The stakes are high when it comes to finding a quality styling product that lives up to your lofty but very necessary standards. It’s a game of chance, but once you’ve found that ever elusive product that unlocks the secret to your curls, it’s as if you’ve hit the jackpot, amiright?! Well, product junkies rejoice because we’ve rounded up the “Holy Grail” of styling products that are sure to give your kinky curls a run for their money.
1. WonderCurl Get Set Hair Jelly ($15): This is a must-have staple in any kinky girl’s hair arsenal, we’re talking the one and only, be-all product that truly does work wonders on your hair. No, we’re not just talking the talk, this hair jelly walks the walk. Say good riddance to frizz and hello to touchably soft hair and a defined style that will last for days.
source: wondercurl.com
Pros: Kinky, curly girls can’t get enough of this styler. Most report getting gorgeous 4 or 5 day hair all in thanks to the fabulous job this jelly does on eliminating frizz and sealing in moisture.
Cons: It wouldn’t be a full review without discussing some downsides, and this hair jelly only has one, the texture. Many compare it to the consistency of chunky Jello, but once you get past that, it’s all good.
Our Advice: Great for Type 3 and Type 4 wash and go’s. For best results layer with WonderCurl Get Slick Hair Smoothie ($7) to lock in moisture.
2. Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie ($14): If you’re content with your current product stash this will make you reconsider. You know the usual: Absolutely no frizz, curl defining, brilliant shine, won’t weigh down curls and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg blah, blah, blah? Well, ladies, waiting for that perfect styler has finally paid off because this one delivers all the goods.
source: sheamoisture.com
Pros: Naturalistas are in love with this styler that gives long-lasting results and really does add definition and moisture. Another plus is the scent… Mmmm, tropical coconut and hibiscus!
Cons: Some curly girls find that the major drawback with this product is a longer air drying time.
Our Advice: If you have thin hair this isn’t the product for you, it works best with Type 3’s and 4a hair. If you’re styling a braid out or twist out pair with the Shea Moisture Curling Gel Soufflé
($13) for maximum hold and shine.
3. JessiCurl Rockin’ Ringlets Styling Potion ($17): The cardinal rule for kinky hair — work with your curls not against them. This styling potion makes that easy. It’s filled with some pretty magical curl enhancing power. If you’re looking for a boost in definition, medium hold, soft, touchable curls and some frizz control, this product right up your alley.
source: jessicurl.com
Pros: The claim? The tightest, most coiled version of your curls without giving you “ramen noodle hair” is hilarious and totally true. Most girls report a lot of shine and well-defined curls.
Cons: For some, this is a magic potion and for others, well, their results are not so magical leaving them with greasy locks, frizz, shrinkage, minimal hold and no definition.
Our Advice: This potion totally rocks on Type 2 and Type 3 hair. For best results layer under JessiCurls Confident Coils ($17).
4. Camille Rose Natural Curl Maker ($22): Asking for a styler that meets all of your needs at a decent price isn’t high maintenance and this curl maker won’t make you lower your standards. This hand-crafted product has tons of slip, goes into hair really easily, and creates soft, defined, shiny, and flake-free curls.
source: shop.camillerosenaturals.com
Pros: It’s Curly Girl Method friendly and free of drying alcohols, harsh preservatives, silicones, mineral oils, and petroleum. Curlies are getting shiny curls that pop, a lasting wash and go style (some say up to 4 days) and it also works as a great curl refresher.
Cons: For a hair gel some find that this price point hits their wallets a bit too hard, but agree, saving their pennies for it is a good investment.
Our Advice: Curly and kinky girls with Type 2b, 2c, Type 3 and Type 4 hair will benefit from this curl maker. Pair with the Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter ($17) for your best twist out to date.
- Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue ($18): This custard-like formula has a fresh pineapple scent that’s hard to resist! Good thing it can handle unruly kinks and tame frizz on humid days too.
source: missjessies.com
Pros: The styler promises pogo stick curls and that’s exactly what most curly girls get. Girls with medium to coarse textured hair seem to get the best results by keeping frizz at bay and taming stubborn kinks.
Cons: Kinky girls have to use a butter base to achieve softness with this product.
Our Advice: Great for: Finger-styling, coiling, braids and twists and works best on Type 3 and Type 4 hair. Although some Type 2’ may take a liking to it frizz taming powers. For kinky hair textures it’s best to apply a base of Miss Jessie’s Baby Buttercreme ($32) for additional softness.
If you’re willing to take a bet we’re sure you’ll hit the jackpot with some of these stylers for your kinks.