For a curly girl, an effective product can mean the difference between gorgeously defined curls and a force field of frizz. In the curly world, we refer to these miracle workers as Holy-Grail products. We are notoriously attuned to labels, as silicones and sulfates often dry hair out or weigh it down — but avoiding these ingredients doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank on product purchases.
In fact, here are 10 Holy-Grail products that curly, coily, and wavy-haired women love — each for under $10.
10 Holy Grail Products Under $10
As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner, $8
This cleansing conditioner has been a longtime favorite in the natural-hair community, and one look at its ingredients will tell you why. One of the key components is coconut oil, which is famous for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft, preventing the loss of protein and thus helping to strengthen your locks. It also contains castor-seed oil, which is known for its antibacterial properties; it helps to unclog hair follicles and allows for healthy growth. In general, this co-wash is great for all types of textured hair.
EDEN BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Shampoo, $8.99
If you are obsessed with peppermint freshness, meet your product soulmate. This sulfate-free shampoo is infused with peppermint oil and tea-tree oil, both of which have antibacterial properties that help unclog your hair follicles while giving your scalp a refreshing, healthy feel. This gentle shampoo won’t strip your waves, curls, or coils.
Nubian Heritage Evoo & Moringa Repair & Extend Hair Butter, $8.99
This hair butter will help you manipulate every flyaway and slick down those edges for good. It’s certified organic and infused with botanical extracts; olive oil is the first ingredient, and shea butter the second. Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat that works to keep your curls shiny and soft, while shea butter is a saturated fat that acts like a waterproof barrier, sealing in all your hair’s moisture. Whether you have waves, curls, or coils, this product will help you nail your go-to hairstyle.
Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper, $9.99
No matter how new you are to the natural-hair community, you’ve probably heard the collective rave reviews surrounding this product. Containing the humectant glycerin (which helps keep your hair soft by attracting moisture from the air around you”>, this product also contains propylene glycol (which has the ability to make non-water soluble substances more water-soluble, so buildup won’t be an issue”>.
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Reconstructive Finishing Elixir, $9.99
SheaMoisture is no doubt one of the most popular brands out there for natural hair, and many curly women find their products irresistible. This finishing oil spray is packed with botanical ingredients that benefit all textures. Most of the magic from this product comes from the argan oil, which is known for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft while providing tons of shine. It also contains avocado oil, which is a monounsaturated fat that penetrates the hair shaft and softens hair while it adds shine. We especially like using this oil as a pre-poo and end-sealer.
EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Crème, $8.99
Coconut and shea? We’re already hooked! If you’re craving some poppin’ texture, check out this amazing crème that is infused with coconut oil and aloe-vera-leaf juice. The coconut oil helps build strong locks by penetrating the hair shaft and aiding in the prevention of protein loss. The aloe has soothing properties that can help ease inflamed hair follicles (when your hair “hurts””>. This crème will leave your hair smelling and looking amazing.
Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner, $8
This will leave your curls soft after every wash; the primary ingredient is panax ginseng, which is packed with natural stimulants, to leave your scalp feeling refreshed. It’s also said to increase blood flow. Panthenol — an excellent, water-soluble humectant that will not weigh down your hair — is another noteworthy ingredient in this conditioner, which we think is great for all textures.
U R Curly Tight Curl Enhancer, $9.99
This gel gives great control while leaving your curls soft to the touch. It contains glycerin (a natural humectant”> and hydrolyzed vegetable protein (which helps add protein to hair, thereby strengthening your strands”>. Great for all textures, this is one of our favorite styling gels.
Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner, $9
The refreshing botanicals — rosemary and nettle — are what we love most about this conditioner. A member of the mint family, rosemary helps revitalize your scalp and add shine; nettle is known for its ability to control dandruff and make hair look glossy. This awesome spray formula can be used as a leave-in for dry hair textures, or as a curl refresher for thicker curl textures.
SheaMoisture Olive & Marula Baby Head-To-Toe Wash & Shampoo, $9.99
Yes, we know it says baby on the label, but we naturals are not afraid to try different things. The gentle wash is not only for your hair but for your skin as well. It’s infused with aloe vera, which is known for its soothing properties that ease inflammation on the skin. This shampoo also contains vitamin E, which is famous for its ability to penetrate living skin cells.
