Buzz
Image Credit: MytourFor wavy, curly, and coily hair, finding the perfect product can be challenging. However, the top conditioners for curly hair are designed to replenish moisture, strengthen fragile strands, control frizz, and enhance softness, shine, and volume—all without making the hair feel heavy.
To identify the best options for various curl types, we meticulously evaluated popular products, focusing on key elements like active ingredients, formulation, fragrance, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, we consulted curly hair specialists for advice on selecting the ideal conditioner tailored to your specific needs. (With nine distinct curl types, personalization is key!)
Whether you need a deeply nourishing leave-in conditioner for daily use to maintain fresh curls between washes or a color-safe formula to preserve your hair color, our top curly hair conditioners ensure your locks remain healthy, soft, and hydrated with every use.
Top Choice Overall
Briogeo Curl Charisma Conditioner
IMAGE: SephoraRice amino acids smooth the hair cuticle, enhancing curl definition and reducing frizz.
The rich formula may feel too dense for individuals with fine or thin hair.
This 96% naturally-derived, vegan conditioner stands out for its exceptional blend of ingredients that deliver remarkable results. The Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Curl Defining Conditioner features rice amino acids, which work to seal the hair cuticle, protecting against environmental frizz and enhancing curl definition.
Shea butter and avocado oil work together to soften and deeply hydrate your curls, offering antioxidant benefits. The standout ingredient, tomato fruit ferment, helps lock in moisture, ensuring your curls stay defined and consistent. This conditioner is perfect for individuals with thick, high-porosity hair.
Key Ingredients: Rice amino acids, shea butter, tomato fruit ferment, avocado oil | Curl Types: 2A–4C | Color Safe: Yes | Scent: Citrus, sweet florals
Top Drugstore Pick
Not Your Mother’s Gardenia Flower & Mango Butter Conditioner
IMAGE: AmazonThe vegan formula is crafted with 98% naturally sourced ingredients, making it clean and eco-friendly.
Some users have noted that the formula can feel drying on their hair.
Priced at just $10 for a 16-ounce bottle, Not Your Mother’s Naturals Tahitian Gardenia Flower & Mango Butter Conditioner offers unbeatable value. Enriched with hydrating components like glycerin, which draws in moisture, and mango seed butter, this conditioner is a go-to for those seeking deep hydration for their curls.
Beyond its moisturizing benefits, this conditioner also tames frizz and ensures effortless detangling on wash days, thanks to behentrimonium chloride. It’s an excellent choice for individuals with tighter curl patterns who desire enhanced definition and bounce.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, mango seed butter | Curl Types: 3A–4C | Color Safe: Yes | Scent: Peach coconut
Top Choice for Color Protection
Pureology Hydrate Conditioner
IMAGE: AmazonThe antioxidant-packed formula shields hair from free radicals, helping to maintain vibrant color.
It might cause irritation for individuals with sensitive skin.
Pureology’s Hydrate Conditioner is a top recommendation for color-treated curly hair, as highlighted by Quia Querisma, a renowned curly hair stylist from Dallas, Texas. Beyond shielding your hair from UV rays that can dull your color, this conditioner is infused with antioxidants to combat free radicals, ensuring your color stays vibrant and fresh.
This popular conditioner is packed with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, which smooths the hair, and sage leaf extract, known to invigorate hair follicles. With each use, your hair will feel softer and look shinier.
Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, sage leaf extract, jojoba oil |
Top Pick for Fine Hair
Pattern Lightweight Conditioner
IMAGE: AmazonThis conditioner also functions effectively as a co-wash.
It may not be the best choice for individuals with thick, frizzy hair.
Pattern’s Lightweight Conditioner offers a feather-light formula tailored for fine or thin curly hair. Enriched with coconut oil, Irish moss, and biotin, it strengthens and fortifies your hair while ensuring smooth detangling.
Beyond hydrating and softening curls, this versatile product also serves as an excellent co-wash, allowing you to skip shampoo or enhance your shampoo routine without adding heaviness to your hair.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Irish moss, biotin | Curl Types: 3A–4C | Color Safe: Yes | Scent: Neroli, rose, patchouli
Top Choice for Thick Hair
SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Conditioner
IMAGE: AmazonIt enhances hair elasticity, resulting in more defined and bouncy curls.
