20 Best Hair Care Products For Natural Kinky Curly Hair
Protect and retain the shine of your kinky hair without any signs of dryness and damage.
Dawna is a state board licensed cosmetologist practicing in New Hampshire and California. She has over 24 years of experience and is a business growth strategist specializing in confidence-building and performance enhancement. As a salon owner, she coached/inspired dozens of stylists.
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Experience: 2 yearsPooja is a Mass Communications and Psychology graduate from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and has two years of experience as a content writer. Her education has helped her develop the perfect balance between what the reader wants to know and what the reader has to know.
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Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
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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.
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Naturally kinky and curly hair looks gorgeous, but managing them might be a struggle. If your tight curls are tangled and complicated to style, you need to start using the best products for natural kinky curly hair. These products are infused with hair-loving ingredients that define curls and keep your natural hair soft and nourished while fighting frizz and dryness. To help you get the perfect hair care routine, we have made a list of the 20 best products that have received positive reviews from customers on various e-commerce platforms. Some of the below mentioned products are not tested on animals. All these products help you make your curly hair journey much easier and more memorable, that too, at an affordable price. Please keep reading to find out our top picks!
In This Article
20 Best Hair Care Products For Natural Kinky Curly Hair
1. Best Anti-Frizz Formula:Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Shea Moisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie is infused with natural ingredients like organic shea butter, neem oil, and silk proteins. Coconut and hibiscus help in hydrating and adding life to dull and dry hair. This strengthening cream claims to give you soft, silky, and defined curls. It has conditioning properties that smoothen split ends and tame flyaways to make your hair manageable. Reviewers are impressed by this product’s ability to make the natural hair soft and defined without making it feel crunchy. If you are someone with 3C or 4A hair type, you can rely on this product as it softens unruly curls. Learn more about this curl enhancer in this video detailing a tester’s experience of using it.
Pros
- Transforms damaged tresses
- Imparts shine to your locks
- Adds volume and definition to curls
- Does not weigh your hair down
- Moisturizes your hair
- Reduces frizz
Cons
- Does not work on 4B and 4C hair types
"One of my main issues is managing the frizz and this curly hair product does that effortlessly without stiffness. It maintains softness in my hair and even imparts a pleasant scent that lasts for quite some time. It offers good definition and moisture, especially when used sparingly."
Did You Know?
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 3,927 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
2. Best For Curl Definition:Kinky-Curly Knot Today Natural Leave In/Detangler
This is a must-have product for curly-haired women. Kinky-Curly Knot Today Natural Leave In/Detangler is designed to smoothen curls and subdue knots. This natural hair product contains organic extracts of mango, elm, marshmallow roots, and lemongrass – ingredients that are carefully picked to impart a soothing and softening effect to your curls. Besides softening, it also clears impurities off your scalp. It claims to strengthen your hair and detangle the knots effortlessly. Multiple reviewers are impressed by its pleasant smell and lightweight texture. You can now braid your hair without worrying about detangling it! This video of a tester’s experience will provide you with added insights about the product.
Pros
- Adds definition to your curls
- Anti-frizz solution
- Adds moisture and imparts shine to your locks
- Rinses out quickly
- Leaves your hair feeling light and bouncy
- Works best on all curly hair types
Cons
- A lot of product required for each use
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 1,182 rave reviews on Amazon.
3. Best For Detangling:DevaCurl One Condition Original Daily Cream Conditioner
Are you looking for a product that adds moisture to your locks instantly or just looking for the perfect product for your co-washing routine? You are looking right at it!. Devacurl One Condition makes your curls soft and hydrates them thoroughly. It is a rich creamy conditioner that contains botanical ingredients that provide protection and hydration to your locks. It contains olive oil that nourishes your hair. The chufa milk and quinoa protein reduce frizz and make your kinky or coily hair more manageable. Take a look at this video of a reviewer’s experience to know more about the product. Dawna Jarvis, a licensed cosmetologist says, “DevaCurl One Condition is a safe bet for most curl types!”
Pros
- Detangles the knots
- Great consistency
- Makes your curls soft
- Paraben-free
- Great fragrance
Cons
- Makes your hair greasy
"This conditioner softens and defines my curly hair. It also helps me manage it better. I like its pleasant scent that stays for some time but does not overwhelm me. It makes my hair appear shiny and lustrous."
