People use TikTok for all kinds of things, from finding the best cleaning products to the newest trends in fashion (sorry, no more skinny jeans), but as more and more beauty enthusiasts use the platform, the trendy #FYP section has become the go-to place for finding (or rediscovering) cutting-edge new and vintage hairstyles. And it's also timely, as the arrival of warmer weather and more humid circumstances (which can damage your hair) is just around the corner.
Read on for TikTok-approved hair products that are here to save spring and summer, including moisture-restoring oils and masks, frizz-fighting sprays and serums, and a cream that will keep your curls in tip-top shape.
Aussie Miracle Curls Shampoo and Conditioner
When TikToker @thedaniellelife discovered the ringlet-enhancing properties of Aussie's Miracle Curls Shampoo and Conditioner, which are paraben-free and made with coconut and jojoba oil for extra nourishment throughout the year, she had her own little hair miracle. Due to the #MiracleCurlsChallenge, these products have been popular, along with the appropriate oil treatment (Aussie's Moist Shampoo and Conditioner and 3 Minute Miracle Cream are also deserving of a lather).
Cantu Coconut Curling Cream
Cantu's Coconut Curling Cream is another must for people with curly hair, garnering over 1.6M views for its mild recipe that is safe for both natural and dyed hair, as well as its amazing defining and repairing properties. The outcomes, in the opinion of well-known TikToker @curlswithkiera, are quite spectacular (especially when paired with another TikTok favorite, the plopping method).
SheaMoisture Silicone Free Styler Leave-In Hair Treatment
When it comes to leave-in treatments, TikTokers adore SheaMoisture's styler, which doubles as a conditioner and detangler for nourished, knot-free strands in any condition. It is made with marshmallow root, sugarcane extract, and meadowfoam seed oil. Another option is to say that "the word miracle is not being used lightly here," in the words of hairstylist @mattloveshair You'll notice that his film also includes the company's well-known Jamaican Black Castor Oil Treatment Masque.
Verb Ghost Oil
For strengthening and taming frizz, TikToker beauty counters always have Verb's vegan, moringa seed oil-infused spray on hand. Another favorite TikTok option for further shine and frizz protection is Verb Dry Oil, which @michelepritchardhair praises as "a weightless hair oil that revitalizes strands from root to ends."
Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother
Because of its moisturizing and smoothing properties, TikTok users favor this leave-in cream from Olaplex. Here, @neri ja mentions it as one of the items that helped revive her dry, frizzy hair. The company has amassed more than 207M views on TikTok. Another popular on social media? The Bonding Oil No. 7.
Not Your Mother's All Eyes On Me 10-In-1 Hair Perfector
This spray from Not Your Mother's has sparked interest among fans of It's a 10's Miracle Leave-In Product across the board thanks to its ten hair advantages, which range from hydrating and strengthening to volumizing and managing split ends. My hair has become much softer and sleeker as a result. And it smells wonderful. Pls. purchase this. Seriously, it's worth it," tweets @laurabadora3.
L'Oreal Paris Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water
Fans of Shop TODAY are already familiar with the 8-second wonder water's enchantment, which transforms hair in a flash using cutting-edge technology, moisturizers, and amino acids. The product has had over 100K views on TikTok, and @unicorn5215 is just one of the many users who wish they'd discovered it sooner. What type of voodoo magic does this contain? "My hair was velvety smooth in eight seconds," she continues. My hair was changed by it.
Best Shampoo for Curly Hair
The Doux Sucka Free Moisturizing Shampoo
Source: Amazon.com
PROS
- including butters to help curls stay moisturized
CONS
- For added moisture, some testers are required to use this in conjunction with a deep conditioner.
Julee Wilson, Cosmo's beauty editor-in-chief, gave this shampoo a 2022 Holy Grail Beauty Award for her high-porosity 4b curls since she is so in love with it. Your curls will feel gently washed but contentedly hydrated after using the creamy cleanser, which is packed with softening oils and butters (including shea butter and sunflower seed oil), strengthening silk amino acids, and mild surfactants.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
- Moisture levels: Medium
Best Curl Styler
LUS Brands Love Ur Curls All-in-One Styler for Curly Hair
Source: Amazon.com
PROS
- defines, smoothes, detangles, and moisturizes
- The fact that there is a fragrance-free variant is a big hit with testers.
CONS
- Not volumizing enough for some reviewers
Okay, Lus has long been one of my (hello, Chloe Metzger, deputy beauty director) fave curly-hair brands. Their products are exactly what I would create if I could formulate my own goods; they are straightforward, condensed, free of all the yucky stuff (such as silicones, sulfates, and mineral oils), and they are easy. My current favorite? This all-in-one styling product uses moringa oil and shea butter to define curls and provide a light moisturizer, sort of like a cross between a leave-in conditioner and a curl cream.
