I Finally Embraced My Natural Hair, and These 11 Products Made It So Much Easier

My curly hair hasn't gotten the love and attention it deserves from me over the years. Up until recently, I had never even let my type 4 coils dry into their natural, springy shape. I was devoted to blow-drying and flat-ironing them bone straight every week like clockwork. Now, there's nothing wrong with straightening your hair, but I began to realize that I was only doing it because I'd always considered my hair texture too wild, unmanageable, and, dare I say, unattractive to let it thrive in its natural state. (Don't worry. I'm dedicated to unlearning that internalized racism!)

Growing to love my hair has been an enlightening experience, but I also recognize that it can be stressful figuring out where to start. (That's where these curly hair tips come in handy.) Those with type 2, 3, and 4 curl patterns can attest that embracing your curls is a process that can take a lot of time, patience, and trial and error. But learning what does and doesn't work for our hair really is a fun and self-actualizing journey that offers more clarity and healing than you might think. And while everyone is different, it really does help to hear about the best curly hair products that have worked for others.

Before

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(Image credit: @court_higgs)

After

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(Image credit: @court_higgs)

So here I am, a curly girl on a mission to spread some love with a list of the products I've found to be indispensable in my haircare routine. Whether you're just starting to learn about your curly hair (good for you!) or simply looking for some tried-and-true products to add to your routine, there's something for everyone. Keep scrolling to check out the washday, styling, and maintenance essentials that have made my natural hair journey a breeze.

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(Image credit: @court_higgs)

1. Sulfate-Free Shampoos

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2. Deep Conditioners

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3. Protein Treatments

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4. Leave-In Conditioners

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(Image credit: @thatcurlytop)

5. Curl Creams

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6. Oils

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7. Low-Heat Styling Tools

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(Image credit: @kimseidensticker)

8. Detanglers

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9. Gels

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10. Silk and Satin Hair Protectors

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11. Hair Ties

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The Extras

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Associate Beauty Editor

Courtney Higgs is a Cancer sun, Libra rising beauty enthusiast with about six years of experience in the editorial space. She was previously Who What Wear's associate beauty editor after spending many years working on the West Coast edit team at InStyle Magazine. She graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a BA in communication studies and pivoted to editorial after spending her college years working in the legal field. Her beauty philosophy is simple: She believes there are no wrong answers and that discovering our favorite beauty products and rituals is a journey, not a sprint. When she's not geeking out over products, she can be found adventuring around L.A. with her fiancé; watching reality TV with their French bulldog, Bernie Mac; or relating way too hard to astrology memes.