7 Best Conditioners For Curly Hair, As Per A Hairstylist + Reviews (2024)
Deeply conditioning formulations that add the perfect bounce and shine to your curls.
Rebekkah O’NeillMaster Stylist, Hair & Beauty Trainer
Rebekkah is a Master Stylist with over 7 years of experience. She specializes in the most popular colors and balayage and the most extravagant restyles. From managing a busy salon to working internationally with clients on their big days, s... more
sakshi bahalMA (English Literature)
Experience: 5 yearsSakshi Bahal is a commerce writer with a master's degree in English Literature from Calcutta University. She was a part of the editorial team of her school magazine. Her love for writing inspired her ... more
rajeshwari dasMA (Journalism & Mass Communication)
Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from th... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
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,... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
The best conditioner for curly hair is probably something that you frequently search for because you are just not able to get a grip on your curl! As impressive as curls are, keeping them curly, shiny, and bouncy without making them look like a massive ball of frizz can be challenging. Unlike regular hair, curls need a lot of love and care and need the right kind of hair care products. Since curls in comparison to regular hair tend to dry out faster, you will require a super hydrating conditioner to maintain them. Regardless of the different types of curls you have, we have come up with a well-researched list of conditioners to help you manage your beautiful curls. Keep reading this article and scroll through to view our list.
In This Article
The 7 Best Conditioners For Curly Hair + Reviews – 2024
1. Best Chemical-Free Formula: SheaMoisture Curl & Shine Conditioner
The SheaMoisture Curl & Shine Conditioner is lightweight and helps effectively smooth out dry cuticles without weighing your hair down. It is specifically designed for people with wavy and tightly coiled hair texture types. It is infused with essential nutrients that deeply nourish each hair strand, seal moisture, and repair split ends. The moisturizing formula softens your tresses while detangling dry, frizzy hair. The lightweight conditioner with shea butter offers nourishing moisturization for healthy-looking curls.
Key Ingredients
- Coconut oil
- Silk protein
- Neem oil
Pros
- Lightweight
- Moisturizing formula
- Silicone-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May find the scent overpowering
Did You Know?
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 17,940 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
2. Best For Defining Curls: Pantene Pro-V Curl Perfection Conditioner
Image: Pantene The Pantene Pro-V Curl Perfection Conditioner is an all-day curl-defining and moisturizing formula. It penetrates the hair surface and effectively fights hair damage. It also helps protect your hair against environmental aggressors. Its antioxidant-rich, frizz-calming complex smoothes and seals the cuticles to tame frizz and enhance curls. The creamy formula is designed for daily use and helps in softening your hair.
T
his hair conditioner is created using a proprietary damage-defying formula that prevents protein loss, strengthens your hair against damage, and maintains natural moisture.
Key Ingredients
- Antioxidants
- Citric acid
Pros
- Lightweight
- Pleasant fragrance
- Non-greasy
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Contains alcohol
- Causes buildup
"I love how soft and luscious my hair looks after I apply this conditioner. It tames my frizzy strands and treats my split ends. The product feels lightweight on my hair. It defines my curls and lends them a healthy volume."
Did You Know?Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 1,816 rave reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Vegan: Pacifica Pineapple Curls Curl Defining Conditioner
The Pacifica Pineapple Curls Curl Defining Conditioner gives your hair more volume, definition, and bounce. This lightweight formula is infused with hyaluronic acid, a blend of super oils, and other vegan ingredients that hydrate and soften your hair. It is suitable for all curl types, including curls that are long, short, fine, and thick. The product is also ideal for color-treated hair. Its pineapple scent gives you a tropical vacation experience with every application. Reviewers on Amazon have noted that it deeply nourishes your curls while taming frizz effectively.
You should avoid conditioners with parabens and this product is free from this ingredient. The deep conditioner does not contain any harsh chemicals and is also free of phthalates, silicones, mineral oil, and petrolatum. It is cruelty-free as well.
Key Ingredients
- Pineapple
- Hyaluronic acid
- Super oils
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- 100% vegan
- Silicone-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Color-safe
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not for daily use
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 5,071 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
| SheaMoisture Curl & Shine Conditioner Best Chemical-Free Formula | Pantene Pro-V Curl Perfection Conditioner Best For Defining Curls | Pacifica Pineapple Curls Curl Defining Conditioner Best Vegan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Curly | - | Normal |
| Dimensions | 2.68 x 2.68 x 6.68 inches | - | 1.9 x 3 x 8 inches |
| Weight | 13.97 Ounces | - | 2.47 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 17,940 | 1,816 | 5,071 |
| Price | $7.99 | $99.0 | $19.99 |
4. Best Cruelty-Free: Sun Bum Curls & Waves Conditioner
The Sun Bum Curls & Waves Conditioner, a product highly praised by many satisfied reviewers is a gently nourishing concoction. The frizz-fighting product deeply hydrates your hair and enhances the overall health of each curl, coil, and wave. It helps tame hair flyaways and maintain curl definition. Its Kukui nut oil delivers essential nutrients to your hair that hydrate and prevent breakage. Its seaweed protein extracts help in the thickening of hair, and increase its resilience and strength to enable healthy regrowth. The proteins penetrate the roots and prevent hair damage.
Furthermore, its Tahitian Monoi coconut oil made using handpicked Tiare flower petals and infused with regular coconut oil adds shine to hair and smoothens it. This formula also protects your hair from UV damage and prevents hair discoloration, dullness, and brittleness. The product is free of gluten, sulfates, and parabens. It also is cruelty-free.
