What are the best curly hair products on the market? Curly girls, listen up

Probably the most overlooked step in any curly girl routine, hidden by conversations of gels and creams and styling machines - is the starting point: shampoo and conditioner. If you want a high-quality shampoo, and conditioner (alongside a curl cream and gel), you have to go with Only Curls starter pack. After we were bombarded with recommendations for the brand, our resident writer Samantha Price conducted an Only Curls product review, and here were her findings...

Our review by heat writer Samantha Price: "Following The Only Curls Method, I had the opportunity to review the All Curl Cleanser and Conditioner, the Hydrating Curl Creme, the Enhancing Curl Gel, the Mega Hold Gel and the Volumising Mousse. All products are cruelty-free, smell unreal and are suitable for all curl types. While the different steps involved can take a little bit of time, you can also scrunch in a bit of product if you're in a rush. Sometimes I'll just use either the Curl Enhancing Gel, Mega Hold Hair Gel or Volumising Mousse after washing to achieve low-maintenance waves.

...I finally managed to achieve fully defined waves that were free from frizz. Not only has Only Curls given me the confidence to ditch the curlers, but I've also been able to cut back on the heat damage from all of the straightening and drying. The range is free from harsh ingredients like parabens that strip the hair of that much-needed moisture. Hands down, they've been my ultimate hair saviour."

If you have afro hair and are looking for a back-to-basics starter pack, the Cantu Haircare Heroes Bundle includes everything you need in one place. Two stand-out inclusions are the well-known Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream, which is lightweight and smells amazing, and the Sturdy Double Lift Pick, with a non-slip handle. Most importantly, this kit prioritises moisture over everything - keeping your coils and kinks healthy and nourished.

Customer review: "I haven't ever really seen a major difference when I’ve tried new hair products, until now. This product, the whole range from Cantu to be honest, has been game-changing. My curls feel and look healthier! Not only that, but my curls have been more defined and less frizzy. This is a product I intend to continue buying for years to come. Amazing!"

Before you even apply your shampoo or conditioners, however, can you do anything to aid your curls? Answer - heck yes. The Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehab Salve is a pre-wash treatment (similar to how Olaplex works) which strengthens your strands with natural ingredients such as shiitake mushroom and kale (yes, this is not your noodle order, this is a haircare product!) Stronger strands mean bouncier curls. This is a hair mask that needs to be in your cabinet.

Customer review: "You get more bang for your buck with this bond builder than with Olaplex. It smells great and has revived my curls immensely. I use every 2 washes for 1 month and so far I’m in love with it. I have fine curls and highlighted hair so I definitely need to do this treatment every couple of washes. Recommend this product."

So, you've pre-treated, washed, and dried your hair with a t-shirt (curly girls relate - imagine going back to using a hair towel - no thanks) Now what? Well, it's time for a good-quality leave-in conditioner, and the Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk is the ticket. Enriched with rice milk, Avocado, Castor and Macadamia Seed oils and Vitamins A, D and B12 - it's fair to say this leave-in will leave your hair HY-DRA-TED. Working similarly to a hair perfume, this moisture milk will leave your hair smelling scrumptious.

Customer review: "My household has different curl types and this is one of best hair moisturizers we can all use on a daily basis and leaves our hair so wonderful. I would definitely recommend, great for afro hair."

The Flora & Curl products deserve to be put on display with its gorge pastel-coloured packaging. The plant-powered sustainable hair care brand has reduced its plastic packaging with new aluminium bottles and safe to say we're obsessed with the products in their curl kits. If you're looking to define those curls and make them pop, the activating lotion moisturises and primes your curls ready for styling. It is a lightweight creamy formula that works both as a prep solution and a refresh a few days after wash day. Once you've activated move onto the Curl Defining Gel and you will never go back.

Our review by commercial content editor, Natalie Corner: "After recently getting The Big Chop, my 3C curls needed help. I've always struggled to get definition in my curls after washing and I don't know what I would do now without Flora & Curl Activating Lotion. It's a step in my wash day that I wasn't aware of until my hairdresser used an activating product and explained how it helped to hydrate hair while prepping curls for setting and drying. Not only does the Flora & Curl product make it easy to create my curls, but the product is lightweight enough that I can use it to freshen them during the week, which has honestly made wash day last five days compared to my usual three!"

Next, after hydrating your curls, you must set them. If you've got a sensitive scalp or prefer to use a stripped-down, simple formula, the Original Sprout Classic Curl Calmer Cream is for you. As well as setting your ringlets so they don't collapse, this formula is also enriched with jojoba protein to strengthen your curls and protect the strands from breakage. Much like in Hair Syrup, the rosemary contained in the Original Sprout mixture helps promote hair growth.

Our review from heat writer Ruby Barry: "I love Original Sprout's Cream because it's simple yet efficient. I use it straight after I turn off the shower head, with sopping wet hair - scrunching it into my strands up to the root. Then I put my hair in a t-shirt or microfibre towel and let it airdry from there. It works so well to enhance my natural curl pattern. And oh my goodness - the smell. Is. AMAZING. Top-notch stuff."

Want something that's a mix between a cream and a gel? Why not - curl jelly? Yes, it's a thing. The Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Scrunching Jelly is well known for its ability to lift curls at the root, so no more flat-head hair with wild curls underneath. Its jelly-like texture allows for super-defined coils with incredible shine.

Customer review: "I have long curly hair and struggled to find a curl product that worked well for my curls without weighing them down, this is the product that works. Their entire curl line is amazing. I highly recommend."

