Curly Hair Essentials Library
Every product from my Curly & Confident: Type 3 Curl Guide — organized by porosity, category, and your styling goals. Shop my curated recommendations and build a routine that actually works.
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Cleansers
Budget Picks
Curlsmith Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash
Creamy, moisturizing co-wash that softens curls and reduces frizz — great for low–medium porosity hair needing gentle cleansing.
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Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Shampoo
Light, sulfate-free cleanser that works for all porosities and everyday curl care without stripping.
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SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Shampoo
Strengthening, color-safe cleanser that helps repair brittle or color-treated curls — ideal for medium to high porosity hair needing reinforcement.
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Brand exclusive — available only on the official SheaMoisture website.
Salon Picks
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo
Soft, gentle cleanser that reduces frizz and improves definition — ideal for humidity-prone, low–medium porosity curls needing smoother results.
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Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo
Chelating cleanser that removes minerals, chlorine, and hard-water buildup — perfect for all porosities, especially in hard-water areas.
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Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Bond-repairing shampoo that strengthens, hydrates, and reduces breakage — ideal for damaged, color-treated, or high-porosity curls.
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Surface Curls Shampoo
Moisture-rich cleanser that adds softness, slip, and definition — great for low–medium porosity curls needing gentle hydration.
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Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
Sulfate-free, creamy cleanser that boosts moisture and vibrancy — perfect for dry, color-treated, or medium–high porosity curls.
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Conditioners & Deep Conditioners
Budget Picks
Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioner
Rich, buttery deep conditioner with blue-green algae and mango butter. Softens, strengthens, and restores low–medium porosity curls without weighing them down.
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SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Masque
Strengthening, moisture-restoring masque with JBCO and shea butter — ideal for medium–high porosity, damaged, dry, or brittle curls needing bounce and softness.
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Not Your Mother’s Blonde Moment Purple Conditioner (toning)
Moisturizing purple toning conditioner that reduces brassiness and keeps blonde or highlighted curls bright without stripping moisture — great for medium to high porosity color-treated hair.
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Salon Picks
Obliphica Seaberry Hair Mask
Rich, ultra-moisturizing mask with seaberry oil — ideal for dry, frizzy, or high-porosity curls that need softness and shine.
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Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
Protein-free moisture mask that softens, reduces breakage, and restores elasticity — ideal for low to medium porosity curls or anyone needing deep hydration without weight.
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Amika The Kure Intense Bond Repair Mask
Bond repair + rich moisture for damaged or high-porosity curls that need strength and softness without heaviness.
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Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
Creamy, bond-building conditioner that moisturizes and strengthens dry, color-treated, or high-porosity curls.
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Redken Color Extend Blondage Mask
Purple toning mask that neutralizes brassiness and strengthens blonde or highlighted curls. Great for keeping color bright between salon visits.
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Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumière + Masque Ultra-Viole
Hydrating + toning duo that keeps blonde curls bright, soft, and protected from dryness. Ideal for curls needing moisture and anti-brass care.
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Leave-Ins & Moisture Bases
Budget Picks
Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave-In
Lightweight, strengthening leave-in that softens curls without buildup and boosts elasticity. Best for low to medium porosity hair needing moisture without heaviness.
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Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk
Creamy, moisture-rich styler that nourishes dry or brittle curls and adds long-lasting softness. Great for low, medium, and high-porosity curls needing extra hydration and slip.
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SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Rich, creamy moisture styler that boosts definition, reduces frizz, and hydrates thick or dry curls — ideal for medium- to high-porosity hair that needs heavier moisture.
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Salon Picks
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel-Cream
Lightweight gel-cream that boosts definition, softens curls, and blocks humidity — perfect for medium porosity or frizz-prone curls in humid climates.
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Briogeo Curl Charisma Leave-In
Light moisture leave-in that smooths, softens, and reduces breakage — ideal for low to medium porosity curls needing lightweight slip without buildup.
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Design Essentials Natural Curl Enhancing Mousse
Lightweight, soft-hold mousse that adds definition and reduces frizz — great for medium-porosity curls or low-porosity hair that prefers foam stylers.
