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21 Best Natural Hair Products You Need in 2022

Curls, coils and kinks: Meet your new BFF(s).

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split ends treatment smiling black woman spraying essential oil on curly hair
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If you have naturally curly, coily, or kinky hair, you know what it means to have a never-ending hair journey. And the hardest part about perfecting your natural hair is finding the best natural hair products that work for your curl type. Just when you think you've found a new tried-and-true formula to add to your daily routine, your hair changes its mind and you're back at square one.

Oh yes, us natural gals know this scenario all too well. And since there are so many formulas out there, it can be quite the challenge to know what's perfect for your hair without spending hundreds of dollars trying to find out. Because we all know curly hair is anything but cookie cutter. Thankfully, the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab is here to help make your natural hair product search easier.

The GH Beauty Lab is constantly evaluating new haircare and styling products with rigorous tests to see just how well they actually perform. This includes expert Lab and consumer testing on users that are looking for top-notch products just like you. That means we have the scoop on the ins and outs of natural hair products, marketing claims aside, and can help you find the best formula for your curl type, whether you're 2, 3, or 4 A, B, or C. Keep scrolling to find the best natural hair products and brands that have impressed our Lab experts, hair pros, editors, and consumer testers alike. Gorgeous hair, right this way!

1
Best Value Styling Cream for Natural Hair

Suave Professionals Curl Defining Cream

Curl Defining Cream
Now 61% Off
Credit: Suave Professionals

Pros

  • Super hydrating
  • Affordably-priced

Cons

    This bargain GH Beauty Award-winning Suave styling cream, infused with coconut oil, was formulated with the help of over 5,000 women with natural hair, so you can guarantee it's going to be worth the buy. The medium-weight smooths and defines waves, curls, and coils with a formula that's rich in moisture so hair stays hydrated, soft, and defined.

    2
    Best Deep Conditioner for Natural Hair Growth

    Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

    Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
    Now 18% Off
    Credit: Briogeo

    Pros

    • Super hydrating and nourishing
    • Works on all natural hair textures

    Cons

    • Pricey

    Between tangles, knots, frizz and dryness, life can take a toll on our ringlets. That's why deep conditioning masks like this one from Briogeo are a must. It's formulated for dry, damaged hair and is infused with argan, avocado, and sweet almond oil to replenish moisture levels. Plus, keratin proteins and biotin not only strengthen the hair, but also help promote healthy hair growth.

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    3
    Best Natural Hair Conditioner for 4C Curls

    Pattern Pattern Heavy Conditioner For Coilies

    Pattern Heavy Conditioner For Coilies

    Pros

    • Ideal for thick and coarse curls
    • Packed with moisture

    Cons

    • Too heavy for fine strands

    Calling all coily gals! This heavy-weight conditioner from Pattern was made just for curls like 4c. It has a rich and decadent texture filled with super hydrating ingredients like shea butter and avocado and safflower oils. Plus, the cream formula has great slip to help you work through knots and tangles during your shower time.

    4
    Best Shampoo for Natural Hair

    Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Coconut Milk Hydrating Shampoo

    Bio:Renew Coconut Milk Hydrating Shampoo

    Pros

    • Affordable price
    • Makes hair look and feel hydrated

    Cons

      Natural hair needs more moisture than other hair types, and this GH Beauty Lab test-winning shampoo (and its matching conditioner) from Herbal Essences provides it. It was a standout star in the GH Beauty Lab's moisturizing shampoos test, where testers raved about how hydrating this wallet-friendly formula made their previously dry hair look and feel.

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      5
      Best Mask for Natural Hair and Scalp

      Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Deep Moisture Masque

      Royal Oils Deep Moisture Masque
      Now 16% Off
      Credit: Head & Shoulders

      Pros

      • Relieves dry and itchy scalp
      • Good value

      Cons

      • May be heavy for fine hair

      Ideal for scalp relief, this GH Beauty Award winner from Head & Shoulders with the anti-flake active ingredient pyrithione zinc was a tester favorite for relieving scalp itch and making hair super soft. It even scored highly among women with textured hair for reducing hair and scalp dryness.

