Most of us know that shampoo and conditioner are the two supporting pillars of your in-shower haircare routine – no matter your hair's texture and condition. But it's important that both suit its unique needs. Take the best conditioner for curly hair. These formulas focus on delivering moisture and definition to parched curls, coils and waves – and, after much testing, our beauty experts have refined this guide to the very best on the market.
Curly hair needs more moisture than straighter hair types, which is why you're likely to find yourself getting through conditioner faster than the best shampoo for curly hair. One main reason is its shape, because natural oils from your scalp can’t travel down wiggly strands as easily as they can straighter ones. What's more, while porosity levels vary between individuals, the cuticles on the shaft of curly hair also don’t slot together evenly, leaving gaps that moisture can escape through.
While the best conditioners for fine and thin hair often focus on lightweight ingredients, curly conditioners tend to be packed with more hydration and nourishing ingredients, such as oils and butters, to counteract natural dryness. (This is of course a general rule, as curly hair can be fine in texture, too.) And when curly hair types are well nourished, you’ll find that they’re more defined and less likely to tangle or develop frizz. To that end, we’ve tested plenty of products to bring you a detailed round-up of the very best conditioners for curly hair in this need-to-know guide.
The best conditioners for curly hair, chosen by our experts
RRP: £13 for 284ml | Key ingredients: Black castor oil, shea butter, peppermint, apple cider vinegar
Reviewed by: Millie Fender
The first thing we noticed before testing the Shea Moisture Jamaican Strengthen & Restore Conditioner is that it's a generous size for the price. The formula inside is what counts the most, though, and that is an intensely nourishing conditioner that's brilliant for over-processed hair is crying out for moisture.
Texture-wise, it doesn't feel super thick, but it's the ingredients – black castor oil and shea butter – that make it so moisturising. The downside is that it's not the easiest to rinse out, and our testers with oilier scalps found that their hair was greasy again not too long after washing. We would recommend for coily and curly hair and/or that's on the thicker side.
Pros
- Good value in terms of size vs price
- Great for coily and very curly hair types
Cons
- Quite a rich, heavier formula, so may not suit fine and low porosity curly hair
RRP: £28 for 250ml | Key ingredients: Maca root extract, quinoa
Reviewed by: Rhiannon Derbyshire
Having curly hair is high maintenance, so know sometimes it's easier to reach for the best straighteners for curly hair than wear your hair naturally. If that is the case, your hair will need extra protection and this formula uses quinoa protein to form a protective shield over your strands.
We would stress that it's important not to overuse this formula, as it's possible to apply too much protein to your hair; some of our testers found that it made their hair feel dry and coated, both of which are tell-tale signs that you've over-proteined. However, if your hair isn't at protein saturation point, you'll be impressed by the softness. "My curls always feel much more manageable, softer and smoother after use," says our curly-haired senior beauty editor Rhiannon Derbyshire. If you're looking for a shampoo to go with it, try the brand's Goji Berry Mint Reviving Hair Rinse, which made our best shampoos and conditioners list.
Pros
- Contains strengthening proteins
- Has a softening, smoothing effect
Cons
- Protein formula means it mustn't be over-used
RRP: £26 for 250ml | Key ingredients: Manketti nut, citrus and xinemia oils
Reviewed by: Millie Fender
If you're looking for a conditioner for curly hair that makes wash day feel like a treat, this is it. It's almost velvety in texture and smells heavenly – thanks to the delicious combination of tangerine pill, citrus lemon, ximenia and olive fruit oils. Our tester's curls were impressively silky after using this, but not so soft that the curls were elongated or lost their shape.
As its creator, pro hairdresser Charlotte Mensah, is an oracle of curl care, she also recommends two ways to use it: as a leave-in treatment or as a deep conditioner. Because it's so gorgeous, you will want to slather a lot on at a time, which would be a very expensive habit if you're on a budget. If you can't stretch to make this your everyday conditioner, keep a bottle for when your hair needs some TLC.
Pros
- Feels luxurious
- Rich in nourishing oils
- Hairdresser-founded brand
Cons
- Quite pricey for the size
RRP: £8.99 for 400ml | Key ingredients: Cacao seed butter, coconut & olive oils
Reviewed by: Lucy Abbersteen
The best conditioner for curly hair doesn't have to cost the earth. In fact, you might find that this more purse-friendly option is the right choice for you and your spirals. "You have to use so much conditioner as a curly girl, so finding an affordable formula is wise," says Rhiannon Derbyshire, our senior beauty editor. "This is my favourite – it's really well-priced for such a big bottle and it works brilliantly. It's not too heavy or rich, so it works well even quite close to the roots, leaving my curls looking bouncy and defined. I always have a bottle or two stashed away."
