13 Best Products For 3B Hair Type, As Per A Hairstylist (2024)
These gentle and effective products meet your 3B hair requirements like no other.
Laura is a multi-award-winning celebrity hairstylist with 19 years experience and clients from all over the world. She is a global educator teaching color and bridal hair and has a global coaching business for hairstylists throughout the world. She entered the industry when she was 15, has built her own business, and is now an entrepreneur at 34.
Read full bio of Laura Courtie
Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
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
Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
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3B hair is a combination of corkscrews and waves. If you are struggling to manage this type of hair shape and texture, you have come to the right place. To help you maintain your hair most effectively, we have listed the best products for 3B curly hair. As this hair texture is coarse, it demands the right products to eliminate frizz and add definition to your curls. “I love products that contain coconut and shea butter for naturally curly hair. They literally soak in the moisture helping the hair be as frizz-free as possible. Curly hair gets so dry so quickly and adding these really do help to get the perfect natural curl,” says Laura Courtie, a professional Hair Stylist with 19 years of experience. Refer to our list to find the best products for yourself. Read on.
In This Article
13 Best 3B Hair Products Of 2024 – Reviews And Hair Care Guide
1. Best Anti-Frizz Formula:Color Wow Dream Coat For Curly Hair
Product Type: Hair Spray
For glossy, bouncy, and well-defined waves, try the Color Wow Dream Coat, specially formulated for curly hair. This one-and-done spray solution for frizz-free, crunch-free curls is a weightless, non-frying, and non-sticky formula. In addition, the formula gives you the combined benefits of a gel, serum, and styling cream without weighing down your springy curls or making them greasy. You can use this styling cream on wet, damp, and day-old curls. The curls will look effortlessly volumized, glossy, healthy, and well-maintained. This product is also not tested on animals, making for an ethical choice.
Pros
- Non-drying
- Anti-frizz
- Easy to use
- Crunch-free
- Non-sticky
- Provides heat protection
- Sulfate-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Takes a lot of time to dry
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 7,930 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
2. Best Hair Detangler:SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk
Product Type: Styling Milk
This styling milk is one of the best styling products for 3b curly hair as it contains natural hair nourishing and moisturizing ingredients such as Shea butter, Coconut Oil, Neem Oil, and Carrot Seed Oil. The ingredients help condition your natural curls and give it a healthy hair shine. After applying this multitasking coconut styling cream, style your hair with curlers or curling irons to get a good hold for the day. This styling milk helps to define your natural curls, and keep them bouncy without that heavy feeling. It also keeps them soft and frizz-free. Check out this review video on YouTube to explore a tester’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Contains ethically traded ingredients
- Detangles the hair
- Certified organic ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- May feel a bit greasy on thin hair.
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 1,600 rave reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Long-Lasting Formula:Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La
Product Type: Hair Cream
If your hair is tough to tame, you definitely need this curl cream that contains mega-moisture boosting humectants. It contains nourishing ingredients like shea butter, olive oil, and soybean oil that keep your curls hydrated and define the spirals and coils. It also helps to hold your style for longer. If you want to know more about the benefits of this product, check out this quick review on YouTube.
Pros
- No flaking
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Improves curl definition
- Good for both 3A and 3B hair types
- Makes hair manageable
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- May not blend well with other styling products.
"This curl-defining cream is great for my 4A and 4C curls. It hydrates and defines my hair without leaving any residue. It works nicely on both wet and dry hair and provides softness while taming frizz. I pair it with my daily hair oil to enhance the benefits."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 48,786 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
| Color Wow Dream Coat For Curly Hair Best Anti-Frizz Formula | SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk Best Hair Detangler | Aunt Jackie's Curl La La Best Long-Lasting Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Color Treated, Curly | Thick, Curly, Frizz | Coily |
| Dimensions | 2.6 x 1.4 x 7 inches | 2.5 x 2.5 x 5 inches | 3.25 x 3.25 x 4.25 inches |
| Weight | 6.4 Ounces. | 9.6 Ounces | 15 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 7,930 | 1,600 | 48,786 |
| Price | $24.0 | $9.63 | $6.99 |
4. Best For Frizz Prevention:Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Conditioner
Product Type: Hair Conditioner
This is a creamy conditioner enriched with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, papaya butter, and plumeria extract. This rich, creamy formula helps detangle your hair, defrizz, and define your tighter curls. This moisturizing conditioner improves your hair’s manageability and enhances the softness of your curls while making them shiny and bouncy.
Pros
- Prevents frizz
- Non-greasy
- Keeps hair moisturized for long
- Pleasant smell
- Enhances your curl retention
- Doesn’t feel heavy on the hair
Cons
- Contains urea
- May not provide all-day hold.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 5,489 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
5. Best For Breakage:Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream
Product Type: Leave-in Conditioner
This leave-in conditioning repair cream is great for natural, colored, permed, and chemically treated hair. This is an intensive deep penetrating conditioning treatment that contains pure shea butter and other natural oils. It helps nourish your hair, prevent breakage, repair hair damage and split ends, and make it shiny and manageable with every application. Additionally, the leave-in conditioner is not tested on animals. For the best results, cover your hair with a plastic cap overnight after application.