      6
      Best Serum for Natural Hair

      Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum

      Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum

      Pros

      • Effectively smooths frizz
      • Adds shine
      • Great value

      Cons

        This Garnier frizz-defying serum is a GH Beauty Lab test winner and gold standard for smoothing hair. It scored high with consumer testers for keeping frizz at bay and giving hair a gorgeous sheen. Not to mention, it's a hair savior in humidity.

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        7
        Best Gel for Natural Hair

        Dove Amplified Textures Shine & Moisture Finishing Gel

        Amplified Textures Shine & Moisture Finishing Gel

        Pros

        • Lightweight
        • Hydrating
        • Great value

        Cons

          When it comes to gel for natural hair, we look for formulas that keep hair hydrated and shiny without leaving a crunchy, sticky residue. And that's exactly why we love this GH Beauty Award winner from Dove. It's free of drying additives like alcohol and filled with hair-healthy ingredients like aloe, glycerin, shea butter, and castor oil.

          8
          Best Gentle Shampoo for Natural Hair

          Carol's Daughter Wash Day Delight

          Wash Day Delight

          Pros

          • Precise applicator to lift scalp buildup
          • Non-drying

          Cons

          • Can be hard to rinse out if too much is used

          If you have curly hair, you know that traditional shampoos can be harsh and drying to your already thirsty spirals, but not this Carol's Daughter sulfate-free cleanser. A blend of aloe and micellar water transforms into a gentle lather that cleanses the scalp and hair without stripping it dry. Plus, the precision applicator makes targeting your scalp a breeze.

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          9
          Best Edge Control for Natural Hair

          Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Flexible Hold Edge Gel

          Honey & Ginger Flexible Hold Edge Gel
          Credit: Mielle Organics

          Pros

          • Flake-free hold
          • Nourishing ingredients

          Cons

          • May be too heavy for fine hair

          There's nothing that can ruin a sleek pony or bun more than frizzy edges and unwanted flyaways. This is where edge gel comes in handy. This formula from Mielle Organics doesn't flake or look greasy. Not to mention, it's full of natural ingredients like honey, ginger root, and aloe that nourish the hair while you wear.

          10
          Best Repair Treatment for Natural Hair

          Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector

          No. 3 Hair Perfector

          Pros

          • Helps reduce breakage
          • Smooths frizz

          Cons

            Not a styling product, but definitely a must-have for healthy curls, this Olaplex concentrated treatment helps to keep breakage at a minimum and strengthens the hair from the inside out. It works like a deep treatment and can be used two to three times per week for best results. Simply work a dollop of this through your hair, let it sit for 10 minutes, and shampoo and condition as normal.

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            11
            Best Mousse for Natural Hair

            DevaCurl SuperMousse Moisture Rich Coconut Volumizer

            SuperMousse Moisture Rich Coconut Volumizer
            Credit: DevaCurl

            Pros

            • Crunch-free definition
            • Add volume and lift to lifeless curls

            Cons

            • May not be suitable for coily hair types

            If you have fine curls that need a little oomph to get defined spirals that last all day, you'll love this DevaCurl hydrating mousse. The combination of coconut water, tucuma butter, and a special volumizing complex keeps curls bouncy, soft, and full.

            12
            Best Hair Oil for Natural Hair

            Moroccanoil Treatment

            Treatment

            Pros

            • Super conditioning
            • Works as a smoothing styler and treatment

            Cons

            • Pricey

            This Moroccanoil treatment oil has a cult-following for a reason. Essentially, it's a hair serum composed of powerhouse oils that prep for styling and help to condition dry areas, too. The best part is this oil absorbs super fast, so you don't have to worry about greasy strands after applying.

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            13
            Best Lightweight Shampoo for Natural Hair

            Bumble and bumble Bb. Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Shampoo

            Bb. Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Shampoo
            Now 18% Off
            Credit: Bumble and bumble

            Pros

            • Hydrating formula
            • Won't weigh hair down

            Cons

              If you don't know by now, curly hair needs moisture, moisture and more moisture. That's why we love this Bumble and bumble invisible oil shampoo. It's super hydrating and transforms even the driest, most brittle strands with six super lightweight oils minus greasy buildup.

