Best Products for Curly Hair: What They Are and How to Use Them

Perhaps you too have already read dozens of guides and articles trying to understand which are the best products for curly hair, without ever really figuring out which one is right for your hair’s needs.

It is a feeling we know well, because every day, in our Ateliers across Italy, we welcome people who ask us the very same question: “What are the best products for my curls?”

The truth is that there is no single answer. Curly hair has different needs depending on texture, porosity and curl type, and choosing the wrong curly hair products can do more harm than good.

At I Love Riccio, we work every day with thousands of clients with curly, wavy and afro hair, and our many years of experience have taught us one essential thing: the perfect curly routine comes from the combination of specific products and correct application techniques.

Having the best shampoo or the best-selling styling cream on the market is not enough. What you need is a complete journey, from cleansing to styling, built around you.

Keep reading this guide to discover:

• How to identify your curl type and choose the right products
• The best products for each step of the curly routine: shampoo, masks and styling
• The application techniques that truly make a difference to the final result
• The ideal products for every specific need: frizzy curly hair, fine curls, men’s curls, children’s curls and afro hair
• The essential accessories to complete your routine and keep your curls defined for longer

Before filling your cart with curly hair products, pause for a moment. The first step, the one that truly makes the difference, is understanding the needs and nature of your hair, so you can enhance it at its best.

Know Your Curl Type

Every curl belongs to a specific category, and understanding which family yours belongs to is essential when choosing the best curly hair products for your needs.

The most widely used classification divides hair into three main categories:

Wavy hair — type 2: soft waves ranging from 2A, barely visible waves, to 2C, more defined and full-bodied waves.

Curly hair — type 3: spiral curls ranging from 3A, wide and soft curls, to 3C, tight and voluminous curls.

Afro hair — type 4: from 4A, very tight spirals, to 4C, zig-zag curls with an extremely tight curl pattern.

In addition to this classification, there is also texture, meaning the thickness of the individual hair shaft: fine or thin, medium, or coarse. Fine curly hair needs volume and lightness, while coarse-textured hair seeks intense hydration and deep nourishment.

Then there is porosity, which refers to the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. A simple test can help you understand it: take a strand of hair from the ends and slide your thumb and index finger upwards towards the root. If the surface feels rough and uneven, your hair has high porosity and will need richer, more conditioning formulas. To explore this topic further, read our guide on how to understand curly hair porosity.

Thanks to our experience in caring for and treating curly and wavy hair, we know that there is no universal product: every head of curls has its own specific characteristics and deserves tailor-made care.

What to Look for in a Curly Hair Product

When choosing a product, always check that the formula is preferably free from silicones, parabens and harsh sulphates. Silicones create a film on the hair shaft that prevents active ingredients from penetrating and, over time, cause that annoying build-up effect that weighs curls down and makes them look lifeless. Harsh sulphates, on the other hand, strip the scalp of its natural sebum, leaving hair dry and vulnerable.

Instead, look for formulas rich in plant oils such as argan oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil and macadamia oil, which help replenish the hair’s lipid component, improving elasticity and shine. Shea butter is a perfect ally for thicker, thirstier curls, while proteins — such as wheat, silk or rice proteins — are essential in supporting fine and fragile hair.

Our products are formulated in-house and used by the Curly Hair Experts who work with them every day in I Love Riccio salons, on more than 40,000 clients every year. This “from the salon to your home” approach guarantees field-tested formulas, designed to enhance the specific characteristics of every curl type.

Cleansing is the first step of the curly routine and, probably, the most underestimated one. Choosing the best shampoo for curly hair means finding a cleanser that deeply cleanses the scalp without stripping the hair of its natural moisture.

That is why giving this step the right attention makes all the difference.

Moisturising Shampoo for Medium to Coarse Curly Hair

Among the best shampoos for medium to coarse curly hair, CurlShine® is a gentle, rich cleanser designed to deeply cleanse the scalp and deliver maximum hydration along the lengths. Thanks to argan, macadamia and jojoba oils, it replenishes the hair’s lipid component, improves elasticity and restores extraordinary shine.

To get the most out of this shampoo, massage it into the scalp with your fingertips for 2-3 minutes, allowing the conditioning agents to work before rinsing.

