33 Products for Natural Hair That’ll Make Your Kinks, Coils, and Curls Look Amazing
Anyone with Afro-textured hair knows that it tends to have a mind of its own. Especially when you consider that it's not uncommon for folks with that type of texture to have more than one curl pattern growing from their scalps. You might have looser curls in the back and tighter coils in the front. You may have hair that wants to frizz at your crown but is super defined at your temples. It can get confusing. Fortunately, there are loads of hair-care products out that will help keep your 'fro looking fabulous and your hair super healthy — no matter what it wants to do with itself.
We've rounded up the best of everything you need: Leave-in conditioners, oils, gels, shampoos, wide-tooth combs, and more. Click through for the 32 products editors, hairstylists, and shoppers with kinks hair depend on to keep their strands looking like absolute perfection.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Courtesy of brand1/33Hair Paint Wax
If you don't want to commit to a full-blown dye job, try a temporary color that requires zero lifting. Hair Paint Wax is vibrant even on dark hair and some users have even said that it helps add serious definition to their curls. It comes in 12 colors and washes out with regular shampoo.
$7 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand2/33Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner
Moisturizing your hair before adding a definer is key if you want your texture to be on point. Prime curls with Mielle's Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner, a moisturizing and detangling cream that was made specifically for thicker coils. Start at the ends and work your way up to protect your hair from unnecessary breakage.
$13 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand4/33Suave Professional Cream Detangler Spray for Natural Hair
Spritz Suave Professional's Cream Detangler onto wet hair to melt away knots, or use on dry coils to refresh and calm frizz. "I highly recommend sectioning hair into three to four sections," says hairstylist Yene Damtew, who has worked with Michelle Obama. "Try to detangle hair in the shower (or shampoo bowl)."
$5 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand5/33DevaCurl High Shine Multi-Benefit Oil
If you want to make your curls instantly look healthy, add a bit of shine. A blend of five hair healing oils in DevaCurl's High Shine Multi-Benefit Oil seals in moisture, smooths out frizz, and hides split ends.
$29 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand6/33Taliah Waajid Protective Styles Bamboo, Biotin & Basil Curl Activator & Defining Cream
There's a reason Taliah Waajid's Bamboo, Biotin, and Basil curl activator has a permanent space in digital hair editor Jihan Forbes's collection. It snaps wet or dry coils back into formation with a lightweight formula that activates your curl memory, so you get definition with minimal fuss. It absorbs nicely into the hair, also, leaving it soft and super bouncy. Bamboo and biotin also add strength to your strands for future hair slays.
$10 (Shop Now)
.jpg)
Courtesy of brand7/33Tresemmé Between Washes Curl Revive Styling Foam
Refresh your wash-and-go or re-twist your style with a booster that helps reshape your hair without water. Tresemmé's Between Washes Curl Revive Styling Foam also freshens up the scent of your hair if you're not ready to fully wash. Before applying, Damtew suggests loosening up your curls while in the shower. "The moisture and steam of the shower rejuvenate the curls," she notes. Don't stick your head under the water — instead, just skip the shower cap. Once you're out, re-style with this foam.
$5 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand8/33Curls Bamboo Protein Treatment
If your curls have been put through the wringer, bring them back to life with a strengthening and thickening cocktail of bamboo extract, avocado oil, and coconut oil from fan-favorite brand Curls. "Many do not know that conditioners or treatments should only be applied after squeezing the excess water from your hair. If the hair is saturated with water, it will not fully absorb the product," says hairstylist Robyn Michele, so be sure to apply this Bamboo Protein Treatment accordingly. "Too much water will also prohibit the product from adhering to your hair and will result in uneven coverage."
$20 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand9/33Aquis Rapid Dry Lisse Hair Turban
Tie on a waffle turban to quickly soak up the excess moisture left on your curls post-shower. This Aquis Rapid Dry Lisse Hair Turban will dry your hair without causing unnecessary friction on fragile strands or too much tugging that can lead to breakage.
$30 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand10/33Taliah Waajid Curly Curl "Gello"
Taliah Waajid's Best of Beauty-winning Curly Curl "Gello" works on a range of hair types, including loose curls and tighter 3C/4A coils. Proof? Both digital editor Jihan Forbes and digital beauty reporter Devon Abelman love this stuff. Rake into clean hair for tons of bounce and a strong hold that's soft to the touch, or use this to freshen up dry or damp curls as they lose definition during the week.
