Type 3C Hair – Best Products For Type 3C Curls

Achieve lustrous tresses and prevent unwanted hair fall with products for kinky curls!

Reviewed by Jill Turnbull, Hairstylist
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Aditi Naskar, Diploma In Health & Wellness
Fact-checked by Arshiya Syeda  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

Are you looking for the best products for 3c hair? We have the best ones listed. As gorgeous as 3C hair looks, it is also prone to breaking and dryness and hence needs intense care if you want to keep up the style. Intense moisturizing and hydration can help you keep the shine and bounce of your hair intact for long. Among the various products to look for, curl-defining gels, leave-in creams, hydrating shampoos, and masks are a few that help to keep your hair extra smooth. Go through our list of 15 effective haircare products for 3c curls.

Top PicksCheck Price
Aunt Jakie’s Curls & Coils Curl La La Defining Curl CustardPrice on Amazon
Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Quench! Moisture Intensive Leave-In ConditionerPrice on Amazon
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore ShampooPrice on Amazon
Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator CreamPrice on Amazon
Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy CreamPrice on Amazon
Cake The Curl Friend Totally-To-Die-For Defining Curl CreamPrice on Amazon
Dark & Lovely Au Naturale Anti-Shrinkage Coil Moisturizing SouffléPrice on Amazon
Taliah Waajid Curly Curl CreamPrice on Amazon
Rizos Curls Curl Defining CreamPrice on Amazon
Curls Blueberry Bliss Hair Growth OilPrice on Amazon

What Does It Mean To Have 3C Hair?

There are mainly four different types of hair –type 1 (straight), type 2 (wavy), type 3 (curly), and type 4 (coily). Type 3C hair comes under the type 3 curls and has the tightest ringlets. If you have type 3C curls, it means your hair is densely packed and has a lot of volume.

What Does 3C Hair Look Like?

Type 3C curls look like tight corkscrews and have a very tiny circumference. They are tightly packed, have a high density, and appear coarser than type 2 or 3 hair. These curls have a fine texture and are more prone to frizz.

Let’s now take a look at the best products that work wonders on 3C curls.

Best Products for Type 3C Curls

1. Aunt Jakie’s Curls & Coils Curl La La Defining Curl Custard

4.4
Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard Image: Aunt Jackie’s

The Curl La La Defining Curl Custard by Aunt Jakie’s Curls & Coils is a lightweight leave-in cream ideal for wavy, kinky, and coiled hair. It is enriched with shea butter, hydrolyzed quinoa, and olive oil that moisturize the hair and impart shine to it. If you are looking for curl-refreshing products for 3c second-day hair, this cream tames and revives lifeless, frizzy, and dull curls and enhances their definition without any flaking or caking. Check this video to explore a tester’s experience of using this product.

Hair Type: Wavy, Curly, Coily | Product Dimensions: 3.25 x 3.25 x 4.25 inches | Weight: 3.12 Pounds

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Hydrolyzed quinoa, and Olive oil

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Pleasant scent
  • Non-sticky
  • Non-crunchy
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Petroleum-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Value for money

Cons

None

protip_icon Quick Tip
Gently stretch the curls with your fingers before applying this product. Air dry your curls with a diffuser or a hooded dryer after application.

Price at the time of publication: $19.92

2. Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Quench! Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner

4.4
Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Hair Conditioner for Natural Curls, Coils and Waves, Enriched with Shea Butter, 12 oz 12 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) Quench Image: Aunt Jackie's

The Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner by Aunt Jakie’s is moisture therapy for your hair. It is ideal for naturally curly, wavy, and coiled hair and enriched with olive oil, shea butter, and marshmallow root.  Packed with nourishing ingredients, it hydrates your hair and locks in moisture for a long time. The hair becomes soft and manageable with regular use. The natural ingredients like marshmallow root in the formula keep the scalp fresh.

