Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you have naturally curly hair, using the best drugstore products for curly hair can benefit your hair health. They are specialized hair care products that can help keep your curly locks nourished without costing an arm and a leg so that you can flaunt them effortlessly. There might be a lot of products in the market to choose from, which can make the buying process daunting for you. So, if you are looking for something that suits your hair best and makes your curls look visually appealing and healthy, here is our review of some of the best drugstore curly hair products that provide visible results. Read on to check them out.
Top Picks
10 Best Drugstore Products For Curly Hair
1. Best For Easing Itchiness:Heeta Scalp Care Hair Brush
Image: Heeta This expert-recommended hair brush from Heeta is suitable for curly hair spread across different lengths and thicknesses. It can be used to massage your hair, ease itchiness, and provide much-needed blood circulation to the scalp. It is made of plastic and silicone, which helps prevent flake buildup on the scalp. The brush can be used for dry and wet use and is also suitable for gifting. With regular usage, you can keep your hair healthy and clean. It is easily portable, is designed to fit your palm, and is available in various colors to choose from. To know how to incorporate this product into your hair care routine, check out this video.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Removes residue caused by pollution
- Suitable for pets
- Lightweight
Cons
- Tips may break over time
"I use this product for my hair treatments. It gives a thorough scalp massage and aids in dirt and dandruff removal too. It's a beneficial addition to my hair regimen."
Quick fact
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 9,402 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
2. Best For Styling:Denman Hair Brush
Ideal for styling naturally curly hair, the Denman Hair Brush is equipped with round-ended nylon pins for defining, detangling, and smoothening out the curls when the hair is wet. It has an anti-static build on a natural rubber pad, which helps prevent flyaways. Whether you are grooming and styling or simply combing through your hair, this brush is versatile enough for both. It features an ergonomically designed tear-drop handle for hassle-free usage. Lastly, this brush is available in five, seven, and nine rows to choose from based on your hair length and thickness. Check out this product testing video and learn about a reviewer’s experience with using the product.
Pros
- Does not drag in the hair
- Staggered pin pattern
- Helps reduce frizz
- Can be used to add volume
Cons
- Bristles may be weak
"Brushing my hair has always been a struggle, but with the Denman brush, defining curls and styling has become simpler and faster."
3. Best Child-Friendly:Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Brush
While regular detangling brushes may end up pulling out the knotted hair instead of dealing with the toughest tangles, this brush from Crave Naturals gently sorts out the hair and goes soft by not digging deep into it. The bristles are manufactured to last long, act gently on your scalp and glide smoothly through your hair, and minimize the chances of pain or discomfort. Suitable for wet and dry hair, this brush is as versatile as it can get. By incorporating this brush into your daily hair care routine, you can finally say goodbye to split ends. It is available in vibrant hues like black, blue, pink, and purple to pick from. Check out this review video to learn about a reviewer’s take on the detangling brush.
Pros
- Suitable for various hair types
- Child-friendly
- Minimizes breakage
- Smooth hair detangling
Cons
- The brush may not be easy to hold
"With this brush, paired with a detangling spray, I no longer have to go through the ordeal of fixing tangled hair for hours. I particularly love the ergonomic handle."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 16,121 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
Heeta Scalp Care Hair Brush Best For Easing Itchiness | Denman Hair Brush Best For Styling | Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Brush Best Child-Friendly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handle Material | Plastic | Nylon | Plastic |
| Bristle Material | Silicone | Nylon | Plastic |
| Shape | Round | - | Oblong |
| Color | Green | Black | Turquoise |
| Dimensions | 3.2 x 3.2 x 2.8 inches | 8.27 x 1.38 x 1.75 inches | - |
| Weight | 1.76 Ounces | 2.47 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 9,402 | 10,669 | 16,121 |
| Price | $6.98 | $17.86 | $11.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Vegan:Garnier Fructis Sleek And Shine
Keep your hair healthy and nourished with this celebrity-favorite deep conditioning cream from Garnier Fructis. Its key ingredients include sustainably sourced argan oil, vitamins B3 and B6, and fructose extracts that give you visible results–frizz-free smooth hair. This drugstore conditioner penetrates your strands to add shine to them while delivering nourishment. To use this product, apply a small portion to your damp hair and distribute it evenly after using a shampoo and deep conditioner. For better results, do not rinse your hair after applying it. This product is available in packs of one, two, and three.