Pro Tip4. Best Non-Greasy Formula:Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard Natural Styling Gel
This curling custard is everything you need if you have frizzy and unruly kinky hair. It adds moisture and defines your curls. It contains organic ingredients like aloe vera juice, agave nectar extracts, and chamomile that help nourish and strengthen your curls. It claims to remove frizz and provide long-lasting shine without being greasy. The best thing is that it can also be used as a conditioning hair mask to nourish your natural hair! Several reviewers highly recommend this product and claim that it imparts bouncy and defined curls.
Pros
- Imparts brilliant shine to your tresses
- A little product goes a long way
- Works for type 3 and 4 curls
- Softens and elongates the curls
- Adds volume to your hair
- Does not weigh your hair down
Cons
- Contains harsh chemicals
"This custard gel makes my curls so easy to manage. It helps in defining curls and controlling frizz. I use it sparingly to get that subtle shine while avoiding buildup or limp waves."
5. Best Long-Lasting Formula:Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls
Miss Jessie’s new hair lotion is perfect to achieve soft, shiny, and elongated curls. It is formulated with Fabric Care technology that adds definition to your curls and softens them from root to tip. Styling your kinky hair with this lotion will be easy-breezy. With its creamy consistency, this lotion glides smoothly on your tresses and spreads easily, leaving your curls feeling light as a feather. Several reviewers are impressed by the product’s soft hold that gives them natural curls.
Pros
- Controls frizz and flyaways
- Does not weigh your hair down
- Pleasant fragrance
- Long-lasting results
- Works best on type 3 and 4 curls
Cons
- Contains too many chemicals
"This curl cream smooths my hair texture. It enhances my curl definition and volume. Moreover, it makes my hair soft and bouncy. I use it because it does not weigh my hair down."
6. Best For pH Balance:Curl Keeper Original Total Control For Frizzy Hair
Want to be the crown bearer of gorgeous curls? Use Curl Keeper Original to get frizz-free curls instantly. It contains high-quality ingredients that provide frizz-free and defined curls. It also contains anti-humid properties that keep your locks clean and fresh even on the hottest days. It claims to tame flyaways and leave your hair healthy and manageable. It retains moisture in your locks and hydrates your scalp. Since it is a water-based solution, you can use it on a daily basis as an effective hair and scalp treatment.
Pros
- Balances the pH level of your hair and scalp
- Does not weigh your hair down
- Clears residue and keeps the scalp clean
- Suitable for type 3 and 4 curls
- Softens dry ends
- Imparts shine
Cons
- Expensive
Did You Know?7. Best Cruelty-Free Conditioner:Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner
Devised for every curl type belonging to all possible cultures, this conditioner is a “multi-racial movement” in itself. It works to soften your hair from the roots. It claims to help in absorption of moisture in every curl and add definition, leaving your hair feeling healthy and vibrant. It contains natural ingredients like primrose oil, jojoba oil, and silk amino acids that nourish your scalp and replenish your hair by providing a protective barrier against pollutants. The conditioner’s ability to give frizz-free, nourished hair has made it a favorite among reviewers.
Pros
- Controls frizz
- Makes your hair bouncy, soft, and brushable
- Non-sticky consistency
- Suitable for all curly hair types
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Weighs your hair down
"A friend of mine suggested using the Mixed Chicks conditioner for my curly hair and I'm glad I listened to her. The product is effective for frizz control, and it only requires a small quantity. It eases combing and enhances curl definition as well. Most importantly, it doesn't weigh down my curls or leave a greasy feel."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 1,367 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
8. Best For Dry Hair:As I Am Curling Jelly
An ideal product to add definition and vibrancy to your curls, this curling jelly promises to impart long-lasting shine to your locks and enhance the stretch of each hair strand. It contains aloe vera extract that is Nature’s best curator for adding moisture to your hair. You can get rid of unruly frizzy curls by using this styling gel. It also claims to protect your hair against damage and give you fresh and healthy-looking hair.