Pros
- Provides deep conditioning
- Prevents frizz
- Keeps brittle and coarse hair smooth
- Non-greasy
- Doesn’t weigh the hair down
- Reduces hair breakage
Cons
- May not mix well with other products, especially oils (turns flaky).
"This conditioner moisturizes my hair without any heaviness. It also suits my daughter’s mixed hair and leaves it feeling clean and smelling pleasant. It keeps the ends of my fine hair hydrated without any additional products. I use it thrice weekly for consistent results."
6. Best Moisturizing:Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Shampoo
Product Type: Shampoo
If your shampoo is making your hair frizzy and dry, it’s time to switch to a sulfate-free alternative. The Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Shampoo cleans your hair shaft and scalp without stripping the natural oils, helps control frizz, and offers intense moisturization. It has a gentle formula with cold-pressed sweet almond oil and avocado extracts and other natural ingredients that detangle your hair, soften it and keep it hydrated.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Paraffin-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Moisturizing
- Detangles the hair
- Reduces frizz
Cons
- May feel a bit heavy on fine hair.
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 363 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
7. Best Curls And Coils Defining Formula:Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic
Product Type: Curl Enhancing Gel
This is an aloe vera-based curl enhancing gel that claims to define your curls, enhancing their appearance, and improving their manageability. It is also good for taming frizz and achieving smooth hair. It contains organic aloe vera that is a good moisturizing agent and agave nectar that helps nourish your scalp and keep it healthy. It also contains vitamin E, marshmallow and chamomile extracts, and citric acid.
Pros
- Defines curls and coils
- Provides lasting hold
- No flaking
- Refreshing
- Moisturizes hair
- Makes hair shiny
Cons
- Expensive
Pro Tip8. Best Fragrance:TRESemmé Bouncy Curl Defining Gel
Product Type: Hair Gel
The TRESemmé Bouncy Curls Defining Gel has a humidity-resistant formula that helps transform your frizzy hair into soft, well-defined, and bouncy curls. It contains keratin amino acids that make your curls look healthy and provide lasting frizz control. This professional-grade hair gel gives you a moveable hold without any crunchiness and makes your hair appear shiny. It is alcohol-free, so it will not dry your hair.
Pros
- Makes hair silky
- Provides long-lasting hold with flexibility in movement
- Keeps frizz at bay
- Humidity protection
- Doesn’t make hair crunchy
- Pleasant fragrance
- Travel-friendly
- Alcohol-free
Cons
- Packaging issues
- Contains silicone
9. Best Hair Softening Formula:Giovanni Ultra Moist Leave-In Conditioning & Styling Elixir
Product Type: Leave-in Conditioner
This leave-in conditioner is perfect for dry, colored, and damaged hair and works wonders in emergency hair situations. It contains a blend of avocado and golden olive oil, two of the most hydrating and hair-nourishing ingredients. It is formulated with Dual Moisture Complex that replenishes lifeless, brittle, and dull hair and makes. It helps revive parched hair, improve their elasticity and resilience even if you style it regularly.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- 100% color safe
- USDA certified organic ingredients
- Salon-quality results
- Softens hair
- Reduces plopping
- Prevents frizz
Cons
- Strong and artificial fragrance
- Not an effective detangler
10. Best Curl Enhancing:LUSLove Ur Curls 3-Step System
Product Type: Shampoo, Conditioner, Styler
Give your hair a complete TLC with the LUS Love Ur Curls 3-Step System with shampoo, conditioner, and a curly, all-in-one styler. This potent, dermatologist-tested combo gives your curls a gentle cleanse and ultra hydration and detangling effects. All three products are packed with vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and proteins that glorify your curls. While the curl refresher shampoo thoroughly cleanses the hair, the conditioner detangles your hair and leaves your curls bouncy and soft. Lastly, the all-in-one curl styler is a non-crunch and non-sticky formula that repairs, defines, and hydrates your curls; all in one go! Investing in this 3-Step System will only give you touchable, bouncy, and well-defined curls, waves, spirals, kinks, and coils.
Pros
- No crunch formula
- Non-sticky formula
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-irritating
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- DEA-free
- No synthetic dyes
- Dermatologically tested
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May cause buildup
11. Best For Dry Curls: Creme of Nature Moisture Recovery Leave-in Curl Milk
Product Type: Leave-in Conditioner
This is a leave-in conditioner meant for curly and dry hair. It helps to moisturize your hair with extremely hydrating ingredients like Moroccan argan oil and shea butter. This is a nourishing and extremely lightweight textured formula for dehydrated and frizzy curls. This moisturizing product keeps your hair manageable and soft, strengthens your hair follicles, and adds shine and bounce to the flat tresses. This is a well-loved lightweight product that has garnered multiple positive reviews for its effectiveness in managing curly hair.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Soothing fragrance
- Keeps hair moisturized for long
Cons
- Contains PEG
- Contains artificial colorant
- Thicker consistency makes it difficult to dispense.
