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're tired of frizzy hair or you’re just looking for a deeply nourishing conditioner to rejuvenate your ends, there’s a specific formula that will work best for your curly locks. Lizzie Caplan, a master stylist at Soon Beauty Lab, says that a good starting point is to consider a formula that will moisturize and hydrate your hair, as curly hair can often lean dry. So we did just that—and more.
Our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients (formulas that detangle and moisturize), value, and price—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. After consulting experts over dozens of formulas, we’ve rounded up these best picks for all curl types and budgets.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Best for Natural Hair:
Best for Detangling:
Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Conditioner at Amazon$12
Best for Thick Hair:
Best for Staticky, Curly Hair:
Best Leave-In:
Best for Coily Hair:
Best Lightweight:
What We Like
Seals in moisture
Enhances definition
Promotes consistent curls
What to Consider
Might be too drying for some
Key Ingredients:Rice amino acids, mollis leaf extract, tomato fruit ferment |Free of:Silicones, sulfates, parabens, artificial dye |Size:8 fluid ounces |Sulfate-Free:Yes |Cruelty-Free:Yes
Briogeo's Curl Charisma Conditioner is all-natural and loaded with goodness. Rice amino acids block environmental moisture that causes static 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. We 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 this formula made their hair stronger with continued use.
What We Like
Enhances softness
Adds volume
Affordable
Color safe
Vegan formula
What to Consider
Can be drying for some
Key Ingredients:Aloe barbadensis leaf vera, coconut oil, papaya extract, plumeria extract |Free of:Silicones, sulfates, parabens |Size:13 fluid ounces |Sulfate-Free:Yes |Cruelty-Free:Yes
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 this vegan pick as a favorite for its creamy texture (shout out to the use of rich coconut oil, aloe, and papaya extract) that leaves curls feeling hydrated from the inside out.When it comes to a budget-friendly option that’s also inclusive of different curl types, this pick gets the job done. Whether you have wavy to tight curls or medium to high porosity, this aloe-forward conditioner helps hydrate and detangle all curly hair.
What We Like
Rich, creamy consistency
Hydrating
Can be used everyday
What to Consider
Can leave a residue
Key Ingredients:Glycerin, coconut oil, vitamin E |Free of:Silicones, sulfates, parabens |Size:32 fluid ounces |Sulfate-Free:Yes |Cruelty-Free:Yes
Made especially for dry, medium to coarse curls, Devacurl's One Condition Original Conditioner is a great everyday conditioner because it provides a healthy amount of moisture for static-free locks that aren't weighed down. Shout out to the recipe's inclusion of hydrating coconut oil plus vitamin E, which helps keep the hair follicles healthy. It even works beautifully as a leave-in conditioner, and we just can't say no to a double-duty product (this one doubles as a leave-in conditioner). The subtle, soft lemongrass fragrance is a nice touch, too, if you aren't sensitive to fragrances.
Best for Detangling
Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Conditioner
What We Like
Prevents split ends
Locks in moisture for even thick hair
Defines curls
All natural
What to Consider
Very thick consistency can weigh hair down for some
Key Ingredients:Pomegranate seed oil, babassu oil, coconut oil |Free of:Silicones, sulfates, parabens |Size:12 fluid ounces |Sulfate-Free:Yes |Cruelty-Free:Yes
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. Plus, this conditioner boasts restorative ingredients such as pomegranate extract, babassu oil, and honey to moisturize and strengthen thick hair—without leaving behind a greasy residue.
What We Like
Smooths the hair cuticle
Detangles
Smells good
What to Consider
Contains fragrance
Key Ingredients:Coconut oil, shea butter, mango butter, jojoba oil |Free of:Silicones, sulfates, parabens |Size:13 fluid ounces |Sulfate-Free:Yes |Cruelty-Free:Yes
SheaMoisture's Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner is a classic and a favorite among natural-haired beauties—especially those with thick locks, as this product deeply conditions, detangles, smooths the hair cuticle, and imparts abundant moisture. We also love that it enhances the shape of the hair while eliminating frizz.
What We Like
Tames static
Boosts shine
Smells good
What to Consider
Might be a bit greasy for some
Key Ingredients:Coconut oil, honey, citrus oil |Free of:Silicones, sulfates, parabens |Size:13 fluid ounces |Sulfate-Free:Yes |Cruelty-Free:Yes
Thirsty locks will love a drink of OGX Quenching Coconut Curls Conditioner. This pick offers a hydrating blend of coconut oil to soften and nourish hair, honey to define curls, and citrus oil to tame static and boost shine. Not to mention, this product is easy on our wallets while also being effective.
Best for Staticky, Curly Hair
Aveda Be Curly Conditioner
What We Like
Infused wheat protein enhances curls
Nice citrus smell
Full of fruit ingredients
What to Consider
Could be more hydrating
Key Ingredients:Aloe extract, wheat protein |Free of:Silicones, sulfates, parabens |Size:13 fluid ounces |Sulfate-Free:Yes |Cruelty-Free:Yes
To enhance your curls, Aveda's Be Curly Conditioner boasts wheat protein (a hydrator that strengthens the hair shaft, provides moisture, prevents breakage, and adds shine) and organic aloe (another major hydrator)—an ingredient blend that the brand says expands when hair is wet and retracts when hair is dry to help tame static and boost shine. We'd also like to add its citrus scent is a dream.
