Waves, spirals, coils, or tight ringlets — every curl tells a story. Curly hair, in all its gorgeous forms, is undeniably captivating. Every twist and turn in curly hair is unique, and it deserves personalized care.

Here at Avenue B, we’re not just a marketplace. We’re a beauty bodega meticulously designed to cater to your needs. Your curls deserve the absolute best, and we're here to guide you on the journey. Whether you're seeking affordable finds or luxe must-haves, Avenue B ensures your curls get the tailored love they crave. Let's talk about all things curly hair, and some of our fave products to give those curls some TLC.

Understanding Curly Hair

Curly hair dances to its own rhythm, which makes it both a joy and a challenge to care for. Understanding a bit more about your curls can help you pave the way for a perfectly tailored hair care routine.

Curly hair has a different structure than straight hair, and this unique structure affects its shine, texture, and moisture retention. The twists and turns in curly hair can make it a bit tricky for natural oils from the scalp to travel down the full length of the hair strand, leading to potential dryness at the ends of your locks.

Due to its nature, curly hair is often more susceptible to breakage, frizz, and dryness, too. The raised cuticle layer can make your hair prone to moisture loss, meaning it’s even more important to choose products that not only retain moisture but also protect your hair from damaging environmental factors.

Think of your curls as a delicate fabric. Just like your favorite silk dress requires special care to keep it in tip-top condition, your curls thrive best with products that keep their unique needs in mind. From hydrating shampoos to defining creams, the right product can really elevate your hair's health and appearance… and with Avenue B, you're sure to find a match made in curly heaven.

What Should You Consider Before Buying Curly Hair Products?

The journey to finding the ideal curly hair products can feel a bit overwhelming (to say the least). However, when you know what to look for, it becomes much easier to know what to reach for and why. So, how can you decide which product is perfect for your curls? Let's dive deeper and uncover some of the key factors to consider.

Hair Type (Loose Curls vs. Tight Curls)

All curls are not created equal — from wavy tresses that barely coil to tight, spiraled ringlets, understanding your curl type is a crucial first step. 

Each type of curl has unique needs. Loose curls might crave volume and bounce, but tighter curls might demand more moisture and frizz control. Avenue B's diverse range ensures there's something for every curl pattern.

Porosity and Moisture Levels

Hair porosity refers to your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. People with high-porosity hair might find that their hair dries out quickly and needs more hydrating products. On the other hand, low-porosity hair might benefit from lightweight moisturizers to help prevent oiliness.

Ingredients

Your curls deserve the best of both worlds: nourishment and style. Look for ingredients that hydrate, protect, and define — Avenue B's meticulously curated list of products ensures authenticity, letting you shop with confidence.

Price Range

Beauty should be inclusive, and so should its price range. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly gem or a luxurious treat, knowing your budget and the products that fit within that budget will help narrow down your choices. Here's the good news: Avenue B celebrates both mass and luxury, ensuring that regardless of your budget, quality is never compromised.

The 11 Best Curly Hair Products

With such a wide range of choices available, Avenue B — your neighborhood beauty haven — has handpicked a lineup of products that cater to the diverse needs of the curly community. Here are our favorite products that are sure to become curly hair essentials in your daily routine.

1. Twist Boss Bounce Light as Air Buildable Styling Cream

Best For: Versatile and Lightweight Styling, Enhancing Natural Curls 

The Twist Boss Bounce Light as Air Buildable Styling Creamis a game-changer for those with curly locks. Its feather-light formula ensures your curls remain bouncy and lively without feeling weighed down. The buildable nature of this cream makes it easy to tailor and customize your beauty routine, whether your curls need just a touch of enhancement or a full styling transformation. 

The Twist Boss Bounce Light as Air Buildable Styling Cream is particularly favored for its ability to reduce frizz and add a luminous shine, making curls appear healthier and more vibrant. Ideal for a range of curl types, it’s a go-to for manageable, beautiful curls.

2. Twist Strengthen The Bond™ Bond-Strengthening Hair Mask For Curly Hair

Best For: Fortification, Resilience, and Nourishing 

The Twist Strengthen The Bond™ Bond-Strengthening Hair Mask is a true bestie for curly hair since it reinforces hair bonds and enhances curl integrity. This transformative mask delves deep into the hair strands, nourishing them from within and reducing breakage. It revitalizes each curl and brings out its natural bounce and luster. 

