We include products we think are useful. If you buy through links on this page, we earn a small commission
I have curls and I love them. When I first went natural I had to learn to love my hair. I was always so used to the relaxed look that I didn’t think my hair could ever be anything but limp and lifeless. While I imagined going natural would make my life easier, initially, it was harder. A big part of loving my hair is mastering how to care for it properly. Finding the best drugstore products for curly hair can be difficult. I’ve watched several videos by curly curls on caring for natural hair.
It’s refreshing to see the beauty in my natural texture but it’s definitely a trial to deal with every day. Of course, you’re going to need special products if you want your hair to look amazing. For a while, I struggled with finding the right products. I had to learn that there are different types of curls and products to best use with them
Having curly hair is fun but there is a lot of work involved in keeping it moisturized and looking great. There are some great products out there that can help you achieve this look. There are many different types of curls (more than people think). Keep your curly strands moisturized and healthy with these drugstore brands:
Best Drugstore Products For Curly Hair
When narriwing down the best drugstore products for curly hair I narrowed it down to the base products. Shampoo, conditoner, and stylers are a great place to start when creating your staple product list. When you are choosing your staples, try to look for products that contain the best ingredients improve the health of your hair over time (not just for one style). Try not to use heavy creams or gels as they can weigh down the root and cause breakage on the ends. With that in mind read on to see my list.
Best Drug Store Shampoos For Curly Hair
The shampoo is a cleaning product that removes oil and dirt. It has both water-loving and oil-loving ingredients. The primary ingredient to look for in a drug store shampoo is a surfactant that does the work of the cleaning. The best drug store shampoos for curly hair are:
Garnier Hair Care Fructis Curl Nourish Shampoo
An exclusive combination of citrus protein, Vitamins B3 & B6, fruit & plant-derived extracts, and strengthening conditi1rs, are designed for healthier, stronger hair. Works especially well in areas of high humidity.
“I have fine-ish wavy/curly/frizz-prone hair that tends to get oily at the scalp but dry on the ends. I’d read that sulfate-free shampoo would be good for helping hair like mine, but didn’t want to pay an arm and a leg for something good. I’ve tried lots of products before, and usually nothing works amazingly on my hair. This stuff is paraben and sulfate-free and still lathers well. It seems to help tame the frizz and make my hair feel softer and healthier and for $3!?! I’m a fan.“
tgin Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo For Natural Hair
Cleans hair, gently and effectively and does not contain harsh detergents that strip the hair of its natural oils. Infused with Pro-Vitamin B5 for reduced breakage and increased moisture.
“As a long-time natural, I have resorted to very “natural” ways of cleaning my hair (e.g., baking soda, apple cider vinegar, etc.) because shampoos, even sulfate-free ones, have left my hair dry and brittle where I was nervous to take a comb to it. From the moment I put this on my hair, my curls sprang to life. Rubbing it through my hair, it instantly felt softer…and this was just the shampoo. And the smell of the product had me singing. My hair has never smelled so incredible. My hair visibly and texturally showed its appreciation for this incredible product. Bravo, TGIN! Bravo!“
Mielle Organics Babassu Conditioning Shampoo, Sulfate Free and Color Safe
A gentle, organic cleanser that softens and strengthens your hair with the help of moisturizing agents, Almond Protein, and Hibiscus extract.
“I have used Mielle products for several months now. My best friend actually turned me on to the line of hair care products since I quit relaxing my hair. This shampoo makes my hair soft and it cleanses my hair gently. My curls and coils are spring-like. Couple this product with their conditioners and hair milk.. you have yourself a great system.“
Best Drugstore Conditioners For Curly Hair
While shampoo removes sebum, residual styling products, dead cells, environmental factors, and dirt from hair and scalp, it also lifts the cuticle slightly and allows water to swell the hair strand. Conditioner reduces the swelling, shuts the cuticle down and leaves a layer of protection on the hair. Conditioner is a thick mixture made up of oils, water, and other ingredients. It has a lower pH than shampoo (3.5-5.5). Conditioner closes the cuticle, so your hair stays smooth and shiny.
Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Curl-Defining Anti-Frizz Conditioner
This 13-fluid ounce bottle of Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Conditioner helps hydrate, smooth and defrizz curls while enhancing softness and body. This conditioner contains 100% aloe vera as the first ingredient along with coconut milk, plumeria extract and papaya extract.
“I have tried product after product. I have spent a lot of money on products. Even though this product is cheaper than the “high end” products… it does a BETTER job on my frizzy curly hair. It’s light weight and stays all day. I absolutely LOVE this for my curls!“
Renpure Coconut Cream Nourishing Conditioner
Coconut cream is rich in vitamins, minerals and fats that are perfect for even the driest of hair. Plant based for healthier hair from root to tip with superior shine, moisture and color retention Great for curly girls, and safe for color treated hair.
“I can honestly say, that after only my first use of this product, I consider it to be top of the line! I have used every product imagineable, from store brands, to top of the line salon brands. I have VERY thick, coarse, dry, brittle hair. Finding a product combination that truly works has been quite difficult. Using this conditioner with the matching shampoo, and leave in spray, was an AMAZING transformation in my hair.”
Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Hydrating Cream Conditioner
Formulated with no mineral oil, silicones, parabens, or sulfates this conditioner helps hair retain natural oils to produce beautiful shine. Provides intense moisture for dry, brittle, or color-treated hair.
“I love ❤ Cantu products. I believe they were originally marketed towards people of African descent, but there are lots of us who aren’t black who need these products. As I started trying to figure out how to enhance my natural curls, I found the blogs and forums for black women gave me the most help and it was there I found the recommendation for these products. They are significantly cheaper than products that hairstylists will push. A big thank you to the black community for helping this white girl figure out how to manage her hair.”
Best Drug Store Styling Products For Curly Hair
Styling products (gels, foams, styling creams) create hold to extend the longevity and wear for curls or even a desired hair style. While there are many gels on the market with synthetic ingredients like PVP and Carbomer in them, it’s best to choose botanical gels as the base styler for holding curlin in place and preventing frizz and humidity.
Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel
Encourages healthier, stronger hair with more than 70% certified organic ingredients like honey, ginger, aloe extract and babassu oil. Nourishes hair without the consequences of product build-up and damanging chemicals.
“I’ve tried the deep conditioner from this line and my hair loved it so, I decided to give this a chance and i’m glad I did! I usually don’t use too many gels but this honestly feels like a cream and gel mixed together. I love the smell and it makes my hair super soft. The only thing is you have to be careful with what creams you mix it with.”
Kinky Curly Curl Custard Gel
This custard gives moisture and curl definition, hold and brilliant shiny hair all in one product! It reduces bulk, defines & elongates your curls helping them to ‘hang’ better. CURLING CUSTARD will bring out the natural curl or wave pattern you never knew you had.
“I just found my new favorite curly hair product! It works great for my very thick hair, 3A curls… leaving them with the best curls I’ve ever had. I used too much the first time and the curls were crunchy and weighted down. Used much less the next time and they seemed about perfect. After shampooing and conditioning I applied this product on soaking wet hair, scrunched it with a microfiber towel, dried slightly with a diffuser, and then air dried. Great curls!“
OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse
Part foam, part cream, complete curl heaven. With the hold of a mousse & the hydration of a cream, this styling blend infused with shea butter & coconut oil helps enhance & de-frizz curls.
“I use other OGX products, and this mousse went beyond my expectations! The scent is AMAZING, and smells like coconut. I use this product after I wash my hair, and after I put in leave-in conditioner. It helps my clumps to form, and holds them well. I have 2b-3a waves/curls, and this mousse has given me ringlets! The only thing to consider when purchasing this that it is NOT a lightweight mousse.”