If your curls have a mind of their own or the humidity forecast is always in control of how luscious and sleek your hair looks, you may need to switch up your rinse-out conditioner for one that can keep your curls healthy and bouncing with glee—no matter the forecast.
We know how hard it is to choose the “right” conditioner for curly hair, especially when there are 1,529,034 choices at your local grocery store. Each sleek bottle promises to transform your locks into majestic curls that will look like a hair commercial. Their tantalizing bottles are a siren song that sings of “miraculous curls” and “the best hair of your life.” But how do you actually choose one? That’s where we come in.
In this article, we discuss how to find the right conditioner for your curl type, different conditioning products, and key features to be aware of while you shop.
Understand Your Curls
Before you can start your shopping spree, you need to understand your curl type and common issues.
Different Curl Types
There are three main curl types, each with a sliding scale of how “curly” they are.
- Type 2: Type 2 hair is wavy and ranges from fine to thick, coarse hair. Wavy hair tends to have an S pattern that lays close to the head. Type 2a is fine hair that’s easily weighed down by products and typically lacks volume at the roots. Use lightweight products that give volume and a bit of oomph to create stronger waves. Type 2b has clearer waves that start from the mid-length and tend to have a natural beach wave vibe. Type 2c waves are usually thicker and prone to frizz. Lock in waves with more moisturizing products and protect curl texture.
- Type 3: Type 3 is also known as curly hair, and the curl patterns get tighter from 3a to 3c. 3a curls are loose, bouncy curls, and they’re easy to maintain with lightweight sprays, curl creams, or gels. Type 3b curls are defined ringlets that need extra moisture and are also prone to frizz. Type 3c curls are tight corkscrews with dense, thick hair and create a lot of natural volume.
- Type 4: Type 4 is coily hair and may be kinky, fine, coarse, or wiry. Type 4a is a tight, springy S-pattern coil that requires extra moisture and care. Type 4b are thick, dense strands with a Z shape that require thicker creams and hair styling products to add texture and curl definition. Type 4c curls have tight zigzags and need extra TLC, like hair masks and hydrating treatments to keep hair hydrated.
Common Concerns with Curly Hair
Folks with curls often struggle with frizz, dryness, flyaways, and breakage, which is why it’s essential to find a restorative conditioner that recharges the hair and leaves your curls feeling soft, moisturized, and shiny.
Those dealing with extra dryness or hydration concerns should use a regular conditioner and also add a leave-in conditioner or other hydrating treatment to their hair care routine. Build a curly hair care routine that ensures your locks stay moisturized and healthy every day of the week.
How to Choose a Conditioner for Curly Hair
The right conditioner will help curls look defined, frizz-free, and healthy without looking weighed down or greasy. Here are the key features to be aware of while you shop.
Ingredients to Look For
Curly hair craves hydration, specifically hydration from plant-based ingredients that are incredible for hair. These ingredients can penetrate your hair, restore lost moisture, and smooth the cuticle while boosting shine, reducing tangles, and making hair easier to manage.
Here are the best moisturizing ingredients for curly hair:
- Coconut oil
- Argan oil
- Avocado oil
- Aloe vera
- Shea butter
- Jojoba oil
These natural ingredients provide extreme hydration for curls, help tame frizz, and make them smooth, soft, and more manageable.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Curls are sensitive to harsh, toxic chemicals, which can easily cause dryness, breakage, and other problems. Hair care experts recommend using sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner and avoiding other harsh ingredients like artificial fragrances, dyes, parabens, PEGS, and mineral oil.
Different Types of Conditioners
Curls often require more than one type of conditioner. Depending on your curl type, you’ll likely need to build a weekly hair care routine that includes a regular rinse-out conditioner, a deep conditioning treatment, a leave-in conditioner, and hair masks.
1. Rinse Out Conditioner
Rinse-out conditioner is the regular conditioner you use after shampooing hair and is the most common type of moisturizing treatment. Folks with curly hair should always follow up their shampoo with a moisturizing rinse-out conditioner full of effective, naturally derived ingredients.
Opt for a premium conditioner like Blu Atlas Conditioner to provide extra moisture, seal cuticles, reduce frizz, and minimize breakage. Blu Atlas harnesses naturally derived ingredients to provide hair with nutrients and nourishment while moisturizing your locks.
Rinse-out conditioner is also easy to use. Apply it to hair from mid-length to the ends and allow it to soak into the hair for two to five minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm or cool water.
2. Deep Conditioner
Deep conditioners are great for type 3 or 4 curls as a weekly or bi-weekly treatment and a monthly treatment for type 4 curls. They are deep conditioning treatments that soak into the hair for a longer period to restore and replenish hair.
Apply deep conditioner to dry or damaged hair. Let it soak into your strands for 30 to 40 minutes before rinsing out with lukewarm or cool water.
3. Leave-In Conditioner
Leave-in conditioners are miracle workers for curls. Because of their lightweight, hydrating formulas, they're ideal spot treatments and quick ways to moisturize dry hair. Men and women with thicker, curlier hair will likely want to use a leave-in conditioner between washes to keep hair free from frizz, dryness, and damage.
4. Hair Masks
Hair masks have one goal, which is to penetrate the hair roots. They’re intense (really intense) hydrators that offer nourishment and nutrients for the hair. Hair masks are thick products with concentrated materials that add extreme moisture to the hair.
Apply hair masks on the hair and let it soak for up to 20 minutes. Then, wash it off with cool or lukewarm water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does curly hair need conditioner?
Yes, curly hair almost always needs conditioner. Due to the curl pattern of curly hair, it’s hair for natural oils to travel down the hair shaft. To keep hair moisturized and healthy, you’ll want to use a rinse-out conditioner alongside other hydrating products like a leave-in conditioner, deep conditioner, or hair mask. You’ll likely have to experiment to see which products your hair needs to stay moisturized.
What’s the best conditioner for curly hair?
The best conditioner for curly hair keeps it moisturized, satiated, and healthy after cleansing and between washes. Keep hair safe and hydrated with a conditioner made with naturally derived ingredients like Blu Atlas Conditioner. It contains rich antioxidants, fatty acids, and intensely moisturizing ingredients to tame frizz, breakage, and dryness while invigorating dull, limp strands.