Hair Type: Curly | Product Dimensions: 4 x 5 x 6 inches | Weight: 11.22 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Olive oil, Shea butter, and Marshmallow root

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Non-greasy
  • Pleasant scent
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Petroleum-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Value for money

Cons

None

protip_icon Pro Tip
Apply this all over towel-dried hair, from the middle of your tresses till the end. Use a wide-toothed comb and run it through your hair for even distribution of the product.

Why It’s Worth Buying: With over 48,942 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
Price at the time of publication: $6.97

3. SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo

4.5
Sheamoisture Strengthen and Restore Shampoo for Damaged Hair 100% Pure Jamaican Black Castor Oil Cleanse and Nourish 13 oz Peppermint 13 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) Image: Sheamoisture

The Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo by SheaMoisture is ideal for dry and damaged coily, and heat styled curls. It is infused with aloe vera leaf juice, castor oil, clove oil, peppermint extract, and shea butter that keep your hair refreshed and hydrated.

Black castor oil is rich in vitamin E and provides essential vitamins and minerals to the hair, reducing breakage and promoting new hair growth. Peppermint invigorates and keeps the scalp fresh. The natural oils in the formula strengthen chemically treated and heat damaged hair. This clarifying shampoo removes scalp buildup without stripping the hair of its natural moisture. Moreover, it is not tested on animals. Watch this video to learn more about the product and a reviewer’s experience with it.

Hair Type: Wavy, Curly, Kinky, Damaged | Product Dimensions: 2.68 x 2.68 x 6.2 inches | Weight: 13 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Jamaican black castor oil, Aloe vera, and Shea butter

Pros

  • Nice fragrance
  • A little goes a long way
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Petroleum-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Value for money

Cons

  • Tends to dry out the hair ends

protip_icon Quick Tip
Massage the product until it lathers and let it soak for three to five minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

Price at the time of publication: $8.39

4. Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream

4.4

The Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream by Cantu is infused with shea butter, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, sage extract, grape seed oil, and mango seed butter. Coconut oil hydrates and protects the hair from damage, while the shea and mango seed butters provide intense moisturization to your curls. This curl activator cream smooths and defines the curls, reduces frizz, and makes your locks manageable. It also adds shine, volume, and bounce to the hair and makes it bouncy. Check this video to explore a reviewer’s experience of using this curl-activating and shine-enhancing product for 3C dull hair.

Hair Type: Wavy, Curly | Product Dimensions: 2.15 x 2.15 x 8.75 inches | Weight: 12.5 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Coconut oil, Sweet almond oil, and Sage extract

Pros

  • Natural ingredients
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Mineral-oil free
  • Silicone-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Value for money

Cons

  • May leave a residue
protip_icon Remember
Do not apply the product all at one. Instead, apply it on damp hair section by section for added hydration.
Why It’s Worth Buying: The product has more than 18,040 reviews claiming its efficacy.
Price at the time of publication: $6.48

5. Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream

4.4
Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream Image: Marc Anthony

If you are looking for some styling products for 3c frizzy hair, the Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream by Marc Anthony is ideal for you. It is made for dry, coarse, and frizzy curls and is infused with avocado oil, shea butter, and soybean oil to nourish and moisturize your locks. Shea butter and avocado oil are rich in vitamin E that hydrates and moisturizes the hair. The provitamin B5 in the formula locks in moisture and makes your curls soft, smooth, and manageable.  This animal-test-free styling cream helps repel humidity and keeps your hair frizz-free.

Hair Type: Wavy, Curly | Product Dimensions: 1.97 x 2.99 x 8.66 inches | Weight: 5.92 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Avocado oil, and Provitamin B5

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Doesn’t leave residue
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Value for money

Cons

  • May weigh the hair down
Price at the time of publication: $19.52

6. Cake The Curl Friend Totally-To-Die-For Defining Curl Cream

4.4
Cake Beauty The Curl Friend Defining Curl Cream Image: Cake Beauty

The Curl Friend Defining Cream by Cake Beauty is infused with avocado oil, soybean oil, and shea butter to offer long-lasting hydration and moisturization to the hair. This non-greasy, breakthrough formula for 3c hair offers a lightweight feel and doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue. This moisturizing cream coats each curl with a silky layer to make it appear shiny, tame frizz, and make your hair manageable. Plus, it is formulated without undergoing animal testing.