Additionally, it is incredibly adaptable; you may try the original version (here) or the fragrance-free version. Need a formula that is lighter or heavier? Choose the "kinky-coily" or wavy-haired" variant. I warned you—so nice.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
- Moisture levels: Customizable (depending on which version you buy)
Best Curl-Defining Cream
Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
Source: Amazon.com
PROS
- Doesn’t weigh down fine curls
CONS
- Dry hair will likely need to pair with another moisturizing cream
This cream has more than 14,000 5-star reviews on Amazon alone, and for good reason: it really works. Unlike other creams, which tend to weigh down finer curl types, this light solution contains just a tiny amount of argan oil, which works to define waves and curls and smooth flyaways without ever feeling greasy, heavy, or sticky.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? No
- Moisture levels: Medium
Best Curl Cream
Ouai Fragrance-Free Curl Creme
Source: Amazon.com
PROS
- use coconut and soybean oil to moisturize hair
CONS
- can result in oily hair if applied in excess.
Chloe Metzger, the deputy director of beauty, said it out loud: I. Omg, I LOVE THIS CURL CREAM. It is not only free of scent, silicones, and waxes, but it is also oddly adaptable based on the sort of curls you have. My fine hair would normally become greasy from the coconut oil in this product, but a dime-sized amount pushed through my drenched hair makes my 3a curls defined, silky, and bouncy. have curls that are tighter/coarser? For a moisturized, defined foundation, simply apply it heavily and work it through your coils before applying a gel or pudding.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
- Moisture levels: Medium
Best Serum for Curly Hair
Curl Wow Flo-etry Vital Natural Serum
Source: Amazon.com
PROS
- provides gloss and smoothes without appearing oily
- contains a small amount of protein to gradually strengthen hair
CONS
- Have to use a gel for stronghold
Haiya Eliza, a hairstylist, adores this curl serum. It is made with coconut and jojoba oils, but instead of creating a thick film on your hair, it seeps in to nourish and smooth your hair after being mixed with a lot of water.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
- Moisture levels: Low
Best Refreshing Spray for Curly Hair
Curlsmith Moisture Memory Reactivator
Source: Amazon.com
May I introduce you to your new BFF if your second or third-day curls are typically confined to a bun, twist, or braid because they are so dry and undefined? This hydrating spray instantly rehydrates and re-clumps curls on touch while also adding some definition and shine. It is made up of water and oils (olive, coconut, and avocado!).
- Curly Girl Method-approved? No
- Moisture levels: Medium
Best Gel for Curly Hair
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel
Source: Amazon.com
PROS
- strengthens hair with wheat proteins and amino acids
CONS
- Some testers felt the hold was too soft.
I detest applying gel to my hair and having my curls feel sticky and crunchy afterward. Thankfully, when I switched to this curly hair gel, I no longer had to worry about it. Wheat proteins and styling polymers are abundant in it, sealing your curls in place (against heat and humidity) without making your hair feel stiff or becoming flaky.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
- Moisture levels: Low
Best Treatment for Damaged Curly Hair
K18 Leave-In Repair Hair Mask Treatment
Source: Amazon.com
PROS
- doesn't need to be rinsed, which testers adored.
CONS
- The most pricey item on this list
All of her clients who have had their hair colored or chemically treated in the past should get this damage-repairing procedure, according to hairstylist Haiya Eliza. Why? Because it employs a combination of peptides that reproduce and connect the damaged components within your hair strand at the molecular level (think: magic "fix it" wand). The outcome? Over time, your hair will grow stronger and healthier than it used to. Just be careful not to overdo it: Replace this mask with your regular conditioner twice a month. It should be worked through wet hair. After four minutes, add any additional products, and then style your curls as usual.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? No
- Moisture levels: Low (meant for repair, not hydration)
Best Hair Mask for Frizzy Curls
Living Proof No Frizz Intense Moisture Mask
Source: Amazon.com
PROS
- genuinely keeps flyaways and frizz at bay
CONS
- Not enough moisture on its own for extremely dry hair types.
