If you have naturally curly hair, you're no stranger to the amount of time and attention it takes to ensure your spiraling locks remain healthy and beautiful. Mia Emilio, senior stylist at Devachan Salon in New York City, says curly hair actually gets its curl from the shape of the hair follicle. “The oval-shaped follicle causes the hair to grow out of the scalp in the shape of a curl,” she explains. This also plays a significant role in the types of products that work best for curly hair.
Because the follicle is oval-shaped, natural oils can’t travel down the hair shaft as easily as they would with straight hair. This is why moisture is essential and key to having bouncy, and defined curls. In addition to moisture, most people with curly hair struggle with frizz, tangles, breakage, lack of definition and split ends. This is where proper care and the right products can make a world of difference.
Best Products for Curly Hair
“As a person with curly hair, you need to decide what you’re looking for in a product,” says Emilio. “Do you want hold, definition or volume?” She also notes that the most common products for curls are creams, gels and mousses, but taking the time to test out and learn which products work for your hair type is the best way to perfect your spirals. To help jump-start your product search, we’ve rounded up our top products to address your curly-hair concerns.
Andrea Jordan is a lifestyle and beauty writer who is obsessed with skin care. She'd choose a luxurious mask over makeup any day of the week. She loves learning about new ingredients and will never turn down an opportunity to try a new treatment. Her skin care must-haves include water, spot treatment and eye cream.