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Kinky-Curly Knot Today
Silky detangler + leave-in that melts knots and boosts moisture — ideal for low porosity, fine–medium density, and tangle-prone curls.
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TGIN Green Tea Super Moist Leave-In
Light, hydrating slip that softens curls — ideal for low–medium porosity hair.
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Gels
Budget Picks
NYM Curl Talk Frizz Control Gel
Lightweight styling gel that defines curls and helps control frizz without stiffness or buildup. Works well for low- to medium-porosity curls that want soft hold and flexibility.
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Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel
Classic strong-hold gel infused with olive oil to enhance definition and shine. Best for medium to high porosity curls or styles that need longer-lasting hold and frizz control.
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Aussie Instant Freeze Gel
Strong-hold gel that locks curls in place and fights frizz all day. Best for medium– to high-porosity curls or styles that require maximum hold and longevity.
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Salon Picks
Curlsmith Fragrance-Free Shine Jelly
Lightweight, fragrance-free gel that adds shine and soft definition without crunch — ideal for low to medium porosity curls or anyone who prefers flexible hold.
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DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel
Strong-hold gel that delivers long-lasting definition and frizz control. Works best for medium to high porosity curls.
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Pattern Curl Gel
Medium-hold gel that defines curls, smooths frizz, and adds shine without crunch. Works well for low- to medium-porosity curls that want softness with control.
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Curlsmith Strong Hold Gel (fragrance-free)
Fragrance-free, strong-hold gel that delivers definition and long-lasting hold without flakes. Best for medium- to high-porosity curls or styles that require durability.
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Mousses
Budget Picks
Cantu Wave Whip Mousse
Lightweight mousse that enhances waves and loose curls while adding soft hold and reducing frizz. Best for low– to medium-porosity hair that prefers airy styling.
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Lottabody Wrap Me Foaming Mousse
Classic foaming mousse that delivers moisture, shine, and flexible hold without stiffness. Works well on low- to medium-porosity curls, wraps, and wash-and-go styles.
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NYM Curl Talk Refreshing Foam
Light refresh foam designed to revive curls between wash days, boost definition, and control frizz without buildup. Ideal for all porosities, especially fine or easily weighed-down hair.
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Salon Picks
Design Essentials Curl Enhancing Mousse
Lightweight, soft-hold mousse that adds definition and reduces frizz — great for medium-porosity curls or low-porosity hair that prefers foam stylers.
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The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam
Highly concentrated foam that defines curls, boosts texture, and delivers long-lasting hold without flakes. Best for medium to high porosity curls or anyone who wants strong definition with volume.
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Custards & Cream Stylers
Budget Picks
Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Coil Custard
Thick, moisture-rich custard that delivers strong definition and shine for coils and tight curls. Helps elongate curls, reduce frizz, and enhance curl pattern — best for medium–high porosity or hair that needs heavier hold and moisture.
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Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Custard
Soft-hold curl custard that defines curls without stiffness. Lightweight enough for frequent use while still providing moisture and frizz control — ideal for low–medium porosity curls or looser textures that want definition without heaviness.
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Salon Picks
DevaCurl Supercream
Rich, moisture-heavy curl cream that deeply hydrates, softens, and enhances curl definition while reducing frizz. Best for medium–high porosity curls, thick hair, or anyone needing extra moisture and slip before styling.
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Pattern Curl Gel (hybrid cream/gel)
Medium-hold gel that defines curls, smooths frizz, and adds shine without crunch. Works well for low- to medium-porosity curls that want softness with control. Also works as a lightweight gel-custard hybrid for soft definition, wash-and-gos, or layering over a leave-in.
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Oils & Finishers
Budget Picks
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Serum
Lightweight silicone-based serum that smooths frizz, adds shine, and helps seal moisture — ideal for budget-friendly frizz control and finishing styles. Works best on medium- to high-porosity hair or as a final step after styling.
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OGX Renewing Argan Oil
Nourishing oil blend that softens, smooths, and boosts shine without weighing hair down. Great for dry ends, frizz-prone curls, and protective styles, especially on medium to high porosity hair.
