I've Tested Countless Curl Care Products – These Are My All-Time Favourites

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Behind every great head of curly or coily hair is likely a years-long hunt to find the right products that work for the person growing them. 

Since it took me years to finally accept my tresses and want to work with them instead of flattening them all the time, my haircare odyssey started later than most. 

But as a lifestyle journalist, I’ve been lucky enough to try a host of different products in the name of curl care, so you don’t have to. Now, I’m proud to say that the thing I get the most compliments on by far is my thick 2C-3B hair. 

In all my years of personal and professional curl care-ing, these are the five hair products that are at the very tippy top of my list of favourites. 

1) Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Define & Shine Custard

Out of all the products on this list, it’s only right that I start with my true ride-or-die. This styling custard has been my constant haircare companion for holidays, my wedding, and literally everything in between for years. I know some people can’t get on with its firmer hold, but to me, it is perfect. 

2) Tangle Teezer Naturally Curly Detangling Hairbrush

There are, thankfully, lots of great detangling hairbrushes on the market now. But for me, nothing has come close to being as gentle and speedy as the Tangle Teezer. She’s iconic for a reason, babes. 

3) Only Curls All Curl Cleanser

This curl shampoo is gentle and hydrating, while at the same time lathering up super easily (a godsend when you’ve got thick curls) and leaving my scalp feeling squeaky clean.

4) L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss 5 Minute Lamination Treatment for Dull Hair

OK, so this isn’t technically a product designed for curls, but I love this treatment all the same. In just five minutes, the glycolic acid penetrates your hair fibres to boost your mane’s strength and shine – two things that tend to be sorely lacking in curly hair since it tends to be dry and prone to breakage as a result. 

5) Curlsmith Defrizzion Dryer – Travel Edition

I’m a big fan of Curlsmith all around – most of what I’ve tried from their curl care range has been pretty great. But the thing that has really stood out to me was this travel dryer. It’s the best diffuser I’ve ever used, bar none, and the fact that it folds up small is just an added bonus.