Since the Strengthen the Bond™ Bond-Strengthening Hair Mask is so full of essential nutrients, it promotes healthier and more robust curls and reduces the risk of hair damage and frizz. It’s definitely a recommended choice for curl lovers who want to maintain the strength and vibrancy of their curls and to add just a touch of luxury to their hair care routine.

3. Twist Ready, Set, Bounce Soft-Hold Curl Defining Gel

Best For: Gentle Hold, Soft Definition 

Twist's Ready, Set, Bounce Soft-Hold Curl Defining Gel is the perfect solution for those wanting beautifully defined curls without the crunch. This gel wraps each curl in a lightweight, non-sticky formula that holds the curl’s shape, all while helping you get that perfect softness and bounce. 

It eliminates frizz and provides long-lasting definition, which ensures your curls look their best all day long — because you deserve to look your best all day long! Because it’s full of so many nourishing ingredients, like aloe vera and almond oil, it also adds a healthy shine to your locks. If you’re in need of effortless style and soft hold, this gel brings out the best in every curl.

4. Living Proof Curl Moisturizing Shine Oil

Best For: Lightweight Moisturization

With the Living Proof Curl Moisturizing Shine Oil, you can enjoy weightless hydration that mimics your hair’s natural lipids to help smooth, hydrate, and add shine to your curls. You can use this oil before shampooing, during your hair-washing routine, or after a wash to help care for and style your curls. 

This oil absorbs quickly and features a five-oil blend to support overall healthy-looking (and healthy-feeling) hair.

5. Redken All Soft Mega Curls Hydramelt

Best For: Nourishing, Hydrating, and Softening 

The Redken All Soft Mega Curls Hydramelt brings you a rich and creamy formula to help replenish moisture and nourish dry hair. If you’re dealing with severely dry curls, this product helps out with definition, heat styling, and overall manageability — and a little goes a long way. 

Reach for this product to help refresh and tame your curls between wash days, or use it to lend a helping hand with detangling.

6. Twist Rally The Curls Weightless Curl Defining Primer

Best For: Lightweight Primer, Definition, Weightless Feel 

Twist's Rally The Curls Weightless Curl Defining Primeris a curly hair essential, especially for those who want well-defined, buoyant curls without the heaviness. This primer acts like your favorite foundation, preparing curls for styling and enhancing their natural pattern. And because it's so exceptionally lightweight, your curls can remain lively and voluminous. 

It has a nourishing formula, which gives your hair a subtle shine and reduces frizz, and makes the curls look healthier and more refined. The Rally the Curls Weightless Curl Defining Primer is the can't-miss pick for enthusiasts who want to embrace their natural texture while maintaining manageable, frizz-free, and beautifully defined curls. 

7. Kerastase Refresh Absolu Hair Spray

Best For: Nourished Second-Day Hair 

The Kerastase Refresh Absolu Hair Spray pairs manuka honey with ceramides and coconut oil to help soften and nourish your curls for a refreshed look, even with second-day hair. Plus, it helps shield against humidity to combat frizz, and adds lightweight definition, shape, and shine. If you’re looking for a solid go-to that gets the job done without the hassle, this might be a great pick.

8. Twist Stretch Seeker™ 3-in-1 Curl Stretching Cream For Curly Hair

Best For: Elongated, Flexible Curls, and Natural Texture 

The Twist Stretch Seeker™ 3-in-1 Curl Stretching Cream is a versatile pick if you want to flaunt extended, bouncy curls without compromising hair health. This multifaceted cream not only elongates curls but also boosts them with moisture and suppleness, which reduces the risk of breakage. 

We know all about those overwhelming hair days, but Stretch Seeker™ 3-in-1 Curl Stretching Cream For Curly Hair can help. It helps with manageability, which makes styling a breeze, and ensures each curl is vibrant and full of life. 

The cream's nutrient-rich formula promotes overall hair well-being, and adds a luminous shine and softness to each strand. This product is a must-have for beauty lovers who want to showcase their curls in their fullest, most vibrant form without the hassle.

9. Ouidad Featherlight Volumizing Foam

Best For: Defined and Radiant Curls with a Lightweight Hold 

The Ouidad Featherlight Volumizing Foam works to add volume and shape to your curls without adding weight — something that can be tricky to balance. This foam helps combat frizz, soften hair, and hold your style without adding a crunchy feeling, while a blend of almond oil, aloe, and vitamin B works to hydrate your locks. 

