20 Best Hair Care Products For Natural Kinky Curly Hair

Protect and retain the shine of your kinky hair without any signs of dryness and damage.

Reviewed by Dawna Jarvis, Licensed Cosmetologist
Written by Pooja Karkala
Edited by Krati Darak, Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Shiboli Chakraborti, Certified Skin Care Coach  • 
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.

Naturally kinky and curly hair looks gorgeous, but managing them might be a struggle. If your tight curls are tangled and complicated to style, you need to start using the best products for natural kinky curly hair. These products are infused with hair-loving ingredients that define curls and keep them soft and nourished while fighting frizz and dryness. To help you get the perfect hair care solution, we have made a list of the 20 best products that have received positive reviews from customers on various e-commerce platforms. Some of the below mentioned products are not tested on animals. All these products help you make your curly hair journey much easier and more memorable. Please keep reading to find out our top picks!

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Anti-Frizz Formula:Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl SmoothiePrice on Amazon
Best For Curl Definition:Kinky Curly Knot Today Natural Leave In DetanglerPrice on Amazon
Best For Detangling:DevaCurl One Condition Original Daily Cream ConditionerPrice on Amazon
Best Non-Greasy Formula:Kinky Curly Original Curling Custard Natural Styling GelPrice on Amazon
Best Long-Lasting Formula:Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft CurlsPrice on Amazon
Best For pH Balance:Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper OriginalPrice on Amazon
Best Cruelty-Free Conditioner:Mixed Chicks Curl & Frizz Eliminating Leave-In CondiPrice on Amazon
Best For Dry Hair:As I Am Curling JellyPrice on Amazon
Best Creamy Consistency:Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting ButterPrice on Amazon
Best For Daily Use:The Roots Naturelle Bouncy CurlsPrice on Amazon

20 Best Hair Care Products For Natural Kinky Curly Hair

1. Best Anti-Frizz Formula:Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

4.4
Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie Image: Shea Moisture

Shea Moisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie is infused with natural ingredients like organic shea butter, neem oil, and silk proteins. Coconut and hibiscus help in hydrating and adding life to dull and dry hair. This strengthening cream claims to give you soft, silky, and defined curls. It has conditioning properties that smoothen split ends and tame flyaways to make your hair manageable. Reviewers are impressed by this product’s ability to make the hair soft and defined without making it feel crunchy. If you are someone with 3C or 4A hair type, you can rely on this product as it softens unruly curls. Learn more about this curl enhancer in this video detailing a tester’s experience of using it.

Hair Type: Wavy, Curly, Dry, Damaged, Thick, Coily, Kinky | Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 3.25 inches | Weight: 13 Ounces

Pros

  • Transforms damaged tresses
  • Imparts shine to your locks
  • Adds volume and definition to curls
  • Does not weigh your hair down
  • Moisturizes your hair
  • Reduces frizz

Cons

  • Does not work on 4B and 4C hair types

protip_icon Did You Know?
Hibiscus offers a stack of benefits to hair, like reducing hair fall, adding shine, preventing premature graying, and taming the frizz.

Why It’s Worth Buying: The extensive 8,553 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
Price at the time of publication: $9.99

2. Best For Curl Definition:Kinky-Curly Knot Today Natural Leave In/Detangler

4.4
Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner Image: Kinky Curly

This is a must-have product for curly-haired women. Kinky-Curly Knot Today Natural Leave In/Detangler is designed to smoothen curls and subdue knots. It contains organic extracts of mango, elm, marshmallow roots, and lemongrass – ingredients that are carefully picked to impart a soothing and softening effect to your curls. Besides softening, it also clears impurities off your scalp. It claims to strengthen your hair and detangle the knots effortlessly. Multiple reviewers are impressed by its pleasant smell and lightweight texture. You can now braid your hair without worrying about detangling it! This video of a tester’s experience will provide you with added insights about the product.

Hair Type: Kinky-Curly-Wavy | Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 1.8 x 1.8 inches | Weight: 8.01 Ounces

Pros

  • Adds definition to your curls
  • Anti-frizz solution
  • Adds moisture and imparts shine to your locks
  • Rinses out quickly
  • Leaves your hair feeling light and bouncy
  • Works best on all curly hair types

Cons

  • A lot of product required for each use
Why It’s Worth Buying: More than 2,845 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
Price at the time of publication: $12.99

3. Best For Detangling:DevaCurl One Condition Original Daily Cream Conditioner

Are you looking for a product that adds moisture to your locks instantly or just looking for the perfect product for your co-washing routine? You are looking right at it!. Devacurl One Condition makes your curls soft and hydrates them thoroughly. It is a rich creamy conditioner that contains botanical ingredients that provide protection and hydration to your locks. It contains olive oil that nourishes your hair. The chufa milk and quinoa protein reduce frizz and make your kinky curls more manageable. Take a look at this video of a reviewer’s experience to know more about the product. Dawna Jarvis, a licensed cosmetologist says, “DevaCurl One Condition is a safe bet for most curl types!”