Volumising Shampoo for Fine and Thin Curly Hair

If you have fine curly hair that needs volume and body, 2Gentle® is the shampoo designed for you. Its gentle formula hydrates without weighing the hair down, giving support and fullness from the roots. It is specifically designed for medium-to-fine textures that need a balanced protein boost.

Shampoo for Dry and Frizzy Curly Hair

When dealing with dry hair that tends to become frizzy, the ideal solution is a co-wash. Wash’n Go® is a co-wash that deeply hydrates stressed and dehydrated hair, plumping the hair so it regains its best volume and restoring definition to the curl.

A little secret: the term co-wash comes from combining the English words “conditioner” and “to wash”. It is a cleansing technique that gently washes the hair thanks to mild surfactants, without attacking the hair’s lipid film.

Purifying Anti-Build-Up Shampoo for Curly Hair

Even the best curly hair products, when used consistently, can leave residue on the hair shaft. Purify Curly® is a purifying shampoo that removes product build-up without being aggressive on the hair. It is recommended 1-2 times a month to “reset” the hair and allow the following products to perform at their best.

Specific Shampoos for Special Needs

To counteract and remove unwanted golden, red or yellow reflections from curly hair, Silver Curl® is an anti-yellow shampoo that makes your hair shine in an authentic and natural way.

During periods of intense sun exposure, Sun Defence® protects your curls from the effects of the sun and removes chlorine and salt residues, keeping hair hydrated and elastic even in summer.

You can find all our curly hair shampoos in the online shop, with specific formulas for every need.

Hydration is the first beauty secret of curly hair. To keep your curls beautifully defined and free from frizz, they need to be deeply and consistently moisturised.

Conditioner is not an optional step in your curly routine: it is at the very heart of curl care. Without the right curly hair mask or conditioner, even the best shampoo may not be enough.

You may be wondering: what is the difference between a mask and a conditioner? A mask is an intensive treatment, usually left on for 5 to 15 minutes, designed to deeply nourish and help repair the hair. A conditioner, on the other hand, works more quickly and is ideal for detangling and making the hair easier to comb when you have less time.

Nourishing Mask for Medium and Coarse Curly Hair

Curl Switch® is a nourishing mask powered by precious argan, macadamia and jojoba oils. It helps restore elasticity and shine, while making the hair easier to detangle and helping control frizz.

The application is simple, but it can make all the difference: after washing your hair, apply a walnut-sized amount of product, distributing the mask evenly through the lengths and ends. Detangle and massage your curls with your hands. Leave on for 5 to 15 minutes, then rinse for around 5 seconds if your curls are very dry, so they retain more moisture, or for 15 seconds or longer if your curls are finer. For a more detailed guide, read our article on which curly hair mask to choose and how to use it.

Moisturising and Protein Mask for Fine and Thin Curly Hair

For fine curly hair that needs definition without being weighed down, Delight Milk® is a lightweight yet nourishing mask with argan, macadamia and jojoba oils, enriched with hydrolysed collagen and trace elements such as silicon, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc. These ingredients help strengthen the hair structure, protecting it from humidity and dryness without leaving residue.

Super-Nourishing Mask for Frizzy Curly Hair

When your curls need intense hydration, Balby Cream® is the answer. Its rich formula, with coconut oil, corn oil, horse chestnut seed and wild rose, provides deep nourishment for coarse, voluminous hair. Its conditioning action can be adjusted according to the hair’s level of dryness: the thirstier the curl, the longer you can leave the product on.

Detangling Conditioner for Curly Hair

If you do not have time for a full mask treatment, Slide On® is a fast-absorbing acidifying conditioner that seals the cuticles, gives instant shine and makes detangling easier. Thanks to its lightweight texture, it absorbs quickly, leaving the hair free from residue and ready for the next styling step.

You can explore all our conditioners for curly hair to find the mask best suited to your texture and needs.

At this point in the curly routine, your curls have been cleansed, hydrated and nourished. Now comes the moment when they take shape: styling is the step that transforms freshly washed hair into a cascade of defined, voluminous curls.