Hair Type: Curly | Product Dimensions: 1.4 x 1.4 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 6.24 Ounces.

Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, Soybean oil, and Shea butter

Pros

  • Natural ingredients
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Mineral-oil free
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Value for money

Cons

None

Why It’s Worth Buying: This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 6,683 great reviews on Amazon.
Price at the time of publication: $8.99

7. Dark & Lovely Au Naturale Anti-Shrinkage Coil Moisturizing Soufflé

4.4
Dark & Lovely Au Naturale Anti-Shrinkage Coil Moisturizing Soufflé Image: Soft-sheen Carson

If you are looking for nourishing products for 3c afro-textured hair, try the Au Naturale Anti-Shrinkage Coil Moisturizing Soufflé by Dark & Lovely. It is specifically formulated for tight curls and coils and is enriched with bamboo milk and mango oil to smoothen and elongate the hair strands. The moisturizing formula instantly nourishes your hair and creates a strong hold while defining the locks without leaving behind any residue. It has generated multiple positive reviews on Amazon owing to its ability to render defined, soft, and tight curls and coils.

Hair Type: All, Wavy, Curly | Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 2.2 x 2.2 inches | Weight: 14.08 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Bamboo milk and Mango oil

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Non-sticky
  • Non-flaking
  • Paraben-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Drying alcohol-free
  • Petroleum-free
  • Value for money

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $9.99

8. Taliah Waajid Curly Curl Cream

4.4
Taliah Waajid Curly Curl Cream Image: Taliah Waajid

The Curly Curl Cream by Taliah Waajid is ideal for curly, coily, and bouncy locks. It is infused with sage extract and shea butter that have proven efficacy in nourishing and hydrating the hair. The lightweight formula conditions the hair, locks in moisture, and smooths and defines the curls. This anti-frizz 3c product will make your hair manageable.

Hair Type: Coily | Product Dimensions: 3 x 4 x 5 inches | Weight: 5.93 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Sage extract and Shea butter

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Non-greasy
  • Smells great
  • Value for money

Cons

  • May cause flaking
Price at the time of publication: $9.29

9. Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream

4.3
Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream Image: Rizos Curls

The Curl Defining Cream by Rizos Curls is the best option for styling natural curls. It is infused with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, and shea butter that help define your curls and make them bouncy. This sulfate-free 3c haircare cream does not crunch or flake upon application. It tames frizz and makes hair manageable.

Hair Type: Curly | Product Dimensions: 1.97 x 2.13 x 7.8 inches | Weight: 14.07 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Aloe vera, and Shea butter

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Pleasant scent
  • Non-sticky
  • Non-flaking
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Silicone-free

Cons

  • May weigh the hair down
Price at the time of publication: $21.99

10. Curls Blueberry Bliss Hair Growth Oil

4.5

The Blueberry Bliss Hair Growth Oil is infused with certified organic blueberry extract, jojoba oil, avocado, aloe vera, chamomile extract, argan oil, gardenia flower oil, and pomegranate seed extract to repair and restore your curls. It helps repair damage, increases manageability and induces hair growth while replenishing the lost moisture to your strands. The hair oil also helps strengthen your hair, preventing breakage, defines your curls, and enhances the texture.

Hair Type: Thin | Product Dimensions: 4 x 2 x 0.3 inches | Weight: 4.8 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, Avocado oil, and Aloe vera

Pros

  • Absorbs well
  • Nice smell
  • Non-greasy
  • Lightweight
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Artificial color-free
  • Artificial fragrance-free
  • Value for money

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $9.15

11. Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

4.4
Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream Image: Moroccanoil

The Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream is infused with argan oil that activates and defines your curls while hydrating your locks. It also contains vegetable protein that coats porous strands and reverses split ends. This super moisturizing cream is formulated with a heat-activated technology that tames your frizzes, offers a soft hold to your hair, and delivers natural-looking, bouncy curls. This breakthrough formula is one of the must-have hydrating products for 3C dry hair.