What We Like
Preps for styling
Contains mango seed and cupuacu butters
Detangles
What to Consider
Some reviewers don’t love the smell
Key Ingredients: Mango seed and cupuacu butters | Free of: Silicones, sulfates | Size: 8.5 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
In addition to smoothing the hair cuticle and reducing static, this formula (which has been tested and endorsed by dermatologists) calls on natural oils and butters to detangle and repair strands. Apply this product after washing the hair, and leave it in if you please. Just make sure you add a little extra to damaged ends, as this formula will also protect the hair from heat styling damage.
What We Like
Formulated for tightly coiled textures
Ultra moisturizing
Detangles coils effortlessly
Rich and thick texture
What to Consider
May be too heavy for fine curls or waves
Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, shea butter and safflower oil | Free of: Silicones, sulfates | Size: 13 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Created by Tracee Ellis-Ross, this rich 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.
Best Lightweight
Ouidad Weightless Cleansing Conditioner
What We Like
Ideal for everyday use
Can be used as co-wash
Vegan and cruelty-free
What to Consider
Formula may be toolightweight for damaged hair
Key Ingredients: Rice bran oil, resurrection flower | Free of: Silicones, sulfates, mineral oil | Size: 3.2 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Not only does this conditioner nourish looser 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 more frequent use. Why it's a winner: This pick is made with rice bran oil and resurrection flower, which increase moisture levels to help build curl memory.
What We Like
Growth-promoting ingredients
Helps nourish damaged or color-treated hair
Defines curly textures
What to Consider
Not ideal for everyday use
Key Ingredients: Biotin, creatine, rice oil, shea butter, bacuri, acai palm oil | Free of: Silicones, sulfates | Size: 13 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you’re in the mood for a self-care day, consider adding this deep conditioner to your routine. Blended with restorative ingredients —shea butter, rice oil complex, bacuri butter, creatine, biotin, and acai palm oil — to rebuild strong, healthy hair, this Gabrielle Union-launched product works best when left in for five to 10 minutes.
Best for Damaged Hair
Carol’s Daughter Fortifying Conditioner
What We Like
Smoothing ingredients that target damaged hair
Can be used as deep conditioning mask
Ultra moisturizing
What to Consider
Too hydrating for everyday use
Key Ingredients: Castor and black seed oils, ginger | Free of: Silicones, sulfates, parabens | Size: 11 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This formula is infused with castor oil, which is extracted from castor beans and is 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 smoother and more nourished. Not only can it be used as a mask, but it also delivers 15 times stronger hair and 94 percent less breakage in one use alone (according to the brand).
Best for Dry Hair
Ceremonia Cupuaçu & Castor Deep Hydrating Conditioner
What We Like
Made with natural ingredients
Ultra hydrating
Great scent
What to Consider
Might be too heavy for fine hair types
Key Ingredients: Cupuaçu butter, shea butter, castor oil, aloe vera | Free of: Silicones, sulfates, parabens | Size: 8.45 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The majority of curly hair products are hydrating, but if your 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 static, all while keeping the hair soft and moisturized.
What We Like
Defines curls
Strengthening
Lightweight
What to Consider
Reviewers note it doesn't lather well
Key Ingredients: Flax seed extract, chia seed extract, rice protein, aloe | Free of: Sulfates, parabens | Size: 8.5 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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 chia 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.
What We Like
Ideal for everyday use
Tames static
Can be used as a hair mask
What to Consider
May be too thick for some
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, sunflower oil, argan oil, olive oil | Free of: Silicones, sulfates, parabens | Size: 10 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
For a deeply nourishing conditioner that helps strengthen and hydrate all types of curls, reach for this pick from Latina-founded brand, Rizos Curls. This formula, which can also be used as a hair mask, features coconut oil to prevent static, sunflower oil to reduce product build-up, argan oil to increase natural shine, and olive oil to smooth hair.
Best Size Per Value
Native Coconut & Vanilla Moisturizing Conditioner
What We Like
Ultra moisturizing
Ideal for everyday use
Vegan & cruelty free
What to Consider
Can leave a residue
Key Ingredients: Water, cetyl alcohol, behenamidopropyl dimethylamine, citric acid, glutamic acid, sodium benzoate | Free of: Silicones, sulfates, parabens | Size: 16.5 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This 16.5 fluid-ounce vegan conditioner features a fragrant blend of coconut and vanilla to whisk you away to a tropical getaway, as well as 10 clean, effective ingredients (like cetyl alcohol, citric acid, glutamic acid, and more) to nourish and hydrate dry, dehydrated curls. Some customers say it works better than other conditioners they’ve used in the past. Plus, there’s enough product to last you a long time.
Best for Bleached Hair
Not Your Mother's Naturals Curl Defining Shampoo and Conditioner Sets
What We Like
Defines curls
Peachy pineapple scent
Enhances softness
What to Consider
Stiff product pump
Key Ingredients: Tahitian gardenia flower, mango butter | Free of: Sulfates, parabens, silicones | Size: 15.2 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Your new self-care routine in two convenient bottles. This sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner set is the perfect complement to your hair-washing days. Not only is it a lightweight formula, but it’s also made from 98 percent naturally-derived ingredients, including Tahitian gardenia flower and mango butter, which both moisturize and enhance curls damaged from bleach.
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 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: The best hair oils are not only packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids, but 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 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 Caplan. “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
Overall, what types of conditioners are 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.
Are sulfate-free conditioners better for curly hair?
In short, Giannettos specifies that “Yes, they definitely are.” He further explains that this is because sulfates can be stripping and damaging, especially to dryer hair types so it's best to opt for sulfate-free conditioners.
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. Kaitlyn interviewed the following experts for this article:
- Lizzie Caplan, a professional hairstylist and senior stylist at Soon Beauty Lab in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.
- Dmitri Giannetos, a professional hairstylist based in Los Angeles, California.