$9 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand11/33Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel Stronger Hold
Warm weather may feel glorious on your skin, but the humidity it can bring (in some parts of the world) isn't. Keep frizz to a minimum with Ouidad's Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel Stronger Hold, which helps seal the curl's cuticle, eliminating frizz, and defining each coil. Oh, did we mention it's also stronger than its original formulation, making it perfect for type four coils? Keep in mind when using a styler, the same rules about oversaturating your hair apply. "Remove as much moisture as you can because the product cannot fully adhere with too much water and will not allow it to hold until it fully dries, which will take more time than necessary," says Michele. She also recommends always starting with detangled hair. "For dense hair, I suggest applying the gel in sections."
$26 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand12/33Color Wow Dream Coat for Curly Hair
If you have looser curls, spray on the lightweight, alcohol-free Color Wow Dream Coat for Curls as the last step of your wash-and-go. It works like bubble wrap around each coil to keep frizz-causing humidity far away from your curls.
$24 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand13/33The Mane Choice Ancient Egyptian 24 Karat Gold Twisting Gel
Unlike some gels that are instantly drying and can lead to breakage, The Mane Choice's Ancient Egyptian 24 Karat Gold Twisting Gel one is packed with fatty acids (omega three, six, and nine,) biotin, Vitamin E, as well as avocado, castor seed, Camelina Sativa, and baobab oils to help treat and repair damaged hair while it defines and holds your twists or wash-and-go. Plus, it won't dry with a crunch — once it's absorbed in, you're left with light, fluffy, curls on their best behavior.
$15 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand14/33Oribe Curl Gelée for Shine & Definition
With a blend of macadamia, neem, and apricot oils, Oribe's Curl Gelée is a non-crunchy jelly that actually conditions and hydrates while it defines. Use it on damp (not soaking wet) hair when doing a twist-out or wash-and-go.
$44 (Shop Now)
Courtsey of brand15/33Baby Tress Edge Styler
The three-in-one Baby Tress Edge Styler gives new meaning to laid edges. Use the rubber bristle side to slick on your product, swoop on the other with the boar bristle brush, then define with the pointed tip.
$15 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand16/33DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler
Both fine and thicker hair that needs serious defining without too much weight can benefit from DevaCurl's SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler. The coconut oil-infused cream leaves spirals smooth, shiny, and bouncy.
$28 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand17/33Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
Digital editor Jihan Forbes relies on this mask when her hair feels rough, dry, and weak. "Like everyone else, my ends can get a little gnarly. I use this when they start to feel brittle, leave it on for half an hour or so, and my hair always feels brand new once I rinse it out." If you color treat your hair or just need some relief from breakage, the rosehip and almond oils, antioxidants, and b-vitamins help keep strands strong. There's a reason, after all, why it's won more than one Allure Reader's Choice Award. Apply from mid-shaft to ends and then add a bit to your roots using a wide tooth comb in the shower.
$36 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand18/33Tangle Teezer the Ultimate Detangler
You don't have to put in a ton of work or have super strong arm muscles to break up tough knots and tangles. The user-friendly Tangle Tezer Ultimate Detangler has a handle and tug-free teeth that let you easily separate and smooth out curls with minimal effort. "I highly suggest fully detangling your hair prior to washing," says Michele. "Depending on your texture, it may be easier to dampen your hair first by using a little mixture of conditioner and water in a spray bottle." Finger-part your hair into four sections and proceed to carefully brush through, starting from the bottom and working your way to the root.
$14 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand19/33Form Beauty Multitask Leave-In Lotion
Revive your crown with this three-in-one combo from Form Beauty that banishes dry brittle hair, loosens up those pesky knots, perks up your curls, and keeps them popping. Digital hair editor Jihan Forbes says her curls had more bounce than a trampoline after using the brand's Multitask Leave-In Lotion.
$32 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand20/33SheaMoisture High Porosity Moisture Seal Masque
If your hair has a tough time retaining moisture, add this mask to your routine. Mongongo and hemp seed oils seal up and smooth out the open cuticles where hydration escapes. Closed cuticles mean healthy-looking, frizz-free curls. Always apply the treatment from mid-shaft to ends first, ensuring the ends have been covered as they tend to experience the most damage. Just be careful not to overdo it when you deep condition. "For many years, we have been told that you can even sleep with your treatment on. While true, I wouldn't say it's beneficial," says Michele. "The side effects are both good and bad leaving your hair with amazing luster and softness, yet limp and unresponsive to styling." So while it may be tempting to ignore it, following the time recommendation on the product label is a must.
