunt Jackie’s Purify Me Moisturizing Co-wash Cleanser is ideal for keeping your curls free of impurities and buildup without stripping them of moisture. This is one of the best affordable drugstore shampoos for curly hair. It provides deep cleansing while improving the overall health of your hair. If your curls are chronically dry or you find the need to shampoo them every day, using this co-wash will get the job done while still being gentle on your hair. The rich and creamy formula leaves you with the perfect balance of soft and moisturized curls. Check out this YouTuber’s review of the product if you require more details.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Deeply cleanses and removes buildup
- Nourishes hair with moisture
- Improves hair health
- Makes curls more manageable
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
Cons
- None
3. Best For Humidity Conditions:Sexyhair Ultra Curl Styling Creme Gel
The Sexyhair Ultra Curl Styling Creme Gel provides lasting definition to your curls. It has a lightweight formula enriched with Cacay oil and sea algae. The strong control creme gel can be used on all curl types for taming unruly curls and calming frizz. This curl gel protects hair in high humidity conditions. You can use this versatile styling product on damp hair along with your conditioner and use a diffuser for soft curls or let your hair air dry for a more textured appearance. You can also check this YouTube video for a complete idea about the product.
Pros
- Suitable for all curl types
- Lightweight
- Easy to apply
- Provides extra control and definition
- Adds volume and shine
- Helps calm frizz
- Does not weigh hair down
- No greasy residue
- Pleasant fragrance
- Travel-friendly packaging
Cons
- Contains silicones
"This curling creme maintains my curl definition but doesn't make hair crunchy. It tames frizz with just a little bit. It volumizes my short hair and does not make it look greasy. The fruity scent is great and not overwhelming. Overall, it's a functional product for people like me who seek light control for their curls."
Pro TipTake some light serum or oil in between your palms and scrunch up your hair to break the gel cast and get softer looking curls.
| Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream | Aunt Jackie’s Purify Me Moisturizing Co-wash Cleanser | Sexyhair Ultra Curl Styling Creme Gel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Curly, Wavy | All hair types,Dry | Kinky-Curly-Wavy |
| Dimensions | 2.15 x 1.4 x 5.15 inches | 3 x 3 x 8.25 inches | 7.25 x 1.44 x 1.44 inches |
| Weight | 1.06 Ounces | 8 Ounces | 6.4 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 18,564 | 911 | - |
| Price | $16.0 | $8.99 | - |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best For Gentle Use:SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
The SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo makes messy curls more manageable. It adds shine and bounce to thick, curly hair and nourishes it with certified organic shea butter and other choicest natural ingredients. The gentle hair cleanser generates a rich and creamy lather that effectively washes away dirt and buildup from your hair. Hibiscus flower extracts in this drugstore shampoo help improve the elasticity of your hair while reducing split ends and hair breakage. The product aids in maintaining curly hair and successfully reduces any frizziness.
Pros
- Contains fair-trade ingredients
- Lathers well
- Color-safe
- Pleasant fragrance
- Non-drying
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May leave behind a greasy residue.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 1,509 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
5. Best For Hair Shine:Mixed Chicks Curl Defining Leave-In Conditioner
The Mixed Chicks Curl Defining Leave-In Conditioner can help you forget about dry, tangled, and unruly curls in a jiffy. This drugstore leave-in conditioner provides extreme hydration to help condition your curls while making them soft, shiny, and more manageable. The proprietary formula of this deep conditioner uses premium ingredients, so you can be sure that your hair is getting replenished with the nutrition it needs. The nourishing ingredients include jojoba oil, evening primrose oil, silk amino acids, and keratin.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Provides intense hydration
- Helps control frizz
- Adds definition to curls
- Improves scalp health
- Promotes hair growth
- Pleasant fragrance
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May not work on all hair types.
