Big, wild curls are in. Here are the best products and treatments to help you enhance your curls, not hide them.
Those of us with naturally voluminous, bouncy curls often think of our hair texture as more of a curse than a blessing.
We’re told time and time again that frizz is something to banish, and we’ve spent mountains of time and dough futzing with gels, serums and flatirons. But not anymore.
Frizz is in, and curls are bigger and wilder than ever, with celebrities such as Solange Knowles and Vanessa Hudgens embracing their natural textures.
Summer is the perfect time to follow suit by giving your precious strands a break, so we’ve gathered the best products and treatments to help you enhance your curls, not hide them. Here are 10 favorites, all under $30.
Abba Curl Prep Spray ($20 at Ulta). This prepping spray uses lemongrass, orange peel oil and quinoa to define curls while adding luster and shine.
Bumble and Bumble Bb. Curl (Style) Pre-Style/Re-Style Primer ($28 at Sephora). This versatile spray-on primer can be used on washed hair to detangle and define, or on day two to rehydrate and refresh.
Ouidad Wave Create Sea Spray ($26 at ouidad.com). If you thought sea spray was only meant to give straight hair a beachy texture, think again. This wave spray was created for curly hair. It uses seawater and sea-salt crystals to give curls a beachy look without leaving hair crunchy or stiff.
KMS California Curl Up Bounce Back Spray ($17). For firm hold and incredible retention, use this curl-activating spray. Maize starch and orange mint help to amplify curls and keep them intact all day, despite humidity.
DevaCurl DevaTowel ($20 at devacurl.com). This towel is designed expressly for curly and wavy hair. While the typical texture of a bath towel can be damaging to your strands, the DevaTowel provides a smooth and absorbent surface that removes excess water without crushing curls.
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Gel-To-Oil Overnight Repair Treatment ($28 at Sephora). Overnight treatments have the power to revitalize and strengthen your curls. This nutrient-rich gel melts into an oil, releasing biotin, argan oil, rosehip oil, algae extract and coconut alkanes.
Nexxus Exxpand Volumizing Whip ($12 at drugstores). Ideal for those who want to make their curls bigger and bolder, this mousse provides lasting volume for up to a week. Lightweight and aerated, it uses silicon to give even the finest locks added fullness.
AG Hair Care Curl Trigger ($29 at Ulta). This sea-vegetable-extract-infused spray makes hair texture softer and more defined. It’s also alcohol- and paraben-free, so it won’t cause your locks to dry out.
Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy ($7 at Ulta). This curl-defining spray is perfect for coarser hair. Soya bean and avocado oil make for a lightweight, nonstick formula that defines, softens and adds shine.
Dove Quench Absolute Intense Restoration Mask ($7 at drugstores). This rich mask nourishes curls and adds shine.