10 Curly Hair Products
I Cannot Live Without

I’ve mastered my hair routine over my 25+ years of life through real-world experience on myself, experience behind the chair on clients, and continuous hair education and I want to share the products/tools I wish I had from the beginning, that I simply could not imagine my life without. 

 

 

1…A GOOD HAIR OIL! So versatile, a good hair oil can be used on my scalp, on my ends to prevent split ends, add shine, keep my hair moisturized, protect my hair from washing, prevent hygral fatigue, used for dry detangling, refreshing, and not weigh down the hair. Example: Verb Ghost Oil

VERB Ghost Oil, 3 fl oz
  • 10TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION: Verb Ghost Oil 10th anniversary is a revitalizing hair finishing oil that enhances sheen; the hair protection oil smooths, softens and reduces frizz, promoting radiant shine for all hair types
  • INGREDIENTS: Bamboo Extract in the lightweight hair oil strengthens the hair and “helps” retain moisture, Moringa Oil nourishes and smooths frizz, and Hydrolyzed Soy Protein seals in moisture
  • ONLY GOOD STUFF: This paraben free, gluten free hair treatment oil with no harmful sulfates is vegan and cruelty free; Made in the USA, the smoothing oil can also be used to rehydrate and refresh skin and beards

2. Clarifying shampoo. As someone that only washes once (maybe twice) a week, a clarifying shampoo will cleanse my hair, and if it’s really good it won’t strip it either. Example: Olaplex 4C Shampoo

Olaplex Nº.4C Bond Maintenance™ Clarifying Deep Cleansing Shampoo | Removes Damage Causing Impurities & Buildup | Helps Restore Color Vibrancy | For Coily, Curly, Straight, and Wavy, 8.5 Fl. Oz.
  • Break through everyday damage-causing buildup. This deep cleansing shampoo is pH-optimized to lift the cuticle and remove damage-causing impurities like chlorine, heavy metals, and the minerals commonly found in hard water, pollution, as well as excess oil and product buildup. The endless, refreshing lather cleanses hair without stripping to restore color vibrancy, shine, and softness, and maximize efficacy of hair repair routines. Use weekly or as needed. For straight, wavy, curly, coily hair types, and fine, medium, or coarse textures – plus all porosity levels.
  • KEY BENEFITS ✓ Removes damaging, ✓ Removes damage-causing impurities and buildup ✓ Formulated without SLS/SLES to deeply cleanse without stripping, drying, or impacting color ✓ Helps restore color vibrancy, shine, and softness ✓ Repairs everyday damage and defends against future breakage ✓ Strengthens and reinforces bonds for more resilient hair ✓ Maximizes the efficacy of your hair repair routine ✓ Dermatologist Tested. Vegan. Color-Safe and suitable for chemically treated hair.
  • INGREDIENTS Broad-Spectrum Clarifying System Removes a wide range of impurities that damage hair

3. Detangling brush. I’ve used MANY throughout my lifetime. The best ones don’t have balls on the tip of the bristles/teeth, are super flexible, and long one’s that can reach deep into the tangles. Bonus if they’re comfortable in the hand AND can be used to style, not just detangle. Example: Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler

Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler Brush for Wet & Dry Hair, Eliminates Knots & Reduces Breakage for Straight to Wavy Hair Types, Denim Blues
  • Everyday Hairbrush: This Tangle Teezer hair brush has regular-flex teeth that gently detangle straight to wavy strands
  • Innovative Design: Featuring our patented two-tiered teeth technology. The long, flexible teeth detangle, remove knots and reduce breakage, while the short teeth smooth strands, for frizz-free hair
  • Gentle Detangling: Hair brush for women and men that’s tough on knots but gentle on your scalp, no tugging or pulling here

4. Microfibre hair towel: My criteria is it has to be BIG, absorbent, and most importantly; SMOOTH! We’ve collaborated with The Perfect Haircare twice to design limited-edition prints on this towel that is by far the smoothest, frizz-resistant, and fabulous we’ve ever used!

Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap with Wet & Dry Detangling Brush – Fast Drying Anti-Frizz Hair Drying Turban for Curly, Wavy and Straight Hair – Gentle Absorbent Hair Care for Women, Girls and Kids
  • FAST DRYING MICROFIBER HAIR TOWEL: Ultra-absorbent microfiber material quickly soaks up excess water from wet hair, helping reduce drying time while minimizing heat exposure, frizz, and damage caused by traditional cotton towels.
  • ANTI-FRIZZ & GENTLE ON HAIR: Smooth, snag-free microfiber hair wrap reduces friction, breakage, split ends, and tangling, making it ideal for curly hair, wavy hair, straight hair, textured hair, and delicate or color-treated hair.
  • INCLUDES WET & DRY DETANGLING BRUSH: Comes with a flexible detangling brush designed for both wet and dry hair, helping glide through knots with less pulling, making daily hair care easier for women, girls, and kids.

5. Hair cream: Whether it be in my PREP phase with a leave-in conditioner or when I STYLE using a curl cream, my porous hair NEEDS cream. Especially since I color my hair, using a cream is going to provide my hair with essential moisture and softness and help even out my hair’s high porosity to keep it looking and feeling healthy. Using a cream protects my hair, extra bonus if it has heat, uv protectant, and even silicones. Some I Love: AG Fast Food, Verb Curl Leave-In, Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner

AG Care Fast Food Leave On Conditioner, 8 Fl Oz, White
VERB Curl Leave-In Conditioner, 6 oz
Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner | Hydrates, Detangles & Replenishes Hair for 72 Hours | Heat Protectant Spray | for All Hair Types | 98% Naturally Derived*, 6.7 Fl Oz
AG Care Fast Food Leave On Conditioner, 8 Fl Oz, White
VERB Curl Leave-In Conditioner, 6 oz
Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner | Hydrates, Detangles & Replenishes Hair for 72 Hours | Heat Protectant Spray | for All Hair Types | 98% Naturally Derived*, 6.7 Fl Oz
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AG Care Fast Food Leave On Conditioner, 8 Fl Oz, White
AG Care Fast Food Leave On Conditioner, 8 Fl Oz, White
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VERB Curl Leave-In Conditioner, 6 oz
VERB Curl Leave-In Conditioner, 6 oz
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Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner | Hydrates, Detangles & Replenishes Hair for 72 Hours | Heat Protectant Spray | for All Hair Types | 98% Naturally Derived*, 6.7 Fl Oz
Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner | Hydrates, Detangles & Replenishes Hair for 72 Hours | Heat Protectant Spray | for All Hair Types | 98% Naturally Derived*, 6.7 Fl Oz
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6. Alligator Hair Clips: in memory of the great Steve Irwin AND to prevent me from ripping out my bangs, these are hair accessories we are always using.

GLAMFIELDS 12 pcs Alligator Hair Clips for Styling Sectioning, Non-slip Grip Clips for Hair Cutting, Durable Women Professional Plastic Salon Hairclip with Wide Teeth & Double-Hinged Design
  • HIGH QUALITY – Premium hair clips with a high elasticity metal spring which last long even after repeated use. Strong and durable plastic clips can hold hair tight.
  • WIDE TEETH STYLING HAIR CLIP - This set of 12 Pastel hair clips are designed with wide teeth to keep your hair in place without leaving a dent, These great hair sectioning clips make styling and hair drying easier.
  • NO SLIP - Non-slip grip secures the hold and prevents your fingers from slipping. Clips are also finger length, curved to the contour of the head. These hair clips hold even large sections of hair without slipping or damaging. They can easily be used to pin up hair without pinching!

7. Styling product: a STYLE product is one that provides shape, definition, hold to the hair, and most importantly longevity out of your style. It’s essential to have at least one in your routine, although they can also be layered Example: Aveda Nutriplenish Gelee, Verb FOAMING GEL, Curlsmith Souffle )

