What conditioner is best for curly hair?

We tapped celebrity stylist Dmitri Giannetos to find out what types of formulas are best for curly hair. He suggests looking for thicker, more nourishing formulas and masks if you have curlier or coily hair to prevent the ends from feeling too dry. While moisturizing formulas are great for all hair types, if your hair is just slightly wavy, you may want to stay away from super heavy conditioners unless you’re taking-on significant damage.

Why/how are formulas with lots of oils good for curls?

Curly hair can be drier – especially at the ends – due to the fact that it’s difficult for the scalp's natural oils to traverse the natural wave of each individual hair. Oils in formulas can add-in some of that missing moisture to the ends of the hair.

Are sulfate-free conditioners better for curly hair?

In short, Giannettos specifies that “Yes, they definitely are.” He further explains that this is because of the fact that sulfates can be stripping and damaging – especially to dryer hair types.

Why is curly hair prone to frizz?

The natural coils make it more difficult for the scalp’s natural oils to travel down the length of the hair shaft, which makes them more prone to tangling.

What does conditioner do for curly hair?

A conditioner will help to restore moisture, leaving curls shinier, bouncier, and less frizzy, according to Caplan.

How long should you leave conditioner in curly hair?

“A typical conditioner should process from 3-5 minutes,” suggests Caplan. “That’s long enough to be effective, though deep conditioning masks may be recommended for 10-20 minutes.”

The 14 Best Conditioners for Curly Hair of 2023

Commerce Photo Composite — Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang

Finding the best shampoo and conditioner for your hair type is absolutely vital when it comes to the health of your strands. Luckily, there are so many options that tailor themselves to specific hair concerns.

That’s right, whether you constantly find yourself fighting back with frizz or you’re just looking for a deeply nourishing conditioner to rejuvenate your ends, there’s a specific formula that will work best for you. We’ve scoped out a variety of conditioners based on reviews and ingredients, and we consulted experts and our editors for their recommendations. After considering dozens of formulas, we’ve rounded up the best picks on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Briogeo Curl Charisma Conditioner

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Maui Moisture Coconut Oil Conditioner at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Natural Hair:

DevaCurl Original Rich Cream Conditioner at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Detangling:

Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Conditioner

Jump to Review

Best for Thick Hair:

SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Conditioner

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

OGX Quenching Coconut Curls Conditioner

Jump to Review

Best for Frizzy, Curly Hair:

Aveda Be Curly Conditioner at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Leave-In:

Oribe Leave-In Conditioning Detangler at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Coily Hair:

Pattern Intensive Conditioner

Jump to Review

Best Lightweight:

Ouidad Weightless Cleansing Conditioner

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

4.8

Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Curl Defining Conditioner

Sephora

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Seals in moisture
Enhances definition
Promotes consistent curls

What We Don't Like

Might be too drying for some

Briogeo's Curl Charisma Conditioner is all-natural and loaded with goodness. Rice amino acids block environmental moisture that causes frizz and flyaways, plus tomato fruit ferment and mollis leaf extract help with curl definition. It has a clean and sulfate-free formula, making it great for maintaining a healthy scalp and hair.

Reviewers love that it creates body and moisturizes their curls without weighing them down, and that it has a pleasant, long-lasting smell. They also noted that the protein in its formula made their hair stronger with continued use.

Price at time of publish: $28

Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Conditioner

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Enhances softness
Adds volume
Affordable

What We Don't Like

Can be drying

After using this conditioner, you'll have to do a double take to make sure you didn't accidentally use a luxury brand. Byrdie contributor, Kindra Moné, cites it as a favorite for its creamy texture that leaves your curls feeling hydrated from the inside out.

Price at time of publish: $7

DevaCurl One Condition Original Rich Cream Conditioner

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Rich, creamy consistency
Hydrating
Can be used everyday

What We Don't Like

Can leave a residue

Devacurl's One Condition Original Conditioner is a great everyday conditioner because it provides a healthy amount of moisture for frizz-free tresses without weighing down curls. It even works beautifully as a leave-in conditioner— and we just can't say no to a double-duty product.

Price at time of publish: $58

Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Conditioner

Amazon

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Prevents split ends
Locks in moisture for even thick hair
Defines curls

What We Don't Like

Very thick consistency

Detangling curly hair can be a chore, but this all-natural conditioner has plenty of slip to help make the process easier. It has the nutrients your hair needs to lock in moisture and strengthen your strands while also working to prevent split ends. Users say that with continued use, their curls were softer and more defined.