$14 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand21/33Wow Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
When your hair and scalp need a serious cleanse from all the creams and cocktails you've twisted and braided it up with, an apple cider vinegar detox will get it done. Wow's Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is sulfate and mineral oil-free and infused with argan and almond oils, so it won't dry out your hair. "The acidic base really detoxifies the scalp, leaving it healthy and shiny," says Damtew. "It's anti-inflammatory, which is a natural way to prevent fungus and infection." Clarifying the scalp will also help give your 'fro more volume.
$25 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand22/33Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Nourishing Co-Wash
Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Nourishing Co-Wash works up into a nice, creamy lather to cleanse your hair without compromising the moisture it needs to thrive.
$13 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand23/33Creme of Nature Pre-Shampoo Detoxifying Clay Mask
On wash day, massage Creme of Nature's Pre-Shampoo Detoxifying Clay Mask into dry hair from roots to tip before shampooing to deep clean any product buildup without stripping your hair of moisture. "I would call pre-shampoo treatments a necessary wing-man for shampoo," says Michele. "This step allows you to give your hair the nourishment it needs while preventing the shampoo from stripping any necessary oils during its process." It will also help with detangling prior to washing — giving your hair the added slip that it needs to gently remove any knots.
$7 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand24/33Soultanicals Knot Sauce Coil Detangler
If the name doesn't reel you in, how about the fact that this delectably creamy concoction can make your comb-thru that much easier? The tangles melt away when you slather the Soultanicals Knot Sauce Coil Detangler on, and it doesn't leave your hair feeling heavy and greasy. With hints of vanilla and butter icing, we suggest you top your hair off with it, although the smell may make you want to spread it on a cupcake.
$16 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand25/33Creme of Nature Argan Oil Perfect Edges Extra Hold
The hold is real, y'all. Your edges will remain laid and intact with the Best of Beauty-winning jelly-like textured styling product. Whether you need a clean swoop for an updo or to put your flyaways in check, Creme of Nature's Perfect Edges Extra Hold is the miracle jelly that does so with ease and zero residue.
$6 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand26/33Rucker Roots Anti-Frizz Silkening Growth Serum
Turnip, carrot, and ginger root oils are the power players in Rucker Roots's Anti-Frizz Silkening Growth Serum that help stimulate hair growth and protect it from breaking and shedding. There's also tried and true shea butter and argan oils which add shine and smooth frizz on both curls or a silk press.
$20 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand27/33Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter
Whether your strands are curly, wavy, or coiled, Camille Rose Naturals' Almond Jai Twisting Butter won’t have your hair looking hard and stiff. Apply this section by section on your twist- or braid-outs, and when you're all done styling, you'll have a head full of silky smooth, super-defined strands. Bonus: It straight-up smells like cake.
$17 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand28/33Cantu Sturdy Double Lift Pick
Show your shrinkage who's boss with the snap-resistant, double-layered Sturdy Double Lift Pick from Cantu that'll fluff out your 'fro and add volume and fullness to your style.
$4 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand29/33Alikay Naturals Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner
Alikay Naturals' Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner is an aromatic, deep-conditioning treatment that will coat your follicles and work its way down each strand. When you wash it out, you'll have hair that is refreshed, moisturized, soft, and smells amazing to boot.
$15 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand30/33Vanity Planet Groove: Rejuvenating Scalp Massager
Scalp massagers are a brilliant way to stimulate hair growth and soothe your scalp when it's irritated. This cute, battery-operated Rejuvenating Scalp Massager from Vanity Planet has a calming vibration that feels like you're getting a professional head massage. Since the bristle head is made from soft plastic, you don't have to worry about it tugging at your hair, no matter your texture.
$40 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand31/33Ouidad Wide-Tooth Comb
A lot of naturalistas swear by finger detangling, but if you'd prefer to use a tool, this wide-tooth comb from Ouidad is a great alternative. It takes the hassle out of detangling your hair so it doesn't feel too much like a chore, and it shortens the overall time it takes to get those stubborn knots out while minimizing breakage.
$8 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand32/33Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly
Of course, blueberries are delicious, but there's another reason to love them. They contain proanthocyanidins that interact with hair follicles to reduce breakage. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King points to blueberries as having "Strong antioxidants, [which] in hair care, are used to prevent hair breakage." Curls bottled this benefit up and launched Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly, which defines, defrizzes, and holds your coils in place.
$18 (Shop Now)
Courtesy of brand33/33Thermal Hair Care Hot Head Deep Conditioning Heat Cap
Say goodbye to spending countless hours under the dryer thanks to this heaven-sent heating cap. Filled with flaxseed — which King notes can help prevent breakage — pop the Thermal Hair Care Hot Head Deep Conditioning Heat Cap in the microwave, wear it for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, and violà. Lustrous curls appear.
$30 (Shop Now)