12. Best For Colored Hair: Nexxus Humectress Moisture Masque
Product Type: Hair Mask
This intensely moisturizing hair mask is infused with Protein Complex that provides 24-hour moisture. It contains glycerine that rehydrates your dry hair and binds moisture within the strands. The rich formula deeply penetrates the hair and gives it a natural reflective shine. It doesn’t weigh your hair down but helps to retain its natural movement and leaves your hair nourished and protected.
Pros
- Contains 100% pure elastin protein
- Makes hair soft and smooth
- Makes hair look healthy
- Prevents scrunching
- Provides protein treatment
- Defines curls
- Works on colored hair
Cons
- Contains silicone
- Contains PEG
13. Best For All Curl Types: Crème of Nature with Argan Moisture-Rich Hair Butter
Product Type: Hair Butter
This is a lightweight moisturizing butter. It has a rich formula infused with a blend of argan, shea, and cocoa butters. These butters work together to soften rough and unruly hair and make it soft. This product helps to keep the hair moisturized and improves manageability. It is suitable for all curl types. So add this product to your basket to improve your 3b curly hair routine instantly.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Suitable for transitioning hair
Cons
- May flake if a little too much of the product is used.
If you have type 3B hair, it means you have voluminous hair that can be dense and coarse. Since your hair has a lot more body, it can easily get dull and dry. Here are a few tips for caring for type 3B natural hair.
Hair Care Guide For 3B Hair Type
1. Shampoo Once A Week
If necessary, get a co-wash in the middle of the week to skip shampooing days. Washing and conditioning regularly can dry your hair easily.
2. Pick A Light Hair Oil
A light and nourishing hair oil can help seal plenty of moisture in and keep your curls protected, nourished, and healthy.
3. Use Your Fingers To Detangle
Skip a wide-toothed comb and use only your fingers to detangle your tresses. Remember to always do it on wet hair.
4. Check Your Hair Porosity Level
Pay attention to the porosity level of your hair. For high porosity hair, consider using a leave-in regular conditioner with a light gel. On the other hand, for low porosity hair, try applying hair cream and layering it with a hair mousse. See which hair care routine is ideal for your porosity level and stick to it.
5. Keep Your Hands Away
Do it until your hair dries completely. Your curls look best right after a shower and after you have applied all hair care products. While it becomes tough to keep frizz at bay throughout the day, not touching your hair quite often can help a lot.
Infographic: How To Choose The Best Products For 3B Curly Hair
3B curly hair looks gorgeous but is challenging to manage. It requires constant nourishment, which your regular hair care products may fail to offer. Therefore, it is crucial to include products specially designed for 3B curly hair in your regimen. Go through the factors mentioned in the infographic to understand what to look for in a 3B curly hair product to achieve the optimum benefits. Scroll down. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Managing 3B hair type can be difficult as the curls tend to become dry and prone to breakage. However, you can eliminate the frizz and make it manageable with the right hair care products. The best products for 3B hair are formulated specifically for your coarse hair texture to become smooth and flowing. These products lock in moisture and give you hydrated hair. If you are looking for something that is ideal for damp hair and day-old curls, try the Color Wow Dream Coat For Curly Hair. The SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk is perfect for adding bounce and shine to your lovely curls while the Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream is the perfect overnight treatment for split ends. The products for 3B hair mentioned on our list are non-greasy, paraben-free, and sulfate-free. The buying guide will help you opt for the best products for your hair type. Check product reviews to make an informed decision. Invest in professional-grade formulas that cater to your hair needs well. Also, make sure to use a heat protectant before using any heated tools on your beautiful 3B locks to keep them rejuvenated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to brush wet curly hair?
No. In fact, it is best to brush curly hair when it is wet. Dry curly hair is extremely brittle, and brushing after drying can cause hair breakage.
Is it okay to wet curly hair every day?
Washing curly hair with shampoo every day can strip its natural oils. However, you can definitely get it. Try using a cleansing conditioner to remove dirt and impurities when you wet your hair.
What is Type 3B curly hair?
Type 3B curly hair refers to hair that looks like a collection of bouncy or small ringlets.
Do I have 3B or 3C curls?
You can identify your hair type by understanding its circumference. Here’s what you can do, take a permanent marker and try to fit it through your curls. If it fits easily without expanding the circumference, then you have type 3B curls. And if the same happens with a pencil instead, your curls are probably even smaller and you have type 3C curls.
What can I use for 3B hair?
The most highly recommended product for 3B hair would be a deep conditioner. It is the best way to groom your curls by preventing frizz breakage, or dryness.
Is 3B curly hair coarse?
Yes. 3B hair type does tend to have a coarse texture which may lead to frizz or dryness. To keep your 3B type hair well-groomed, voluminous, and shiny, you must opt for a suitable conditioner and serum.
Is 3B hair Afro-type?
3B hair type is actually loose compared to the curl density of Afro hair. The ringlets have a bigger circumference and are less coarse.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author of this article, is a hair care enthusiast who loves to experiment with various hair care products. However, she believes that the 3B curl type needs special attention and care. So, she browsed through a wide range of hair care products and analyzed the reviews to provide her readers with the curated list of best products for 3b curly hair. These hair care products make the hair smooth and keep the curls well-defined and bouncy.
Read full bio of Laura Courtie
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