20 Best Curly Hair Products for Moisturized, Bouncy Strands, According to Experts

If you have curly hair, then you know all too well that it’s a hair type that requires a little extra TLC. Whether you have a wavy, spiral, or coily curl pattern, you know just how important it is to use the best curly hair products to get your locks to look moisturized, bouncy, and healthy.

Experts note that it’s essential to understand the basics of curly hair to determine what product would work best. “Curly hairs are produced by oval follicle shapes and the bends in the follicle lead to wavy and curly hair patterns, says Hope Mitchell M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology.

But because of the shape, it can be harder for your strands to receive nutrients from the scalp. “When you think about curls vs. straight hair, straight hair is like a ladder and curly hair is like a winding staircase,” says Angela C. Stevens, Emmy award-winning celebrity hairstylist and founder of Conscious Curls.“Oils can travel down a ladder much faster than a winding staircase. The curlier the hair, the drier it tends to be because natural oils can’t travel as far down the strand,” she explains. This is why curly hair requires more moisture and hydration.

Knowing your exact curl type will also make finding hair products easier. “Those with 2A-3A curls should avoid using thick butters and heavy oils that can weigh down the hair,” explains Crystal Aguh M.D., board-certified dermatologist and Associate Professor of Dermatology at John Hopkins. “Thicker and coarser curl types (3B to 4C) should reach for butters and creams that will enhance moisture retention,” she adds.

When shopping for products, experts advise looking for nutrient-rich ingredients that will help moisturize, add shine, and build elasticity. “Opt for organic oils for hydration; camellia oil, argan, green tea, almond, and coconut,” says Martin-Christopher Harper, celebrity hairstylist and texture expert for Nature Lab. Tokyo. “Proteins like wheat, keratin, amino acids, and collagens can also help strengthen fragile cuticles,” he adds.

Below, find 20 of the best hair products to treat and style curly hair. From creams to smoothing oils and leave-in conditioners, we've got you covered with the best expert-recommended picks.