13 Best Conditioners That Make Detangling Curly Hair a Breeze

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Ah, wash day. This proverbial phrase is one that curly girls know a little too well. For some, wash day can be a walk in the park; for others, it's more of a painful run down a seemingly neverending path that leaves you exhausted and ends in an exasperated sigh. A typical wash day often involves spending hours in the bathroom, artfully styling strands of hair to perfection. You’ll know you’ve had a true wash day when your bathroom looks like a crime scene—bottles of styling creams sprawled across your sink counter, strands of hair caught in your shower drain, and piles of detangling tools on your floor. Needless to say, dealing with curly hair is not for the weak.

However, the best conditioners for curly hair can make it worthwhile. “A quality conditioner provides nourishing nutrients and prolonged protection against environmental factors,” says Aaron Grenia, Co-founder of IGK Hair Care. Grenia explains that those with curls should look for a conditioner with at least one protein-rich oil, such as coconut oil, to keep hair hydrated and healthy. “Curly hair tends to be more porous, and it’s more susceptible to damage and drying, so the right ingredients are important,” he adds.

Ahead, the 13 best conditioners for curly hair that you’ll want to implement into your wash day routine, asap!

Ultra Hydra Source Deep Hydrating Conditioner

For curly girls dealing with parched strands, look no further than Biolage’s Ultra Hydra Source conditioner. This product is like magic in a bottle; its moisturizing formula revives dry hair strands with a boost of hydration that instantly softens curls.

Key ingredient: Aloe

Size: 13.5 fl. oz.

Amazon star rating: 4.7/5

An Amazon reviewer said: “Leaves my hair soft and hydrated, exactly what I wanted!”

Quenching + Coconut Curls Curl-Defining Conditioner

For dry, frizzy curls that crave definition and volume, this conditioner packs a powerful punch without a huge price tag. It uses coconut oil and honey to soften and hydrate dry strands–all while smelling like a tropical vacation.

Key ingredients: Coconut oil, honey, and citrus oil

Size: 13 fl.oz.

Amazon star rating: 4.5 /5

An Amazon reviewer said: “My hair loves this! I was experiencing dry brittle ends. I swim a lot in pools and the ocean. This packs moisture back into my hair, props up my sometimes droopy curls, and adds sheen. Plus it smells yummy!”

IGK Pay Day Instant Repair Conditioner

“Use IGK’s Pay Day Instant Repair Conditioner to combat future breakage and repair existing breakage, all while gently cleansing and moisturizing curls,” says Grenia. Its nourishing formula contains a host of ingredients, such as coconut oil, shea butter, and sesame seed oil, which work together to revive damaged strands. If you’re dealing with breakage from over styling, straightening, or even bleaching, you’ll want to add this conditioner to your shopping cart.

Key ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, and sesame seed oil

Size: 8.0 fl. oz.

Ulta star rating: 4.2/5

An Ulta reviewer said: “I absolutely love this! It literally brought my hair back from the dead! Definitely would purchase! It’s amazing!”

Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Curl-Defining Anti-Frizz Conditioner

Curls and frizz get along super well, but this conditioner helps moisturize strands and tame frizz thanks to a winning combination of ingredients. With coconut water and aloe vera, this conditioner softens strands and defines curls without weighing them down.

Key ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, coconut water, flower extract

Size: 13 fl. oz.

Amazon star rating:4.5/5

An Amazon reviewer said: “I love this brand! It does wonders for my curly hair and smells amazing!”

Curl Conditioner

Weak, damaged hair is prone to snapping, which is why this conditioner makes it its mission to strengthen curls. Not only does this product help heal damage, but it also prevents damage from occurring in the future.

Key ingredients: Sunflower seed wax, shea butter glycerides

Size: 12 fl. oz.

Amazon star rating: 4.2/5

An Amazon reviewer said: “I have been through at least 30-40 different shampoo and conditioners. This is by far my favorite. I have ringlets and my hair has been changing due to medical issues. This is the only combination that keeps my ringlets and makes my hair soft and the smell is amazing.”

Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

For extremely dry hair, an everyday conditioner might not cut it. This intense hair mask can be used instead of a conditioner to quench dehydrated strands. This mask adds slip and shine to curls and coils with a blend of soothing and hydrating oils.

