The Best Curly Hair Products Don’t Have to Be Expensive—10 Budget-Friendly Picks Stylists Love
If you ask anyone with curly hair, they’ll tell you from personal experience that most hair products out there that promise high-quality results are pricey. Many people are willing to spend a pretty penny or two on the brands they love, but sometimes, it’s nice to have a few drugstore buys in the mix.
In fact, expensive haircare products don’t always yield better results. “You don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money to get healthy curls,” says celebrity hairstylist and Pura D’Or partner Clyde Haygood. “The key is finding products that are right for your hair type and texture, whether they are from high-end or drugstore brands.”
Additionally, many drugstore products have been around for decades and have plenty of science behind them. “Many drugstore brands now offer powerful, curl-friendly formulas packed with high-performing ingredients,” says Stephanie Hinkle, textured-hair stylist and Keranique brand partner. She adds that overlooking these options means potentially missing out on solutions created to benefit curls at an affordable price point.
Ready to shop some of the best drugstore curly hair products? If so, read on to see which ones our experts swear by.
SheaMoisture
Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
If you’re looking for a curl cream that reduces frizz, this Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie from SheaMoisture provides definition without weighing down curls. “This [cream] is rich and great for the thickest and driest of curls for all-day moisture and conditioning,” says Haygood. “It quenches dry hair with shea butter and coconut oil and tames frizzy curls for an all-day finish.” It also contains key ingredients like silk protein and neem oil for extra shine and bounce.
OGX
Quenching + Coconut Curls, Moisturizing Shampoo
A shampoo that also serves as a detangler, this formula from OGX is a great choice for dry, damaged hair. In fact, Haygood recommends the whole line. “This line of shampoo, conditioner, and styling products are formulated with coconut oil and honey to help detangle hair, tame frizz, and add moisture and shine for soft, manageable, bouncy curls,” he says. The formula is lightweight and has notes of coconut milk, tangerine, and warm vanilla.
Not Your Mother’s
Curl Talk Curl Activating Hair Mousse
For those looking for extra volume, consider a mousse like this one from Not Your Mother’s. Haygood loves to use this while the curls are drying to really get the most out of the product. It enhances curl shape and minimizes frizz for a polished look (minus the crunchiness). You can expect a citrus-jasmine scent with gentle notes of lemon, jasmine, rose water, sunflower, and sandalwood. For extra shine, Haygood recommends sealing curls with the brand’s Curl Talk Defining Cream.
Mielle Organics
Pomegranate and Honey Curl Smoothie
This cream acts as a moisturizer and detangler for curls. The pomegranate extract and honey deeply nourish hair while adding strength and shine. “It’s a good product to use every once in a while to revive your curls,” says celebrity stylist and master barber Cody Renegar. “It improves elasticity to keep curls bouncy and soft.” This product was formulated for those with thick, curly type-four hair, but it can be used on other hair types as well.
HASK
Curl Care Shampoo + Conditioner Set
If you’ve never given this brand a try, this might be your sign to add it to your regimen. “[The] Hask Curl Care Shampoo and Conditioner [Set] is a triple threat,” says Renegar. “It has a cheap price tag with expensive-looking results and contains coconut, argan, and vitamin E oils to leaves curls shiny, bouncy, and full of life.” The shampoo is especially good for removing product buildup without stripping the hair of its oil.
Miss Jessie’s
Pillow Soft Curls Lotion
Ideal for those with type-two and type-three hair, this styling cream from Miss Jessie’s is perfect for getting super-soft curls. “It is perfect for those who want bigger, looser curls,” says Renegar. “I like it because it’s easy to just put in your hair and go—no drying or styling required.” The formula is lightweight and quick-drying, but it won’t leave curls crunchy either.
Pura d’or
Curly & Classy Conditioner
For a conditioner that adds shine and nourishment, Haygood suggests this Pura D’Or conditioner for its top-tier ingredients. “The aloe-based formula is lightweight with certified organic oils to hydrate and strengthen hair, giving curls moisture, bounce, and shine without weighing hair down,” he says. “Most importantly, it will tame stubborn curls while keeping hair healthy and protect hair against humidity, frizz, and breakage while adding shine to the hair.” You can expect the benefits of coconut oil, kukui-seed oil, flaxseed extract, and oat-bran extract for a soothing experience.
The Doux
808 Base Botanical Curl Activating Hair Gel
Hinkle describes this gel from The Doux as “medium-hold magic for juicy, frizz-free curls without the dreaded crunch.” She notes that this works for all curl types in need of definition. It contains smell-good ingredients like honey, slippery elm, aloe, and marshmallow root. Plus, it gives curls extra stretch, creating a longer appearance without weighing down hair.
CURLS
Blueberry Bliss Hair Growth Oil
Another favorite from Hinkle is this Blueberry Bliss Hair Growth Oil from Curls. “It seals moisture, boosts elasticity, and supports stronger, longer curls naturally,” she says. It can be used on all curl types and contains key ingredients such as castor, blueberry-seed, pomegranate, argan, coconut, oilve, avocado, jojoba, and grape-seed oils. The blend provides a nourishing boost of moisture that helps hair grow longer while restoring damage and preventing breakage.
Garnier Fructis
Triple Nutrition Curl Nourish Butter Cream Leave-In Treatment
A product for all curl types, this leave-in treatment comes at the recommendation Haygood for its formula, which contains coconut oil and plant protein. “It creates perfectly defined, frizz-free waves, curls, and coils,” he says. It provides up to 48 hours of definition and can be applied to dry or damp hair—no rinsing required.