Pros
- Softens dry strands
- Imparts shine
- A little product goes a long way
- Does not weigh your hair down
- Controls flyaways and manages unruly curls
- Great fragrance
Cons
- Leaves your scalp feeling flaky
"The As I Am Curling Jelly is a versatile product that can work well for various hair textures. It is great for defining curls and managing frizz. I use it on both damp and dry hair, and it seems to hold up well."
9. Best Creamy Consistency:Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter
This soft styling hair butter is crafted to nourish and elongate your curls. It contains ingredients like pumpkin oil, olive oil, almond milk, organic honey, aloe vera, and green tea extracts that help in softening your curls, leaving you with silky, smooth, and moisturized hair. It also nourishes your scalp and stimulates hair growth. If you have thick and coarse kinky hair, you can opt for this product as it delivers the results as promised. It is a great twist-out cream for your hair if you want to add some definition to your curls!
Pros
- Defines your curls
- Works for type 3 and 4 curls
- Suitable for thicker hair
- Removes knots
- Creamy consistency
- Strengthens your curls
- Pleasant smell
Cons
- Leaves your scalp flaky
10. Best For Daily Use:The Roots Naturelle Bouncy Curls
This natural hydrating cream has been created especially for frizzy and tight curls. It is made of olive oil and grape seed oil that help moisturize and infuse proteins into your hair. Be it kinky, wavy, or curly hair, this cream works efficiently, leaving your hair soft, shiny, and moisturized. A perfect protein treatment that allows you to style your locks without struggling with them.
Pros
- Adds body and vibrancy to your curls
- Suitable for type 3 and 4 curls
- Non-greasy
- Smooth consistency
- Perfect for daily use
Cons
- Leaves residue on scalp
"I'm using this curling cream for my natural waves and the results have been truly amazing. As soon as I apply it, it delivers a pleasant coconut scent and bounce without making my hair feel heavy. It's a good choice for frizz control as well, even in humidity. However, I ensure to only use a light hand. It's been quite effective for enhancing my curls, making my hair feel good even after washing."
11. Best For Silky Hair:OGX Quenching+Coconut Curls Shampoo
You can now enhance your curls by using this nourishing shampoo infused with coconut oil, honey, and citrus oil that add natural softness to your hair. Made specially for kinky, coarse, and curly hair, this natural curl refresher promises to add shine to lackluster tresses. This formula will nourish each hair strand and boost your curls to give perfectly defined coils. It imparts shine, reduces frizz, and promotes hair health.
Pros
- Lathers well
- Manages unruly flyaways
- Controls damage
- Removes tangles
- Smells divine
- A little product goes a long way
Cons
- Dries your hair out initially
"The product works so well for my curly hair. It define my curls and makes them stand out. I love how it does not weigh down my hair or make it greasy. It even has a pleasant coconut fragrance."
12. Best For Hydrated Hair:Not Your Mother’s Kinky Moves Curl Defining Hair Cream
This hair cream gives extra oomph to your curls by adding bounce and vibrancy to them. It claims to eliminate frizz and manage unruly locks. It contains extracts of grape seed and jasmine that help moisturize and hydrate your hair, giving your curls a defined structure. If you are struggling to style your kinky hair, you can now relax as this cream does the job with finesse.
Pros
- Adds shine
- Tames down flyaways
- Offers long-lasting hold
- A little product goes a long way
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Makes your hair greasy
13. Best Anti-Humid Properties:Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Creme
Brigeo Defining Creme gives you weather-proof curls and imparts a flexible hold to your locks. The rice amino acids smoothen your curls and have anti-humid properties. Avocado oil hydrates your scalp and retains moisture in the cuticles. Mollis leaf extracts texturize your hair and eliminate unwanted residue from your scalp. It claims to increase the elasticity of your curls, giving you touchably soft and shiny locks.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Allows uniform curl formation
- Protects your hair against pollutants
- Free of silicones
- Safe for chemically treated hair
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Can be heavy on fine hair
"I love using this product to define my waves. I use it sparingly and it does not leave any next-day residue. It adds moisture and tames my fine, curly hair."
14. Best For Nourished Scalp:Miss Jessie’s Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo
Miss Jessie’s Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo is excellent for every curly hair type. This concentrated formula adds shine to your locks and helps you attain manageable tresses without weighing your hair down. It removes residue and detangles knots, leaving your hair feeling soft and smooth. It eliminates frizz and nourishes your scalp with proteins for healthy hair growth. It also helps in removing weave glue off your hair.