Key ingredients: Avocado oil, almond oil, aloe

Size: 8 fl. oz.

Amazon star rating: 4.3/5

An ELLE Editor says: “My dear friend Nancy Twine created this brand, but I would still use it even if it weren’t hers, particularly this deep conditioning hair mask. You can use this deep conditioner as a replacement for your everyday conditioner. However, my favorite way to use this product is when I take my hair out of box braids since my hair is more fragile during this period and needs extra hydration. This product is formulated with rosehip oil, B vitamins, and algae extract, which delivers extra moisture to my hair. I also have low porosity hair and feel like the formula truly penetrates and hydrates my strands. I like to apply it to my strands, sit under my dryer, catch up on an episode of reality TV for an hour, and then wash it out. It always leaves my hair soft, shiny, and hydrated—it’s like a lifeline for my strands, and you instantly see a difference!”—Danielle James, ELLE.com beauty director

Detangling Jelly-to-Cream Conditioner

Due to its unique formulation, this conditioner makes it easy to detangle even the thickest, tightest curls. It hydrates the hair and reduces frizz, leaving you with defined, detangled curls.

Key ingredients: Aloe, rose water

Size: 20 fl.oz.

Amazon star rating: 4.4/5

An ELLE Editor says: “First off, I just love the experience of this formula. It starts as a jelly and transforms into a cream, giving you the perfect amount of slip to help detangle your hair. True to its name, this product makes wash day, well, delightful. I can quickly detangle my hair easily and suffer from less breakage, which my zig-zag curls are more prone to. It also gives my low porosity hair the perfect dose of hydration without me having to leave the product in my hair for a long time. This is definitely a hero product within the Carol’s Daughter line.”—Danielle James

Daily Cream Conditioner

This conditioner helps strengthen and repair curls, without weighing it down. This is an ideal conditioner for fine hair types that need extra hydration while still maintaining maximum volume.

Key ingredients: Shea Butter, coconut oil, soybean oil

Size: 15 fl. oz.

Amazon star rating:4.5/5

An Amazon reviewer said: “I have 3a/3b curls and my hair loved it. Used for 4-5 months, hair feels very moisturized. I have fine hair but it does not weigh it down. Love this product.”

Hydrate Conditioner

Overwhelmed curls can end up looking flat, dull, and un-defined. That's why this conditioner helps add bounce and life back into hair. Adding lightweight hydration and plenty of shine, this conditioner is the secret weapon for lackluster curls.

Key ingredients: Guar extract, mango extract, basil extract

Size: 8.4 fl. oz.

Amazon star rating: 4.4 /5

An Amazon reviewer said: “This product has changed my hair. My naturally curly hair has been born again. My hair stylist recommended this product and I love it!”

Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner

Add softness and definition with this lightweight yet deeply hydrating conditioner. A favorite amongst curly girls, this product helps detangle and define almost all hair types, without weighing it down.

Key ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, Jojoba seed oil

Size: 13 fl. oz.

Amazon star rating: 4.6/5

An Amazon reviewer said: “If I could give the SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Conditioner more than five stars, I absolutely would! This conditioner has transformed my haircare routine and exceeded my expectations in every way imaginable. From its deeply moisturizing formula to its heavenly scent and remarkable results, this product is a true gem.”

Intensive Conditioner for Tight Textures

Packed with intensely moisturizing ingredients, this conditioner was formulated for tight curls and coils in mind. Avocado oil and shea butter help add slip to the hair, making it easy to detangle and define fragile curls.

Key ingredients: Jojoba oil, aloe, biotin

Size: 13 fl. oz.

Amazon star rating:4.5 /5

An ELLE Editor says: “When it comes to detangling curly hair—or in my case, extremely coarse, coily strands prone to knotting up—less truly is more. I've learned that I don't need an excess of conditioner as the YouTube natural girlies suggested years ago. Pro tip: all you need is a thicc conditioner like this one from Pattern, and loads of water to allow the formula to emulsify and gently detangle.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

Miracle Daily Conditioner

This conditioner treats damage from all sides, adding hydration, reducing frizz, and protecting strands from environmental damage. It's also great for color-treated hair, preventing color from fading which means fewer appointments, and healthier hair.

Key ingredients: Keratin amino acids, sunflower seeds, silk amino acids

Size: 10 fl. oz.

