Here are 10 Curly Girl Approved products that are worth your consideration!
I make it a point to primarily review curly hair products that I love for one big reason.
My goal here is to create helpful content. And while I can only speak to my own experience, I think the most helpful thing I can do is share products that have worked well for me so you can consider them too.
With that in mind, I wanted to highlight some products I’ve previously tried and loved. Here are 10 Curly Girl Approved products that are worth your consideration!
Side note: this page does contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase something using the product links on this page, I may get a small commission. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps keep this site running. Thank you!
Also, I follow the simplified version of the Curly Girl Method most directly derived from the Curly Girl Handbook. This means the only ingredients I look to avoid are sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohols. If you have more ingredients that you look to avoid, it would be a good idea to check the ingredients for yourself before making a purchase.
Cantu TXTR Shampoo
As someone with dry scalp, this shampoo was a game-changer!
It comes with a pointed applicator that makes using it a breeze and lasts me an insanely long time (I’ve lost track of how long it’s been since I’ve had to buy a new bottle, but I’d say it’s been over a year.)
Overall, I absolutely love this shampoo! And while everyone’s results will be unique to them, I highly recommend giving this shampoo a try, especially if you’re anything like me and have struggled with a dry, flaky scalp.
Verelle Hydrating Hair Wash
I recently had the chance to try most of Verelle’s products and while I genuinely liked them all, the shampoo has been the true standout star!
It actually surprises me how often I started reaching for this shampoo because I’ve loved the Cantu for YEARS! It does great things for my dry scalp and gets my hair incredibly clean without stripping it of moisture.
Mane N Tail Conditioner
I had been without a staple rinse-out conditioner for a stretch.
Then I found Mane N Tail!
I can’t begin to tell you how much I love this conditioner. It’s hydrating, affordable, and one bottle lasts me several months. If you’re looking for a mainstay to your routine, it’s worth checking out!
Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-in Conditioner
At this point, I mainly use my leave-in conditioner to refresh my hair. Kinky Curly Knot Today has been my consistent favorite. I had a hard time locating it for a while during the height of the pandemic, but I’m thrilled to say it’s been regularly in stock online and in stores.
It’s moisturizing, lightweight, and doesn’t result in a great deal of product build-up.
Curls Blueberry Bliss Leave-in Conditioner
It can get humid in my area, especially in the summer. When that happens, my refresh needs a little more moisture than the lightweight Knot Today can offer.
On those days, I turn to Curls Blueberry Bliss leave-in. It has a little more moisture and weight than the Knot Today, and is ideal if you need an extra punch of hydration. It also smells like blueberry heaven.
Find the conditioner on Amazon or Sally.
Cantu’s Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream
This has consistently been my favorite curl cream. I’ve tried others, many of which have done great things for my hair, but I keep coming back to this one!
This product consistently gives my curls incredible bounce for days. I also need very little product to cover my head. It’s incredibly affordable, and I find one 12-ounce bottle lasts me 1-2 years.
Biotera Hair Gel
Like the Cantu product above, this continues to be my absolute favorite gel. There are a couple of others I’ll use from time to time, but this one is the one I can’t escape.
It locks moisture in pretty solidly but doesn’t create such a hard cast that I end up frizzing my hair to break it up. As with most of these products, it’s super affordable, and you get a lot for what you pay. This is the gel I use most often and once again, I find one bottle lasts me about 2 years.
Find the gel on Amazon here or at Sally here.
Tresemme Mega Sculpting Gel
From time to time, I like a hard hold gel. In those moments, this is one of the two that I reach for.
This is a great gel to try if you’re looking for a harder hold that gives you great curls, solid frizz control, and doesn’t weigh your hair down.
The Mane Choice Crystal Orchid Biotin Infused Styling Gel
This is another gel I love. It’s one that gives Biotera a run for its money. It gives great hold and definition, though it can lead to some build-up. However, I’ve also found that my hair dries faster when I used it, which is a big reason why I keep it around.
Mielle Babassu Oil And Mint Protein Deep Conditioner
This continues to be my favorite protein deep conditioner! It basically melts into my hair and gives my curls back their bounce when I need a protein boost.
It’s one of the products I’ve used the longest, and I continue to repurchase it.
Find the deep conditioner from Mielle or Amazon.
Looking for more guidance on your curly hair journey?
For beginners
If you’re new to curly hair care and looking for some help, you should check out the No-Stress Guide to Curly Hair Care!
After spending two years learning and caring for my curly hair, I wanted to create my own, in-depth guide to help fellow curlies create incredible curls in the easiest way possible.
It took me a while, but I eventually found an approach that helped me create a curly hair routine that fits into my life in the simplest way possible. And now I want to help you do the same!
For more intermediate/advanced guidance
If you’ve been on your curly hair journey for a while but still have some struggles, check out Curly Hair Problems!
After spending hours scouring the internet looking for solutions to my own curly hair problems, I found myself wishing for an easier, more comprehensive guide to the most common problems.
So that’s what I created!
Curly Hair Problems offers you 78 total solutions to the five most common curly hair care problems, including frizz, curl clumps, limp curls, product issues, and scalp issues.
Sound off: Have you tried these curly girl approved products? Tell us about your experience! Be sure to tell us a little about your hair type too!
Hey 🙂
Always love reading your blogs, from a fellow curly hair introvert from Australia!
I have a query regarding conditioners. Since reading your posts, using a lot of conditioner in the shower is so important in creating gorgeous hydrated curls. I used to use Tresamme. However my hairdresser thought Tresamme is no good as it contains silicones, parabens etc. She has put me on to very expensive curly conditioners, however I now use less cause I’m trying to save money on these expensive conditioners!
Tresamme now claim they are sulfate and paraben free, do you think it’s fine to use?
Hey Nova!
I’m so glad you’ve found the blog to be helpful! It depends on the Tresemme conditioner you were using. Some have silicones, parabens, etc, but in my experience, not all of them do. This website can help you find a conditioner that had the ingredients you like: http://www.isitcg.com/ You can enter a conditioner’s ingredients into this app and it’ll break down what’s in the product so you can decide if it’s one you want to use. Regardless of if you go back to Tresemme or not, in my experience you absolutely do not have to use expensive hair products to have great hair. Here’s a list of 25 conditioners that are curly girl approved. I don’t know how many of these options are avaliable in Australia, but it might be a good place to start.
I hope this is some help! 🙂