Pros
- Works best on tight curls
- Pleasant fragrance
- Defines your curls
- Cleanses scalp well
- Reduces breakage
- A little product goes a long way
Cons
- Strips off natural oils
15. Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In Conditioner
This leave-in conditioner repairs and restores your curls with its softening properties. It is formulated with nourishing ingredients like organic blueberry extracts, grape seed oil, coconut oil, and mango butter. It repairs damaged hair and stimulates new hair growth. It also contains vitamin C that can prevent breakage and improve the natural texture of your curls. Add shine to your dull and lifeless locks with this leave-in conditioner.
Pros
- Contains certified organic products
- Prevents graying of hair
- Improves blood circulation to the scalp
- Prevents hair fall
- Defines curls
- Removes split ends
Cons
- Not suitable for 4C hair
"This leave-in conditioner has become my ally against frizz, particularly those that are very close to the roots. When I'm in the mood for updos, I use it sparingly to keep flyaways at bay. Its blueberry scent is light after drying and the formula doesn't trigger my sensitivity to smells."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 616 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
16. Best For Curl Enhancement:Jessicurl Spiralicious Gel
This styling gel is excellent if you are suffering from frizzy hair. It gives you fabulous hold and frizz control. This styling gel promotes healthy curl formation by providing ample moisture to your locks. This solution can improve the texture of your hair without making it crunchy. The frizz-free formula acts effectively on your tresses and detangles the knots effortlessly.
Pros
- Provides strong hold
- Suitable for all types of curls
- Long-lasting results
- Removes knots
- Adds shine to your locks
- A little product goes a long way
Cons
- Turns your hair greasy
"I like this curl-enhancing gel's lightweight formula. It is great for my fine and wavy hair type. I like how it controls frizz and maintains the curl shapes without leaving a sticky residue. It moisturizes my hair and gives it a long-lasting hold."
17. Best Natural Ingredients:Ouidad Curl Immersion Triple Treat Deep Conditioner
This hydrating conditioner moisturizes and softens kinky curls with its natural ingredients like coconut, avocado, and grape seed oil. These ingredients restore natural ceramides that help in retaining the definition of your curls. This conditioner works best on kinky hair as it softens the curls and elongates them. A perfect deep-conditioning treatment for your hair at home!
Pros
- Smooth consistency
- Adds definition to your curls
- Adds shine
- Pleasant fragrance
- Long-lasting results
Cons
- Expensive
18. Best For Curl Shine:Taliah Waajid Curl Sealer
This curl sealer adds shine and softens your curls. It has hydrating properties that help terminate frizz. It also adds definition and improves the texture of your hair, giving you long-lasting and soft curls. It claims to manage unruly hair and add shine to your tresses. It offers an excellent hold for experimenting with various hairstyles. It is also not tested on animals.
Pros
- Does not leave behind residue
- Works best on type 3 and 4 curls
- Does not weigh your hair down
- Improves hair texture
- Smooth consistency
- A little product goes a long way
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Makes your scalp flake initially
"I've used this hair gel for a considerable amount of time to form an opinion. I love using it to define and hold my curls. It maintains that bounce without tackiness. It even helps control frizz."
19. Best Lightweight:Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Detangling Leave-In Conditioner
This conditioner imparts moisture to your locks. It contains almond, avocado, and shea butter that improve the condition of your hair from within. It also contains vitamin E that helps in hydrating the hair cuticles. These ingredients turn your hair visibly soft and save you time while detangling it. It protects your hair from humidity and damage. Shea butter provides intense hydration to each hair strand, giving you soft and knotless hair.
Pros
- Softens dry and brittle hair
- Does not leave behind residue
- Long-lasting moisturization
- Pleasant fragrance
- Strengthens your curls
- Imparts radiance
Cons
- Makes your scalp flake
"I like this moisturizing and detangling leave-in conditioner's refreshing citrus scent. It nourishes my hair without leaving any greasiness behind. I like that it softens my hair and reduces any heavy feel. It helps me effortlessly detangle my hair as well."