Price at time of publish: $12

SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine Conditioner

Amazon

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Target

What We Like

Smooths the hair cuticle
Detangles
Smells good

What We Don't Like

Ingredients have changed

SheaMoisture's Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner is a classic and a favorite among natural-haired beauties. This Fair Trade pick detangles, smooths the hair cuticle, and imparts abundant moisture. We also love that it enhances the shape of the hair while taming frizz.

Price at time of publish: $11

Amazon

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On 4thavemarket.com

What We Like

Tames frizz
Boosts shine
Smells good

What We Don't Like

Might be a bit greasy for some

Thirsty locks will love a drink of OGX Quenching Coconut Curls Conditioner. This is a hydrating blend of coconut oil to soften and nourish hair, honey to define curls, and citrus oil to tame frizz and boost shine. Not to mention, this product is easy on our wallets while also being effective.

Price at time of publish: $7

Nordstrom

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On CVS

What We Like

Infused wheat protein enhances curls
Nice citrus smell
Full of fruit ingredients

What We Don't Like

Could be more hydrating

To enhance your curls, Aveda's Be Curly Conditioner boasts wheat protein and organic aloe. In addition to enhancing curls, the formula combats frizz and boosts shine. We'd also like to add, its citrus scent is a dream.

Price at time of publish: $32 for 6.7 oz.

Oribe Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Preps for styling
Contains mango seed and cupuacu butters
Detangles

What We Don't Like

Some reviewers don’t love the smell

In addition to smoothing the hair cuticle and reducing frizz, this formula calls on natural oils and butters to detangle and repair strands. This conditioner is applied after washing the hair, and it can be left in. Make sure you add a little extra to damaged ends, as this formula will also protect the hair from heat styling damage.

Price at time of publish: $38

Amazon

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Sephora

What We Like

Formulated for tightly coiled textures
Ultra moisturizing
Detangles coils effortlessly
Rich and thick texture

What We Don't Like

May be too heavy for fine curls or waves

Created by Tracee Ellis-Ross, this formula is specifically for tight textures with low porosity. It uses avocado oil, shea butter, and safflower oil to deeply condition the strands so that the normal curl pattern of your hair is nourished and restored.

Price at time of publish: $25

Ouidad Curl Shaper Double Duty Weightless Cleansing Conditioner

Amazon

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Ouidad.com

What We Like

Ideal for everyday use
Can be used as co-wash
Vegan and cruelty-free

What We Don't Like

Formula may be too lightweight for damaged hair

Not only does this shampoo nourish lighter curls and waves, it is incredibly lightweight so that you never feel like your hair is being weighed down. The lather-free formula can also be used as a cleanser, which is great for daily use.

Price at time of publish: $12

GU FLAWLESS BY GABRIELLE UNION Repairing Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment Masque

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Growth-promoting ingredients
Helps nourish damaged or color-treated hair
Defines curly textures

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for everyday use

If your hair has moved from generally dry to damaged, this is the masque for you. This formula is packed with protein-rich ingredients that are great for building-up individual strands. Just apply a generous amount to your hair and allow it to sit for five to ten minutes.

Price at time of publish: $10

Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Fortifying Conditioner

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Smoothing ingredients that target damaged hair
Can be used as deep conditioning mask
Ultra moisturizing

What We Don't Like

Too hydrating for everyday use

This formula is infused with Castor oil, which is extracted from castor beans and super nutrient-rich. It’s often used to promote hair growth, which makes it all the more incredible for restoring damage and breakage. When using this conditioner, make sure to add a little extra to your ends to leave them feeling much more smooth and nourished.

Price at time of publish: $11

Ceremonia CupuaÃ§u & Castor Deep Hydrating Conditioner

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Ceremonia.com

What We Like

Made with natural ingredients
Ultra hydrating
Great scent

What We Don't Like

Might be too heavy for fine hair types

The majority of curly hair products are hydrating, but if you hair is extra dry, this is the conditioner for you. Formulated with nourishing oils and butters such as cupuaçu butter, shea butter, babassu oil, and castor oil, this pick from Ceremonia will quench your hair's thirst and then some. We love that it's also able to add shine and cut frizz, all while keeping the hair soft and moisturized.

Price at time of publish: $20

R+Co Cassette Curl Conditioner + Superseed Oil Complex

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Defines curls
Strengthening
Lightweight

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note it doesn't lather well

Having lifeless curls can be discouraging, but this conditioner from R+Co is guaranteed to save the day. Not only does it hydrate and strengthen the hair (with rice protein and seed extracts), but it enhances the shape of your curls for hair that has more volume and body. Reviewers note that it works on all kinds of curly hair, including those with fine or thin strands.