Pros
- Works well during humid conditions
- Paraben-free
- Vegan-friendly
- Includes natural ingredients
- Long-lasting finish
- Not tested on animals
- Budget-friendly twin pack
Cons
- Not sulfate-free
"This lightweight conditioner doesn't weigh down the hair and works wonders for me and my daughter. It makes her hair softer and easier to brush, and for my own hair, it's my go-to product for taming tangles, curbing frizz, and preventing breakage."
5. Best For Colored Hair:Color Wow Dream Coat For Curly Hair
Image: Color Wow If you are looking for one product that can replace multiple hair gels, styling creams, and serums, your search ends here! This drugstore conditioner cum curl cream from Color Wow is free from paraben, gluten, alcohol, and sulfates that can be detrimental to your hair. It multitasks by controlling your frizz and defining curls, giving them a good bounce in a single step! In other words, it is a one-step solution to achieving perfect curls. For best results, apply some of it to damp hair, distribute the dream coat evenly throughout your hair using your fingers, and blow dry it with a diffuser.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Weightless
- Non-greasy
- Suitable for color-treated hair
Cons
- Not sulfate-free
"I found that this spray works wonders for my hair and gives me lasting curls when used with a diffuser and dryer. A delightful find!"
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 1,418 good reviews on Amazon.
6. Best For Soft Hair:Maui Moisture Curl Foam Mouse
If you are confused about choosing between a product that can keep your curls healthy and one that offers long-lasting results when it comes to styling, here is one that delivers the benefits of both. This mousse from Maui Moisture is loaded with the goodness of the key ingredient—aloe vera—or nourishment and intense hydration, along with the infusion of the natural ingredients—coconut milk and mango butter. By dispensing some of its content onto your hand, applying it to damp hair, and letting it dry, you are all set to reap the benefits of a softer, more volumized, and more defined hold. You will witness your beautiful locks sport a healthier-looking glow with every use.
Pros
- Free of harsh additives
- Lightweight formula
- No-crunch feel
- Holds the natural curl pattern
- De-frizzes curls by providing hydration
- Synthetic dye-free
- Provides visible results
Cons
- May not be suitable for children
"I love using this product as it leaves me with lightweight, defined curls without any crunch. However, as lovely as it smells, it doesn't excel at offering a solid hold. It pairs best with a stronger cream or gel."
Quick tip7. Best Paraben-Free:Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo And Conditioner Bundle
This set of drugstore shampoo and conditioner from Moroccanoil can help hydrate your parched hair. Its key ingredients include argan oil, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and moisturizing red algae to make your hair look and feel nourished, smoother, and easy to manage. The shampoo does not contain any paraben or sulfate. You can add more water instead of shampoo to achieve more lather while using it. Available in two sizes to choose from, these products help manage your locks easily and provide much-needed smoothness and shine to your hair.
Pros
- Suitable for everyday use
- Deep conditioning for effective hydration
- Balances moisture
- Gentle
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Some may find the consistency thin
"I've used this shampoo and conditioner combo for several months and seen favorable improvements in my hair. It doesn't leave my hair oily even with my once- or twice-a-week washing routine. The clarifying shampoo preps my hair well, and the conditioner hydrates my hair."
Quick fact8. Best Lightweight:L’Oreal Paris Curve It Curls Elastic Mousse
The Advanced Hairstyle Curls Elastic mousse is a tried-and-tested hair solution from the all-time celebrity-favorite brand L’Oreal Paris. The scientifically-formulated mousse comes with an advanced Fibralock Tech formula that can help boost the style endurance of your hair by locking the strands with each other. It offers a non-crunchy stronghold and delivers a lightweight feel to your hair without buildup or stickiness. For those who do not have naturally curly hair, this mousse is a boon to get thick and voluminous curls while taming them. To use this product, shake the bottle, dispense it onto your palm while holding the bottle upside down, and apply it to your hair from root to tip, followed by a blow-dry or air-dry.
Pros
- Offers heat protection
- Defines and holds the natural curl pattern
- Long-lasting hold
- High-performing
- Non-sticky lightweight formula
Cons
- Contents may be highly flammable
"After spending years using the product, I can say it's an interesting discovery. It's double the volume that drugstores offer."
9. Best Luxury:Vitamins Hair Cosmetics Keratin Leave In Conditioner Cream
Whether it is about adding a natural gloss to your hair or restoring your hair moisture simultaneously, this deep conditioner cream delivers. With this product at your disposal, you can now reap the benefits of a luxury salon hair product in the comfort of your home. It can revitalize your locks, boost volume, and keep them healthy. This drugstore leave-in conditioner can be easily incorporated into diverse hair care routines as it also works well with chemically treated, bleached, and colored hair and aids in restoration and repair. After usage, you are left with revitalized and radiant hair in the form of a blowout look. Although the styling cream is specially formulated for people with thick, coarse hair, it is suitable for all hair types.