Hair Type: Curly | Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 3.84 x 7.7 inches | Weight: 2.25 Pounds.

Pros

  • Detangles the knots
  • Great consistency
  • Makes your curls soft
  • Paraben-free
  • Great fragrance

Cons

  • Makes your hair greasy

protip_icon Pro Tip
Apply to wet hair and comb through to evenly distribute the product on the strands.

Price at the time of publication: $53

4. Best Non-Greasy Formula:Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard Natural Styling Gel

This curling custard is everything you need if you have frizzy and unruly kinky hair. It adds moisture and defines your curls. It contains organic ingredients like aloe vera juice, agave nectar extracts, and chamomile that help nourish and strengthen your curls. It claims to remove frizz and provide long-lasting shine without being greasy. The best thing is that it can also be used as a conditioning hair mask! Several reviewers highly recommend this product and claim that it imparts bouncy and defined curls.

Hair Type: All, Curly | Color: ‎Original Version | Product Dimensions: ‎5.91 x 2.76 x 1.97 inches | Item Weight: ‎1 pounds

Pros

  • Imparts brilliant shine to your tresses
  • A little product goes a long way
  • Works for type 3 and 4 curls
  • Softens and elongates the curls
  • Adds volume to your hair
  • Does not weigh your hair down

Cons

  • Contains harsh chemicals
Price at the time of publication: $33.55

5. Best Long-Lasting Formula:Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls

4.5

Miss Jessie’s new hair lotion is perfect to achieve soft, shiny, and elongated curls. It is formulated with Fabric Care technology that adds definition to your curls and softens them from root to tip. Styling your kinky hair with this lotion will be easy-breezy. With its creamy consistency, this lotion glides smoothly on your tresses and spreads easily, leaving your curls feeling light as a feather. Several reviewers are impressed by the product’s soft hold that gives them natural curls.

Hair Type: Wavy, Curly | Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 5 inches | Weight: 9.61 Ounces

Pros

  • Controls frizz and flyaways
  • Does not weigh your hair down
  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Long-lasting results
  • Works best on type 3 and 4 curls

Cons

  • Contains too many chemicals
Price at the time of publication: $21.97

6. Best For pH Balance:Curl Keeper Original Total Control For Frizzy Hair

4.2

Want to be the crown bearer of gorgeous curls? Use Curl Keeper Original to get frizz-free curls instantly. It contains high-quality ingredients that provide frizz-free and defined curls. It also contains anti-humid properties that keep your locks clean and fresh even on the hottest days. It claims to tame flyaways and leave your hair healthy and manageable. It retains moisture in your locks and hydrates your scalp. Since it is a water-based solution, you can use it on a daily basis as an effective hair and scalp treatment.

Hair Type: Kinky-Curly-Wavy | Product Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.8 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 8 Ounces

Pros

  • Balances the pH level of your hair and scalp
  • Does not weigh your hair down
  • Clears residue and keeps the scalp clean
  • Suitable for type 3 and 4 curls
  • Softens dry ends
  • Imparts shine

Cons

  • Expensive

protip_icon Did You Know?
The most common cause of frizzy hair is unbalanced pH of the scalp and cuticle.

Price at the time of publication: $18

7. Best Cruelty-Free Conditioner:Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner

4.5
Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner Image: Mixed Chicks

Devised for every curl type belonging to all possible cultures, this conditioner is a “multi-racial movement” in itself. It works to soften your hair from the roots. It claims to lock moisture in every curl and add definition, leaving your hair feeling healthy and vibrant. It contains natural ingredients like primrose oil, jojoba oil, and silk amino acids that nourish your scalp and replenish your hair by providing a protective barrier against pollutants. The conditioner’s ability to give frizz-free, nourished hair has made it a favorite among reviewers.

