If we had one wish, we would want a world filled with bouncy, frizz-free curls. But sadly, that’s not the case and our reality is filled with brittle, dry curls that only seem to get worse in dry, hot weather conditions. But Dr. Michelle Henry of Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York shares a little trick to help us have the best curly hair all year round.
“Avoid (or use infrequently) products with harsh sulfates as they can be quite drying,” she says. Henry also cautions against using products with non-water-soluble silicones because “they will initially make the hair appear shiny, however, they will impede moisturizing ingredients from penetrating the cuticle of the strand.” The big takeaway: Look for ingredients like ceramides that help reinforce the cuticle and proteins like keratin to help strengthen weak strands, she says.
Thankfully, there’s a new crop of curly hair products that are the complete opposite of drying we’ll be sure to have in heavy rotation this spring and summer. Take a look.
[ Next: How to Wear This Season’s Curly Hair Trend (Even If Yours Is Super Straight) ]
Found: New Curly Hair Products Guaranteed to Upgrade Your Curls
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Amika
Curl Corps Defining Cream, $25 at Sephora
It’s hard to imagine that a lightweight, antioxidant-rich cream that defines all types of curls exists, but it does. And delivers smooth results. The ultimate mic drop.
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The Mane Choice
Tropical Moringa Sweet Oil & Honey Endless Moisture Pearly Braid Out Glaze, $14.97 at Walmart
Curly hair and shrinkage go hand in hand, but this physician-formulated glaze lengthens curls while offering maximum moisture.
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Sachajuan
Curl Treatment, $36 at Sephora
This treatment contains the highest level of ocean silk curl complex designed to repair split ends while enhancing manageability and shine. It’s the perfect foundation for styling and creating curls that last. And the perfect product to kick off healthy curls for the summer.
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Oyin Handmade
Oh My Glide! Prestyling Detangler, $12.99 at Oyin Handmade
Formulated to cut down detangling sessions, this pre-styling treatment is loaded with sunflower oil, squalane and avocado oil to increase shine and moisture plus prevent brittleness.
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African Pride
Moroccan Clay & Shea Butter Detox & Soften Heat Activated Masque, $4.49 at African Pride
This potent detoxifying masque uses Moroccan red clay to remove impurities and product buildup on curly hair, while shea butter works overtime to replenish moisture and tame frizz. Coarse hair is finally renewed!
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Taliah Waajid
Silk Milk Curl Softening Shampoo, $7.69 at WebplusBeauty.com
Softening shampoo? Yeah, we were dubious, too — until we gave it a try and our super soft curls slipped through our fingers. It’s made of silk protein and coconut milk, but we swear it’s the entire world’s softness compiled into an eight ounce bottle.
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SheaMoisture
Silicone Free Miracle Styler Leave-In Treatment, $16.69 at SheaMoisture
To begin, we can’t get enough of the sweet smell of this leave-in treatment — it’s simply divine! It took the brand two years to develop this innovative blend of sugarcane, meadowfoam seed oil and marshmallow root that works to detangle, nourish, reduce drying time and fight frizz. It’s truly a game changer.
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Cantu
Mega-Hold Styling Stay Glue Gel, $4.99 at Target
If your curls are prone to frizz, you’ll love this styler. Its extreme hold formula dries hard (but with touchable softness) to hold styles in place all day long.
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Smooth 'N Shine
Quenching Co-Wash, $5.99 at Target
Traditional shampoos are so drying to curly hair, that’s why co-washing is the way to go. The quick-penetrating moisturizers gently cleanse while reducing breakage.
