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Beauty/Hair/Styling Products & Treatments

Top 10 Drugstore Products For Curly Hair

We Found 10 Budget-Friendly Products for Curly Hair That Actually Work

Image credits: ulta

Those with curly hair know it comes with its own set of challenges. From frizz to dryness, maintaining curls can sometimes feel like a never-ending battle, which is why creating a haircare regimen is so necessary. However, having a lineup of go-to hair products that bring out the best in your curls doesn't have to come at a high cost. There are plenty of budget-friendly curly hair products on the market that can help you care for and embrace your natural texture without breaking the bank.

Ahead, we pulled together a Top 10 list of affordable curly hair care products that cater to a range of unique curl patterns, textures, and needs. Whether you have loose waves or tight coils, the affordable picks on this list are designed to help you manage your hair with ease. From shampoos and curling creams to leave-in conditioners and gels, you’re about to discover the best curly hair products to stock up on this year. 

How We Found The Best Curly Hair Products

To round up this list, we turned to the help of our data-driven algorithm. This proprietary tool factors in best-selling buzz, editor recommendations, rave reviews, and more to find and rank the best products the internet has to offer. Scroll on to shop the Top 10 curly hair products that will tackle everything from frizz and dryness to dullness and moisture loss. 

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December 26, 2023

Written By:Naomi Venerable

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
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Rank & Style Approved

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Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Bond Building Mask

Overall Score

4.25

10

Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Bond Building Mask

4.5

1291 User Reviews

3.1

Best Seller

0

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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Best Drugstore Product For Curly, Damaged Hair

WHAT IT DOES
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Bond Building Mask has a Dual Action Curl Power Complex which combines rice amino acids with a natural, high performing bond multiplier to help repair damaged hair bonds and add strength to weakened strands. It also aids in curl retention, manageability, and maintenance, making your haircare routine a breeze to get through. 

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This hair mask is free of silicone, parabens, and drying alcohols, so you can feel good about using generous amounts of this hair mask on wash days. 

Eco Friendly

Eco Friendly

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Hydrating Curl Smoothie

Overall Score

4.3

09

Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Hydrating Curl Smoothie

4.56

12366 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Leave-In Treatment For Curly Hair

WHO IT'S FOR
With aloe as the first listed ingredient in this creamy, hydrating leave-in treatment, it's not surprising why those with tight curls and thick, curly hair prefer Maui Moisture Curl Quench Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie over other curly hair products. The cream saturates each strand in a blend of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients, leaving coils soft, defined, and super hydrated.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This styling cream is ideal for achieving twist outs, braids, and wash-and-go styles.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Redken Curvaceous Ringlet Shape-Perfecting Lotion

Overall Score

4.4

08

Redken Curvaceous Ringlet Shape-Perfecting Lotion

4.64

5577 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Product For Spiral Curls And Ringlets

WHO IT'S FOR
Those with unruly ringlets or spiral curls love Redken's Curvaceous Ringlet Shape -Perfecting Lotion for a few reasons. Formulated to provide controlled definition, bounce, and a soft hold, this lotion transforms frizzy, wavy, and curly hair into a head full of healthy, defined, and shiny curls. 

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
One of the key ingredients in this formula is Redken's Curl Memory Complex, which promises three-day curl definition and UV-filtered protection from environmental stressors like harmful sun rays.


CURLS Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly

Overall Score

4.4

07

CURLS Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly

4.36

4874 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Styling Gel For Curly Hair

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Formulated with blueberry extract and raw castor oil, the Blueberry Bliss Control Jelly defines and holds your curls in place while giving your strands impeccable shine.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This product is loved by celebrity hairstylists like Kim Kimble, whose long list of clients includes megastars such as Zendaya, Halle Berry, and Rihanna.