Hair Type: Curly, Dry | Product Dimensions: 1.73 x 5.88 x 3.15 inches | Weight: 12.49 Ounces

Pros

  • Controls frizz
  • Makes your hair bouncy, soft, and brushable
  • Non-sticky consistency
  • Suitable for all curly hair types
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Weighs your hair down
Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has received 4,272 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
Price at the time of publication: $19.99

8. Best For Dry Hair:As I Am Curling Jelly

4.4

An ideal product to add definition and vibrancy to your curls, this curling jelly promises to impart long-lasting shine to your locks and enhance the stretch of each hair strand. It contains aloe vera extract that is Nature’s best curator for adding moisture to your hair. You can get rid of unruly frizzy curls by using this styling gel. It also claims to protect your hair against damage and give you fresh and healthy-looking hair.

Hair Type: Kinky-Curly-Wavy | Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 6 inches | Weight: 8 Ounces

Pros

  • Softens dry strands
  • Imparts shine
  • A little product goes a long way
  • Does not weigh your hair down
  • Controls flyaways and manages unruly curls
  • Great fragrance

Cons

  • Leaves your scalp feeling flaky
Price at the time of publication: $8.55

9. Best Creamy Consistency:Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter

4.6
Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter Image: Camille Rose

This soft styling hair butter is crafted to nourish and elongate your curls. It contains ingredients like pumpkin oil, olive oil, almond milk, organic honey, aloe vera, and green tea extracts that help in softening your curls, leaving you with silky, smooth, and moisturized hair. It also nourishes your scalp and stimulates hair growth. If you have thick and coarse kinky hair, you can opt for this product as it delivers the results as promised. It is a great twist-out cream for your hair if you want to add some definition to your curls!

Hair Type: All hair types,Thick | Product Dimensions: 3 x 4 x 5 inches | Weight: 8 Ounces

Pros

  • Defines your curls
  • Works for type 3 and 4 curls
  • Removes knots
  • Creamy consistency
  • Strengthens your curls
  • Pleasant smell

Cons

  • Leaves your scalp flaky
Price at the time of publication: $6

10. Best For Daily Use:The Roots Naturelle Bouncy Curls

This natural hydrating cream has been created especially for frizzy and tight curls. It is made of olive oil and grape seed oil that help moisturize and infuse proteins into your hair. Be it kinky, wavy, or curly hair, this cream works efficiently, leaving your hair soft, shiny, and moisturized. A perfect protein treatment that allows you to style your locks without struggling with them.  

Hair Type: Wavy, Dry, Curly | Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 3 inches | Weight: 9.6 Ounces

Pros

  • Adds body and vibrancy to your curls
  • Suitable for type 3 and 4 curls
  • Non-greasy
  • Smooth consistency
  • Perfect for daily use

Cons

  • Leaves residue on scalp
Price at the time of publication: $8.14

11. OGX Quenching+Coconut Curls Shampoo

4.4

You can now enhance your curls by using this nourishing shampoo infused with coconut oil, honey, and citrus oil that add natural softness to your hair. Made specially for kinky, coarse, and curly hair, this natural curl refresher promises to add shine to lackluster tresses. This formula will nourish each hair strand and boost your curls to give perfectly defined coils. It imparts shine, reduces frizz, and gives you silky and healthy hair.

Hair Type: Curly | Product Dimensions: 2.2 x 3.5 x 5.98 inches | Weight: 14.4 Ounces.

Pros

  • Lathers well
  • Manages unruly flyaways
  • Controls damage
  • Removes tangles
  • Smells divine
  • A little product goes a long way

Cons

  • Dries your hair out initially
Price at the time of publication: $6.65

12. Not Your Mother’s Kinky Moves Curl Defining Hair Cream

This hair cream gives extra oomph to your curls by adding bounce and vibrancy to them. It claims to eliminate frizz and manage unruly locks. It contains extracts of grape seed and jasmine that help moisturize and hydrate your hair, giving your curls a defined structure. If you are struggling to style your kinky hair, you can now relax as this cream does the job with finesse.

Hair Type: Kinky-Curly-Wavy | Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 6 inches | Weight: 4 Ounces

Pros

  • Adds shine
  • Tames down flyaways
  • Long-lasting effect
  • A little product goes a long way
  • Reasonably priced

Cons

  • Makes your hair greasy
Price at the time of publication: $14.95

13. Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Creme

Brigeo Defining Creme gives you weather-proof curls and imparts a flexible hold to your locks. The rice amino acids smoothen your curls and have anti-humid properties. Avocado oil hydrates your scalp and retains moisture in the cuticles. Mollis leaf extracts texturize your hair and eliminate unwanted residue from your scalp. It claims to increase the elasticity of your curls, giving you touchably soft and shiny locks.