Aveda Nutriplenish Curl Gelée | Moisturizing Styling Gel for Medium to Thick Coily, Curly, Wavy Hair | Reduces Frizz, Elongates Curls & Coils | 96% Naturally Derived*, 6.7 Fl Oz
VERB Curl Defining Foaming Gel for Frizz Control and Hydration, 6.7 fl oz
CURLSMITH - Curl Defining Styling Soufflé - Vegan Medium Hold Styling Gel for Wavy, Curly and Coily Hair (8oz)
Aveda Nutriplenish Curl Gelée | Moisturizing Styling Gel for Medium to Thick Coily, Curly, Wavy Hair | Reduces Frizz, Elongates Curls & Coils | 96% Naturally Derived*, 6.7 Fl Oz
VERB Curl Defining Foaming Gel for Frizz Control and Hydration, 6.7 fl oz
CURLSMITH - Curl Defining Styling Soufflé - Vegan Medium Hold Styling Gel for Wavy, Curly and Coily Hair (8oz)
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Aveda Nutriplenish Curl Gelée | Moisturizing Styling Gel for Medium to Thick Coily, Curly, Wavy Hair | Reduces Frizz, Elongates Curls & Coils | 96% Naturally Derived*, 6.7 Fl Oz
Aveda Nutriplenish Curl Gelée | Moisturizing Styling Gel for Medium to Thick Coily, Curly, Wavy Hair | Reduces Frizz, Elongates Curls & Coils | 96% Naturally Derived*, 6.7 Fl Oz
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VERB Curl Defining Foaming Gel for Frizz Control and Hydration, 6.7 fl oz
VERB Curl Defining Foaming Gel for Frizz Control and Hydration, 6.7 fl oz
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CURLSMITH - Curl Defining Styling Soufflé - Vegan Medium Hold Styling Gel for Wavy, Curly and Coily Hair (8oz)
CURLSMITH - Curl Defining Styling Soufflé - Vegan Medium Hold Styling Gel for Wavy, Curly and Coily Hair (8oz)
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8. Diffuser: The results speak for themselves (PHOTO: AIR DRY VS DIFFUSE) Diffusing gives my hair body, bounce, shape, and is better than air drying long-term. It’s all about how you do it! SEE BLOG: DIFFUSING 101 (the tool you’re using certainly helps, too). I absolutely adore my Dyson Diffuser, it’s simply the most advanced diffuser that actually diffuses the air in a gentle but powerful way so the curls aren’t disturbed but it’s still fast drying. Example: DYSON Diffuser

FUNTECK Hair Diffuser Attachment for Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer HD01 HD02 HD03 HD04 HD08
  • The diffuser attachment is compatible with Dyson supersonic hair dryer HD01, HD02, HD03, HD04 and HD08.
  • The bowl-shaped spikey attachment that functions to diffuse hot hair evenly. Note: This hair blower attachment doesn't work with Airwrap.
  • It can scatters the air into a much larger area, which won’t disturb the natural curl patterns with those who have curly hair.

9. Satin scrunchies: One of my favorite accessories is a silk scrunchie. They look super cute coordinated with an outfit PHOTO, and they are the most gentle on the hair. The best!  

( https://www.curlfriendcollective.com/?ref=manesbymell )

*Discount Code: MANES10 

10. Hair bonnet: There isn’t a single night I go to bed without my bonnet; it doesn’t just keep my hair tucked away in a safe place to prevent it from frizzing, but it also keeps my hair products off my pillowcase, benefitting my skin. A true win-win! Example: Adjustable / Reversible Satin Bonnet

YANIBEST Silk Sleep Cap Satin Bonnet for Black Women Men for Curly Braids, Dark Green, X-Large
  • 🎁Silk Bonnet with Premium Quality: Recommended for dry hair, not for wet hair or oiled hair. Our satin bonnets are made of premium satin and available for pretty colors and patterns; Water washing would make the floating color come off the fabric surface. Therefore, after you receive the satin bonnet, wash it with cold water before wear it and it wil not fade.
  • 🎁Silk Bonnet Features with Elastic Thin Bands and Drawstring: Our satin bonnet have adjustable and stretchable head size for comfortable wear; After many improvements, the satin bonnet has a thin elastic band and an easy-to-use drawstring on the bottom, which will make your head more comfortable; The band can be stretched to fit different head size, but won't make your head feel tight;
  • 🎁 Silky Satin Bonnet for Curly Hair: If you have curly or wavy hair, you know that sleep will make curly hair in a mess when you wake up in the busy morning; Our satin silk bonnet is designed with full cover premium satin, which will make your hair frizz-free and tangle-free by reducing friction between your hair; Our silk satin bonnet will help you get rid of the dryness and breakage cause the satin bonnet have no moisture-absorb materials such as cotton;

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