Back to raving about Only Curls. Sorry not sorry - they're just that good. If you're after a setting mousse, there's only one pick worthy enough, and that's the Only Curls Volumising Curl Mousse. Gently foaming, without stripping the hair of its natural oils, curls are defined and nourished using its ingredients mix such as Pro-Vitamin B5, Rice Water, Rice Protein, and Pea Protein.

Customer review: "I am growing my hair, and I had been getting frustrated with my curls not holding well as my hair gets longer, but this mousse is a game changer! It's so light, you don't need much, and it holds AMAZINGLY! I use a tiny bit during morning refresh as well, and my curls look good as new. I love it, and I love my hair again!"

Once you've used the Flora & Curl activating lotion, it's time to style your curls with the Flora & Curl Defining Gel. Panthenol and Rice Protein provide extra conditioning, while pure Marshmallow Root delivers incredible slip while you apply it to your hair. It's alcohol-free so you'll see a real difference to the end result because your hair won't feel dry.

Our review by commercial content editor, Natalie Corner: "I've never had as many compliments on my curls as I have since using the Flora & Curl Defining Gel. As my hair is in a short crop, I find the best way to apply is finger curling with the gel, the slip is so good that I whizz through the application faster than usual. The scent is subtle which I like, and I use it during the week to add a little extra definition when my curls get frizzy. I would add that on the shorter areas of my hair cut the gel doesn't quite hold and needs extra mousse to set."

Having curly hair is great - but you can't have curls without the frizz, so you need a separate styling product to tame that mess after the curls have been set. Keep the frizz at bay with Creightons Frizz No More Instant Curls Revitalising Spray. Infused with moisturizing Meadowfoam and natural Argon Oil, the conditioning formula adds glossy shine as well as reduces static on the scalp which calms the frizz.

Customer review: "I have spent a lot of money over the years trying to find a curling spray that doesn't leave my hair crispy, but also gives it enough curl. Finally, I have found something that works and leaves my natural curls spirally rather than messy!"

If you're a TikTok fanatic (who isn't at this point) then you've definitely come across the Ecostyle Olive Oil Styling Gel. We'd recognise this iconic packaging anywhere. Ideal for scrunching, but also for defining baby hairs around the face, this is your one-stop-shop for styling goodness. Not to mention, it's an absolutely ginormous pot that'll last you ages.

Customer review: "I have tried so many different products in my 2c/3a hair and I have to say this is the best one yet. My curls are defined and healthy, I love how it dries them soft and not crunchy/wet look, unlike a lot of the other products I’ve used. 10/10 from me."

Once your curls are dried and set, tame any flyaways with Flora & Curl's Citrus Superfruit Radiance Oil. Packed with jojoba, watermelon, crambe and baobab oil and a delicious subtle tangerine scent, the oil is the perfect finishing product once you've styled your hair. The best thing about this oil is that it is lightweight and non-greasy, one pump is enough for your whole head but even if you add a little more during the week it doesn't feel like there is build-up.

Our review by commercial content editor, Natalie Corner: "I might be slightly addicted to this oil. When it says radiance on the packaging it really means it! I find the best way to apply this is once my curls are set and dried I dispense a pump and warm it up well in my hands. Then I pick out the curls and twist them apart to make them pop. During the week along with the Flora & Curl Activating Lotion I repeat the same process and my curls last even longer without having to wash."

Every curly girl should own a hairdryer with a diffuser attachment - but what if you love your current hairdryer and don't want to get a new one just for that one attachment? Universal diffusers are a thing, and they're awesome. For example, the Remington Universal Diffuser will fit onto any hairdryer you own, with its soft silicone adapter base.

Our review by heat writer Ruby Barry: "When I tell you, I felt like a super genius when I discovered universal diffusers. I was so sick of having to buy particular diffusers to attach to each hairdryer I've owned over the years, whereas with the Remington Universal Diffuser, I'm set for life. No man could ever promise this much commitment. Saving money is always my motive, so this was a worthwhile product to buy."

If you're sick of using your t-shirts to dry your curls then invest in a Microfibre Hair Towel such as this one from Noughty. There is no static or breakage you would get from a regular friction-heavy towel. These towels contain over 200,000 fibres per square inch so that excess water will be absorbed from your roots in no time.

Our review by heat writer Ruby Barry: "Not only are these towels super cute (obsessed with this green colour) but they dry my hair so quickly, with no frizz or static to deal with afterwards. You can easily do the polp method often used with t-shirts, by plopping your hair into the turban part and securing with the handy button they have on the side. It's really comfy to sleep with on as well if you're looking to do so."

A year ago, I experimented with hair steaming, which, in my full scalp steaming article on Closer, I discovered that it was amazing for hydrating my curls for bouncier, shinier waves. This Amazon Hair Cap Treatment Steamer, identical to the one I have at home, uses a power cord to heat up the thermal cap so your curl treatments can fully absorb into the follicles on your scalp. Not only was it super relaxing, but I definitely noticed my curls were much healthier afterwards.

Our review by heat writer Ruby Barry: "After 30 minutes, I took the steamer off and rinsed my hair. I could tell straight away my hair was hella-nourished. It felt silky as heck, and after adding some Moroccan oil to my ends and letting my hair air-dry, it really felt as if I'd visited the spa for the day. My hair felt moisturised for the rest of the week. To be honest, I couldn't wait to don my naff cap again. Highly recommend!"