But which product should you choose among all the styling products for curly hair available? The answer depends on the result you want to achieve. For a detailed comparison of the different types, also read our article on cream, spray or gel: the best curl styler.

If you love super-defined curls with that “crunchy” effect that is later released through scrunching — the so-called cast — gel is your ally. If, instead, you prefer soft, voluminous and natural-looking curls, choose a cream or a mousse.

Styling Cream for Curly Hair: Definition and Nourishment

Among the best styling products for curly hair, Rock’n Go® is our absolute bestseller, with more than 615 reviews. It is a styling cream that defines, nourishes and helps control frizz without weighing the hair down, suitable for all textures and curl types.

Its versatility makes it perfect both for those looking for defined, compact curls and for those who prefer a softer, more natural effect. Apply Rock’n Go® to wet hair — it must be dripping wet — using the scrunching or praying hands technique, then dry with a diffuser. For a complete guide to this step, also read our article on how to style curly hair.

Volumising Mousse for Fine Curly Hair

If you have fine and thin curly hair and your goal is volume, Delicious Curl® is the mousse for you. It gives body and support from the roots, defining curls without weight or residue. It is particularly suitable for medium-to-fine textures that want definition and volume in one simple step.

For optimal application, distribute the mousse on wet hair and use the scrunching technique from the bottom upwards, gently squeezing the strands towards the roots.

Styling Spray for Wavy Hair

For those with wavy hair, type 2A to 2C, who want to enhance their natural waves without weighing them down, Just Waves® is a styling spray with a light, invisible hold. Thanks to flaxseed extract, chia seeds, aloe gel and panthenol, it defines waves, making them softer and shinier, with a natural effect and no stiffness.

Leave-In and No-Rinse Cream for Curly Hair

Between mask and styling, there is a step that many people overlook: the leave-in, a no-rinse product that conditions and prepares the curl to receive styling in the best possible way. I Love Riccio’s Refresh & Leave-in Cream performs this dual function: it conditions the hair as an intermediate step in the routine, or revives curls in the days following wash day.

Styling for Damaged and Bleached Curly Hair

Curls sensitised by chemical treatments need dedicated styling. Super Builder Styling from the Curl Save’n Safe line is a styling cream enriched with botanical amino acid complexes and bioferments, specifically designed for bleached and damaged hair that appears dry, dull and prone to breakage.

How to Apply Styling Products to Curly Hair

One element not to overlook: the application technique is just as important as the product itself. Here are the main techniques recommended by our Curly Hair Experts:

Scrunching: with your hands, gather the hair from the ends towards the roots, gently squeezing it to activate the curl and distribute the product.

Praying hands: press the strands between the palms of your hands to distribute the product evenly, ideal for long and thick hair.

Rake and shake: run your fingers through the hair like a comb and shake the strands to separate and define each curl.

Finger coil: wrap individual strands around your finger to achieve maximum definition, perfect for tight curls and afro hair.

It is important to remember that the hair must not be towel-dried or squeezed before applying styling products: it must be dripping wet. Only then will the product distribute evenly and the result be perfectly defined curls.

Drying is the moment when the curl sets into its final shape. A mistake at this stage can undo all the work done with shampoo, mask and styling, so it is worth giving it the right attention. For an even more detailed guide, read our article dedicated to how to dry curly hair perfectly.

Drying with a Diffuser

The diffuser is curly hair’s number one ally. The key rule is always to dry upside down, starting from the ends and moving towards the roots, with the hairdryer set to minimum speed and medium heat.

Do not touch the strands while drying: the temptation may be strong, but every time you handle curls as they dry, you risk disrupting them and creating frizz. Let the diffuser do its job, gently placing the strands in the cup without pressing.

Air Drying

If you have time and prefer a softer, more natural result, air drying is a valid alternative. Before letting the hair dry naturally, it is essential to remove excess water and product with a microfibre towel, gently blotting the hair — never rubbing.

Plopping and Microplopping

Plopping is a technique that more and more curly-haired people are falling in love with. It consists of wrapping the hair in a microfibre towel or cotton T-shirt, creating a sort of turban that absorbs excess water without disrupting the curls. Microplopping, on the other hand, involves blotting the strands with microfibre fabric without wrapping the whole head.

