Curly hair is often seen as both a blessing and a curse. It is an extremely striking look that can make you stand out from the crowd. There’s a reason that perms were so popular for a while. Often you will see curly hair products specifically designed for women, but that does not mean that men don’t also have curly hair. Whether a man or a woman, having curly hair requires you to find the best conditioner for curly hair in order to keep those curls looking their best.
If you want to know more about curly hair, its cleaning/styling requirements, and receive some recommendations for conditioners for curly hair, then read on. We have all the answers you could ever need.
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All About Curly Hair
Firstly, let’s talk about where curly hair comes from. Most often a person is born with curly hair, just as they are with straight or wavy hair types. Some ethnicities are more prone to passing down curly hair types than others. But, in general, you will not end up with natural curly hair unless that trait runs in your family.
Of course, if you like the curly haired look, you can always get a permanent wave—called a perm. This process uses heat and often chemicals to provide a curly haired look for straight haired people. Women have been getting perms throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. But, in the 1970s the process was popular with men as well—i.e. the “afro” look for both men and women was one of the most popular hairstyles of the decade. People who receive perms should definitely use a conditioner for curly hair to repair any damage that occurred during the process.
Recently a team of scientists working for L’Oréal found that curly hair follicles have uneven distribution of a certain type of keratin (a building-block of hair). These proteins gather beneath the curve in curly hair, which could cause the corkscrew like shape to the hair.
There are a few different types of curly hair depending on the tightness of the curls. Some curly hair is closer to a wave, with a soft curl and more S-like shape. Some curly hair is so tightly curled that it looks more like a z. And, then there are all the different types of curls that fall in between these two extremes. There is no “right” type of curly hair, but all come with their own special care needs.
Does Curly Hair Need Special Care?
As anyone with curly hair can tell you, it comes with its own special care requirements. Curly hair tends to be temperamental, both in styling and caring for it. Certain cut will not look great with curly hair because it can be unpredictable in where it falls on your neck and shoulders.
The biggest problem with curly hair is its tendency to be dry. Dryness is what causes curly hair to get frizzy and have a lot of “fly-aways.” Curly hair is also greatly affected by the weather. For example, the more humidity in the atmosphere the bigger and frizzier your curly hair will likely be.
All of these special concerns require unique, curly hair specific styling products. Go to any drugstore or hair salon and you will likely find an entire section devoted to curly hair products and products for curly frizzy hair in particular. But, of all the products for curly hair, none is more important than conditioner.
What is Conditioner?
Conditioner should be a major part in any person’s hair care regimen, no matter what type of hair they have. Conditioners are substances that are applied to the hair to moisturize and smooth it. Essentially, conditioners smooth out the scales on your hair follicles, which provides a much sleeker appearance to your hair.
Even men should use conditioners for curly hair since this product helps to strengthen and protect your hair after you shampoo it. The shampoo opens up the follicle to allow the cleaning to happen. You then need the conditioner to close that follicle back up again, so that nothing can damage your hair.
Why do I Need A Curly Hair Conditioner?
If you have curly hair, you should consider purchasing a conditioner for curly hair. These products do not have to be expensive. In fact, there are plenty of cheap conditioners for curly hair and other drugstore products for curly hair.
As mentioned above, conditioners for curly hair are one of the most important products for curly hair that you can use.
What to Look For In A Conditioner For Curly Hair
If you have curly hair and are convinced about the importance of conditioners for curly hair, the next step is to begin looking for the right product. Keep the following list in mind as you search for your perfect curly hair products.
Ingredients
Above all, the ingredients that appear in your conditioner for curly hair are the most important. Often in cheap conditioners for curly hair, the ingredients are not the best, which can cause problems with your curly hair. Instead, look for one or all of the ingredients listed below, and you will know that your curly hair will be well looked after.
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is often used in any skin or hair care product that is made to moisturize. It both smooths your hair follicles and traps in moisture. Over all, it’s a great ingredient to see in any conditioner for curly hair.
Argan oil: Argan oil is the new golden child in the hair care world. It is an anti-oxidant, is not greasy, and will restore shine to curly hair.
Jojoba: Jojoba is another newcomer to curly hair conditioners. But, since it seals in moisture, it is perfect for its new purpose. People who have gotten perms definitely need to use a conditioner for curly hair that includes jojoba oil.