Pros
- Repairs breakages
- Suitable for textured hair
- Heals split ends
- High moisturizing effects
Cons
- Contains alcohol
"I adore this conditioning treatment. The conditioner, in particular, is love. Its luxurious feel and wonderful scent entice me. It helps tame and reduce frizz after blow-drying."
10. Best For All Hair Types:Panasonic Nanoe Salon Hair Dryer
This hair dryer has two speeds, three nozzles, and several other hair settings. Its back-and-forth moving head nozzle dries hair in no time. It is suitable for all hair types and is designed to give you a salon-quality style, delivering professional-grade results. Thanks to the moisture-rich nanoe ions, the hair dryer not only dries your hair but hydrates it by reducing the chances of everyday damage. The hair dryer also includes attachments like a concentrator nozzle and a diffuser for hassle-free styling.
Pros
- Focused airflow
- Combats frizz
- Promotes gentle drying
- Has a cooling effect
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Some might find the hair dryer a bit bulky.
How To Choose The Right Drugstore Products For Curly Hair?
Here are some factors worth considering when picking the right drugstore product for curly hair.
- Porosity: Porosity is all about how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture. If your hair is prone to more damage, its porosity level is high as it breaks down your hair cuticle, making it more difficult to retain moisture and water. Hair with high porosity requires a curly hair product with high protein content and vice versa.
- Texture: In terms of texture, curly hair can be classified into coarse, fine, or medium. Coarse hair is usually loaded with keratin and may not require a product that contains proteins due to its strands having a larger circumference. However, fine hair will require protein-rich products. If you have medium-coarse hair, you can go either way to pick a hair product that suits you the best.
- Density: Density refers to how much hair is on your head. To determine the density of your hair, wash it and check how long it takes to dry naturally. After drying, if you cannot see your hair scalp, you have a high density. You can pick a curl product for wavy hair based on this factor.
- Curl type: Pick a hair care product that’s suitable for your curl type. Usually, the curl types may vary from 2A to 4C with the latter curl type requiring the most intense care. If you are unsure about the category of your curl type, consult a professional hair stylist for a personalized assessment.
Alexandro Vasquez, a professional hairdresser and hair colorist, says, “The market is replete with drugstore products for curly hair, and therefore, it’s essential to consider your hair type and your specific needs. Consult a hairstylist to determine your hair type and take their recommendations. Moreover, read the product labels and instructions to ensure they do not contain any ingredients that may cause allergies or negative reactions.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I enhance my curls?
Curly hair, in general, is drier than straight hair. So, try to use sulfate-free shampoo specially formulated for curly hair to make your hair routine more effective. Co-washing the hair with a conditioner or applying a deep conditioner before and after washing with shampoo can enhance the curls. Use a towel to dry the hair instead of a hair dryer, and follow up with a curl-defining cream or styling gel to further enhance the curls and curl pattern.
2. What products should I avoid for curly hair?
Wash your hair as sparingly as possible to prevent stripping of natural oils. Avoid using drugstore shampoos made of harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates. Using heating and styling tools at high temperatures may intensify the curl damage. You can also avoid using hair care products that are sticky and create buildup, as they tend to weigh down the curls.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is our in-house writer and reviewer of haircare, skincare, and makeup products. Her extensive research is backed by in-depth analysis and translates to articles with accurate and reliable information, and this article is no exception. This article lists some of the best drugstore products for curly hair that you can use to keep your curls healthy. The article also comes with a buying guide to help you pick one that suits you the best.
The best drugstore products for curly hair can help you in the long run by keeping your locks healthy and nourished while being pocket-friendly. After thorough research, we have listed some of top expert-recommended products, ranging from creams to appliances, to give you the desired look. Before buying one, prioritize aspects such as the type of hair, your needs and wants, if it’s an affordable curly hair product, and whether it fulfills all of your requirements for keeping your hair healthy. Also, avoid chemical-laden products as they may not work in favor of your hair in the long run.
Infographic: How To Care For Curly Hair?
Keeping curly hair moisturized and frizz-free can be a tedious process. Unlike straight hair, curly hair needs specific kinds of products, combs, and heating equipment to maintain them. Check out the following infographic to learn how to give your curls a bouncy and healthy appearance. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Recommended Links:
- Best Leave-In Conditioners For Curly Hair
- Best Hair Products For Wavy Hair
- Best Hair Diffusers For Curly Hair
- Best Castor Oils For Healthy Hair
