Beauty

The 24 Best Products for Curly, Frizzy Hair

Shampoos, conditioners, mousses and more

By Lesley Chen

Published Feb 10, 2024

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a collage of best products for curly frizzy hair with pink background

If you have curly, frizzy hair, there’s a whole laundry list of things—from a change in weather to an ill-timed nap without a silk pillowcase—that can throw your locks into disarray. While there are plenty of oils and shampoos to help you regain control of flyaways, the key is to find the *right* products that work for your curls. We tapped an expert to share the best ways to minimize frizz, including some recommendations for the best products for curly, frizzy hair. 

Meet the Expert

Anthony Cristiano is a celebrity hairstylist and salon owner with over thirty years of experience in the fashion and beauty industry. He was previously a creative director for a variety of brands including Victoria’s Secret, Phyto Haircare and Avon and his work has been featured in fashion editorials, campaigns and red carpet events. His celebrity clients include Demi Moore, Kelly Ripa, Mariah Carey and Sophia Bush. 

How We Chose the Best Products for Curly, Frizzy Hair

We tapped our curly-haired editors, who know a thing or two about the best products for tackling static and flyaways. In addition to our editors’ input, we scoured the internet for reviews on the top shampoos, conditioners, gels and more. From there, we measured each product against strict criteria that includes looking at key ingredients that tame frizz, moisturize and define curls to bring you this comprehensive list of the 24 best products for curly, frizzy hair. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why Does Curly, Frizzy Hair Require Different Products? 

On the surface, straight and curly hair aren’t the same, but the differences go even deeper than that. As Cristiano explains, straight hair is usually softer and flat. It may not hold a curl very well on its own and may need some assistance. Whereas curly hair is more textured in nature and tends to be more prone to frizz and dryness than straighter locks. 

See, the cuticle—aka the outer layer of your hair—plays an important role in how texture naturally responds. Because curly hair has raised cuticles, it can react more to moisture levels in the air or changes in weather. As a result, these hair types can be more susceptible to tangles, frizz and breakage.

What Should You Look for in Products for Curly, Frizzy Hair? 

There’s nothing wrong with a little frizz. But trying to tame frizz during the most humid days is an uphill battle for pretty much everyone. If you have curly, frizzy hair, it’s important to choose the right products for your texture and curl type. Cristiano recommends finding curl creams, leave-in conditioners and shampoos with anti-frizz formulas. “Since frizz is a sign that your hair needs moisture, reach for products that highlight the words ‘hydrating’ and ‘moisture locking,’” he says. Another helpful note is to look for ingredients like jojoba oil, avocado oil, shea butter and honey; they’re all known to smooth down frizz and add moisture back to your curls. 

Cristiano also recommends keeping up with your overall hair care. Stay on top of how often you trim, color or cut your hair at the salon. And incorporate moisturizing products (like clarifying shampoos and conditioning treatments) into your wash routine regularly to maintain optimal hair and scalp health. Just keep your porosity and density in mind. If you have low porosity hair, consider using lighter hair serums and leave-in conditioners. However, if you have high porosity hair, richer butters and hair oils might suit your curls better. 

Freelance Writer

Lesley Chen

Freelance Writer

Lesley Chen is a San Francisco-based freelance writer. In between walking up and down the city’s hills, she writes for a variety of outlets covering health, fitness and general lifestyle. She has been writing commerce pieces covering the topics above (as well as fashion and beauty) for PureWow since 2021.

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