Some users have experienced dryness and product buildup after regular use.
SheaMoisture, a Black-owned brand renowned for its curly hair expertise, is a must-have for anyone with coily hair. Their Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner is a beloved product, and it’s easy to see why.
Packed with hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil and glycerin, this conditioner revitalizes dry hair, leaving it shinier and more voluminous. Enriched with rich emollients such as shea butter and coconut oil, it’s perfect for high-porosity hair that struggles to retain moisture.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, glycerin | Curl Types: 3A–4C | Color Safe: Yes | Scent: Hibiscus, coconut, cocoa butter
Top Leave-in Conditioner
Miss Jessie’s Leave In Condish
IMAGE: AmazonIt leaves curls incredibly soft and radiant.
Some users have found the formula to be drying.
If you’re searching for a leave-in conditioner to revive your curls between washes, Miss Jessie’s Leave-In Condish (short for conditioner, in case you didn’t know) is a top choice. Its lightweight blend, featuring soybean, aloe, and glycerin, tames frizz and seals in moisture without leaving residue or weighing your hair down.
Users of this leave-in conditioner appreciate its subtle, refreshing scent that isn’t overwhelming. Despite the 8.5-ounce size, a small amount delivers impressive results. It’s perfect for those with wavy to curly hair and individuals transitioning from chemically treated to natural hair.
Key Ingredients: Soybean, aloe, glycerin | Curl Types: 2A–4A | Color Safe: Yes | Scent: Fresh, aloe vera
Top Pick for Frizzy Hair
Verb Curl Conditioner
IMAGE: SephoraIt claims to reduce frizz by up to 84%.
The formula may feel heavy for those with fine or thin hair.
Verb’s Curl Conditioner is perfect for anyone seeking a deeply nourishing formula that also tames frizz (reportedly by 84% after just one use!). Featuring the unique SunflowerCurl Complex, a blend of oils from sunflowers, along with cold-pressed jojoba oil and castor oil, this conditioner defines curls while protecting against dryness and breakage.
Thanks to behentrimonium chloride, a key detangling agent, this conditioner ensures effortless detangling in the shower. Expect softer, bouncier curls with every wash.
Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, castor oil | Curl Types: 2A–4C | Color Safe: Yes | Scent: Oatmeal, pink grapefruit
Top Choice for Dry Hair
Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner
IMAGE: AmazonIt’s enriched with fatty acids and proteins to deeply hydrate and restore dry hair.
Those with high porosity hair may notice limited benefits.
Mielle Organics’ Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner features a protein-moisture balance that revitalizes dry curls, according to Querisma. Enriched with fatty acids and hydrating oils like babassu, sourced from an Amazonian palm fruit, and sunflower seed oil, this conditioner is perfect for those with naturally dry hair.
This protein-packed formula also fortifies hair to minimize breakage. Glycerin, a key humectant, draws moisture from the air to hydrate and replenish strands. With its refreshing minty scent, this conditioner offers a spa-like experience during your wash routine.
Key Ingredients: Babassu seed oil, glycerin, sunflower seed oil | Curl Types: 3A–4C | Color Safe: Yes | Scent: Mint, fruit
Final Verdict
For a versatile conditioner that caters to all curly hair needs, the Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Curl Defining Conditioner is our top choice. This silicone-free, vegan formula works for all curl types and is especially beneficial for thick, dry hair. If you need a leave-in conditioner to maintain fresh curls between washes, consider Miss Jessie’s Leave-In Condish. This popular product uses soybean, aloe, and glycerin to tame frizz and add moisture without weighing down your hair.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Conditioner
Key Ingredients to Look For
When selecting a conditioner for curly hair, prioritize products that include a blend of humectants, emollients, lipids, and proteins in their ingredient list.
Humectants, such as glycerin and honey, attract moisture to the hair, while emollients like shea butter, coconut oil, and argan oil enhance smoothness and shine, explains Querisma.
Lipids, including fatty acids like omega-3, play a crucial role in protecting the hair shaft and minimizing moisture loss. Proteins, such as keratin, silk, and wheat proteins, strengthen the hair and improve its elasticity, according to Bridgette Hill, a certified trichologist and professional hair colorist in Palm Beach, Florida.
For individuals with curly hair, incorporating a detangling agent such as panthenol or behentrimonium chloride into your conditioner can make combing easier, Querisma notes.