Hair Type: Wavy, Curly, Coily | Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 3 inches | Weight: 5.6 Ounces

Pros

  • Contains natural ingredients
  • Allows uniform curl formation
  • Protects your hair against pollutants
  • Free of silicones
  • Safe for chemically treated hair
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Can be heavy on fine hair
Price at the time of publication: $24.0

14. Miss Jessie’s Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo

Miss Jessie’s Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo is excellent for every curly hair type. This concentrated formula adds shine to your locks and helps you attain manageable tresses without weighing your hair down. It removes residue and detangles knots, leaving your hair feeling soft and smooth. It eliminates frizz and nourishes your scalp with proteins for healthy hair growth. It also helps in removing weave glue off your hair. 

Hair Type: Curly, Dry | Product Dimensions: 7 x 1.1 x 0.8 inches | Weight: 9.92 Ounces

Pros

  • Works best on tight curls
  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Defines your curls
  • Cleanses scalp well
  • Reduces breakage
  • A little product goes a long way

Cons

  • Strips off natural oils

15. Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In Conditioner

4.5

This leave-in conditioner repairs and restores your curls with its softening properties. It is formulated with nourishing ingredients like organic blueberry extracts, grape seed oil, coconut oil, and mango butter. It repairs damaged hair and stimulates new hair growth. It also contains vitamin C that can prevent breakage and improve the texture of your curls. Add shine to your dull and lifeless locks with this leave-in conditioner.

Hair Type: Curly | Product Dimensions: 7 x 2 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 8 Ounces

Pros

  • Contains certified organic products
  • Prevents graying of hair
  • Improves blood circulation to the scalp
  • Prevents hair fall
  • Defines curls
  • Removes split ends

Cons

  • Not suitable for 4C hair
Why It’s Worth Buying: The product has more than 3,206 reviews claiming its efficacy.
Price at the time of publication: $11.94

16. Jessicurl Spiralicious Gel

This styling gel is excellent if you are suffering from frizzy hair. It gives you fabulous hold and frizz control. This styling gel defines your curls by providing ample moisture to your locks. This solution can improve the texture of your hair without making it crunchy. The frizz-free formula acts effectively on your tresses and detangles the knots effortlessly.

Hair Type: Normal | Product Dimensions: 1.87 x 1.87 x 7.25 inches | Weight: 8 Ounces

Pros

  • Provides strong hold
  • Suitable for all types of curls
  • Long-lasting results
  • Removes knots
  • Adds shine to your locks
  • A little product goes a long way

Cons

  • Turns your hair greasy
Price at the time of publication: $16.95

17. Ouidad Curl Immersion Triple Treat Deep Conditioner

4.3
Ouidad Curl Immersion Triple Treat Deep Conditioner Image: Ouidad

This hydrating conditioner moisturizes and softens kinky curls with its natural ingredients like coconut, avocado, and grape seed oil. These ingredients restore natural ceramides that help in retaining the definition of your curls. This conditioner works best on kinky hair as it softens the curls and elongates them. A perfect deep-conditioning treatment for your hair at home!

Hair Type: Curly | Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches | Weight: 14.4 Ounces

Pros

  • Smooth consistency
  • Adds definition to your curls
  • Adds shine
  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Long-lasting results

Cons

  • Expensive
Price at the time of publication: $38.0

18. Taliah Waajid Curl Sealer

4.4

This curl sealer adds shine and softens your curls. It has hydrating properties that help terminate frizz. It also adds definition and improves the texture of your hair, giving you long-lasting and soft curls. It claims to manage unruly hair and add shine to your tresses. It offers an excellent hold for experimenting with various hairstyles. It is also not tested on animals.

Hair Type: Kinky-Curly-Wavy | Product Dimensions: 3 x 4 x 5 inches | Weight: 6.24 Ounces

Pros

  • Does not leave behind residue
  • Works best on type 3 and 4 curls
  • Does not weigh your hair down
  • Improves hair texture
  • Smooth consistency
  • A little product goes a long way
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • Makes your scalp flake initially
Price at the time of publication: $8.97

19. Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Detangling Leave-In Conditioner

4.4
Design Essentials Natural Detangling Leave-In Conditioner Image: Design Essentials

This conditioner imparts moisture to your locks. It contains almond, avocado, and shea butter that improve the condition of your hair from within. It also contains vitamin E that helps in hydrating the hair cuticles. These ingredients turn your hair visibly soft and save you time while detangling it. It protects your hair from humidity and damage. Shea butter provides intense hydration to each hair strand, giving you soft and knotless hair.