Eco Friendly

Eco Friendly

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Mielle Organics Curl Smoothie with Pomegranate and Honey

Overall Score

4.45

06

Mielle Organics Curl Smoothie with Pomegranate and Honey

4.53

4792 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Product For Type 3 And 4 Curls

WHO IT'S FOR
Mielle Organics Curl Smoothie is specially formulated for those with Type 3 or 4 hair but any curl type can take avantage of its moisturizing and strengthening benefits. The curl smoothie contains natural ingredients like pomegrante extract, honey, and babassu oil to provide intense moisture that strengthens and nourishes hair during all phases of growth.

PROMISING REVIEW
"I honestly love this product. I am Asian and French Canadian and my hair is naturally curly. I have used many different products but when I heard about Mielle from online researching and word of mouth. I decided to give this product a try. I followed the directions as stated and I could see a difference in just a few days. This is a prep product for me. I apply it to wet toweled dry hair and massage in to define my curls then I apply the pomegranate and honey coiling product after and it defines my curls even more. The products are not heavy and my curls last all day - it does not provide a stickiness - my curls are soft - I recommend this product for any and all hair types. Thank you Mielle."

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse

Overall Score

4.5

05

OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse

4.39

14153 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Mousse For Curly Hair

WHO IT'S FOR
Those with thick curly hair will appreciate having this part-foam, part-cream hair mousse on hand. Blended with coconut oil, shea butter, and jasmine nectar, this creamy mousse provides a soft hold and infuses curls with moisture without weighing them down or making them feel crunchy.

APPLICATION TIP
Rake the mousse in damp hair from root to tip and scrunch it into hair before allowing it to air dry.


SheaMoisture Shampoo Curl and Shine for Curly Hair

Overall Score

4.5

04

SheaMoisture Shampoo Curl and Shine for Curly Hair

4.47

27218 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Shampoo For Curly Hair

WHO IT'S FOR
SheaMoisture's Coconut & Hibiscus Shampoo delivers a rich, creamy lather that gently washes away impurities while defining natural curls and waves. The curl shampoo contains coconut oil to moisturize and replenish lost oils and hibiscus extracts to improve hair elasticity while reducing the the occurence of hair breakage. 

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Every SheaMoisture product, like this shampoo, is cruelty-free and formulated with raw shea butter handcrafted by women in Africa. 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Curling Perfection Curl-Defining Cream

Overall Score

4.6

03

OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Curling Perfection Curl-Defining Cream

4.41

21604 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Defining Cream For Curly Hair

WHO IT'S FOR
The Morocco Curling Perfection Defining Cream leaves curls soft and bouncy- no heat required. All you have to do is work the cream through the hair from root to tip, scrunch, and let it dry naturally for smooth coils that bounce without the frizz. 

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This cream is safe to use on color-treated hair and works on all hair types.


Cantu Coconut Curling Cream

Overall Score

4.7

02

Cantu Coconut Curling Cream

4.5

58269 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Curling Cream

WHO IT'S FOR
Cantu's Coconut Curling Cream is infused with shea butter, coconut oil, and blend of moisturizing oils all of which work together to increase the mangeability of Type 3 and 4 curls. The award-winning, lightweight cream provides ultimate curl definition while adding moisture and shine to any curly style. 

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
It is formulated without mineral oil, silicones, or parabens. 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream

Overall Score

4.8

01

SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream

4.46

22762 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Product For Curly Hair Overall

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Formulated with coconut oil, silk protein, and neem oil, this curl-defining hair cream for thick, curly hair tames frizz, restores moisture, and boosts shine. Reviewers love that it conditions hair without weighing it down, revealing soft, silky, defined curls. 

PROMISING REVIEW
"I have hair that can be super voluminous but the individual hairs are fine, which means any product that is too heavy weighs my hair down. Just a tiny bit of this product is enough to smooth my hair without weighing it down. People always ask me what product I use and I always tell them to try this. Everyone's curls are different, but for me, this was my holy grail after years of crunchy hair... "

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

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