Key Ingredients
- Kukui nut oil
- Monoi coconut oil
- Seaweed protein
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
- Color-safe
- Paraben-free
- Provides UV protection
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Can be greasy
"This conditioner detangles my hair and lends it a smooth look. It moisturizes my brittle strands and makes my hair manageable. The formula shields my hair from the harsh UV rays. It does not make my hair look greasy and feel waxy."
5. Best Color-Treated Curls: Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner
The Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner makes your curls more manageable. It infuses each hair strand with essential vitamins and nourishing botanicals that give your curls more definition, uniformity, and shine. It helps detangle the curls and fight dryness.
The curl conditioner is formulated with a hydrating mix of algae extract and wheat amino acids that seal the cuticles and essential moisture. It helps manage unwanted frizz to deliver voluminous and shiny curls. Amazon reviewers claim that the product works without weighing your hair down. It is specifically formulated to suit color-treated, permed, or straightened curls. Plus, the product has not undergone animal testing, making it suitable for those looking for a cruelty-free option.
Key Ingredients
- Algae extract
- Wheat amino acids
Pros
- Boosts hair shine
- Pleasant fragrance
- Color-safe
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,427 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
6. Best Non-Greasy: Aveda be curly Conditioner
The Aveda Be Curly Conditioner, highly acclaimed by many positive reviewers, is a daily conditioning treatment derived from 95 percent naturally-derived ingredients. These intensify curls, add shine, and tame frizz in all kinds of textured hair (including coily, curly, and wavy hair types). The daily conditioner is infused with organic ingredients like wheat protein and an organic aloe blend that expands with wet hair and contracts once dry to effectively define your curls.
It gets its aroma with citrusy notes from the mix of certified organic lime, lemon, bergamot, orange, and other pure plant and flower essences. The product is also vegan and cruelty-free.
Key Ingredients
- Wheat protein
- Organic aloe
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Non-greasy
- Boosts hair shine
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- None
7. Best For Boosting Hair Shine: Briogeo Curl Charisma Curl Defining Conditioner
The Briogeo Curl Charisma Curl Defining Conditioner is specifically designed for people having wavy, curly, and tightly coiled 2A to 4C hair texture types. It is a 97 percent naturally derived formula that defines, hydrates, and nourishes curls. It also reduces hair frizz. The rice amino acids provide anti-frizz properties by sealing the hair cuticles and hair moisture. They also help in protecting your hair against environmental aggressors.
Its nourishing ingredients such as antioxidant-rich shea butter and sweet almond oil hydrate your hair and keep it soft. Additionally, it is infused with quinoa extract that helps create a protective barrier around your curls and gives them definition. It enhances the overall health of each curl and increases hair resilience compared to a non-conditioning shampoo. This hair conditioner is free of parabens, sulfates, silicones, phthalates, and artificial dyes. It also is cruelty-free.
Key Ingredients
- Shea butter
- Rice amino acids
- Quinoa extract
Pros
- Lightweight
- Boosts hair shine
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Phthalate-free
- Artificial dye-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
"This product defines my curls and enhances their shine. It removes knots from my hair and lends it a smooth finish. Its nourishing composition also protects my hair against UV damage. My hair looks cleaner and fuller as soon as I apply this product."
Infographic: How To Choose The Right Conditioner For Curly Hair
You may frequently experience bad hair days if you have curly tresses. Worry not! Conditioners are your saviors. They moisturize and strengthen your curls, bringing them back to life. So, invest in a good conditioner today and bid goodbye to your bad hair moments. Check out the infographic below to know what you must consider when choosing a conditioner for your curls. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Managing your curly tresses can be tough as curly hair needs proper care and maintenance. Hence, with the proper hair care products, your curls can look voluminous and shiny, just like you dream. There are various curly hair conditioners available in the market that can seal in moisture and generously help in repairing your split ends. The SheaMoisture Curl & Shine Conditioner is lightweight and smoothes curls effectively, while the Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner nourishes your hair. You can even try the Briogeo Curl Charisma Curl Defining Conditioner for naturally derived ingredients and hydrated curls. These conditioners help in managing unwanted frizz and taming hair flyaways, and are also important to maintain your curl definition. Also, if you have a sensitive scalp, look for a product that has been expert-recommended and clinically tested to ensure it meets your hair’s specific needs. Lastly, steer clear of conditioners that contain parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.
Rebekkah O’Neill, master stylist in hair and beauty, opines, “It’s really important that you always follow up with a conditioner after you’ve shampooed your hair. Conditioners are designed to close the cuticle, whereas shampoos are designed to open them. If you don’t go in with conditioner, it leaves the cuticle open, which can cause tangled, frizzy hair.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Should wavy hair be layered?
Yes, soft and long layers will help define your waves, add a volumizing effect, and lend more movement to your hair. The best haircut option for wavy hair would be long angular bangs or face-framing layers.
Can I use curl products on wavy hair?
Yes, you can use curl products to enhance the waves in your hair. They will lend moisture to flyaways and reduce frizz, giving you a better definition.
Why is my straight hair becoming wavy?
There are many possible reasons for this to happen, including aging, hormonal changes, and changes in the hair follicle texture over time.
Does conditioner enhance curls?
Yes, conditioners add definition to your curls while making them more bouncy and manageable.
Should I condition my curly hair every day?
Yes, if you have curly, dry hair, you can use a conditioner without shampoo every alternate day on your tresses.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Sakshi Bahal, loves to explore various hair care products and compiles the best list for the readers, making their choice easy. The list of best conditioners for curly hair is curated after extensive research and reading many customer feedbacks online on various trusted forums. These conditioners are super hydrating, and they manage the curls effectively.