If your hair is especially dry then this particular formula probably won't be thick enough to restore softness and shine, in which case we'd recommend the Shea Moisture Jamaican Strengthen & Restore Conditioner or Davines' NOUNOU instead.
Pros
- Very affordable compared to other brands
Cons
- Packaging isn't particularly luxurious
RRP: £19 for 300ml | Key ingredients: Aloe vera leaf, argan & virgin coconut oils
Reviewed by: Millie Fender
Find that your curls quickly stray into birds-nest territory with knots and tangles that are tedious (not to mention painful) to tease out? We found the Bouclème Curl Conditioner is just what the doctor ordered. It has a lovely lightweight milky texture that has just enough hydration for medium to fine curly hair when rinsed out, but can be left on for longer if your hair is thicker and seriously parched.
Although it's not a very heavy formula, it is still super nourishing – a couple of reviewers actually found that the oil content built up in the hair over time. In this case, try using a clarifying shampoo once a month as a reset. There are two options to choose from, a fragranced version for a more sensory shower or a fragrance-free option for sensitive scalps. They really have thought of everything.
Pros
- Works really well at detangling
- Super nourishing
Cons
- May leave residue in very fine or easily overwhelmed hair
RRP: £42 for 200ml | Key ingredients: Alpha Keratin 60ku, carob gum, rice protein, jojoba & sunflower oils
Reviewed by: Millie Fender
If your curls are prone to breakage and don't have much spring to them, then your hair should be deficient in protein. Enter Virtue's Curl Conditioner, the most expensive on our list, but for good reason. The key ingredient is Virtue's Alpha Keratin 60ku, a patented protein proven to restore damaged hair to its former glory by smoothing over and sealing gaps – think of it like high-end hair Polyfilla.
That's what's going on at a structural level, but we found that what it looks like to the naked eye is improved elasticity for extra bounce and spring without snapping, increased shine and reduced frizz. Depending on the condition of your hair, it might not be that you need to use it every time you wash, rather only once or twice a month. Pro tip: it's also available in a travel size if you want to give it a try without as big a commitment.
Pros
- Works to repair strands with a patented, hair-identical protein
Cons
- Your hair isn't damaged
RRP: £9.25 for 250ml | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, snow mushroom, black oat extract
Reviewed by: Millie Fender
The ingredients list for Umberto Giannini Thirsty Curls Conditioner reads like a hardworking moisturiser for your skin, with hyaluronic acid and tremella snow mushroom to hydrate and black oat extract to condition your curls so they're less likely to snag and snap. This trio work wonders to reduce frizz and fluff on curls prone to flyaways, by rehydrating what's been lost through shampooing for enhanced definition and extra shine.
In our opinion, you'll see results if you have dehydrated curls, but it's unlikely to solve the problem if your hair is especially dry or damaged – in which case try Virtue's Curl Conditioner instead. But even a quick application and rinse is enough time for thirsty hair to reap all the benefits; it's a great choice if you don't have time for a mask on time on wash day.
Pros
- Particularly good for frizz-prone hair
Cons
- Not the most nourishing
RRP: £23.50 for 250ml | Key ingredients: Vitamin E, glycerin
Reviewed by: Millie Fender
The Davines NOUNOU Nourishing Conditioner is a bit of a contradiction. Yes, it's intensely rich and creamy, and a little goes a long way, but it also washes out incredibly well and doesn't feel heavy on the hair, making it an excellent buy for anyone with fine curls that can be weighed down. We found it did a brilliant job of detangling messy curls, increasing volume and making hair look more defined.
The Nounou range was formulated especially for bleached, permed and relaxed hair – i.e. strands that have been put through the wringer – so a few uses will bring curls back from the brink. One criticism we had was that the tub wasn't entirely shower-friendly (we ended up getting water in it), plus we were heavier-handed with the formula than with a squeezy bottle, so used it more quickly.
Pros
- High level of nourishment
Cons
- Packaging is messier than a handy tube
RRP: £24 for 235ml | Key ingredients: Rosehip, argan and coconut oils
Reviewed by: Millie Fender
We're big fans of Briogeo's conditioners so we were excited to give this one a whirl. It promises to bid farewell to frizz, and on fine to medium curls it definitely does that, using a combination of rosehip, argan and coconut oils to keep that halo of fluffy flyaways at bay.
It doesn't contain silicones, which means there's less of a risk of build-up over time, while the scent is lovely, lingering to extend that just-washed feeling for days. All that said, it didn't pack quite enough of a punch for our thicker-haired testers, so if your hair is especially coarse, thick or parched, something like Davines' NOUNOU Conditioner would be a better fit. Otherwise, it's a brilliant conditioner for regular use.
