Some Of The Best Products For Curly Hair According To Two Different Curl Types
Madison is Adore Beauty's Videographer. When she's not directing and editing skincare, haircare and makeup videos for the Adore Beauty YouTube channel, you'll find her rocking a bold eyeshadow look, usually with matching statement earrings.
Recently, we filmed a video for our YouTube channel about the best products for curly hair and there are some damn good product recommendations in there!
So we wanted to break it down here on Beauty IQ for all our curly-haired friends to have well-stocked bathrooms 🫡
Mel has 4C hair and Mary has 3 A/B/C hair, so together they cover a lot of ground. Product recs await below!
The full video is here, if you wish to watch it:
Kevin.Murply Killer.Twirls
- Lightweight formula for flexible styling
- Infused with Organic Oat Milk and Shea Butter to nourish and hydrate
- CGM approved and vegan
This is famously not only Mary's favourite curl product, but also a favourite of a few other curly girls in our office too.
KEVIN.MURPHY KILLER.TWIRLSis a fantastic leave-in product to enhance your curl pattern and add bounce.
The only downside is the size of this product. It's only 150ml, which would be ok for someone with fine, straight hair, but curly hair needs a LOT of moisture, and Mary often expresses going through it quickly.
When we recently met Kevin Murphy himself, I asked him to PLEASE make this in a larger size (if you're reading this Mary, you're welcome) so TBC if my humble begging will yield results (I might be giving delulu but a girl can dream).
Mary also recommends the accompanying shampoo and conditioner (KEVIN.MURPHY KILLER.CURLS RINSE and KEVIN.MURPHY KILLER.CURLS WASH) for if you want the full routine.
Redken Acidic Bonding Curls
- Deeply nourishes and hydrates curls
- Helps define and enhance curl pattern
- Sulphate-free, silicone-free, paraben-free and vegan
- Recommended for curl types 3A - 4C
The Acidic Bonding range by Redken is known for it's reparative properties with it's main purpose to repair bonds in damaged hair, and lucky us - they've come out with a curl version!
Mel has written a review of this range for us before, and she's still a big fan months later.
According to Mel, Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Shampoo 300ml and Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Conditioner 300ml are super hydrating and the conditioner specifically is excellent at de-tangling.
Side note, Mel also recommends the Redken Hydrating Curl Cream 200mL to style her curls and keep them hydrated.
Olaplex No.10 Bond Shaper™ Curl Defining Gel
- Flexible hold
- Lightweight, non-crunchy formula
- Suitable for all curl types
- Protects against heat up to 232ºC
- Silicone-free
Of course we all know Olaplex for being the pioneers of bond building technology but I bet you didn't know they've branched out into curly hair care!
The Olaplex No.10 Bond Shaper Curl Defining Gel is powered by patented Olaplex Bond Building Technology™ to help reinforce hair structure while shaping your curls.
Mary expresses in our video that often you may have to choose between volume or definition when it comes to curly leave-in products, but this one is a "great in-between".
Kérastase Première Repairing Fondant Conditioner
- Restores suppleness and softness
- Increases shine
- Boosts hydration
- Strengthens against damage and breakage
- Leaves hair more flexible and resilient
- Contains Citric Acid to smooth and Glycine for structure support
Now Kerastase does actually have a designated curl range, (which I can vouch for as one of my mates with short curly hair constantly gets me to buy it for him) however at the time of filming, Mel had not tried it.
So her recommendation from the beloved brand is Kerastase Premiere Repairing Fondant Conditioner 200ml
Kerastase's Premiere range is designed to de-calcify your hair and restore strength where a calcium overload may have weakened it.
But Mel uses it on her curly locks to provide hydration and long-lasting moisture. (And you know it's legit because the sample she brought in was completely empty, not a drop spared!)
Matrix Total Results A Curl Can Dream Lighthold Gel
- Lightly holds for perfect all-day curls
- Contains Manuka Honey extract
- Free from silicones, parabens, mineral oils, petrolatum and paraffins
About time we hit you with an affordable option!
Matrix Total Results A Curl Can Dream Lighthold Gel 200ml is more focused on holding curls in place, with stronger hold and more definition.
With this one, Mary usually first applies a cream, then layers the Matrix gel on top, and depending on if she wants to break the cast, continues with an oil.
Tangle Teezer Large Wet Detangler
- Designed to be used on wet hair
- 325 two-tiered bristles
- Cruelty free
Every hair routine needs a good brush.
Mel uses the Tangle Teezer Large Wet Detangler Black in the shower to disperse her conditioner through her hair and get rid of knots and bumps.
It's especially designed to be gentle to wet hair so you can be confident your curls are safe!
Davroe CURLiCUE Hydrating Hair Oil
- Glossy finish
- Blend of 9 botanical oils
- Vegan & cruelty free
- CGM safe
If you're going to use a gel and want to break the cast and soften the curls, this is the oil for you!
It's suitable for wet or dry hair and Mary says she also uses it to combat frizz when she (very rarely) straightens her hair.
For more curly goodness check out the below articles:
