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I’ve tried hundreds of products for curly and coily hair - these are the ones that really work


In honour of Black History Month, H! Fashion's Aaliyah Harry breaks down the products that have helped her though wash day and beyond...


headshot of aaliyah © Pose Studios

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Aaliyah Harry
Aaliyah HarryBeauty Writer
Updated: October 24, 2025
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Every Black History Month, I’m reminded not just of my heritage, resilience and identity - but how much of that power is wrapped up in something as deeply personal as my hair. Growing up with curly to coily hair meant navigating the usual wash day battles to trial and error styling that could either make me feel so confident or ready to hide in a corner. But somewhere along the journey, taking care of my curl pattern became a form of self-love - a ritual that grounded me in who I am.

aaliyah harry headshot © @aaliyahharry
aaliyah harry hair shot © @aaliyahharry

As someone with curly to coily hair, I’ve spent years testing products that sold dreams of definition, hydration and even frizz control Some left me high and dry (literally), others became staples I refuse to gatekeep. So, in honour of Black History Month, I’m spotlighting the products that have truly seen me through twist-outs, wash-and-gos, slick buns, protective styles and all else. 

a woman getting her 4c hair combed © Cécred

From celebrity-owned brands to affordable heroes that can revive your curls even when you’re close to giving up - these are the curl companions I swear by. 

  • Cécred detangling spray © Cécred

    Detangling Spray

    Cécred

    If you’ve ever whispered “please don’t break” while detangling, this spray feels like salvation. Lightweight, slip-heavy and Beyoncé-approved, it melts through knots before you’ve even fully convinced yourself wash day was a good idea.It has become a must-have for washday, especially if I've had a protective style in beforehand. 


  • charlotte mensah hair oil

    Manketti Hair Oil

    Charlotte Mensah

    Don't forget about scalp care! This hair oil improves the appearance of your hair, adds shine, tames frizz and cares for your scalp. This expert blend includes Manketti, castor, kernel and argan oil to deeply nourish your locks. 

  • only curls product shot © Boots

    Hydrating Curl Cream

    Only Curls

    Think of this as a hug for dry curls. Light enough not to weigh coils down, but rich enough to moisturise and define, this curl cream gives you that soft, touchable finish that actually lasts. It also smells amazing thanks to the delcious citrus and coconut fragrance.


  • shea moisture leave in mask © Boots

    Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner

    SheaMoisture

    This is the perfect product for me when I'm in between protective styles and my natural coils need a refresh. It's rich, reparative and curl-reviving, this leave-in is ideal if your hair’s been through heat, colour or life in general. Thick, creamy and deeply strengthening - especially for coily textures that need an extra boost of nourishment.

  • amika shampoo© Amika

    Forget Frizz Anti-Frizz Shampoo

    Amika

    Humidity’s worst enemy (in the best way). This shampoo gently cleanses without stripping, while keeping frizz under control - ideal if your curl pattern likes to expand dramatically the moment it senses a cloud.


  • fenty beauty hair conditioner product shot © Fenty Hair

    The Water Boi Leave-In Conditioner

    Fenty Hair

    Rihanna clearly understands that our curls are thirsty. This mist-like leave-in is basically hydration and anti-frizz treatment in spray form - perfect for refreshing second-day coils or giving your hair a soft reset without starting your wash routine from scratch. My hair drinks it up. It also smells incredible thanks to the notes of golden amber, soothing florals and coconut. 


  • curl jelly product shot © Umberto Giannini

    Curl Jelly

    Umberto Giannini

    The definition wizard. Perfect for wash-and-go days when you want bouncy, defined curls without crunch. It gives anyone who uses it a burst of hold and shine - the best of both worlds. 


  • gernier pre shampoo product shot

    Method For Curls Pre-Shampoo

    Garnier Ultimate Blends

    After using this product, I noticed how much more hydrated and detangled my locks were before actually cleansing my locks. Think of it as curl body armour.

  • olaplex product shot © LOOKFANTASTIC

    Hair Perfector Pre-Shampoo Strengthening and Reparative Hair Treatment

    Olaplex No. 3

    The damage fixer. This cult product works hard as a weekly at-home treatment to restore a satin-like shine and soft texture to dry, damaged hair.  Also, i your curls have been chemically treated or feel weaker than usual, this treatment works behind the scenes to rebuild broken bonds and improve elasticity.

  • redken product shot © Boots

    Acidic Bonding Curls Shampoo for Damaged Curly & Coily Hair

    REDKEN

    A strengthening shampoo designed specifically for curls, it repairs while keeping texture intact. It prevents that straw-like post-wash feeling and helps your curls look more defined before I've even conditioned. Perfection.

  • power mousse product image

    Styling Power Mousse

    Schwarzkopf

    I reach for this product when I want the ultimate curl definition. This foam is a game-changer. It creates fluffy, defined texture without heaviness - perfect for twist-outs, braid-outs or just to keep the curls popping. 

How we chose: 

  • Performance and personal testimony: The best beauty products for curly and coily hair are products that our beauty writer, Aaliyah Harry, personally rates.  
  • High performance and consistent use: All the picks selected have been used consistently and as a beauty writer who is well informed, they have all been selected carefully. The products vary, spanning from high street to luxury buys but are united in the fact that they are all high-performing products.