Pro TipYou can use your leave-in conditioner on wet or damp hair to help with easy and painless detangling.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 1,367 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
6. Best Biodegradable:Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Hair Care System
The Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Hair Care System is a multi-pack of three amazing products for curly hair. It includes Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Fortifying Shampoo, Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Fortifying Conditioner, and Garnier Fructis Curl Treat Smoothie. The shampoo and conditioner contain glycerin and coconut oil that impart natural shine to the hair and help provide lasting frizz control for up to 24 hours. The smoothie helps add definition to your curls and is best suited for fine to normal hair types.
Pros
- Smoothie has 98% naturally derived ingredients
- Adds definition to curls in thin hair
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Cruelty-free
- Value for money
Cons
- May cause some dryness.
"This curly hair care range revitalizes my curls and manages frizz. It does not weigh my hair down or make it heavy. It keeps my bouncy beach waves intact without damaging the rough strands. The pleasant fragrance is consistent but not overpowering."
Pro TipUse a microfiber towel or a soft cotton t-shirt to dry your hair after each wash to prevent frizz.
7. Best Lightweight:Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Curl Refresher Spray
Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Curl Refresher Spray is among the best drugstore curly hair products out there. It comes at an affordable price, is versatile, and can be used on naturally curly hair of all types, from 4C coils and kinks to 1C waves. If you struggle to get your curly hair to behave and stay in place all day, this refresher spray is just what you need. It gives curly hair a rejuvenating boost that keeps it hydrated without feeling greasy or weighed down. The intense moisture in this spray helps prevent frizz, allowing you to softly define your curls without residue or crunch.
Pros
- Suitable for all curl types
- Detangles hair
- Color-safe
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Mineral oil-free
- No artificial colors
Cons
- Strong smell
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 4,107 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
8. Best For All-Day Hydration:SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
The SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie lends your curls long-lasting moisturization to replenish them with shine. It is a top-rated drugstore product for thick, curly hair. It reduces frizz and makes your curls soft and smooth while adding bounce and movement. The conditioning smoothie restores moisture to dull, damaged hair without weighing it down. The nourishing formula contains coconut oil, neem oil, and silk proteins, which condition hair and improve its health.
Pros
- Suitable for daily use
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Propylene glycol-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Does not help define curls properly.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 3,927 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
9. Best For Long- Lasting Curls:Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Defining Lotion
Keep your hair coiled, frizz-free with the Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Defining Lotion. It is an alcohol-free formula enriched with vitamin E and vitamin B that binds the hair strands making curly hair soft and bouncy. This lotion provides deep conditioning, locks the shine, and controls the frizz. In addition, it offers long-lasting shiny curls and repels humidity.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- May feel sticky
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 721 reviews claiming its efficacy.
10. Best For Maximum Hold:MopTop Curly Hair Custard
The MopTop Curly Hair Custard can be used on curly hair types, ranging from wavy to kinky-coily, and every hair texture in between. It helps add definition to your curls while enhancing your natural curl pattern. This deep conditioning treatment leaves hair moisturized with a naturally beautiful shine. Curly hair regularly needs generous doses of hydration, and this styling custard delivers fantastic results. You get long-lasting hold without hair feeling weighed down or crunchy.
Pros
- Suitable for dry hair
- Lightweight formula
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Dye-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Expensive
- May leave some residue.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,087 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
11. Best For Split Ends:TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier
The TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier gives your curls long-lasting hold and definition. It enhances the natural texture of your hair, whether wavy or curly. It also helps prepare your hair for blow-drying and other salon treatments. The formula is powered by an elegant split-end mending technology that repairs split ends and keeps your curls hydrated, helping you achieve healthier hair. The curl amplifier is enriched with glycerin, hydrolyzed keratin, and silicone-free conditioners, all of which promote healthy hair, without frizz or flyaways.
Pros
- Provides long-lasting hold
- Keeps hair hydrated
- Protects against humidity
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Helps control frizz
- Non-greasy
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- May leave behind some residue
- Hair may feel crunchy on drying.
