Today I am sharing with you the best curly hair products for type 3A/3B curls. I myself had trouble finding the information online when researching the best curly hair products for my 3A curls and so it has taken me a long time to find the right ones.
Finally, I am happy to say, after much trial and error with many many styling and conditioning products, I have found the ones that work. I have been following the Curly Girl method for almost 2 years now so it has taken me a very long time to figure out my curl pattern and what works for me. In fairness, I wasn’t following all the steps correctly for a long time and that definitely didn’t help. You need to follow all the steps carefully for it to work.
I did a post on here a while back – Curly Hair Wonder Products. However, I have switched up my routine now and my hair is in much better shape. My curls have transformed into more bouncy ringlets and are way less frizzy and healthier. I think spending a little more on better curly hair products is well worth it. I don’t spend a fortune but I can’t buy my products in the supermarket so I source them online and buy when there are specials on.
I managed to discover most of the following curly hair products from my fave curly hair subscription box, Curls Allowed. I have done a good few posts on it here before and the November box was one of my favourite as I found 2 of my hero products in there.
So without further ado, here are in my opinion, the best curly hair products for type 3A/3B curls –
This post contains affiliate links to some of the products mentioned. I only recommend products I genuinely love. Thanks.
1 Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioner
3 Giovanni Weightless Moisture Leave-in Conditioner
4 Cantu Moisturising Curl Activator Cream
Those 5 products used in conjunction with each other are really the best curly hair products for type 3A/3B curls. After my first use of all 5 products together, I noticed a real shine, bounce and coily curl pattern. With continued use, my hair has gone from strength to strength. I have tried using other products in between but never with such good results.
Here is my 5 step system –
1 Wet hair and apply Matrix Biolage conditioner liberally, forking it through the hair strands and making sure to coat all of the hair well. Leave on for 3 mins and rinse.
2 Apply As I Am Coconut Co Wash the same way and leave on for 1-2 mins and rinse.
3 Plop your rinsed hair in a teeshirt fabric headscarf or similar fabric. When semi-dry apply the Giovanni leave-in conditioner with your fingertips by raking through the hair.
4 Once almost dry, scrunch the hair and apply the Cantu Curl Activator Cream. Smooth it on and tame any frizzy bits.
5 When hair is dry, scrunch the roots to add some volume. Apply the As I Am Smoothing Gel by raking gently in sections. Lightly scrunch again once the hair is dry and you can add a little water if it turns any way frizzy. Should keep your curls frizz free without weighing them down and smells lovely.
I sometimes use a deep treatment mask when my hair is feeling dry. For this, I tend to use either Chirp Body Softnest Hair Mask (Curls Allowed October box find) or else Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I usually leave those on for around 30 minutes or so, then rinse with warm water and ACV (apple cider vinegar). I mix half and half in a jug then pour over my hair before rinsing fully with water. This helps clarify the hair.
If you prefer to use a shampoo, I recommend the Christoph Robin Cleansing Volumising Paste. You only need a small amount and it gives curls a great definition and volume. I personally don’t use shampoo as part of my routine anymore but when I dye my hair I use henna and wash it out with the clay paste shampoo.
If you dislike using henna, I recommend you use Olaplex No. 3 to maintain hydration and repair on a molecular level in between dying your hair. It helps protect and repair the hair shaft from the chemicals in hair dye which can strip the hair. Leave on for 10 mins or longer then shampoo and condition as normal. Follow the instructions carefully and do not leave it in your hair overnight. Can be used weekly for optimal results. Pricey but worth it.
Top Tips – Stop using hair straighteners/heated tools if you use them and quit brushing your hair unless using a wide tooth comb in the shower. Rake your hair with fingertips when wet. If you must dry your hair, use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer.
If you have low porosity hair, you can try the Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion Weightless Masque. It is a lovely whipped, lightweight and hydrating mask that works particularly well on low porosity hair.
If you want to keep your hair from turning into a fluffy beehive overnight, you could try wrapping it in a silk/satin headscarf. Just a tip, in case your hair is like mine haha.
So those are the best curly hair products for type 3A/3B curls. Let me know if you have tried any of these and how you find them. I love hearing your feedback!
Curly hair is high maintenance for sure, but once you find the right products, it gets easier. I hope you try some of the products mentioned, if not all!
Do you have any curly hair products you swear by for type 3A/3B curls? If unsure of your curl type, check out this helpful article with a diagram – Curl Types.
Good Luck!
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