Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Curly Hair Products
Quick Note: This guide will help you understand your hair and choose the right products.
If you’re ready to start styling now, check out my Quick & Easy Curly Hair Routine for Busy Moms (Only 3 Products!).
If you’ve ever found yourself lost in a YouTube rabbit hole while searching for reviews on curly hair product reviews, you’re not alone. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by influencers hyping up the “next big thing,” but not all advice works for every curl type.
The truth is, the curly hair market is flooded with products that overpromise and underdeliver. From frizz-fighting creams to miracle detanglers, it’s hard to tell what actually works, especially when paid promotions blur the line.
Just like medications, even the best hair products can lose their effectiveness when your hair’s needs change. That’s why it’s so important to understand your hair before clicking “add to cart.”
In this guide, you’ll learn how to cut through the noise and build a curly hair routine that works with your texture, lifestyle, and goals.
How to Understand Your Hair for Better Product Choices
No two curls are alike, not even on the same head! What works wonders for someone else could be a disaster for you. That’s why the first step to choosing the right curly hair products is understanding your unique hair profile.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Texture – Are your curls more like loose waves, springy coils, or something in between?
- Porosity – Does your hair soak up moisture like a sponge, or does it resist water and take forever to dry?
- Lifestyle – Can you commit to a detailed routine, or do you need something low-maintenance?
- Climate – Are you dealing with heat, humidity, hard water, or dry winter air? Knowing the environmental factors where you live will help you choose the right products (and hacks) to fight frizz, buildup, or dullness.
Pro Tip: If you’ve never worked with a stylist who knows curls, don’t worry self-education goes a long way. Stay tuned: I’ll be publishing a guide soon to help you figure out your hair’s needs with confidence.
Try Samples Before Buying Curly Hair Products
The saying “know before you go” absolutely applies here. Before you drop money on a full-size bottle, test it out first when you can.
Here’s what to look for:
- Sample sizes – Great for a one-time test to check how your hair reacts.
- Travel-size versions – Perfect if you need a few uses to make a final decision.
- Mini trial kits – These often include multiple products from the same line, so you can test how they work together.
Because let’s be real: nothing hurts more than spending $30+ on a product that leaves your curls dry, sticky, or just…meh.
Read Product Labels Carefully (Especially for Curls)
One tiny detail on the label can make or break your results. Misusing a product, even accidentally, can lead to sticky buildup, dryness, or flat curls..
Example: I once used a spritzer before conditioning, only to end up with sticky hair. Turns out it was meant for heat styling—not air drying. Lesson learned!
So how do you avoid this mistake? Always double-check:
- Directions for Use – Some products are intended for soaking wet hair, while others are suitable for damp or dry hair. It matters.
- Key ingredients – Water should be the first ingredient in most moisturizers. Avoid products with drying alcohols or heavy silicones (unless you’re heat styling or clarifying later).
- Warnings or restrictions – Some products aren’t meant to be mixed with others (such as protein-heavy treatments or products containing bonding agents). When in doubt, patch test!
- Shelf life and legitimacy – Expired or counterfeit products can affect results and even damage your curls. Here’s how to spot them.
Quick tip: If a product makes your curls feel off, don’t toss it just yet. You might just be using it at the wrong step in your routine.
Use Trusted Sites to Research Curly Hair Products
Before clicking “Buy Now,” take a minute to check the facts. Not all reviews are created equal, especially in the world of curly hair, where sponsorships are prevalent.
However, be cautious: some reviews may be influenced by complimentary products. As someone who receives products to review, I know firsthand that glowing reviews can sometimes be a way to stay on a brand’s good side. That doesn’t mean the product is bad, it just means you should read between the lines.
Instead of outright dismissing gifted reviews, ask yourself:
- Does the reviewer have a similar curl pattern, porosity, or hair goals?
- Did they show before-and-after photos or video results?
- Do they discuss ingredients and application methods, or just the packaging?
Pro Tip: Try applying your favorite product to wet hair instead of dry it often leads to less buildup and better curl definition.
Bottom line: Trusted sites and honest reviews can help, but your own hair will always be the final judge.
Discover New Products at Curly Hair Events
Hair expos and beauty events (like IBS New York) are gold mines for curly-haired individuals who want to try before they buy, without wasting money or product.
At these events, you can:
- Take free hair and makeup classes led by real stylists.
- Snag free samples (yes, FREE and often full-size!)
- Try products directly on your hair and see results in real time.
These events are also a great opportunity to connect with smaller brands that may not yet be available at major retailers. While a lot of booths still lean toward straight hair, the curly hair scene is finally getting its shine, and the selection grows every year.
Pro Tip: Bring a tote bag, your hair fully styled, and a list of products you’ve been curious about. You’ll walk out with ideas, samples, and maybe even a new favorite.
FAQs About Choosing Curly Hair Products
How do I identify my hair type?
The classic 2A–4C hair typing system is still a good starting point, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Instead of relying on outdated websites like Naturally Curly (RIP), check out updated resources on YouTube, Pinterest, or curly hair blogs where you can see real-life examples and routines. Pay attention to your curl pattern, porosity, and how your hair reacts to moisture those details will guide your product choices way more than a chart ever could.
Are online reviews trustworthy?
Many influencers are paid to promote products, so take glowing reviews with a grain of salt. Some creators feel pressured to stay positive so they don’t lose future PR opportunities. That doesn’t mean all reviews are fake just look for signs of honesty. Check for reviews that mention both pros and cons, and see if the feedback actually relates to your own hair type and concerns. When in doubt, test it yourself with a sample size before going all in.
Should I avoid products that don’t list water as the first ingredient?
Yes, water should be the first ingredient in most products for curly hair. It helps hydrate your strands, boosts the absorption of other ingredients, and prevents buildup that can weigh down curls. If water isn’t listed first, it’s probably not moisturizing enough for curly hair.
How can I test products without wasting money?
Look for sample sizes, travel-size versions, or product giveaways at events. These options let you try things out before committing to a full-size bottle and potentially wasting your money on something that doesn’t work for your curls.
Are curly hair events worth attending?
Yes! These events often include free samples, professional advice, and hands-on opportunities to see how new products work on your hair. They’re also a great way to stay inspired and connected to the curly hair community.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Curly Hair Products
Finding the right curly hair products can be a trial-and-error process, but it’s absolutely doable. When you understand your texture, porosity, climate, and lifestyle, making informed product decisions becomes easier. Start small with samples, read labels with purpose, and don’t get swept up in social media hype. What works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s okay. Your hair deserves a routine built just for you.
Curious how I built my curly hair routine from scratch? Read my hair transformation story
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