10 Best Curly Hair Products For Washing, Caring & Styling
When it comes to caring for curly hair, having the right types of products to hand is key. Not just any shampoos or styling mists will do; finding the dream curl cream or perfect co-wash can mean the difference between bad hair days and great hair days.
So, we’ve compiled the 10 best curly hair products to take you through every step in your daily regimen. Whether you’re working with loose curls, tight loops or springy coils, these essentials have got every curl type covered…
1. NutriCurls Cleansing Conditioner
Perfect for anyone with dry, thick, coarse or high porosity hair, co-washing cleanses and conditions curls in one step. But you can’t just use any conditioner to co-wash; you need a cleansing conditioner. That’s where the low-foam, high-moisture, intensely nourishing NutriCurls Cleansing Conditioner steps in. Made specifically for waves and curls, it rinses away impurities, yet leaves strands bouncy and hydrated from root to tip. Massage it into wet hair for one to two minutes, then rinse thoroughly. You don’t even need a follow-up conditioner; hair is clean, hydrated and ready for styling.
Pro Tip: Try not to rub hair when massaging in a cleansing conditioner, as this can cause tangles and disrupt the curl pattern. Instead, gently work it through strands in small sections. The trick is not to rush; take your time, work with your hair texture and enjoy the process.
2. NutriCurls Micellar Shampoo
For wavy and curly hair types with a good balance of moisture, a gentle shampoo is needed to maintain condition while keeping the scalp and strands clean. That’s why we love NutriCurls Micellar Shampoo; it’s the dream for healthy curls that want to stay that way, sweeping away impurities with the same micellar technology you’d find in high-tech face cleansers. How does that work, exactly? The shampoo harnesses molecules called micelles, which effectively ‘trap’ dirt and oil. Once these micelles have captured impurities, they become easy to rinse away. No harsh cleansers are needed; curls are left fresh and clean, yet never stripped with this gentle formula.
Pro Tip: If the ends of hair feel drier than the roots, try massaging shampoo into the scalp only, then simply let the lather run through the lengths. Hair will feel clean and moisture will be balanced.
3. NutriCurls Deep Treatment Mask
A must in every curly hair care routine is a deep conditioning treatment, and we've specially formulated the NutriCurls Deep Treatment Mask to treat textured tresses. Hair strands are nourished with a creamy texture and the exclusive Nourish-In Complex, featuring a blend of Jojoba Oil and Panthenol to moisturize and define natural curves. Apply it to just-washed hair, focusing extra treatment on any areas of frizz or dryness, then allow the hydrating formula to absorb for five minutes. Use once per week for bouncy curls.
Pro Tip: If hair is too wet, the effects of a hair mask can be diluted. So, before applying a deep conditioner, squeeze out excess water or blot strands with a microfiber towel. This quick trick helps maximize the curly hair benefits of masking.
4. NutriCurls Detangling Conditioner
On days when hair only needs lightweight nourishment – or if you're dealing with finer strands – NutriCurls Detangling Conditioner delivers curl definition and hydration that's wonderfully weightless. Low porosity curls will love this detangling, defrizzing conditioner, as it helps you effortlessly eke out knots, while lending the perfect balance between moisture and lightness.
Pro Tip: Try detangling curls with a conditioner in your hair to help your comb 'slip'. But, instead of dragging your wide-tooth comb from root to tip, work through knots in small sections, starting at the very ends first. Once you've smoothed out these tangles, move a little higher up the hair shaft and repeat the detangling process. It takes time, but eventually, all curls will be knot-free and breakage will be minimized.
5. ULTIMATE REPAIR Shampoo
From straight hair to loose waves to tight curls and coils – all hair types are enhanced by ULTIMATE REPAIR Shampoo. It's a curl-friendly, color-safe formula that steps up to the task when damage is your biggest hair concern. Simply massage it into wet hair, and it will kick start the bond-rebuilding process, leaving locks prepped for the next step: ULTIMATE REPAIR Conditioner or ULTIMATE REPAIR Mask. Its luxurious lather also makes it a sensorial delight, so caring for damaged curls becomes a joy, not a chore. This is a must for textured hair craving the deepest nourishment.