Hair Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 3 x 2 x 1 inches | Weight: 0.01 Ounces

Pros

  • Softens dry and brittle hair
  • Does not leave behind residue
  • Long-lasting moisturization
  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Strengthens your curls
  • Imparts radiance

Cons

  • Makes your scalp flake
Price at the time of publication: $16.59

20. MopTop Curly Hair Custard Gel

4.1

Moptop Curly Hair Custard is a styling gel infused with aloe vera, sea botanicals, and honey that give maximum hold and shine to your locks. Without crunching your sensitive curls, this product imparts long-lasting moisture to them. It claims to fight frizz and activate the coils of your hair, giving them a perfect definition. This product is designed for ladies with type 3 and 4 curls.

Hair Type: Fine, Thick, Curly, Wavy, Kinky, Coily, Dry | Product Dimensions: 2.9 x 2.8 x 2.9 inches | Weight: 8 Ounces

Pros

  • Creates volume
  • Contains natural extracts
  • Does not weigh your hair down
  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Free from parabens and silicones
  • A little product goes a long way

Cons

  • Makes your hair sticky
Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has garnered over 6,403 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
Price at the time of publication: $17.99

If you are following the current trend to wear your hair au naturel, but are struggling to manage your kinky curly hair, worry not. The correct hair care products can make a world of difference to the formation of your curls. Specially formulated products help you tame your curls and style them the way you want. However, since there are so many options, choosing products for your hair takes time and effort. So, scroll through our buying guide to know what factors to look out for before selecting the best hair care products for your natural kinky curly hair.

How To Choose The Best Hair Care Products For Natural Kinky Curly Hair?

  1. Curly Hair-Specific: The first step is to check the product label to ensure it is specifically meant for curly hair. This may sound obvious, but using curl-specific products is of the greatest importance, and not for a minute should one forget that curly hair is different.
  1. Must-Have Ingredients: Curly hair is more prone to dryness. Nourishing ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, natural oils, almond milk, organic honey, and aloe vera help soften curls while leaving the hair silky, frizz-free, and moisturized. Additionally, look for amino acids that have proven efficacy in nourishing your scalp and providing a protective barrier against pollutants. Finally, choose a formula infused with mollis leaf extracts that eliminate unwanted residue from your hair.
  1. Ingredients to Avoid: Avoid harsh chemicals like paraben, phthalates, sulfates, and alcohol. These can dry your hair as they wash away the natural oils and moisture. To achieve optimal results, it’s crucial to ensure that your curls are thoroughly saturated with product and kept highly hydrated.
  1. Dermatologist-Tested: Choose products that are tested or recommended by hair specialists. They are usually gentle on your scalp and potentially harmless.
  1. Lightweight Formula: Choose formulas with a light and smooth consistency that are easy to apply. They spread quickly between your tangles and do not weigh down your hair.
  1. Heat Protection: Curly hair is prone to damage. They break very easily and appear dull with little exposure to heat. Therefore choose heat-protectant formulas that work against heat tools and UV rays.

Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In Hair Care Products For Natural Kinky Curly Hair

Not all products on the market that claim to benefit curly hair are effective. A high-quality natural kinky curly hair product must contain ingredients that revive and restore the curl pattern and promote hair growth. Check out the infographic below to know what key ingredients you must look for when buying hair care products for your coily tresses.

Key Ingredients To Look For In Hair Care Products For Natural Kinky Curly Hair (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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

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Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

Naturally kinky curls look gorgeous, but it takes a lot of patience and the right hair products to maintain the curls perfectly. You need hair products with nourishing ingredients that smooth out your hair and make it soft and tangle-free by eliminating frizz. The Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie can be used daily to hydrate and style your hair, while the Kinky-Curly Knot Today Natural Leave-In Conditioner/Detangler clears impurities and softens hair. The Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner is a great option for dry and frizzy hair. Products for kinky hair contain ingredients like hair vitamins C & E and jojoba oil that define the curls, strengthen the strands, and reduce dryness. These products control frizz, impart shine to your locks, and are long-lasting. However, some products leave the scalp flaky. Always be wary of products that are not chemical-free or have parabens and sulfates in their formulation. Also, remember to conduct a patch test before application to check for allergic reactions.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author of this article, Pooja Karkala, is a hair care enthusiast with a penchant for finding the best haircare products and reviewing them. She is familiar with the challenges of maintaining naturally kinky hair, so she has dug deep to hunt down the best products for natural, kinky-curly hair. After conducting comprehensive research and analyzing numerous reviews, the author narrowed her search to the top options and reviewed them with pros and cons for our readers in this article.



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