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Its a journey of trial and error and more lev-in conditions than you could possibly count.
Source images: Allure editors and courtesy of brand; Collage: Laneen Wells
So, what are you waiting for?
Consider your curly hair routine upgraded.
This lightweight multitasker hydrates, smooths, and defines without ever weighing your strands down.
Allurecommerce producer Sarah Hoffmann before applying the Crown Affair The Leave-In Conditioner
Looking for a quick refresh?
Smooth a small amount onto dry hair to revive soft definition in your second- or third-day curls.
With touchable hold and frizz-fighting power, it keeps waves looking smooth and polished all day long.
Allurecommerce producer Sarah Hoffmann before applying the Crown Affair The Leave-In Conditioner
Just a pea-size amount gives my curls much-needed volume and definition.
For extra shine and frizz control, smooth a tiny dab over dry hair as the perfect finishing touch.
This lightweight, airy foam delivers buildable volume, soft hold, and heat protection up to 450F.
Hoffmann after applying the Crown Affair The Leave-In Conditioner
It’s easily the best multipurpose product in my hair routine."
This formula delivers deep hydration, softness, and shine, locking in moisture where curls need it most.
Latinx-founded brand Rizos was created to celebrate the natural texture of curls, coils, and waves everywhere.
Allurecontributor Deanna Pai before using the Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream
If you have thick, dense hair that’s best detangled in the shower, consider this a must-try.
DpHue’s ACV Rinse takes the place of your regular shampoo when you need a clarifying boost.
How to use it:Squeeze out excess water in the shower.
Allurecontributor Deanna Pai before using the Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream
Part your hair with the bottle tip and apply the product directly to your scalp.
Massage it in and leave for 1-3 minutes, then rinse.
The non-sudsy formulafree of drying alcohols, sulfates, and parabensis prime for curly and kinky textures alike.
Pai after using the Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream (in outdated packaging)
How to use it:Swap in this co-wash when you gotta cleanse hair without compromising moisture retention.
“It’s also amazing as a quick refresher that doesn’t leave hair feeling weighed down.”
Work from ends to scalp, repeating until evenly applied.
Use as a leave-in or a base for any style.
This nutrient-packed formula hydrates, repairs, and protects against heat," says Los Angeles-based hairstylistSophie Rose.
“Its my go-to for blowouts on dry hairit leaves strands soft, shiny, and manageable.
Shopping director Shanna Shipin before using the Briogeo Style + Treat Full Miracle Styling Foam
How to use it:Apply to towel-dried hair before blow-drying or heat styling for polished results that last.
It boasts serious versatility and can be spritzed as a refresher in addition to its post-wash software.
How to use it:Spritz on wet hair, comb through, and detangle.
Shipin after using the Briogeo Style + Treat Full Miracle Styling Foam
Need a quick refresh?
Use it on dry hair to revive or restyle.
to quench parched curls and leave them luscious, smooth, and lively.
That’s another reason this mask is so great: It doesn’t weigh your hair down at all.
It enhances your natural curl or wave pattern, leaving hair flexible, shiny, and full of life.
Focus on mid-lengths and ends to avoid root buildup, and let air-dry for a soft, effortless finish.
Alluresenior visuals editor Lauren Brown applying the Coil Bar Curl Nourishing Hair Oil
If you need further proof, know that 2022 marks the fourthReaders' Choice Awardwin for the product.
This one did just that.
If frizz is your arch nemesis, this argan oil-rich formula is your new best friend.
Renowned for its nourishing and hydrating properties, it’s an excellent choice for parched, unruly strands.
Its packed with hydratingshea butterand almond oil to boot!
), boasting an innovative formula that delivers a glossy shine free of flakiness or stickiness.
Want to rock a sleek bun or ponytail in the heat?
This medium-hold gel fends off humidity and flyaways keeps your polished looks thriving all day long.
Whether you want to air-dry, diffuse, or blow-dry is totally up to you.
These ingredients are ideal for curly and coily hair, delivering the hydration and care your curls need.
Avoid formulas with heavy silicones or alcohols, which can dry out curls over time.
How can I keep my hair moisturized?
Moisture is everything when it comes to curls, and keeping it locked in is all about layering.
For daily refreshes, mist your curls with a water-based hydrating spray to keep them bouncy and thriving.
Are you supposed to moisturize curly hair every day?
That doesnt mean you have to go through a full wash-and-style routine daily, though.
Instead, focus on light refreshesand always have a good hair mask on deck.
Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging.
For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase.
Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if its never been tested on curls?
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