Best Products for Short Curly Hair

When it’s time for a wash, cleanse your hair and scalp without stripping your curls of nutrients and moisture with a co-wash, (short for conditioner washing). It will keep your curls smooth, conditioned, and clean.

Buy It: Living Proof Curl Conditioning Wash; $26

The secret to detangling curls is to do it with a wide-tooth comb while still in the shower, just after applying conditioner or conditioning wash. This handy comb is designed specifically for curly hair.

Buy It: Ouidad Wide Tooth Comb

You can use this as both a primer and a finishing spray. It provides heat protection up to 450 degrees, protects from UV exposure, and reduces color fade. Apply to dry hair to help lock in your style until your next wash.

Buy It: Ouia Memory Mist; $28

Hydrate and define curls with this coconut-infused cream. You’ll want to experiment with just how much styler to use depending on your hair thickness and texture.

Buy It: DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler; $28

Bio Ionic Universal Diffuser

Diffusing is a technique that can result in more defined curls, which is ideal for short hair. If you already love your blow dryer, but don’t have a diffuser attachment, opt for this version. It fits all Bio Ionic dryer and most other hairdryers. 

Buy It: Bio Ionic Universal Diffuser; $24

Washing hair too often is a pitfall for many women—whether their hair is curly or not—but coarser hair tends to lose moisture even quicker that straight strands. This stylish shower cap will keep your curls dry, lock in moisture, and reduce frizz so all you need to do is freshen up curls with a finishing spray before you’re on your way out the door. We love that this fashionable take on a typically not-so-fashionable must-have stays put without the headache (literally) thanks to a small rubber strip on the inside. It’s even machine washable.

Buy It: Shhhowercap; $43

When curls are starting to lose their bounce, revive them with this milk spray. It promises to redefine curls while eliminating frizz, all without weighing down hair or causing the dreaded curl crunch.

Buy It: Garnier Curl Renew Reactivating Milk Spray; $3.49