1.) Jessicurl’s Awe Inspiraling Spray

Before I found this truly “awe-inspiring” spray, I regularly resorted to re-wetting my curls for needed refreshments. This routine left me with frizzy hair in desperate need of moisture. Finding this midday curl refresher was the answer to all those early years of re-washing my curls to get them poppin’ again.

The spray comes in two different scents: island fantasy—my absolute favorite— and citrus lavender. There’s a no-fragrance option as well. I repeatedly come back to this product because of its ability to revive dry curls with just a few sprays.

Its short, concentrated list of ingredients (Jojoba Seed Oil is one of them) is an added plus. You only need a few spritzes to get that defined after-shower look again.

2.) Shea Moisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

The creation of this list was inspired by my long-term affair with this texturizing, leave-in smoothie. This product has been a constant in my routine since the beginning of my curly hair journey.

Its scent —a luxe coconut and shea butter infusion— takes me back to my early 20s when I was rotating through multiple products, looking for that magical, elusive concoction that would solve all my hair problems. I immediately found it with this leave-in protein definer.

The smoothie’s magic lies in its three main ingredients: Coconut Oil, Silk Protein, and Neem Oil. Together, they silken and hydrate the hair, while controlling frizz and adding shine. It’s also the first hair product that left my mane thick and bouncy.

Be careful though, you only need a quarter size amount or less for thin hair; this is some powerful stuff!

3.) Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer & Style-Prep

This product is a part of Aveda’s Be Curly line and was probably the first leave-in product I used that felt creamy, yet weightless. It’s a 2-in-1: a moisturizer and enhancer that brings the spring back into your curls. Unlike other enhancers, this cream doesn’t cause shrinkage; my strands retain their length.

According to Aveda’s website, this enhancer was the winner of the 2020 Beauty Award from The Knot for best curly hair product. Its key ingredient is wheat protein, which the company says helps expand hair when wet and retract when dry to create curl definition. Other ingredients include Marshmallow Root Extract, Glycerin, and Linseed Seed Extract.

I mostly always use the enhancer with Aveda’s Be Curly Style-Prep lotion. I usually never use primers just because they’ve always come across as a marketing ploy to generate more sales but I noticed better results when using the enhancer with this style-prep product.

It helped maintain the curl-boosting effects of the enhancer for a longer period compared to when I used it by itself. The primer includes wholesome ingredients like organic baobab, babassu oil, macadamia nut, and guar bean.

4.) As I Am’s Coconut Co-Wash

Coconut is my favorite scent (and fruit), so it’s no wonder I included this one in my list. Of course, that’s not the only reason why. This very creamy co-wash is thick but rinses out thoroughly.

It coats all of my strands equally and is the only co-wash I’ve tried that leaves my hair curlier than it naturally is. I reach for this when my curls need definition but beware… this product does cause shrinkage.

The no-suds moisturizing formula’s ingredients include Tangerine, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Saw Palmetto, and Phytosterols (huh?). It was the first time I’d heard of that last ingredient. I found this interesting article on NaturallyCurly.com about how phytosterols can possibly aid in healthy hair growth.

As of today, I have two unused tubs underneath my faucet thanks to Sally’s buy two for the price of one sale they occasionally have for this product!

5.) Pattern’s Leave-In Conditioner

This one’s for the girl who hasn’t learned how to love her curls… yet.

As mentioned in I Tried Tracee Ellis Ross’ New Curly Hair Line “Pattern” and Fell in Love!, this leave-in is my favorite product from Ross’ curly hair line. This leave-in is certainly special…it leaves my curls frizz-free, shiny, volumized, enhanced, etc. every single time. I don’t say this lightly: It’s probably one of the best products on the market right now.

Like with all hair products, the results depend on how you use it, how much of it you use, and your hair type. It does well on my 3b/c fine curls and is weightless enough that I can add a little more than just my usual quarter-size amount. I can even add a gel (Pattern’s curly gel) on top of this leave-in, it’s that lightweight!

6.) Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Elixir

Viviscal has been in the hair-care business for over 25 years and is best known for its hair growth supplements with AminoMar collagen complex. My introduction to their products started with their hair growth pills and more recently with their exfoliating scalp scrub.

This body-boosting elixir does what the pill asserts: it transforms thinning locks into thick, full hair. To apply, rake through damp curls and can also be used as a styler on dry hair. I’ve always used it after stepping out of the shower, so I can’t attest to whether it works on freshly blowed-out hair. The elixir feels thin like a serum and isn’t really noticeable. The only con I’ve noticed is its very strong *perfume-like scent. Nevertheless, it’s still one of the best serums out there.

*Note: This elixir is the discontinued version; a newly renamed Hair Thickening Serum is currently in stores. Viviscal updated the formula with a new scent and ingredients keratin, biotin, marine collagen, and seaweed extract.

7.) Briogeo’s Avocado + Kiwi Moisture Superfood Mask

This superfood mask is my absolute favorite protein-free moisturizing mask. In my opinion, it’s just as effective as the company’s cult favorite Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask.

Curls are notorious for their lack of moisture and leaving it dehydrated too many times can lead to breakage. This mask, which is currently sitting empty in my drawer, leaves my strands super hydrated, elastic, and strong.

Its avocado scent is luscious and decadent and always leaves me feeling happy. I didn’t think I would love another mask as much as the company’s deep conditioning mask but this one is trailing close behind it. This repair mask was also featured in Allure Readers’ Choice Awards 2021.

Key ingredients include kiwi fruit extract for antioxidant protection, avocado oil for conditioning, spinach for hair and scalp care, and chia seed oil to fortify curls.

It’s a staple that will continue to find its way back into my cabinet every year.