Pros
- Smooths frizz well
- Contains nourishing oils
- Helps shield the hair from humidity
Cons
- May not be nourishing enough for very thick and/or coarse hair
How to choose the best conditioner for curly hair
Curly hair has very different needs to straighter patterns, but there are still huge variations within the category, too. While the priority is adequate moisture, how much each head of curly hair can vary hugely – and there are a few other considerations to make to ensure your chosen condition is a perfect fit for your hair. Here are some things to think about before you head to the checkout.
- Price: As senior beauty editor Rhiannon mentioned, you'll likely go through conditioner fairly quickly, so it needs to come with a price tag that you can afford to repurchase regularly. That said, if your hair is in damaged and needs a high-performing reparative formula in the short term, it may be worth investing in something particularly advanced and restorative.
- Moisture: How much moisture your hair requires varies depending on strands' thickness, patterns and porosity level. If your hair soaks up nourishment with ease, look for something that's thicker and richer, but go for something moderately moisturising if your hair can get weighed down with excessive moisture. "Choosing the wrong conditioner can lead to lacklustre limp curls with no shine or bounce," says Keisha Jo Lawler, founder of Trepadora. You want to look for conditioners that contain ingredients like esters, light butters – cocoa seed and mango seed butters are favourites – and behentrimonium methosulfate, which works incredibly well on frizzy hair to seal the cuticles down."
- Protein: Protein treatments are very useful in strengthening weak and damaged hair, but they're just one aspect of a healthy haircare routine and shouldn't be overused, as this can leave hair brittle. "I recommend avoiding conditioners with too many proteins and being very careful in how often you use them," says Lawler. "[If over-used] they can have the opposite effect intended and over-strengthen your strands, which can lead to breakage."
How we tested the best conditioners for curly hair
A selection of the conditioners we tested and considered for this guide
Much like these hair types, conditioners for curly hair are very diverse, so we ensured we tested a broad range of options on the market. Our expert curly-haired testers put formulas at differing price points, from both higher end and affordable brands, through their paces, considering all of the following factors while assessing each conditioner.
- Price: A bigger price tag doesn't necessarily mean a better product, so we assessed each formulas value for money in the context of the cost. The more expensive options here have advanced benefits or unique ingredients that go some way to justifying the higher price.
- Packaging: This isn't just about aesthetics, lovely though pretty packaging is. A conditioner's bottle, tube or tub needs to be functional and fuss-free, too.
- Scent: Though fragrance is very subjective, a lovely scent adds to the overall experience, and scored points.
- Ingredients: The best conditioners for curly hair contain hardworking ingredients that improve both the short-term look and feel and long-term health of your curls. We therefore paid close attention to the formulation, too.
- How curls looked and felt after using: Oils and butters in conditioner will help to seal the hair cuticle and help give each individual curl definition for a fuller, healthier-looking finish.
- How well results lasted: The bends in curly hair mean the cuticle doesn't lie flat, meaning moisture can escape more easily. Conversely, this also makes it more likely to draw in moisture from the atmosphere when it's too dry, leading to frizz. A good conditioner for curly hair will nourish sufficiently and help smoother definition to last.
Our expert panel
Millie Fender is the former eCommerce Editor at woman&home and, before that, Head of Reviews across some of Future plc's leading Homes titles, including Ideal Home and Homes&Gardens. As our head of all things shopping, Millie was committed to giving readers honest expert advice when it comes to spending their hard-earned cash – and with curly hair, she knows what to look for in a good conditioner.
Jess Beech is an experienced fashion and beauty editor with more than eight years of experience in the publishing industry. She has written for woman&home, GoodtoKnow, Now, Woman, Woman’s Weekly, Woman’s Own and Chat, and was formerly deputy fashion & beauty editor at Future plc. With naturally very thick, curly strands, she's well versed in which formulas sufficiently nourish strands (and which ones don't).
Lucy Abbersteen is a freelance beauty editor and one of woman&home's contributing beauty editor. With close to a decade of experience in the industry – and with hair as one of her specialisms – she's also tested a lot of products on her natural ringlets over the years, and therefore knows well which formulas work best for curly hair types.
Keisha Jo Lawler is a curly hair expert and the founder of haircare brand Trepadora. She launched both the flagship salon and her own range of vegan-certified products – designed for all curl types, from corkscrews to gentle waves, and suitable for all ages from three upwards – in 2015. All this makes her an expert in topics like what makes the best conditioner for curly hair.