Curl Type Considerations
Selecting the right conditioner for curly hair involves matching the product to your specific curl type and needs. With nine curl types, ranging from 2A (loose waves) to 4C (tight coils), each type has distinct requirements.
For wavy curls (2A, 2B, and 2C), opt for a lightweight, hydrating conditioner containing humectants like glycerin and botanical extracts to add bounce and movement without weighing hair down, advises Querisma.
For curlier hair patterns (3A, 3B, and 3C), choose conditioners with moisturizing and detangling agents such as shea butter and argan oil, as these textures often require extra slip to minimize breakage during detangling, Querisma adds.
Individuals with coily hair (4A, 4B, and 4C) should consider conditioners enriched with shea butter, argan oil, and sweet almond oil, Querisma suggests. For this curl type, a rich, deeply hydrating treatment is ideal to moisturize and define kinky hair effectively.
Understanding Hair Porosity
“Hair porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture, which is determined by the condition of your cuticle layer,” explains Querisma. Porosity levels are categorized into three types: low, normal, and high.
To determine your hair’s porosity, experts recommend the float test. Fill an 8-ounce glass with room-temperature water, Hill advises. Place a clean strand of hair in the glass. If it sinks, you have high porosity hair. If it floats in the middle, your porosity is normal. If it stays at the top, you have low porosity hair.
Low porosity hair has tightly bound cuticles, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate, Querisma notes. Additionally, low porosity hair often contains higher protein levels, increasing its susceptibility to breakage, Hill adds.
For low porosity hair, Querisma recommends using a lightweight, water-based conditioner with humectants like glycerin and honey to attract moisture. Ingredients such as lanolin, avocado oil, and jojoba oil also provide additional hydration for this hair type, Hill notes. Avoid heavy oils and butters that may sit on the hair’s surface without penetrating.
High porosity hair, however, has cuticles with larger gaps that allow moisture to enter easily but struggle to retain it, Hill explains. “High porosity can be genetic or caused by overprocessing, chemical treatments, or heat styling,” she adds.
For high porosity hair, opt for thick, creamy conditioners containing emollients like shea butter and avocado oil, along with proteins to fill in cuticle gaps, Querisma suggests. Conditioners with vegetable-based glycerin are also effective in locking in moisture for this hair type, Hill adds.
Common Questions Answered
Which brand offers the best curly hair conditioner?
Determining the “best curly hair conditioner” brand is challenging, as the ideal product depends on your hair type, needs, and preferences. However, several brands specialize in curly hair care, including Shea Moisture, Miss Jessie’s, Pattern, and Mielle Organics.
What Ingredients Should You Avoid in Curly Hair Conditioner?
Since curly hair is more prone to dryness, it’s crucial to avoid ingredients that can further dehydrate or strip moisture. Key culprits include sulfates and certain alcohols.
“Sulfates can strip moisture, leaving curls dry and brittle,” Querisma explains, while drying alcohols like isopropyl alcohol can exacerbate dehydration. Silicones and parabens are also ingredients to avoid.
“Silicones may lead to buildup over time unless you use a clarifying shampoo regularly,” Querisma notes. Additionally, some may avoid parabens due to potential safety concerns, as studies suggest they can disrupt hormonal balance, according to research.
Is Conditioner or Leave-In Conditioner Better for Curly Hair?
Why choose one when you can use both? “Hydration and moisture are crucial for coils and curly textures,” Hill emphasizes. Querisma also recommends using a regular conditioner for detangling and hydration during wash days, followed by a leave-in conditioner to refresh curls and maintain moisture between washes.
For optimal results, apply a moisturizing product daily, such as a light oil or cream, to preserve moisture and strengthen the hair’s lipid barrier, Hill adds.
Trust Our Expertise
This article was authored by Naydeline Mejia, a Mytour writer with over four years of experience in product reviews and lifestyle content, particularly in beauty. For this piece, we evaluated numerous curly hair conditioners, focusing on formulation, compatibility with various curl types, and overall value.
For expert insights and product recommendations, we consulted Quia Querisma, a professional curly hair stylist from Dallas, Texas, and Bridgette Hill, a certified trichologist and professional hair colorist based in Palm Beach, Florida, who shared valuable tips on selecting the ideal curly hair conditioner.
