The Curly Hair Guide to the Best Products for Bouncy, Defined Locks
Nikki is a writer, former makeup artist, and Communications Specialist at Adore Beauty. She kicked off her writing career at Fashion Journal, penning beauty articles and interviewing musicians she’d still name-drop seven years later. In 2023, she made a very big and bold career leap (writing about fashion instead of beauty). Now, she’s come full circle – but still loves to think outside the box.
As a curly girl, I’ve been bombarded with foolproof methods and strict don’ts and hard-and-fast rules forever. I’ve fallen down Subreddit rabbit holes, spent (a lot) of money on hyped-up curl creams, and braved events when my hair turned out flat and disappointing.
There doesn’t seem to be a proven formula for making my hair look consistently perfect (curls are unfortunately the enemy of consistency and perfection).
In fact, I think my curls can actually sense when I care too much or have somewhere important to be. But I’ve got a good handle on what products work for me and what I should be avoiding for my hair type – and it would be rude not to share.
Some stats on me:
- I’ve got fine, 3A curls. Curl chart for reference here.
- I’m generally someone who priorities volume over definition (but I’ll take both).
- Sometimes I’m lazy or time-poor and take shortcuts. And sometimes, that’s when my hair turns out the best.
Now, onto the list.
Oribe Eternal Curls Moisturizing Shampoo.
This is one of those ultra-nourishing shampoos that I’d recommend to anyone with dry hair, even if you’re not sporting any curls. (Really hot tip if your hair’s lacking moisture, by the way. Shop in the curly category!)
For me, it’s rich, but not too rich. So my hair gets all of those delicious moisture-boosting benefits but my curls don’t get weighed down. Plus, its scent makes me feel like I’m washing my hair at a fancy hotel after swimming in the pool for two hours with room service on its way. A total sensorial experience.
ELEVEN Australia Miracle Hair Mask.
Though the Miracle Hair Mask isn’t technically considered a curl product, it’s widely beloved for hydrating, restoring and softening your hair. Aka, all checkboxes I like my masks to tick.
Similar to what I enjoy above the Oribe shampoo, it doesn’t weigh my hair down or make it overly silky (yes, there can be too much of a good thing). I also love using it when I choose to style my hair sleeker – usually some variation of this blowout – so it’s a good all-rounder that stays in my shower.
Davines ESSENTIALS Love Curl Cream.
Once I get to the actual styling part of my routine, there’s a lot more at stake. My downfall is either a heavy product, too much product or too little product. The Davines ESSENTIALS Love Curl Cream is Goldilocks-standard. Just right.
It’s all in the creamy, serum-like, lightweight formula, which shapes your curls and controls frizz without leaving a heavy or greasy residue. Sensing a theme yet?
If you’ve got fine curls, I expect glowing reviews.
Olaplex No.10 Bond Shaper™ Curl Defining Gel.
When I feel particularly lazy, this is my favourite one-and-done product. It defines my curls with flexible hold, controls frizz and makes my hair feel super soft. I don’t dislike the crunchy cast that a gel typically creates – mostly because I ‘break’ it with a finishing oil – but if that’s not quite your jam, you’ll love this.
Davroe Voluminous Spray.
Again, not strictly a curl product – but where’s the fun in that? I use Davroe’s Voluminous Spray to give my hair extra oomf before I diffuse it and hope for the best. At this point, I don’t want to add too many products to my hair, so a lightweight spray is the cherry on top that won’t throw off the delicate layers.
Honourable mention to the Davroe CURLiCUE Curl Balm. My boyfriend’s gone through six bottles and his curls have never looked better.
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil.
My hairdresser, Keely, was a hair oil skeptic. But this one from Olaplex really changed the game for her (and me, subsequently). It’s made with those signature Olaplex bond-restoring ingredients and works as a heat protectant when used on damp hair – though I tend to love it most as a finishing oil.
Say it with me: so lightweight!
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