Both techniques help reduce drying time and keep curls more defined and voluminous.

It is not necessary (nor recommended) to wash curly hair every day. Washing too often can strip away natural sebum and stress the hair, compromising elasticity and definition.

That is why the refresh has become an essential step in the curly routine: it allows you to revive your curls and maintain the result of wash day for several days, reducing how often you need to wash your hair.

Magic Curl Reactivator® is our curl-refreshing spray, designed for instant curl renewal between washes. Simply spray it onto the strands, do a little scrunching and, if needed, use the diffuser for a few minutes. For all practical tips, discover how to revive curly hair the day after washing.

For a more intense refresh, Refresh & Leave-in Cream adds conditioning and definition, ideal when curls need a stronger reactivation.

Another essential tip concerns night-time protection. Sleeping with a satin cap or on a silk pillowcase reduces friction during sleep, preventing curls from losing shape and becoming frizzy. To discover all the useful tips, read our advice on how not to ruin curly hair at night. These materials allow air to circulate and create a micro-environment that supports the absorption of applied products, protecting curls until morning.

If there is one enemy that those with curly hair know all too well, it is frizz. That uncontrolled volume that makes curls lose definition and gives the hair a swollen, untidy look.

But be careful: frizz is not a flaw in your curl. It is a sign that your hair needs more hydration and protection. When the cuticles of the hair shaft lift — because of dryness, environmental humidity or the wrong products — the hair loses its natural compactness and tends to frizz. To explore the causes and solutions further, also read our article on remedies for frizzy hair.

The Anti-Frizz Routine Recommended by Our Curly Hair Experts

To control frizz effectively, our Curly Hair Experts recommend a three-step routine:

Hydrating cleansing with CurlShine®, for medium-to-coarse textures, or Wash’n Go®, for very dry curls, which cleanse without attacking the lipid film.

Nourishing mask with Balby Cream®, for coarse and frizzy textures, or Curl Switch®, for medium textures, to be left on for at least 10 minutes for a deep conditioning action.

Anti-frizz styling with Rock’n Go®, which creates a protective barrier on the strands, keeping them defined and soft even in humid environments.

A good way to boost the anti-frizz action is to include the Pre-Shampoo Booster based on natural oils in your routine. Applied before washing, it deeply nourishes the hair, preparing it to better receive the following products and creating extra protection against humidity.

In our section dedicated to products for frizzy, curly and dry hair, you will find all the formulas designed to help control frizz and build the anti-frizz routine best suited to you.

Fine curly hair lives with a paradox: it needs volume and definition, but it is easily weighed down by products that are too rich. The challenge is finding lightweight formulas that give body and support without flattening the curl, while providing a balanced protein boost.

The Routine for Fine Curly Hair

Here is the combination we recommend in our Ateliers for fine and thin curly hair:

• 2Gentle® as shampoo: volumising and gentle, it hydrates without weighing the hair down.
• Delight Milk® as mask: lightweight and protein-rich, it strengthens fine hair without leaving residue.
• Delicious Curl® as styling product: the volumising mousse that gives body and support from the roots.

For fine wavy hair, an excellent alternative is Just Waves®, the lightweight-hold styling spray that enhances natural waves with a soft and airy effect.

If you want to start straight away with the complete routine, the Curly and Wavy Hair Kit with Mousse contains everything you need to achieve voluminous, defined and lightweight curls. Explore all our curly haircare kits to find the ideal combination for your texture.

Men’s curly hair has specific needs that deserve dedicated products. Often shorter, with a scalp that tends to weaken and with the need for quick, natural-looking definition, men’s curls require targeted formulas.

At I Love Riccio, we created the CurlyMan line, specifically designed to enhance men’s curly hair.

The CurlyMan Routine

• Drupe’n Wash®: a gentle and conditioning shampoo with antioxidant properties. Thanks to ginseng extract, vitamins and minerals, it promotes scalp oxygenation and strengthens the follicles, helping prevent weakening and encouraging hair growth.
• Bold Mask: a nourishing mask rich in plant oils that completes the hydration process, leaving curls soft and manageable.
• Clover Cream®: a hydrating and elasticising styling cream that defines curls naturally, without that “overdone” effect many men want to avoid.