Ulta star rating:4.3/5

An Ulta reviewer said: “This is my all time favorite conditioner. I have tried many others and I keep coming back to this. I can’t say enough good things.”

No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

Bleach and dyes can weaken and strip curls, leaving them dull and lackluster. This conditioner uses patented technology to revive damaged curls, allowing them to bounce back and become healthier than ever.

Key ingredient: Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate

Size: 8.8 fl. oz.

Amazon star rating: 4.6/5

Our expert says: “Brushing my hair used to be a ritual that I dreaded almost as much as going to the dentist, but Olaplex’s pro-grade bonding conditioner has severely minimized my anxiety—at least in the former department. Yes, it is capital P pricey, but it’s worth every penny (it’s no wonder nearly every stylist in the book swears by the brand’s patented technology!). After just one wash, my hair feels incredibly soft, and I can miraculously de-tangle it in just a few passes. Even with my long, dense, and wavy mane, a little goes a long way, so it lasts awhile.”—Sam Peters, Hearst and senior commerce editor and ELLE.com contributor

Meet the Experts

Sophie Gutterman, Curl Specialist

Julissa Prado, founder of Rizos Curls

Justin Toves-Vincilione, Authentic Beauty Concept advocate and Hairstylist

Ursula Stephens, Living Proof Celebrity and Brand Stylist

Aaron Grenia, Co-founder of IGK Hair Care

FAQs

Why is a great conditioner essential for curly hair?

“A great conditioner is needed for curly hair because curly hair generally tends to be on the drier side, so conditioner helps to strengthen, nourish and deeply moisturize curls,” says Prado. “This in turn will create healthier hair, promote healthy hair growth, while controlling frizz. Plus, a great conditioner will also help with detangling curls in the shower.”

Because of the way curly hair is structured, conditioners can make all the difference. “With curly hair, natural oils don’t always make their way down to the end of the strands due to the pattern of the curl. This leaves the ends in need of replenishment and moisture,” says Toves-Vincilione. “A good conditioner, like my favorite Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Conditioner, can make your hair more manageable, easier to detangle and can also enhance the full beauty of your natural curl pattern.” For hair health, conditioners are also essential. “It is very important to the right conditioner that will help to hair from becoming brittle,” adds Stephens.

Do conditioners make a difference when styling curly hair?

“The type of conditioners you choose to use in your curly hair can dramatically affect the way your finished style turns out,” says Toves-Vincilione. “If your conditioner isn’t moisturizing enough, you may end up with a frizzy result after styling. You want a conditioner that will fully replenish your hair, leaving it hydrated, healed and primed for styling.” Investing in a great conditioner also means you can use fewer styling products afterwards. “Without the conditioner step, curls may require more styling product or not take to the styling product,” says Prado.

How should you apply conditioner in curly hair?

“I like to apply conditioner with my hands to wet hair, from ends up to the scalp while using my fingers to detangle at the same time,” says Stephens. Using a brush can also be a good method. “When you have curly hair most times the only opportunity to brush and detangle is in the shower with a conditioner in it,” says Gutterman. “I make sure to brush the hair with the conditioner in, and let it sit for a few minutes. This allows the cuticle to open up and gives the conditioner a chance to really moisturize the hair.”

How often should curly hair be conditioned?

Grenia mentions that it’s important to consistently hydrate your hair, no matter what hair type you have. However, for thick and curly textures, conditioning is especially important. “Every time you wash, you should deep condition, as curly hair can become dryer and more damaged due to the follicle shape,” Grenia says. “Color-treated curls, on top of being dryer than other hair types, are also prone to dullness and loss of luster, due to the way they reflect light which is a bit different compared to straight hair,” he adds.

Washing your curls with conditioner once a week is generally a good place to start, but try to avoid over-washing, as this can lead to excessive dryness.

It’s also a good practice to use a leave-in conditioner, a hydrating gel, and a moisturizing oil— post-wash.

What ingredients should you avoid if you have curly hair?

“Key ingredients to avoid for all hair types, particularly curly and wavy textures, are surfactant-based sulfates like SLS and SLES. SLS and SLES, or Sodium Laurel Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate,” says Grenia. He adds that these ingredients can contribute to weakening and drying out the hair. So, next time you’re selecting a conditioner, make sure to check the ingredient label first.

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