Curly hair is gorgeous, bouncy, and versatile. While oftentimes thick and fluffy, coily strands are also one of the most sensitive hair types to maintain. Achieving and maintaining healthy curly hair is a lifestyle for many and can sometimes become a years-long process.
Over the past decade, with brands from Mielle to Pattern, the natural hair industry has evolved and expanded, giving curly-haired girls a plethora of products to choose from. And whether it's a twist-out or a wash 'n go you're seeking, one of the most important steps in your routine takes place on wash day. Finding the best shampoo and conditioning routine for your hair can feel like a lifetime commitment and a never-ending research project. But one thing professionals and curly-haired girls can agree on is the importance of a good wash routine and, most importantly, a good conditioner.
Not only does a good conditioner aid in maintaining hydration but the right product can also help repair, restore, and protect natural hair from heat and weather damage, color treatments, and everyday manipulation. To aid in your search for a good conditioner, we've compiled a list ranging from affordable favorites to products professionals swear by.
If you're not quite ready to spend 30+ dollars on hair products, Hair Food's Avocado Conditioner is the next best thing. This product has very similar ingredients to leading competitors but is a fraction of the price. Hair Food's Avocado Conditioner leaves the hair feeling softer than ever, and if left on for 5 to 15 minutes acts as a deep conditioner sure to keep hair moisturized for the next week.
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Best Conditioner for Dry, Damaged Hair
SheaMoisture Conditioner Intensive Hydration for Dry, Damaged Hair
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Best Conditioner for Dry, Damaged Hair
SheaMoisture Conditioner Intensive Hydration for Dry, Damaged Hair
This oldie-but-a-goodie conditioner not only hydrates but also smells otherworldly. If you want a wonderfully scented hair-repairing conditioner, revisit the SheaMoisture Manuka Honey conditioner.
If you haven't tried Mielle's new Avocado and Tamanu Anti-Frizz Conditioner, this is your sign to run-not-walk to your nearest store. This conditioner does exactly what it says on the bottle, leaving your hair soft and your curls defined, with a great smell to boot! Mielle, known for catering to hair growth and retention, really hit the jackpot with this one.
New to the natural-hair scene, Amika is a paraben-free conditioner filled with vitamins and fatty acids. With shea butter as it leading ingredient, this brand promises lightweight hydration, sure to change the way your hair looks and feels. Visit the website to figure out which system best fits you.
If you've found your favorite wash routine but are still in search of a good midweek refresher, then this is the product for you. This Avocado and Tamanu Anti-Frizz Slip and Seal Leave-in Conditioner is worth its weight in gold, especially if you find yourself on vacation and in serious need of a hair pick-me-up. This product not only reawakens dry hair but also seals in moisture. Add a little water to the party, and your hair will feel brand-new.
If there was one word to associate with this product, it would be "sold-out." Hairstylist and color expert Andoni Wasaya suggests all curly girls keep this in their arsenal. Redken All Soft Mega Curls Conditioner for severely dry hair is great for coarser textures, and enriched with aloe vera and other nourishing ingredients to rehydrate the hair shaft. If this summer heat has been drying your curls seemingly beyond repair, use this product to repair and strengthen those tresses.
Briogeo should definitely be on a naturlista's must try list. This curl-defining conditioner is silicone-free and filled with nutrients that "seal the hair cuticle, lockout frizz-causing humidity, and enhance[s] moisture retention to support consistent curl formation."
If you haven't heard of Olaplex No. 8, you may have just found the solution to the damage you may be experiencing. Hairstylist and coloring professional Andoni Wasaya swears by this brand, which is known for penetrating the hair shaft, repairing and re-bonding hair follicles from the inside out. Olaplex has an entire system aimed at repairing and replenishing your hair back to its most luxurious state, but if you only purchase one product, make it this intense mask that works as both a conditioner and a repairing treatment.
We love Tracee Ellis Ross for so many reasons, the newest being this
Pattern Conditioner. Her company caters to curly and coily hair types, and this product replenishes moisture without leaving the hair heavy, coating it with a light pleasant scent signature to the brand. Thick and moisturizing, this conditioner will quickly become a must on wash-day. If you're looking to try a new brand, Pattern is available at your local Ulta or Target.
This product promises to strengthen, smooth, and hydrate the hair with keratin and coconut oils. It's carefully curated to cut your wash time down, leaving the hair feeling soft and fresh.