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Salon Picks
Moroccanoil Treatment Light
Lightweight argan-oil treatment designed for fine hair, light-colored hair, or low–medium porosity curls. Adds shine, smooths frizz, and improves manageability without heaviness. Best as a finishing oil or mix-in with creams.
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Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
Highly concentrated, weightless bonding oil that strengthens, smooths frizz, and adds heat protection up to 450°F. Ideal for damaged, color-treated, or high-porosity curls needing repair and shine without grease.
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Camille Rose Cocoa Nibs & Honey Serum
Nutrient-rich oil-serum that seals moisture, adds shine, and supports length retention. Great for ends, scalp massage, and protective styles, especially for medium- to high-porosity hair.
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Treatments & Repair
ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor
Fast-acting protein treatment that helps strengthen weak, damaged, or over-processed curls. Ideal for periodic repair when hair feels mushy, overly soft, or prone to breakage. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner.
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Christophe Robin Hydrating Cream Scrub with Aloe Vera
Gentle scalp scrub formulated with aloe vera to soothe flakes and rebalance the scalp without harsh exfoliation. Ideal for sensitive scalps or regular maintenance between deeper clarifying washes.
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Briogeo Scalp Revival Drops
Lightweight scalp serum that soothes itch, reduces flakes, and balances oil without weighing hair down. Great for low–medium porosity or anyone who needs between-wash scalp relief without buildup.
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Briogeo Scalp Revival Mask
Weekly exfoliating scalp mask that removes buildup, unclogs follicles, and refreshes the scalp using charcoal and tea tree. Best for oily, flaky, or congested scalps that need a reset.
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Mielle Rosemary Mint Oil
Stimulating scalp oil that supports circulation and scalp health while sealing moisture into lengths. Best used sparingly on the scalp or on ends for shine — especially helpful for medium–high porosity hair.
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Malibu C Scalp Wellness Shampoo
Chelating scalp shampoo that removes hard water minerals, chlorine, and product buildup while soothing irritation. Ideal for all porosity levels, especially for hard water, flakes, or persistent scalp congestion.
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Henna Sooq Cassia Treatment (Strength + Shine Mask)
Cassia-based botanical treatment that strengthens curls, boosts shine, and improves definition without altering hair color. Acts like a plant-based protein treatment, making it ideal for fine, low–medium porosity, or weakened curls.
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Bentonite Clay
Mineral-rich clay used for occasional detox washes to remove heavy buildup, clarify the scalp, and restore curl pattern. Best for high porosity, oily scalps, or product overload. Always follow with deep conditioning.
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Essential Tools
Wide-tooth comb
Gentle detangling tool that helps remove knots and shed hair with minimal breakage. Best used on wet or damp hair when applying conditioner or leave-in to evenly distribute product and protect curl pattern.
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Detangling / Denman brush
Defines curls while detangling by encouraging clumping and smooth distribution of styling products. Ideal for styling on wet hair after leave-in application to enhance curl shape and definition.
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Microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt
Absorbs excess water without roughing up the cuticle, helping reduce frizz and breakage. Use to scrunch curls or plop hair after washing for better definition and faster drying without disrupting curl pattern.
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Devacurl Devafuser Universal Diffuser
Universal diffuser attachment designed to dry curls gently while maintaining shape and volume. Helps reduce frizz, enhance curl definition, and evenly distribute airflow for controlled, low-heat drying.
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Reversible Satin bonnet
Protective bonnet that reduces friction while sleeping, helping preserve curl definition and prevent dryness, frizz, and breakage. Reversible design allows extended wear between washes while maintaining moisture overnight.
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Giovanni, Satin Pillowcase
Smooth satin pillowcase that minimizes friction during sleep to help reduce frizz, split ends, and moisture loss. Ideal for curl preservation on nights when a bonnet isn’t worn.
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Spray bottle (water/aloe mix)
Fine-mist spray bottle used to lightly rehydrate curls between washes or prep hair for styling. Ideal for distributing water or diluted aloe evenly without oversaturating the hair.
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Hair sectioning clips
Durable clips used to divide hair into manageable sections during wash day, treatments, or styling. Helps improve product distribution, detangling efficiency, and overall styling control.
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