In Their Kit: The Best Curly Hair Products, According to Hairstylists

Your off-the-shelf supermarket shampoo and conditioner might not cut it when it comes to wavy, coiled, kinky or curly hair. Textured hair deserves an extra level of attentive care that, frankly, straight hair doesn’t.

This hand-selected list of hairstyling products for curly hair has been tried and tested by working Australian hairstylists. These are the ointments and oils that work with, and not against, the natural inclinations of curly hair. Remember, everyone’s hair is unique, so seek advice from your hairdresser if you need more guidance. 

Brooke Weiss, director of Weiss Hair

Why do you love it?

The biggest win is that it’s a true leave-in – no rinsing required. It keeps curls light and bouncy while penetrating the hair shaft to reverse damage.

How should you use it?

Shampoo twice and skip conditioner. Gently towel-dry so hair is very wet but not dripping. Apply one or two pumps (less is more), rubbing between hands until it turns white to activate. Apply evenly through mid-lengths and ends, avoiding the roots. Set a timer for four minutes (this step is crucial). After that, you can layer other styling products or use heat. Use consistently for four to six washes, then take a break. You must follow the instructions exactly. It’s also on the pricier side, but you only need a small amount, so it lasts well.

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

It smells incredible, is very easy to use, and works beautifully for enhancing curls. It also provides heat protection up to 230°C and works well for wavy hair if you’re after a softer, more “beauty” finish.

How should you use it?

Apply to wet curls post-shower or to dry curls to refresh and revive shape. Use sparingly; too much can leave curls feeling sticky.

Elly Paynter, independent hairdresser and educator

Why do you love it?

This is curl hydration in a bottle; it is so luxurious but still lightweight, giving a beautiful, bouncy finish to curls and waves.

How should you use it?

Spread over hands and apply to detangle wet hair, scrunching and moulding each section for texture enhancement. Air-dry or diffuse dry as usual. Being a cream consistency, I would recommend avoiding applying too much product near the root area. Just use the product residue remaining on your hands to work through the roots.

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

This is the most incredible hybrid gel-cream product. Its viscosity leans more to a gel or a stickier serum, but it has the nourishment of a cream. The hold, definition and frizz-free finish tick all the boxes. It is a product I reach for a lot for my clients with waves, curls and coils.

How should you use it?

Apply to sections on wet hair, then define and shape your hair to bring out your natural texture. Diffuse dry or air-dry, then scrunch to break up any product cast once completely dry. If you feel as though you have applied too much, just blot it out a little with a towel when damp.

Joey Scandizzo, founder of Joey Scandizzo Salon and co-creative director of Eleven Australia

Why do you love it?

This product is designed to nourish, hydrate and define curls, helping reduce frizz, enhance shape and boost softness without weighing curls down.

How should you use it?

On damp hair, use the cream section by section. Scrunch and diffuse or dry naturally for defined, soft curls. If you have very tight coils or need strong hold (for long-lasting definition), layering with a gel or curl custard can help.

Tara-Lee Mitchell, founder of Mitch

Why do you love it?

The Davines Essentials Love Curl range has 11 products in it, so there is a product for everyone. My favourite product in the range is the Love Curl cleansing cream. I love how it moisturises the hair and settles the curls without making it fluffy like traditional shampoo and conditioner.

How should you use it?

This all-in-one product cleanses, conditions and moisturises your curls. It’s great for in-between washes and no ’poo days. Keep this in the shower and cleanse your hair with it twice. It won’t lather like a shampoo so make sure you rinse well.

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

This is going to get me in trouble from my hairdressing peers, but I sometimes use body moisturiser on my curls! Especially when travelling or if I can’t find anything. Anything is good, but this QV cream works well as it contains no fragrance.

How should you use it?

I find it’s especially great in humid weather. After I wash my hair I use this as a styling product on damp hair to scrunch it into curls. But it’s also good on dry hair – use it sparingly – or even if you’re doing a sleek bun; it’s a great way to keep down fly-aways. Just be careful as too much can be a touch heavy.

Nina Lee, founder of Extra Silky

Why do you love them?

My favourite products are ones we use at the salon including Evo Liquid Rollers Curl balm (light hold), Dungud Bounce Back Enhancing cream (light-to-medium hold) and Evo Total Recoil Curl Definer (medium-to-strong hold). They are all under $45. They are all really great, easy-to-use cream consistencies, without leaving too much of a hard product cast on the hair, which results in a more natural feel. I find our clients always repeat-buy these due to these reasons.

How should you use them?

Always good to talk to your hairdresser about what works for you. When in doubt, start with a lighter hold so you can figure out what you like and work upwards.

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

One thing you really need with curly hair is some amazing hydration! So something like this mask is a great place to start for a great price. This particular mask advertises that it has no sulphates or silicones, allowing hydration to properly penetrate the hair.

How should you use it?

Like all masks, I advise getting out of the shower and softly squeezing out excess moisture before applying product predominantly onto your mid-lengths and ends, with lighter application closer to the roots. It’s always good to leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing out. Tip: use it as a self-care moment and do a face mask at the same time.

Jaimme-Lee Hallgath, founder of Salon Jaimmelee

Why do you love them?

This combo is the perfect curly hair cocktail – definition, softness, shine and frizz control without crunch. The curls look healthy and feel touchable.

How should you use them?

Apply the cream through damp hair, then add a small amount of K18 oil over the top. Scrunch and diffuse or air-dry. With the K18 oil, less is more – especially for finer curl patterns.

Jaye Edwards, founder of Edwards and Co and ambassador of Original & Mineral

Why do you love it?

It’s part of the O&M Curl Curl range formulated specifically for curly, wavy and coily hair, and this cream hydrates deeply while enhancing definition and frizz control. With avocado oil for moisture and hydrolysed rice protein for strengthening and bounce, it’s designed to keep curls soft, defined and lively without weighing them down.

How should you use it?

This cream is best used by applying it on damp, freshly washed hair. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute it evenly, then scrunch and either air-dry or diffuse, to achieve hold and enhanced definition.

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