Pro Tip: Team ULTIMATE REPAIR Shampoo with ULTIMATE REPAIR Conditioner for a one-two hit of nourishment that rebuilds strands from the inside out. Because both are infused with AHA to replenish hair bonds and Omega-9 to care for the outer layer, they work in tandem to repair damage, while keeping curls resilient against future stress.
6. ULTIMATE REPAIR Mask
A hair mask like no other; ULTIMATE REPAIR Mask harnesses smart conditioning agents that actually track down and then treat the areas where your hair is damaged. Uneven damage is more common than you might think, so by delivering intense moisture where it's truly needed, this creamy formula helps to rebalance curly manes from root to tip. Plus, because it's a frizz fighter, it enhances your natural curl pattern. Smooth it through shampooed hair and let it soak in for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Pro Tip: While the mask is in, wrap hair up in a warm towel as it absorbs. This can help to level up the deep conditioning benefits by boosting absorption.
7. ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue
It's called a miracle for a reason. ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue is a one-of-a-kind leave-in treatment that repairs hair damage in 90 seconds*. It keeps frizz at bay, doses curls up with extra moisture and rebuilds strands both inside and outside. Spray it through damp hair, and you'll also enjoy 99% less breakage** from root to tip. Plus, it preps curls for styling, meaning you can use it alone or – because it's so lightweight – layer it with your favorite curl serums, gels and creams to work with your unique pattern.
Pro Tip: After spraying ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue from root to tip, let it absorb for the full 90 seconds – no touching! Once the time's up, you can style and dry your curls as usual.
8. NutriCurls Milky Waves
This is one of our favorite wavy hair products, but it’s also ideal for nourishing loose curls, lending a burst of lightweight moisture when you need it most. So, reach for NutriCurls Milky Waves when your type 2 or type 3 hair is calling out for instant hydration that helps to define texture. The leave-in conditioner is like a facial spritz for locks, perfect for an on-the-go boost through both damp and dry hair. It's even travel bag-friendly.
Pro Tip: Try not to scrunch product into waves or curls, as this can cause frizz. Instead, flip your head upside down and mist NutriCurls Milky Waves into lengths, then hold your upwards-facing palms flat at the ends and 'push' hair up to the scalp. Give hair a gentle squeeze at the root before releasing. Repeat for extra definition.
9. NutriCurls Curlixir Balm
If you find hair gels are too crunchy for your curls, but you still want the hair definition they deliver, NutriCurls Curlixir Balm is going to transform your routine. High on nourishment and with zero crispiness, it's a good hair day in a bottle, taking down frizz to make your natural, beautiful curl shape stand out. You can even let hair air dry with this balm; finger coil it through locks to boost hair health and enhance your style in one, or 'glaze' your curls by pumping the balm into palms and using the prayer hands method. However you like to style natural curls, this moisturizing balm is a curly hair routine staple.
Pro Tip: Start with just a small amount of the balm to begin with, then layer up as needed. Remember, it's much easier to keep adding more of the balm than it is to remove excess product if hair strands become overloaded.
10. ULTIMATE REPAIR Protective Leave-In
Whether you're drying hair with a diffuser or leveling up natural texture with a curling iron, ULTIMATE REPAIR Protective Leave-In is your heat styling savior. The delicate cream helps to control frizz, while shielding locks against temperatures up to 450°F/230°C. Plus, it also keeps locks protected against UV exposure, mechanical damage and breakage. You can use it at every stage of your curly hair care routine, from your morning style-up to your mid-afternoon refresh. Apply daily after your curl cream to seal in nourishment.
Pro Tip: It's not just a heat protectant. Because ULTIMATE REPAIR Protective Leave-In safeguards strands against UV rays, you can even let hair air dry with the serum in, and the caring ingredients will maintain condition in between washes.Now you've got all the curly hair product tips you need, we'd love to see your results. Share them on Instagram and tag us @WellaHairUSA. We can't wait to see those defined curls!
* When using ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue.
** When using ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue instrumental test vs. non-conditioning shampoo.