Keratin: Keratin is a type of protein that makes up most of our hair. It makes sense then that adding it to a conditioner for curly hair would be a great idea.
Pomegranate oil: This is another ingredient that is great for processed or permed hair. If you have dry, damaged, and frizzy curly hair, a product for curly frizzy hair with pomegranate oil is the way to go.
Shea Butter: Shea butter is another ingredient that appears a lot in all skin and hair care products. It is a natural moisturizer and restores Vitamins A, E, and F back into your hair. This will not only tame the frizz, but also keep your curls looking sleek and bouncy.
Ingredients to avoid: These ingredients will dry out your hair and make the frizz worse. Do not purchase conditioners for curly hair with any of the following ingredients: sulfates, witch hazel, ethanol, propanol, and ingredients that end in “cone,” “conol,” “col,” or “xane.”
There are plenty of other ingredients that will help your curly hair in many of the products on our top five list. However, the ingredients we’ve listed above are some of the most popular and best working.
Size
Size may not seem to matter that much when it comes to hair care products. But, you will likely have to pay a premium for your conditioners for curly hair, so you want to make sure that you are getting the most for your money.
If you are trying out a new conditioner for curly hair, especially if it is a cheap conditioner for curly hair, we recommend sticking to a smaller size until you know how your hair reacts to the product. On the other hand, once you enjoy a product, it is good to know that they make other, larger sizes for a bulk buy.
Natural or organic products
Some people prefer purchasing natural or organic skin and hair care products. There is some evidence to suggest that natural or organic conditioners for curly hair are better for you. These products are without standard chemicals and pesticides, which means none of that nasty stuff can be absorbed by your skin.
However, just because a conditioner for curly hair is not organic or natural, does not mean that it is a bad product. Both types of curly hair products will get the job done correctly. Which type of conditioner for curly hair you choose depends on your own preferences and lifestyle.
Target gender
Most men do not want to smell like a woman, and visa verse. This means that you should pay attention to the target gender of all conditioners for curly hair. Some products are designed as conditioners for curly haired men, while others are targets specifically at women.
The best way to tell the two types of conditioners for curly hair apart is by paying attention to where you found the product. Often there is a separate section for men’s hair care products at most stores. If the conditioner for curly hair is not in that section, then it has likely been designed for women.
Top Five Best Conditioners for Curly Hair 2019—Comparison table
Products | Our rating | Organic? | Multi-Purpose? | Ingredients | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Yes | Also, a detangler | Mango Fruit Extract, Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root, and Lemongrass | 8 oz. | |
#2 | No, but all ingredients are naturally sourced | Also reduces frizz, static, breakage, and split ends | Jojoba Oil, Silk Peptide, African Shea Butter, Aloe Vera | 8 oz. | |
#3 | Yes | Also controls and smooths frizzy hair, and makes your hair stronger and thicker | Deionized Water, Argan Oil, and Citric Acid | 16.9 oz. | |
#4 | No | Also detangles, defrizzes, and defines hair | Coconut Oil, Papaya Butter, Plumeria Extract, and Aloe Vera | 13 oz. | |
#5 | No | Repairs color-treated hair | Water and Pomegranate Extract | 33.8 oz. |
Top Five Best Conditioners for Curly Hair 2019—Reviews
Kinky-Curly has made a creamy conditioner/detangler for curly hair with their Knot Today. It smells very much of herbs. The mango fruit extract, marshmallow root, and lemongrass are especially present in the scent of this product. Since the scent is not floral, it would appropriate for men as well as women.
Kinkey-Curly’s Knot Today is a multi-functional curly hair product. It will remove knots from recently braided hair or hair that has had extensions. It is also perfect for anyone who has thick curly hair, as the creamy texture penetrates even the thickest hair. The many natural and organic ingredients in this product make it perfect for most people. The one draw-back to the Knot Today is that at 8 oz., it is fairly small. But, this means that you will not waste your money if it is not the conditioner for curly hair for you.
Kinky-Curly has made a creamy conditioner/detangler for curly hair with their Knot Today. It smells very much of herbs. The mango fruit extract, marshmallow root, and lemongrass are especially present in the scent of this product. Since the scent is not floral, it would appropriate for men as well as women.