20. Best Long Lasting Moisture:MopTop Curly Hair Custard Gel
Moptop Curly Hair Custard is a styling gel infused with aloe vera, sea botanicals, and honey that give maximum hold and shine to your locks. Without crunching your sensitive curls, this product imparts long-lasting moisture to them. It claims to fight frizz and activate the coils of your hair, giving them a perfect definition. This product is designed for ladies with highly textured hair like type 3 and 4 curls.
Pros
- Creates volume
- Contains natural extracts
- Does not weigh your hair down
- Pleasant fragrance
- Free from parabens and silicones
- A little product goes a long way
Cons
- Makes your hair sticky
"Everytime I use this unique custard gel, it leaves my hair feeling natural and free of residue. While it's not the stronghold I was initially seeking for my curly locks, its frizz-control quality is what made me keep it. The scent is pleasantly mild, and it works in sync with my other staple moisturizers."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 1,087 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
If you are following the current trend to wear your hair au naturel, but are struggling to manage your kinky curly hair, worry not. The correct hair care products can make a world of difference to the formation of your curls. Specially formulated products help you tame your curls and style them the way you want. However, since there are so many options, choosing products for your hair takes time and effort. So, scroll through our buying guide to know what factors to look out for before selecting the best hair care products for your natural kinky curly hair.
How To Choose The Best Hair Care Products For Natural Kinky Curly Hair?
- Curly Hair-Specific: The first step is to check the product label to ensure it is specifically meant for curly hair, and not wavy or straight hair. This may sound obvious, but using curl-specific products is of the greatest importance, and not for a minute should one forget that curly hair is different.
- Must-Have Ingredients: Curly hair is more prone to dryness. Nourishing ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, natural oils, almond milk, organic honey, and aloe vera help soften curls, even in case of high porosity curls, while leaving the hair silky, frizz-free, and moisturized. Additionally, look for amino acids that have proven efficacy in nourishing your scalp and providing a protective barrier against pollutants. Finally, choose a formula infused with mollis leaf extracts that eliminate unwanted residue from your hair.
- Ingredients to Avoid: Avoid harsh chemicals like paraben, phthalates, sulfates, and alcohol. These can dry your hair as they wash away the natural oils and moisture. To achieve optimal results, it’s crucial to ensure that your curls are thoroughly saturated with product and kept highly hydrated.
- Dermatologist-Tested: Choose products that are tested or recommended by hair specialists. They are usually gentle on your scalp and potentially harmless.
- Lightweight Formula: Choose formulas with a light and smooth consistency that are easy to apply. They spread quickly between your tangles and do not weigh down your hair.
- Heat Protection: Curly hair is prone to damage. They break very easily and appear dull with little exposure to heat. Therefore choose heat-protectant formulas that work against heat tools and UV rays to protect the hair from heat.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In Hair Care Products For Natural Kinky Curly Hair
Not all products on the market that claim to benefit curly hair are effective. A high-quality natural kinky curly hair product must contain ingredients that revive and restore the curl pattern and promote hair growth. Check out the infographic below to know what key ingredients you must look for when buying hair care products for your coily tresses.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Naturally kinky curls look gorgeous, but it takes a lot of patience and the right hair products to maintain the curls perfectly. You need hair products with nourishing ingredients that smooth out your hair and make it soft and tangle-free by eliminating frizz. The Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie can be used daily to hydrate and style your hair, while the Kinky-Curly Knot Today Natural Leave-In Conditioner/Detangler clears impurities and softens hair. The Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner is a great option for dry and frizzy hair. Products for kinky hair contain ingredients like hair vitamins C & E and jojoba oil that define the curls, strengthen the strands, and reduce dryness. These products control frizz, impart shine to your locks, and are long-lasting. However, some products leave the scalp flaky. Always be wary of products that are not chemical-free or have parabens and sulfates in their formulation. Also, remember to conduct a patch test before application to check for allergic reactions.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Pooja Karkala, is a hair care enthusiast with a penchant for finding the best haircare products and reviewing them. She is familiar with the challenges of maintaining naturally kinky hair, so she has dug deep to hunt down the best products for natural, kinky-curly hair. After conducting comprehensive research and analyzing numerous reviews, the author narrowed her search to the top options and reviewed them with pros and cons for our readers in this article.
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