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6 min readI'M A GUY with curly hair. That means I’ve never rolled out of bed without doing some light styling before heading out. The unfortunate truth is that these types of locks require a lot more attention than straight hair to look presentable. Because of that, most of us end up using way too many products.
Haircare can already be overwhelming for men, especially for those with curls. No two patterns are alike, either, and so it's important to identify exactly what you have going on up there. There's an entire scale for that, which I suggest you check out (for what it's worth, I have type 3C curls). Either way, I've lived with curly hair for 27 years and counting, which means I've had to master the art of fighting the summer humidity, winter winds, and everything else that causes frizz and dry hair.
Below, I've ironed out the core parts of my routine by product type. I've laid it all out based on the order of when I use each, and from there I've included my favorite brands and products that have worked for me, plus other great options for curly-haired fellas with different patterns than me. They're all filled with healthy ingredients made to treat your hair right while enhancing its appearance. With these, you'll be sure to have the best, most defined, hydrated, buoyant, and healthy curls possible. Every day will be a good hair day.
Best Curly Hair Shampoos
On wash days (which should not be every day, especially for those with curly hair), you want to make sure you're using a hydrating shampoo to start. Most shampoos strip your hair of its natural oils, but opting for ones that prioritize moisturizing ingredients is a good step. Look for products that contain biotin, coconut oil, argan oil, and protein bases (amongst others), as these cleanse and hydrate hair.
My absolute favorite on this list is from Aveda (which is a common brand you'll see throughout the rest of this guide). Still, shampoos from brands like Huron are great for guys just wanting a basic and smooth application, while Dr. Groot provides a solid hair thickening option that's also free of sulfates. I've used the famous Cécred hydrating shampoo in the past, and it has set me up for success each time.
Best Curly Hair Conditioners
Your conditioner is equally important. Regardless of how hydrating your shampoo is, you'll still want to replenish your follicles with some extra moisture. I use conditioner even on the days I don't shampoo, just to ensure I'm keeping it all tamed up there. (It's actually my favorite part of the shower.) Key ingredients that do this are humectants and emollients like shea butter, which help add slip. This is what ends up making it easier to detangle knots, which curly-haired folk know happens all too often. Other ingredients like butters and oils help add moisture and reduce frizz significantly. These compounds also keep hair soft and full of volume.
For me, Aveda wins again; its conditioner is my all-time favorite at the moment. I feel it doing what it needs to the second I apply it to my hair. Dr. Groot makes another appearance with its thickening conditioner that adds lots of definition without weighing down my curls. Most guys will appreciate the Native Curl Care Conditioner, as it comes with a pleasant smell and lathers onto your locks with ease. Curlsmith also provides intense relief for damaged or dry hair, and can even be used as a leave-in conditioner if needed.
Best Curly Hair Deep Conditioners and Masks
Here's where some guys might not realize they're missing out. A deep conditioner (also known as a hair mask) is a complete game-changer. In the winter, especially, hair can become dry, brittle, and damaged. Hair masks act as a superfood that feeds your hair the nutrients it lacks during frigid temperatures. This also goes for after you wash your hair with shampoo. You could consider deep conditioners like life packs, adding an abundance of hydration that hair needs (especially curly hair) to stay defined and easy to style for days on end. I tend to only use deep conditioners every other wash day, or just days where I feel like I need that extra definition.
The Briogeo Deep Conditioning Mask is, by far, the superior pick. I could even go on to say that it's my favorite hair product of all time. One use of it will have my once-thirsty locks quenched for days, and everyone can see it, too. In the summer, when the air is more humid, I sometimes opt for the Matrix Food For Soft Rich Hydrating Treatment Mask. It's hydrating without being too intense, and leaves my curls ready for the products that come next. You can also never go wrong with the Dove Intensive Repair Mask, which adds protein to your hair in under a minute. Ouai provides a solid option for more wavy and loose curls.
Best Curl Creams
After cleansing and treating my hair, it's time to style it. I almost always go in for a curl cream while my hair is still soaking wet from my shower. A cream helps extend the work your conditioner and hair masks have done by coating each strand with nourishing ingredients. This further prevents frizz and volume loss throughout the day. Curl creams are usually lightweight since most of the nourishing is already done in your shower. I scrunch this in after lathering it throughout my entire head, combing and touching my hair until I've reached my desired style.
Without a doubt, most hair types will be fine with Harry's Taming Hair Cream. For wavier hair types, you can probably get away with using this and calling it a day. For those with tighter coils, it's still a good option, you just might want to follow up with a gel afterward. Either way, I'm still a huge Aveda fan. The brand's curl cream makes sure there is not even one strand of hair that's frizzy. It lathers on smoother than any cream I've put on. That being said, please don't sleep on Curlsmith. The brand's curl cream is a bit more intense than others, ensuring that styled hair stays in place. I like the Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream for days that I know are going to be stickier outside.
Best Styling Gels
Big gel guy here. It's how I usually end my style routine (that's if I'm not using oils after). Hair is already hydrated, moisturized, and defined after completing all previous parts of the process. Gel is all about keeping everything in place, which is vital for all curly hair. The hard part is finding one that doesn’t leave hair crunchy (which feels impossible). Those with looser curls will benefit from lightweight formulas, which are also good for preventing hair from being weighed down. Thicker gel formulas are good for those with tighter curls, but can often leave a crunch. (I suggest scrunching those out after hair is dry, preferably with a suitable oil.)
I'm recommending fewer products on the gel front, so trust that these are the options that hold true to my word. No shocker: the Aveda Be Curly Advanced Hair Gel is my go-to. Like most of the products in this line, it just instantly does what it needs to do. It smooths onto my hair so perfect, sometimes I think it was made especially for me. Another reliable option is the Dove Men Styling Gel. This one is more of a high hold, and so I reach for this when I know I'll be out all day with little to no time to retouch my hair throughout. An easy choice is the Harry's Sculpting Hair Gel, which most guys can work with for easy styling.
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Josiah is the Digital Content Producer for the commerce team at Popular Mechanics, Best Products, Runner’s World, and Bicycling Magazine. He also writes for “BIO Buys”—a column on Biography.com—giving readers the lowdown on what products their favorite celebs are using. In another life, Josiah was an editor at ThePioneerWoman.com, where he sharpened his expertise on all things lifestyle, food-news, and entertainment. Outside work related matters, he’s a fan of Studio Ghibli films, unimportant reality TV drama, and melancholy Lorde songs.
Sean Zucker is the Grooming and Commerce Editor at Men's Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean's not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck.