Price at time of publish: $34

Final Verdict

Briogeo’s Curl Charisma Hydrating Conditioner and Deva Curl’s One Condition Original Rich Cream Conditioner took home our top spots, largely due to their moisturizing formulas. They also work to hydrate curls and coils all the way down the hair shaft so that you don’t have to worry about frizz or breakage.

Meet the Expert

Lizzie Caplan is a professional hairstylist based in Brooklyn. She is the senior stylist at Soon Beauty Lab in Fort Greene.
Dmitri Giannetos is a professional hairstylist based in Los Angeles. He has worked with celebrities such as Ciara, Britney Spears, and Megan Fox.

What to Look for When Shopping for Conditioners for Curly Hair

Hydrating Ingredients

Ingredients with shea butter, mango seed, and cupuacu butters are important when it comes to hydrating the individual hair strands. All of these butters are filled with vitamins A and E, as well as fatty acids – all of which work to reduce dryness and prevent split ends.

No Sulfates

Sulfates are basically a detergent, meaning they strip the hair and scalp of all-natural oils and sebum. This is particularly concerning for those with natural or curly hair, as their strands can be on the dryer side or have lower porosity – and sulfates will drastically exacerbate this issue. Sulfates can leave your locks more brittle and prone to breakage.

Oils

Oils are not only packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids, they act as a humectant, meaning they hold in moisture and other nourishing ingredients from your shampoo and conditioner formulas. This is especially important for natural and curly hair types because it will allow the good ingredients to penetrate each hair strand so that your locks are less prone to breakage.

Moisture and hydration-based conditioners

“Curly hair is naturally drier because the scalp’s natural oils don’t easily slide down the coils of the hair,” says Lizzie Caplan, a master stylist at Soon Beauty Lab. “So, moisture and hydration-based conditioners work best—smoothing conditioners can also be helpful, but finer textures should use with caution.”

Cleansing conditioners

Cleansing conditioners are also great to alternate between shampoos. “This will gently cleanse the scalp and hair without stripping the scalp of its essential oils,” says Caplan.

FAQ

What conditioner is best for curly hair?

We tapped celebrity stylist Dmitri Giannetos to find out what types of formulas are best for curly hair. He suggests looking for thicker, more nourishing formulas and masks if you have curlier or coily hair to prevent the ends from feeling too dry. While moisturizing formulas are great for all hair types, if your hair is just slightly wavy, you may want to stay away from super heavy conditioners unless you’re taking-on significant damage.
Why/how are formulas with lots of oils good for curls?

Curly hair can be drier – especially at the ends – due to the fact that it’s difficult for the scalp's natural oils to traverse the natural wave of each individual hair. Oils in formulas can add-in some of that missing moisture to the ends of the hair.
Are sulfate-free conditioners better for curly hair?

In short, Giannettos specifies that “Yes, they definitely are.” He further explains that this is because of the fact that sulfates can be stripping and damaging – especially to dryer hair types.
Why is curly hair prone to frizz?

The natural coils make it more difficult for the scalp’s natural oils to travel down the length of the hair shaft, which makes them more prone to tangling.
What does conditioner do for curly hair?

A conditioner will help to restore moisture, leaving curls shinier, bouncier, and less frizzy, according to Caplan.
How long should you leave conditioner in curly hair?

“A typical conditioner should process from 3-5 minutes,” suggests Caplan. “That’s long enough to be effective, though deep conditioning masks may be recommended for 10-20 minutes.”

Why Trust Byrdie

Kaitlin Clark has over ten years of experience in beauty editorial, and is currently the senior beauty commerce editor at Byrdie and InStyle. She's written hundreds of stories on hair and other beauty topics throughout her career, and her work has appeared in Allure, Elle, and WWD.

The 15 Best Shampoos for Curly Hair of 2023

Updated by Shannon Stubbs

Best Overall

Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Curl Defining Conditioner

Best Budget

Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Conditioner

Best for Natural Hair

DevaCurl One Condition Original Rich Cream Conditioner

Best for Detangling

Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Conditioner

Best for Thick Hair

SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine Conditioner

Best Drugstore

OGX Quenching Coconut Curls Conditioner

Best for Frizzy, Curly Hair

Aveda Be Curly Conditioner

Best Leave-In

Oribe Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler

Best for Coily Hair

Pattern Beauty Intensive Conditioner

Best Lightweight

Ouidad Curl Shaper Double Duty Weightless Cleansing Conditioner

Best Deep Conditioner

GU FLAWLESS BY GABRIELLE UNION Repairing Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment Masque

Best for Damaged Hair

Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Fortifying Conditioner

Best for Dry Hair

Ceremonia Cupuaçu & Castor Deep Hydrating Conditioner

Best Defining

R+Co Cassette Curl Conditioner + Superseed Oil Complex

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