For those who want everything in one solution, the CurlyMan Kit contains the three products of the complete routine, also perfect as a gift idea. Discover the full CurlyMan line of products for men’s curly hair in our shop.

Learning to love your curly hair from childhood is the most beautiful gift you can give your children. Anyone with curly hair knows that having dedicated products to care for it is a pleasure not only for adults, but also for children.

Children’s curly hair needs specific formulas: the scalp is more delicate, ingredients must be extremely gentle, and tolerability is an absolute priority.

The CurlyKids Routine

The I Love Riccio CurlyKids line was created precisely to turn shampoo time into a moment of play and wellbeing:

• Ariel Shampoo CurlyKids®: a super-gentle shampoo with a tear-free formula that cleanses softly without irritating the eyes.
• CurlyKids Mask: nourishing and detangling, also with a tear-free formula, ideal for loosening knots without pulling.
• CurlyKids Styling Cream: an elasticising anti-frizz styling cream to define children’s curls.

All products in the CurlyKids line contain over 90% naturally derived ingredients and are formulated without silicones, parabens, SLS, SLES, sulphates or allergens. The CurlyKids Kit is the perfect solution to start a child’s curly routine with safe and professional products. Explore the full line of children’s curly haircare products in our shop.

Afro hair, types 4A, 4B and 4C, has a very tight curl pattern that makes it particularly fragile, prone to dryness and highly susceptible to frizz. For this reason, it needs extra nourishment and rich formulas that hydrate deeply without weighing it down.

The AfroLove Routine

The I Love Riccio AfroLove line is specifically designed for the needs of afro curls:

• Magnifish® Co-Wash AfroLove: a cleansing cream with nourishing, emollient and anti-frizz action, perfect for gently cleansing afro hair.
• AfroLove Mask: super-hydrating thanks to shea butter, avocado oil, coconut oil and wheat proteins, leaving hair elastic, shiny and incredibly soft.
• Bulking Cream AfroLove: styling for definition and softness, a concentrated blend of natural functional ingredients with antioxidant, emollient and detangling properties.

The AfroLove Kit contains the complete routine, designed to give afro hair all the hydration and care it needs.

Bleaching, chemical treatments and excessive heat can damage the keratin bonds inside the hair shaft, making curls dry, dull, lifeless and prone to breakage. If this sounds familiar, your curls need a targeted reconstruction routine.

The Curl Save’n Safe Routine

The I Love Riccio Curl Save’n Safe line was designed to repair, strengthen and protect damaged curly and wavy hair:

• Curl Repair®: a strengthening and restructuring shampoo with botanical amino acids and plant extracts, which starts the repair process from the cleansing step.
• Curl Restore®: a strengthening and restructuring mask that softens, detangles, repairs and protects the lengths.
• Super Builder Styling®: a styling cream specifically for sensitised hair, enriched with bioferments that repair keratin bonds.

The Curl Save’n Safe Kit contains all three products for a complete reconstruction routine. Your curls will regain strength, elasticity and shine, with better frizz control and greater resistance to split ends.

The right curly hair products are essential, but accessories also make a huge difference to the final result of your curly routine. Here are the ones we recommend to everyone who trusts our Ateliers:

• Microfibre towel: essential for plopping and for gently blotting hair after washing. It reduces frizz compared to a classic terry towel, whose rough surface lifts the cuticles.
• Anti-frizz satin cap: the ultimate night-time protection. Satin reduces friction during sleep, keeping curls defined until morning.
• Pure silk anti-frizz pillowcase: the alternative to a cap for those who find it uncomfortable, with the same benefits in terms of friction reduction and hair protection.
• Curl Clips: the perfect clips for achieving root volume during diffuser drying.
• 360° mist spray bottle: the ideal tool for daily refresh, distributing water and product evenly over the strands.
• Detangling brush: lightweight, gentle and ergonomic, designed to detangle curls without breaking them.
• Wide-tooth root-lifting comb: to distribute product evenly and give volume at the roots.

Investing in these accessories means protecting the work done with your products and extending the duration of the result between one wash day and the next.