The Definitive Edit Of The Best Curl-Defining Products On The Market
Most people with naturally coily and curly hair textures tend to go through similar trials and tribulations when attempting to define their curls. The type of issue is usually dependent on hair health, texture, length and porosity of hair. It is either that the product is too greasy to create any real definition, too watery to create any lasting definition, too oily to-the-touch or that the twist-out, step-by-step tutorial that was diligently followed the night before gave minimal definition (though the product occasionally does give consolation moisture for the effort).
Those with tighter curls have found it especially hard to fill up their shopping baskets with both appropriate and accessible hair products in recent years – but that is starting to change, with numerous beauty influencers spotting the gap in the market. As a result, retailers have stepped up their game: coily and curly hair products are gradually becoming more readily available on high-street shelves, and e-retailers are stocking hair products that could once only be found in inner-city hair and specialist beauty stores.
Tolu Agoro, ambassador for Cantu, is happy about the shift. “I’m so heartened to know that young Black girls can now enjoy the experience of seeing their textured hair across billboards as well as see space occupied on the shelves with products designed specifically for our beautiful curls, kinks and coils. The process of caring for your hair becomes a lot easier when products are readily available.”
So, whether you are looking for the perfect product to bring your curls back to life or are on the lookout for a formula with the right amount of slip, weight and texture for your twist-out, there are a number of products that can help define your curls, that are soft-to-the-touch and flake-free, and that can achieve all this without compromising on moisture. Discover British Vogue’s pick of the best curly hair products below.
1/6Auntie Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard
A little goes a long way with this one. With the absolute perfect amount of ‘slip’, this hair custard melts effortlessly, making it the perfect product to use when doing twist-outs or refreshing thirsty curls. Full of moisturising humectants, the shea butter, olive oil and cocoa seed oil will keep hair defined and nourished. Its light yet supple texture works great in all type three to four hair.
Auntie Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard, £5.49, available at BlackHairCare.co.uk.
2/6Lush R&B Hair Moisturiser
Words alone will never do this miracle product justice. This curl-defining moisturiser will bring the ‘R&B’ – rhythm and balance – back to hair. The emollient properties of glycerine, conditioning cupuaçu butter and avocado will smooth your coils, bringing the bounce and shine back to tired curls. Its creamy, non-sticky, frizz-free and non-buildup formula defines, sans crunch. Scrunch in or use when twisting for best results.
Lush R&B Hair Moisturiser, £14, available at Lush.co.uk.
3/6Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker Curling Jelly
Who said your skincare favourites can’t be used in the hair too? Light and textured ingredients such as aloe vera refresh thirsty curls beautifully – so you’ll be glad to hear that this hydrating jelly is full of it. With regular use, hair will be protected from breakage and damage from drying environmental aggressors. Distribute this marshmallow root and agave-rich jelly from root to tip after washing and detangling hair.
Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker Curling Jelly, £16.99, available at Boots.co.uk.
4/6As I Am Coil Defining Jelly
For flake-free, long-lasting definition with added shine, popular natural hair brand, As I Am’s coil-defining offering will make your coils and curls pop in a matter of moments. The thick texture of the jelly will hold strands together, giving coiler hair types the definition that watery products are simply unable to provide. The jelly leaves hair defined whilst giving it a good moisture boost – type four hair will enjoy this the most. Best used in wet hair after conditioning or co-washing.
As I Am Coil Defining Jelly, £10, available at AntidoteStreet.com.
5/6Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
A favourite and a curl-defining staple for many, this exquisitely scented hair smoothie helps keep curls in good shape all day long. With the help of fatty-acid rich neem oil and smoothing silk proteins, under-nourished hair is restored, silky soft while strands are sealed and protected.
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie, £11, available at BlackHairCare.co.uk.
6/6Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Coconut Curling Cream
Perfect for tighter coils looking to retain length and prevent shrinkage when washing, this is the go-to product for a quick coil refreshing wash-and-go morning. Distribute this lightweight Cantu favourite from root-to-tip after co-washing. Proceed to braiding or twisting hair into sections – avoid combing or brushing hair to keep curl pattern in. Either air dry, overnight-dry or use a hair dryer on low heat to set. Fluff out roots with afro-pick and voila, your coils are styled and most importantly, defined.
Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Coconut Curling Cream, £7, available at FeelUnique.com.
