For years, I struggled to find the right routine for my curly hair. Between a changing curl pattern, frizz, and one very bad salon appointment, my hair has been put through the test. But after years of trial, error, and a lot of wash days, I finally pinpointed 11 styling products that are guaranteed to give me a good wash and go.
From moisturizing curl creams to curl-defining mousse, here are the styling products that completely transformed my hair care routine.
My curl routine at a glance:
On wash days (1-2 a week), wash hair with shampoo, conditioner, or co-wash. Apply a deep conditioner for 5-30 minutes to lock in extra moisture.
While still wet, add curl cream, hard hold gel, or mousse, using a detangling brush or wide-tooth comb to spread the product evenly.
Scrunch out extra water with a cotton T-shirt and let air dry for 10-20 minutes.
Dry using a diffuser and heat protectant. Seal with anti-frizz oil.
Creams that keep my curls soft and defined
Most wash days, I combine a curl cream for moisture and set it with a hard gel. My hair has medium density and low porosity — it holds onto water for a long time but takes forever to actually soak it up in the shower. That means I have to be intentional about locking in moisture and using products that don't just sit on top. These three creams are my go-to for keeping my curls nourished and defined throughout New York City's many seasons.
Gels that lock everything in
Creams lay the foundation, but gels are what seal the deal. I'm picky with gels — I want a strong hold without a strong crunch, definition without flaking, and something that'll last through a long day (or two) in the city. These three are all in rotation depending on my mood and needs.
Mousses for volume and bounce
If I want a bit more volume or a softer hold, I reach for mousse. These are especially great for root lift or if I'm doing a curly updo. I also like using mousse when I want to avoid the weight of gels altogether, prioritizing body before definition.
Oils for anti-frizz and strength
Oils are the finishing touch that make everything come together in my routine, especially when it comes to locking in moisture, adding shine, and taming frizz. I typically use them as the final step on wash days or to scrunch out the crunch from gel. These two are my go-tos for different reasons, but they both deliver when it comes to strengthening and smoothing my curls.
Bonus: A multitasking heat protectant
My best curl advice
There's no magic product that works for everyone, but here's what's helped me stay consistent:
Understanding my hair's porosity and density. Once I figured out that my hair is low porosity and medium density, everything started making more sense. Products that were too thick would sit on my hair, and light, buildable formulas started working much better for me.
Layering with intention. I stopped throwing a bunch of stuff in my hair and hoped for the best. Now, I layer lightest to heaviest (cream → gel or mousse → oil), and it's helped with everything from frizz to longevity.
Trying products seasonally. My hair needs different things in winter versus summer. I learned to rotate in more hydrating or protective products based on the weather and humidity levels.
Listening to my curls. They'll tell you what's working. If they're dry, dull, or limp, switch it up. A good hair routine is about checking in with your hair and adjusting accordingly.
The bottom line
These days I'm proud of my curly hair, whether I'm letting it air dry or styling it with heat tools.
Layla Melendez/Business Insider
All in all, my routine changes depending on the look I'm going for and the season I'm in. The key is building a solid base of products that work for your hair type, and making sure they're flexible enough to adapt to your environment, whether you're fighting off winter dryness or summer humidity. Focus on products that help you build a strong foundation, then mix and match based on your hair needs.