Hair Type: Curly | Product Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.5 x 8 inches | Weight: 8.5 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Argan oil

Pros

  • Gentle
  • Easy to apply
  • Long-lasting
  • Blends quickly
  • Paraben-free
  • Phosphate-free

Cons

  • Overwhelming fragrance
Why It’s Worth Buying: The product has received 18,237 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
Price at the time of publication: $16

12. HoneyDew Nourishing Daily Shampoo

This shampoo from Honeydew is enriched with avocado oil and jojoba oil to provide intense nourishment and moisturization to the strands. The rich and creamy formula keeps your hair hydrated without weighing it down or stripping its natural moisture. This pH-balanced shampoo is gentle on your scalp and does not contain any harmful chemicals or harsh ingredients.

Hair Type: Curly, Shampoo for curly hair, Curly shampoo hair, Afro hair | Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 1.7 x 7.25 inches | Weight: 1 Pounds

Key Ingredients: Avocado oil and Jojoba oil

Pros

  • Mild on scalp
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Color-safe
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan

Cons

  • May cause frizz
Price at the time of publication: $9.95

13. Jane Carter Solution Curls To Go! Curl Cocktail Conditioning Styling Cream

The Curls To Go Conditioning Styling Cream by Jane Carter Solution is packed with nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera extracts. This defining cream elongates curls, makes them bouncy, conditions the hair, and locks in moisture. The cream also smooths the hair without leaving any residue or causing crunchiness, tames frizz, and makes your locks manageable.

Hair Type: All, Oily, Curly, Coily | Product Dimensions: 1 x 3 x 3 inches | Weight: 12 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Coconut oil, and Aloe vera

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Value for money

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $14.11

14. KeraCare Curlessence Moisturizing Curling Cream

4.4
KeraCare Curlessence Moisturizing Curling Cream Image: Keracare

The Moisturizing Curling Cream by KeraCare is ideal for naturally curly and coily hair. It is enriched with Jamaican black castor oil and coconut oil to nourish and moisturize your hair. Jamaican black castor oil helps strengthen the hair roots, reduces breakage, and induces new hair growth. The curling cream defines the curls and keeps them frizz-free.

Hair Type: All | Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 3.7 x 3.54 x 2.76 inches | Weight: 13.4 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Jamaican castor oil and Coconut oil

Pros

  • Holds well
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Phthalate-free

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $9.95

15. Novex Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

The Deep Conditioning Hair Mask by Novex is infused with vitamin E and pure avocado oil and offers intense hair repair treatment. It replenishes the lost moisture in the hair and gives it a boost of hydration. The vitamins in the formula nourish and strengthen the hair. This hair mask also repairs hair damage, eliminates frizz, and smooth sun tamable hair while protecting it from environmental and heat damage.

Hair Type: Coarse,Dry | Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10 x 8 x 6 inches| Weight: 3 Pounds

Key Ingredients: Avocado oil and Vitamin E

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Salt-free
  • A little goes a long way

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $28.89

3C hair is tickly packed and is big on volume, making it hard to style. This is why it is ideal that you pick the right products specifically formulated for 3C hair to moisturize your strands and define the curls deeply. To ensure that you choose the best, here are a few guidelines to consider before you select a product for your 3C-type curls.

How To Choose The Best Products For Type 3C Curls

  • Consider Your Hair’s Porosity

The most crucial factor to consider before you choose any product for your 3C hair is to know your hair porosity. Porosity is the ability of your hair to retain moisture or absorb moisture based on the structure of its cuticle. Here is how you can find out if your hair is highly porous or has low porosity, along with the products to consider for your porosity type.

You have highly porous hair if your hair absorbs moisture but also loses it quickly. Therefore, you need products with a thick and rich texture to preserve the curls.

In case your hair has low porosity, the products you use tend to build up on the surface of your hair instead of being absorbed. To induce moisture, you need lightweight, hydrating, and more gel-based products. You can also use protein-rich products for 3c low-porosity hair to strengthen them.