For a product that really cares for your curls and gives them some well-deserved TLC while also helping to lock in your style and perfect your look, consider this foam. 

10. Twist Weather Up Gel Weightless Curl Defining Gel

Best For: Definition, All-Day-Hold, Environmental Protection 

Twist's Weather Up Gel Weightless Curl Defining Gelstands out as the go-to if you want frizz-free, well-defined curls in any weather. This defining gel is formulated to resist humidity, which means curls retain their shape and bounce without becoming heavy or sticky. 

It's a lightweight concoction that locks in the curl pattern while allowing flexibility and movement. The gel not only boosts each and every curl but also adds a sleek, glossy finish, which means a truly elevated final appearance. We know all about battling unruly curls in unpredictable weather, and this gel promises enduring definition and shine you can trust.

11. Twist Hype It Up Weightless Refreshing Spray

Best For: Curl Revitalization, Lifting, and Restoration 

Twist’s Hype It Up Weightless Refreshing Spray is the ultimate pick-me-up for curls that need a quick and efficient refresh. This weightless spray breathes life back into tired, limp curls, revitalizing them with a boost of moisture and bounce. Its fine mist means you’ll have an even application every time, one that leaves curls feeling soft, refreshed, and more manageable. 

It also adds a subtle, healthy shine, which enhances the overall appearance of the curls. This refreshing spray is a must-have for those on the go, especially if you need an easy solution for maintaining the vibrancy and liveliness of your curls throughout the day.

How To Apply Curly Hair Products for Best Results

Navigating the curly hair journey feels like stepping into a world of art and science combined. Each curl, unique and proud, tells a tale, demanding its special care regimen. It's akin to that cherished local beauty store in your neighborhood. 

Here at Avenue B, our mission is rooted in empowering our community through informed choices, acting as that ever-reliable friend and guide.

Fresh Start

The first step in this curly routine? Always start off with clean, damp hair. This isn’t just a suggestion — the dampness can help make sure products distribute evenly and penetrate every curl.

Section Your Hair

Next comes the art of sectioning. By thoughtfully dividing your hair, every curl and every tiny strand gets its fair share of nourishment. Sectioning can make it easier for you to make sure you aren’t missing any areas, making your final result that much more polished.

Prep

Start off with a nourishing base product to help set the stage. From here, following up with a styling product seals in that moisture, ensuring curls stand out instead of being weighed down.

It can be tempting to slather on products, but less is often more. A small amount, about the size of a dime, can work wonders. And remember, adding more is easy — but subtracting… not so much.

Apply Mindfully

Then comes the application. Curly hair thrives with techniques made just for it — whether you’re a fan of the “praying hands” method or the trusty scrunching method, these strategies can help enhance your curls.

Celebrate Your Curls With Avenue B

Curls, coils, and waves — they're more than just hair types. They're a testament to beauty in diversity. Avenue B stands at the crossroads of innovation, understanding, and community spirit, aiming to be your trusted guide on this journey of embracing and celebrating your curly crown.

Just as Avenue B draws inspiration from the bustling vibrancy of Alphabet City, we hope to infuse a similar vibrancy and life into your hair care routine. Our curated range, be it luxury or mass-market, seeks to cater to every curl type, ensuring you always find just what you're looking for.

Remember, our journey together doesn't end at product recommendations. We're here, always eager for a conversation, a query, or even just a casual chat about the latest in beauty. With every product you choose, with every tip you implement, we hope to walk alongside, cheering you on.

At Avenue B, you're not just a customer. You're a part of our ever-growing community, a valuable member of our digital neighborhood bodega, and it all starts with the beauty quiz at Avenue B. So, whether you're just starting out on your curly hair journey or are a seasoned pro, always know that Avenue B is here, ensuring your curls get the love, care, and glam they truly deserve. Cheers to beautiful, bouncing, and radiant curls!

Sources: 

Dry hair Information | Mount Sinai - New York

Tips for healthy hair | American Academy of Dermatology Association

How to stop damaging your hair | American Academy of Dermatology Association

Aloe | Mayo Clinic

Advanced Climate Control® Featherlight Volumizing Foam $26 | Ouidad

Refresh Absolu Hair Spray - Curl Manifesto | Kerastase

Moisturizing Shine Oil | Living Proof

All Soft Mega Curls Hydramelt | Redken