Over the years, I’ve tried countless products that claim to reduce frizz, define curls, and prevent dull, unhealthy hair, with very little success. It had been a long time since I’d seen real results. That changed a few weeks ago when I finally got a haircut that truly suited my curl pattern.
If you have curly hair, I strongly encourage you to find a salon that specializes in cutting curls into the right shape. My experience at More Than Curly in Aurora, Colorado (www.morethancurly.com) was wonderful, and this post highlights the products they recommended to me.
Let’s start with an important truth: frizz never completely goes away. You can tame it, manage it, and learn to live with it but embracing your curls is key.
When I wear my hair curly, I receive far more compliments than when I wear it straight. What we naturally have is something many women wish for. Below are the products I love, why I love them, and how I use them. You don’t need to use all of them at once, choose one main curl-defining product per wash for best results. These products aren’t the cheapest, but you don’t need much, and they truly work.
My Favorite Curly Hair Products
1. Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner
This leave-in has a creamy yet lightweight, non-greasy texture. It softens hair without weighing it down, making it perfect for fine or thin curls.
Average price: $5.89–$8.49
2. Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream
This is one of my absolute favorites. Applied generously to wet hair and dried with a diffuser, it delivers tight, wavy curls with amazing volume. The formula is lightweight and non-greasy, perfect when you want big, bold hair.
Average price: $5.99–$6.99
3. DevaCurl SuperCream
My second favorite curl cream. Made with coconut oil, it feels silky and lightweight while adding shine, reducing frizz, and creating great volume when diffused. It’s pricey, but effective.
Average price: $28.00
4. Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel (DevaCurl)
This is my third favorite because it’s a gel, which tends to weigh down my fine hair. I use it on days when I want less volume and more definition. Apply generously and diffuse for shiny, natural-looking curls. For extra hold, mix in a dime-sized amount of Cantu Cream or DevaCurl SuperCream.
Average price: $26.00
5. Living Proof Amp² Instant Texture Volumizer
I use this after my hair is fully dried and styled. Apply a small amount to the roots using your palms, flipping your head upside down gives the best results.
Average price: $25.00
6. TRESemmé Keratin Smooth or GK Hair Taming System with Juvexin
I apply one of these as a final step to boost shine, especially on dull ends. Both help conceal split ends and tame flyaways beautifully.
7. Kenra Volume Spray
This hairspray is worth every penny. It’s lightweight, doesn’t increase frizz, and allows you to reshape your hair without stiffness or stickiness. It provides a natural-looking medium hold.
Average price: $17.00
My Daily Curly Hair Routine
My routine starts with shampooing and conditioning, followed by gently patting my hair dry. I then apply a leave-in conditioner, followed by TRESemmé Keratin Smooth or GK Hair Taming System, and one of my favorite curl-enhancing creams.
Next, I diffuse my hair, apply a root-lifting product, and finish with a shine serum. I set everything with Kenra Volume Spray for a natural hold. The result is healthier-looking hair with less frizz, beautiful shine, and defined, stunning curls.
Using multiple products may seem like a lot, but once you find what works for your curls, the results are absolutely worth it.