  • Look For Hydration

Ensure your products are infused with that tackle dryness, control frizz, and ensure the curls stay intact. Look for hydrating products that replenish moisture in your 3C curls. Shea butter is a natural emollient rich in vitamins. It helps seal in moisture to treat dry and itchy scalp. Argan oil is a non-greasy, easily absorbed ingredient found in hair serums and leave-in conditioners. It reduces frizz and flyaways and nourishes your strands. Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and moisturize your curls. Some other natural ingredients in 3c products that you can look for include aloe vera, jojoba oil, and olive oil.

  • Ingredients To Avoid

Avoid harsh ingredients like parabens, sulfates, SLS, phthalates, and drying alcohol that can cause frizziness and damage your curls in the long run.

Maintaining 3C curls is tricky, but the following tips will make it seem like a breeze.

3C Hair Guide: How To Style and Care for 3C Hair

Caring For Your 3C Hair

  • Hydrate: 3C hair tends to be dry and brittle if it isn’t properly looked after. Make sure to use hydrating shampoos and conditioners that lock in moisture. You can also opt for a deep conditioning treatment once a week.
  • Limit Using Heat Tools: Regular straightening of type 3C curls may affect the hair’s moisture levels, texture, and pattern. Hence, use heat styling tools sparingly. Always use heat-protectant products for 3c heat-styled hair.
  • Silk Pillow Cases: Cotton pillow covers cause friction and increases hair fall by making the hair dry and brittle. Silk pillowcases reduce friction and keep hair fall in check.
  • Use Natural Products: Regular shampoos and conditioners contain harmful ingredients like sulfates and parabens that strip off the hair’s natural moisture and leave it lifeless. Opt for natural and organic ingredient-based products for a healthy mane.
  • Use A Diffuser: Using a regular hair dryer will alter the texture of your curls. A diffuser is a wise choice as it does not dry out your strands.

Styling Your 3C Hair

  • Natural Wash & Go: Once you have a hair care regimen in place, you can simply wash, dry, and go out with natural hair. To add more shine and definition, you can use curl-defining products for 3c wavy hair. Opt for defrizzing products for 3c hair in humid weather.
  • A Top Bun: A top bun is the most casual yet classy way of styling your 3C curls. Tie up your hair into a messy bun and lock in any flyaways with a bit of hair gel, and you are good to go. You can also use hold-enhancing products for such 3c hairstyles.
  • A Colorful Band: Tie your hair in a colorful band for a chic look. Comb the front section of your hair and secure it with a gel. Push back the flyaways for a cleaner look.

Infographic: Infographic: An Ultimate Guide Of 3C Hair Products

3C hair is prone to breakage and damage. Hence, you need to opt for hair products that reverse hair damage and moisturize the curls. The below infographic lists the ingredients that enhance the texture of 3C hair. It also includes quick tips to detangle curly hair and enhance its slip and shine. Check it out to understand the maintenance, styling, and blow-drying tricks.

An Ultimate Guide Of 3C Hair Products (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download Infographic
Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

As gorgeous as it looks, 3c curls can be an ordeal to maintain. It requires a lot of special care, intense hydration, and proper nourishment to keep them shiny, bouncy, and well-defined. The Aunt Jakie’s Curls & Coils Curl La La Defining Curl Custard is a go-to product for nourished and enhanced curls, and f you have damaged hair, you should try the SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo as it promotes healthy hair growth. You can also consider using Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream for long-lasting and hydrated curls. The best products for 3c hair can ease the process and allow you to keep your curls well-defined effortlessly. Our list covers a variety of products, including leave-in conditioners, cream, shampoos, and oils that have chemical-free formulas. They are lightweight and non-greasy and keep your hair from feeling crunchy. However, steer clear of products that cause flaking or weigh down your hair.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach passionate about hair care. She conducted extensive research and went through several user reviews on online forums and brand websites before compiling this list of the best products for 3C hair types. All of the budget-friendly 3c products listed here are described in detail, along with their benefits and drawbacks. This post also includes a styling and caring guide to assist you in choosing the right product.


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