Having curly hair can be a blessing and a curse at times. It is big, full, and very individual-like. However, it is sometimes frizzy, tangled and difficult to manage too. That is where a suitable conditioner comes into play. The proper product can smooth out frizz, hydrate coils, and make hairs look their best.
When it comes to curly hair, not all conditioners work in a similar way. Curly hair, generally, is more dry than straight hair, so it has to be moisturized more. Besides this, a lot curly hair tends to break and is more prone to damage so it must be conditioned so that it can be strengthened and protected.
We put ten conditioners into the ringer to see which ones worked best for curly hair. In the next part of the article, we’ll discuss our top picks and give reason why we think these options are the best match for curly-haired people.
Top 3 Best Conditioners for Curly Hair
- SheaMoisture Curl & Shine Conditioner Coconut & Hibiscus
- Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Conditioning Balm
- Davines LOVE Curl Conditioner
We see the difficulty in finding the ideal type of conditioner for curly hair. Curly hair craves for more moisture and nutrition to remain healthy and defined. After putting many products to use and doing tests we have managed to make a list of the best conditioners for curly hair. These products are designed to aid in moisturizing your curls, control frizz, and deeply condition your hair. Find out which conditioner is the best for your type of curly hair below.
1. SheaMoisture Curl & Shine Conditioner Coconut & Hibiscus
Among the myriad other options, this Coconut & Hibiscus Curl and Shine Silicone-Free Conditioner by SheaMoisture will give your curly hair that smooth and shiny final touch if that is what you are after.
Pros
- Transforms dry, brittle hair to vibrant, bouncy waves and curls.
- Provides hydration that enhances the elasticity of your hair to help define your gorgeous natural curl pattern without weighing it down.
- Leaves curls feeling healthy with a show-stopping shine.
Cons
- May not work for all hair types.
- The scent may not be for everyone.
- The bottle can be difficult to use when nearing the end of the product.
We admire how it is able to mend tresses that are weak and lifeless and convert them into shiny, lustrous curls and waves. It hydrates your hair, thus, infusing it with smoothness and allowing your hair to get that bouncy, gorgeous feel it deserves without weighing down the curls. In addition to that, it gives you bouncy curls with a dramatic shine.
We apply SheaMoisture Shine & Curl Shampoo first, then apply the Coconut & Hibiscus Conditioner with a comb to evenly distiribute for the haircare. We keep it on for 3 minutes, rinse, and then proceed to style whatever we desire. Tresses are left shiny, bouncy and healthy looking with soft feel and brilliant shine.
Every SheaMoisture hair care product, like this Coconut & Hibiscus Conditioner, is created with Fair Trade Shea Butter and has no silicones, no sulfates, no parabens, no phthalates, no mineral oil, and no petrolatum.
2. Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Conditioning Balm
If you are looking for a very deep conditioning balm for very dry hair, Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Conditioning Balm is the right answer, and you should certainly consider it.
Pros
- Renews hair’s moisture for lasting hydration
- Controls frizz for a smooth and sleek finish
- Plant-based and silicone-free formula
Cons
- Strong scent that may not be suitable for everyone
- Expensive compared to other conditioners on the market
- May not work as well for those with thin or fine hair
After being introduced to Biolage Ultra-Hydra Source Conditioning Balm, we are blown away by its capability of providing nourishment, while taming the frizz. Plant-based and silicone-free ingredients in the formula took good care of our hair, providing it with a silky-smooth texture and satisfying levels of moisture.
One thing to take into consideration is that this fragrance is really strong, so if you are not comfortable with scents you might want to avoid this product. Moreover, the price point is higher compared to some other conditioners on the market, which renders it less affordable to many customers.
Generally, we advise that Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Balm be used for persons who have very dry, thick or coarse hair and are seeking a deep hydrating conditioner that will finally lead to soft, smooth and frizz-free hair.
3. Davines LOVE Curl Conditioner
If you are someone who is looking to smooth and control curly and wavy hair, then the Davines will be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- Enriched with Vitamin B5 with deeply nourishing and soothing action for dry hair and scalp.
- Weightless volume and softness for curly and wavy hair.
- Natural and made in the USA.
Cons
- Small container.
- The scent may not be for everyone.
- The plastic container may break easily.
To our amazement, this product was the best for our curly hair. The vitamin B5 enriched formula deeply nourished and soothed our dry hair and scalp. In addition, it offered substantial volume and softness, which styled our curls beautifully.
Despite stellar ingredients and the product being made in the USA, its small container was the disappointment of our purchase. Moreover, the fragrance might not appeal to everyone and the plastic jar can be easily damaged.
In general, if you want a top-notch conditioner that make your wavy and curly hair look great and controlled, the Davines LOVE Curl Conditioner is an excellent choice.
4. Nutrafol Conditioner
We highly recommend the Nutrafol Conditioner to the people with thinning hair who are looking for a lightweight, moisturizing, and strengthening formula that is also color safe.
Pros
- The Nutrafol Conditioner is a daily protective hair conditioner that helps strengthen hair, replenish moisture, and improve elasticity.
- In a clinical study, 94% of women felt hair was more hydrated and 92% saw an improvement in the look and feel of hair in just 2 weeks.
- The conditioner is silicone-free and contains science-backed ingredients, including moisturizing Ximenia Oil and protective postbiotics and Arginine.
Cons
- Some customers have reported difficulty dispensing the conditioner due to its thickness.
- The price point may be higher than some other conditioners on the market.
- While the conditioner is effective for thinning hair, it may not be suitable for all hair types.