              14
              Best Detangler for Natural Hair

              Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave In Conditioner/Detangler

              Knot Today Leave In Conditioner/Detangler

              Pros

              • Has great slip for getting rid of tangles and knots
              • Multi-use

              Cons

                This Kinky-Curly detangler is an oldie-but-goodie and we love it for its multitasking capabilities. You can apply it after shampoo to help melt away tangles and knots or use it as a leave-in after cleansing and conditioning. It leaves the hair super soft and smooth, plus comes in handy when you're one too many days past your scheduled wash day.

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                15
                Best Drugstore Value Treatment for Damaged Natural Hair

                Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner

                3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner
                Now 54% Off
                Credit: Aussie

                Pros

                • Bargain-priced
                • Quickly hydrates hair

                Cons

                  A product like this cult classic from Aussie that works its magic in under five minutes is a win-win in anyone's book. And the fact that this deep conditioner comes at such a low price point only makes it even more desirable. You can thank the avocado and jojoba oils for how intensely this mask hydrates. Oh, and the floral, citrus scent is divine.

                  16
                  Best Lightweight Oil for Natural Hair

                  Verb Ghost Weightless Hair Oil

                  Ghost Weightless Hair Oil

                  Pros

                  • Super lightweight

                  Cons

                  • Can cause buildup if overused

                  There are oils that sit atop the hair and then there's this magical Verb find. The oil is practically weightless and helps to hydrate and add sheen to lifeless, dull locks. But be warned, a little goes a long way. You only need a dime-sized amount of this oil to see your curls transform.

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                  17
                  Best Smoothing Shampoo for Natural Hair

                  Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo

                  Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo

                  Pros

                  • Fights against frizz
                  • Built-in UV filter

                  Cons

                    TBH, hot and humid weather can turn beautiful ringlets into frizzy zig zags in a matter of minutes. That's why this Ouidad shampoo is a no-brainer for those who live in humid areas. It works to fight against frizz before you add any styling products, with a blend of emollients and ceramides that smooth and seal the surface of the hair shaft.

                    18
                    Best Curl Cream for Thick Natural Hair

                    SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

                    Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
                    Credit: SheaMoisture

                    Pros

                    • Works great on medium to thick textures
                    • Helps to define and smooth curls
                    • Great value

                    Cons

                      If you're a newbie to curly stylers, this Shea Moisture cream is a great place to start, especially for thick or long hair, as the large tub contains more product than others. This curl-enhancing smoothie is thick enough to hydrate and define hair, but it doesn't weigh strands down. Try applying it straight out of the shower and raking it through the hair thoroughly for best results. Bonus: Your hair will smell like a tropical smoothie for days!

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                      19
                      Best Curl Refresher for Natural Hair

                      Vernon François Nourishing Hair Mist Amino Acid Treatment

                      Nourishing Hair Mist Amino Acid Treatment

                      Pros

                      • Reduces dryness
                      • Revitalizes stretched out curls

                      Cons

                        If it's not quite time to wash your hair, but it needs a quick refresh, reach for this amino acid spray created by celebrity hairstylist Vernon François. Just a few spritzes soften, revive, and strengthen second and third day curls with a blend of botanicals, oils, and amino acids. It's also a great prep spray to use before styling.

                        20
                        Best Natural Hair Product for Flyaways

                        Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste

                        Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste

                        Pros

                        • Smooths flyaways and frizz
                        • Good value

                        Cons

                        • Can be gunky if too much product is applied

                        When flyaways and frizz are cramping your style, this Curls gel paste comes to the rescue. It helps to slick back edges or keep shorter pieces in place but won't get stiff or crunchy. And the blueberry extract, argan oil, and mango butter help to keep dryness at bay.

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                        split ends treatment smiling black woman spraying essential oil on curly hair
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