12. Best Alcohol Free:Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard
Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard is enriched with moisture-intense humectants that work wonderfully on spirals and coils. This drugstore product for curly hair helps define your curls while also adding brilliant shine and long-lasting bounce. The curl custard leaves your hair soft to the touch and deeply moisturized. You can use it on wet or dry hair without worrying about it caking or flaking on you.
Pros
- Provides intense hydration
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Made in the USA
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Contains silicones
- May feel too greasy on some hair types.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 48,786 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
13. Best Anti – Frizz:L’Oréal Paris EverCurl Sulfate-Free Curl Care System
This set of shampoo and conditioner from L’Oréal Paris’s EverCurl Sulfate-Free range is perfect for cleansing your curls without losing out on moisture. The HydraCharge shampoo and conditioner both feature a non-drying formula enriched with nourishing plant extracts. They help calm frizz and make your curls soft and more manageable. Both products are free of harsh chemicals and safe for color-treated hair.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Value for money
Cons
- May dry out hair.
- Strong smell
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 5,777 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
14. Best Smelling:OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Air Dry Cream
The OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Air Dry Cream hydrates your curls using shea butter and coconut oil. This styling blend helps hold the bounce in your curls without making them crunchy. It leaves hair hydrated and smooth without any frizz. Depending on your hair texture, you can use this drugstore product for curly hair to tighten and twist your hair into beautiful coils and tendrils.
Pros
- Reduces frizz
- Pleasant fragrance
- Non-greasy
- Easy to apply
- Lightweight formula
Cons
- Not enough hold
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 884 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
15. Best For Hair Breakage:Design Essentials Natural Curl Enhancing Mousse
The Design Essentials Natural Curl Enhancing Mousse contains a nourishing infusion of vitamin B complex and olive oil. It helps separate and define each curl to make your style last longer. Whether your hair texture is wavy, curly, or coily, this styling mousse can help get rid of frizz without leaving behind any greasy residue. It dries quickly without any crunch, leaving your hair feeling soft and looking naturally shiny.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Alcohol-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
- May cause dryness
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 1,045 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
Infographic: The Curly Hair Products Guide: Ingredients To Avoid & How To Use
Achieving volume and length in your curls is not difficult! While it takes some effort, many products available on the market offer the right amount of shine, slip, and mass to your tresses. However, you must also know about the ingredients to strictly avoid while attending to your curls. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Check out the infographic below to learn about those ingredients. Scroll down and discover how to care for your curls using the best curly hair routine.
The Bottom Line
Maintaining curly hair is no cakewalk! In fact, the maintenance can be very hard on your wallet as well. However, there are many drugstore products in the market that work wonders for curly hair. They are budget-friendly and help you maintain your shine, while eliminating excess frizz and damage. The Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream separates, conditions, and adds definition to the curls, the Aunt Jackie’s Purify Me Moisturizing Co-wash Cleanser helps get rid of product build-up and impurities, and the SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie offer long-lasting hydration. These products help in adding definition to your curls and volumizing your strands, enhancing their natural beauty. From shampoos and conditioners to hair masks and cleansers, these budget-friendly options help in taming your curls while making them softer, smoother, and bouncier. So, go ahead and include these products in your hair care routine today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use hair products for curly hair?
Flip your wet hair forward and apply the product with your fingers, gently rubbing it onto your strands. You can also refer to the respective product packages for usage directions.
How often should you wash curly hair?
You can wash your curly hair two to four times a week.
Is it okay to wet curly hair every day?
Yes, it is okay to wet your curly hair every day. Wetting your curly hair daily helps you retain the moisture in your hair.
What ingredients should I avoid if I have curly hair?
Avoid using products with sulfates, parabens, alcohol, and salicylic acid if you have curly hair.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Sakshi Bahal, the scribe behind this article, is a hair care aficionado with a knack for finding all the right hair care products. She understands the struggle to manage curly hair, and wants to help you tackle your curly tresses. After spending hours going through product reviews on many platforms, she chose these best products to use on curly hair. She selected each product based on how well they enhance curl definition, aid detangling, curb frizz, and much more.
Read full bio of Yvey Valcin
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