For the sake of those in the rear, I'll repeat: frizz is fine and doesn't need to be contained or under control. However, if you want softer curls and are not a fan of your own flyaways, try this moisture mask. It is made with an exclusive molecule (OPPMA) that encircles each hair strand to keep out moisture and lessen surface friction. It significantly reduces frizz while enhancing curl definition.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
- Moisture levels: High
Best Lightweight Leave-In Conditioner for Curly Hair
Adwoa Beauty Melonberry Hair Milk Leave-In Conditioner
Source: Amazon.com
PROS
- mild oils to hydrate and detangle hair
CONS
- Not enough moisture for testers with really dry or damaged hair
The Goldilocks of leave-in conditioners, here she is. The midweight combination of jojoba oil, argan oil, and avocado oil gives it just the right amount of hydrating to help lock in hydration without being too heavy to make fine hair greasy or limp. Spray it throughout your completely wet hair for the best coverage, then add a curl cream or a gel for added hold or moisture.
- Curly Girl Method-approved? Yes
- Moisture levels: Low
How can I bring out my natural curls?
A variety of actions can be taken to bring out your natural curl pattern, such as: (1) using the right curl-defining products (such as the creams, mousses, gels, and custards above); (2) experimenting with various curl techniques, such as the Curly Girl Method or the LOC method; (3) limiting any damaging habits, such as using heat tools or coloring your hair; (4) getting an appropriate curl cut to remove damage and enhance your natural curls; and (5) learning the best styling techniques for your hair type
What is the best hair product to get curly hair?
Again, there is no single "best" product for curly hair. Consider the elements that might be most effective for your hair type instead. Your hair will feel more moisturized, soft, and detangled after using a product rich in oils and butters (especially the higher they are on the ingredient list). A product containing humectants, such as aloe vera, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid, will help create a thin film over your hair strands to help keep your curls moisturized all day.
What products should curly hair avoid?
Depending on the degree of dryness, kind of curl, and degree of damage, certain products should be avoided by someone with curly hair. Generally speaking, hairstylist Haiya Eliza advises "avoiding anything that contains alcohol, as it might dry out your hair." Another of her no-nos? Strong sulfates, such as sodium lauryl and sodium laureth sulfates, which are frequently present in clarifying shampoos and can dehydrate and strip your hair of its natural oils, should be avoided.
Your hair porosity will also determine which products to avoid (i.e., how porous your curls are when absorbing and retaining moisture). Avoid extremely rich and heavy products, choosing lightweight formulas instead. Low-porosity curls have trouble absorbing heavy oils and butters, resulting in the build-up, excessive grease, and limpness.
On the other hand, high-porosity curls are typically inherently dry and damaged, making it difficult for them to retain moisture. As a result, they require sealing with conditioners, butters, and oils (which means avoiding anything deemed as lightweight or oil-free).
How do you define curls without frizz?
Let's be clear: Frizz is normal, natural, and almost unavoidable with curly hair (to a certain extent), which is why we at Cosmo are firmly on Team Frizz. But! You can always seek for products made with moisturizing and sealing oils and butters, including as shea butter, jojoba oil, and avocado oil, if you're not a fan of your own frizz and flyways.
Their hydrating qualities support your curl pattern, and their "sealing" properties will assist deter dampness, which can cause frizz. A curl cream and/or gel can also help smooth your hair and add definition at the same time, according to hairstylist Sabrina Rowe Holdsworth.
How to choose the best curly hair products:
Think about your porosity
Chloe Metzger, the deputy beauty director at Cosmo, says that discovering her curl porosity was the major turning point in her hair journey rather than a product. While curls with high porosity require rich creams and custards that contain all the butters, oils, and proteins to keep them healthy, curls with low porosity only need lightweight products (think: serums and milky leave-ins) and heat treatments like hair steamers to fully absorb and look their best.
Determine your position on silicones.
For some hair types, the slippery-smooth feel that silicones (like dimethicone) impart to your hair is perfectly acceptable and dandy. On curly hair, though? potential thorns in the flesh. Due to the fact that the majority of silicones don't break down in water, they can quickly build up on your hair's cuticle and repel moisture, leaving your curls limp, dry, and twisted until you remove them with a clarifying shampoo (which, you know, is also not great). Although many of the items on this list are silicone-free (and authorized by the Curly Girl Method), always check the ingredients list with this formula checker before using.
Check the extent of your harm.
Protein can be a game-changer for curly hair that has been colored, chemically treated, or heat damaged since it can fill in cracks and holes in the cuticles of your hair while forming a protective shield around it. As a result, to assist repair damage, try incorporating a protein therapy into your routine once or twice a month (at most).
Having said that, if you've never colored your hair and use heat tools infrequently, your hair probably already has all the structure and strength it requires. Therefore, if you begin to apply protein treatments in layers, the protein will quickly pile up on your strands and form a rigid, dried-out shell that may eventually cause your hair to fall off or split. So if your hair is generally in good shape, stay away from any products that make claims like "strengthen," "repair," or "restore," which are usually just codes for protein.
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