Kinkey-Curly’s Knot Today is a multi-functional curly hair product. It will remove knots from recently braided hair or hair that has had extensions. It is also perfect for anyone who has thick curly hair, as the creamy texture penetrates even the thickest hair. The many natural and organic ingredients in this product make it perfect for most people. The one draw-back to the Knot Today is that at 8 oz., it is fairly small. But, this means that you will not waste your money if it is not the conditioner for curly hair for you.
Argan oil is one of the most popular ingredients in products for curly frizzy hair right now, so it makes sense that Pure Nature Lux Spa would include it in their Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner. Argan oil is the major ingredient in this product, but that just means that your curly hair will be extra strengthened, repaired, and restored.
Pure Nature Lux Spa’s conditioner for curly hair is organic. It is also made with any sulfates, parabens, sodium chloride, gluten, or phothalates. This means it is perfect for any hair type and can be used on colored and keratin treated hair. If you have curly hair because of a perm, you need this conditioner for curly hair. Plus, argan oil is a perfect scent for a man, which makes this a good conditioner for curly hair men.
All of the ingredients in Maui Moisture’s Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Conditioner can be found on tropical islands such as Maui. The top two ingredients in this product are aloe vera and coconut water, so you will receive moisturizing action right from the start. You will also find other natural ingredients like papaya butter with also work to smooth and strengthen your curls. One drawback with this product is that unless men want to smell tropical, this conditioner for curly hair is probably not for them.
Biolage is another big player in the hair care products industry. Their Cleansing Condition for Curly Hair illustrates why they have such a good reputation. This product is soap-free, so it will not have much lather. But, the pomegranate extract will work to clean and strength your natural curls. A major advantage of this conditioner for curly hair is that it doesn’t have to many ingredients, which means less opportunity for something to interact negatively with your hair.
While Biolage has made their Cleansing Condition for Curly Hair for that hair type, it can be used by people with color treated hair. You can also use this product without a shampoo, if you do not wash your curly hair every day. The large size—33.8 oz.—also makes this product extremely appealing for the thrifty-shopper.
How To Use Your Conditioner for Curly Hair
You use your conditioner for curly hair similarly to the way you use normal conditioner. Always apply your conditioner for curly hair and frizzy hair or any other curly hair products after you have already washed your hair. Since conditioner puts moisture back into your hair, you don’t want to use it before you deep wash.
There is a currently a movement in the hair care world that recommends only washing your hair with shampoo two or three times per week. You then only use conditioner on the other days that you shower. The thinking is that this washing schedule puts less harsh chemicals on your hair, which is especially important for people with curly and frizzy hair. The less shampoo time, the better for curly hair.
Curly Hair Care Tips
Just like you need special products for curly frizzy hair, you will also have to style and take care of it differently. A quick Google search will show that experts give a few common tips and recommend certain curly hair products that will help you keep your hair looking styled and nice.
1 Purchase curly hair products specifically, so that you will know that they are formulated specifically for your hair type. The biggest thing to look for with curly hair is moisture. The dryness of your hair requires products that constantly add moisture.
2 If you plan on continuing to shampoo your hair every day, try shampooing just your scalp. This will keep the shampoo from drying out your hair but also ensure that your scalp—the most important part to keep clean—remains healthy.
3 Try drying your hair with an old t-shirt. Traditional bathroom towels are extremely hard on curly frizzy hair. So, using an old soft, cotton t-shirt can keep your from creating frizz right out of the shower.
4 Similarly to #3, keep your shower water on lukewarm to keep frizz from developing in the shower. That may not feel the best, but it will keep your curly hair shiny and smooth.
5 Comb your curly hair from the bottom of the curls to the top. Make sure that you are brushing correctly with an appropriate brush. Otherwise, you could painfully pull snags and creating split ends.
6 And, finally, remember to use that conditioner for curly hair constantly.
Final Words
Curly hair can be an amazing addition to any look. It is striking and eye-catching. However, the care requirements that come with having curly hair can scare some people. There are many people with naturally curly hair that hate having this care type. If this sounds like you, know that the number one thing that you can do is to use one of the best conditioners for curly hair.
This article has gone over everything you need to know about your curly hair and how to care for it properly. If you choose one of the conditioners for curly hair that we mention, you will be well on your way to having amazing hair. Have you ever seen a person with luxurious curly hair? That could be you. Just follow our handy guide and buy a great conditioner for curly hair, and you too could have amazingly beautiful curly hair.
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