It is a real revolution for those people looking to improve the quality of their weak hair. Formula is weightless and efficient, leaving hair looking smooth and moisturized. The clinical study results were consequential to us and we could notice that our hair was better hydrated after several uses.
However, the product can be quite thick leading to some difficulty in dispensing it. Yet, we realized that storing the bottle upside down did the trick. Moreover, even though the product costs more than some other conditioners on the market, we certainly think that the results are in accordance with the money you pay.
In general, we strongly endorse the Nutrafol Conditioner for those who wish to boost the condition and appearance of their thinning hair. Use it with the Nutrafol shampoo for an even better effect.
5. L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Seal Conditioner
We highly suggest L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Seal Conditioner for the curlies looking for a conditioner that will hydrate, shape, and define curls free of heaviness. The product is perfect for the persons having loose and curly hair who are crazy about soft, bouncy, and watered curls from the scalp to the tip.
Pros
- The Moisture Seal Conditioner detangles and seals curls with moisture for up to 72 hours when used with the system, making it perfect for those who want to keep their curls defined and moisturized for an extended period.
- The Dream Lengths Curls paraben-free nourishing formulas help achieve hydrated, defined, bouncy, soft curly hair without the weigh down.
- The product is formulated with hyaluronic acid and castor oil, which help lock in long-lasting moisture for deeply hydrated curls from scalp to tip and define curls by sculpting and retaining shape.
Cons
- The product might not be suitable for those with extremely oily hair as it might leave a greasy residue.
- Some users might find the fragrance too strong and overwhelming.
- It might not be the best product for those with extremely dry hair as it might not provide enough hydration.
The Moisture Seal Conditioner is a member of the Dream Lengths Curls regimen that includes the Moisture Push Shampoo, the No-Build Up Micellar Shampoo, the Non-Stop Dreamy Curls leave-in conditioner, and Refresh & Reshape leave-in spray. With Moisture Push Shampoo, hair will simply be washed without being stripped for moisture, while No-Build Up Micellar Shampoo will get rid of the stubborn buildup. The Non-Stop Dreamy Curls leave-in conditioner hydrates and defines curly hair during the day and a Refresh & Reshape leave-in spray instantly makes curly hair look like it never went even after a harder day.
In essence, the Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Seal Conditioner by L’Oréal Paris is a great solution for those who want to attain bouncy, moisturized and neatly curly hair without the burden of heavy product weight. Curly-hair people should definitely give it a try if they need to have their curls moisturized and defined for a longer period.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best conditioner for curly hair, there are a few key features that should be taken into consideration. In this section, we will discuss these features to help you make an informed decision.
Ingredients
Some ingredients that are put in a conditioner can be the deciding factors in how it works out on curl hair types. Seek for the products that contain nature based ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera. By these substances, the hair is able to be moisturized and nourished, making the curly tresses feel soft and nice.
Moisture Level
Curly hair has tendency to be dry, so it is vital to select a conditioner that really boosts the moisture. If possible, try to buy products that are specially formulated for curly hair, as those usually contain ingredients that will help to lock in moisture as well as prevent frizz.
Curl Definition
If you want to accentuate your trademark curls, pick a conditioner that seals curly hair for definition. They effectively assist in the creation of texture and volume by using specific ingredients which enhance each hair individually.
Packaging
And be sure to look into the product’s packaging as well. When choosing hair conditioners, opt for those presented in squeeze or pump bottles; it is easier to use them in the shower setting. Moreover, purchase products that come in larger bottles since curly hair is generally much thirstier than straight hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients should we look for in a conditioner for curly hair?
While choosing a conditioner, curly haired individuals should select ingredients that give moisture and nutrition to the hair. These include shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil and avocado oil, which are perfect for curly hair. Also, low sulfate, paraben and silicone conditioners are appropriate since they keep the hair from drying and help to control frizz.
How can we choose a conditioner that enhances natural curls?
To get more natural curls, get a conditioner that moistens and defines curls. Moisturizing conditioners that incorporate glycerin, aloe vera, and honey help lock curls in place and keep them hydrated. And furthermore, shun conditioners which contain heavy oils or ingredients that tend to make curls heavier.
What are the top-rated conditioners for curly hair available at drugstores?
The Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner, Not Your Mother’s Naturals Tahitian Gardenia Flower & Mango Butter Curl Defining Conditioner, and Aussie Miracle Curls Conditioner are some of the best curly hair conditioners for curly hair that can be found at drugstores.
Which conditioners are recommended for curly hair with dandruff?
When it comes to curly hair that has dandruff, a conditioner that contains tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and salicylic acid to name a few of the recommended ingredients should be used. These components heal the scalp, diminish dandruff, and keep the hair in good condition. Among several approved treatments for curly hair with dandruff, head & Shoulders Royal Oils Moisture Boost Conditioner, Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Conditioner, and Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Conditioner are recommended.
Are there any preferred natural conditioners for maintaining curly hair?
It is undeniably true that there are many natural conditioners that are used to keep curly hair healthy. The use of natural conditioners is very popular among such products as apple cider vinegar, aloe vera gel, and coconut milk. The use of these natural ingredients, therefore provide the need for moisture, frizz reduction, and optimized defined curls respectively.
How often should someone with curly hair condition their hair?
The frequency of conditioning curly hair depends on the person’s hair type and texture. In most cases, the guidelines are to deep condition curly hair at least once per week. On the other hand, the amount and frequency of the conditioning may vary depending on whether your hair is on the dry side or the oily side. It is important to pay attention to the signs that your hair gives you, and to adapt your conditioning routine accordingly.