Natural hair stylers come in many formulas, including gels, creams, and mousses.
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There’s no shortage of natural hair styling products to choose from — I’ve tried more creams, gels and sprays than I can count. If you’re overwhelmed by the choices too, I’ve got you covered — I asked natural hair experts to share the styling products they love most and shopping advice you can bookmark before your next product haul. Read on for guidance from Dani Priester, a licensed cosmetologist and the founder and owner of Haus of Beauty in New Jersey, and Jaxcee Challenger, founder of The Coily Collective salon in New York City.
To choose the best styling products for natural hair, our experts recommend keeping the following factors in mind:
Purpose: A styling product should “address the needs of natural hair, such as defining curl patterns, elongating hair shafts and controlling frizz,” says Priestler. The styler you choose will also depend on the look you want to achieve. For example, if you have finer hair and want a wash and go, you may need a leave-in, an oil, and a cream, but if you’re looking to do a slicked back bun, you may only need gel. This list includes a range of stylers, including gels, mousses, creams and leave-ins.
Ingredients: Sulfates, parabens, silicones and alcohol can strip your hair of its natural oils, which leads to dry and brittle hair that’s more susceptible to breakage, according to Priester. Artificial fragrances, petroleum, mineral oil, formaldehyde and other non-water soluble (which means unable to dissolve in water) ingredients can also contribute to dryness and damage. In line with their guidance, all of the products on my list are free of at least one of these ingredients.
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Below I’ve rounded up the best styling products for natural hair, including recommendations from natural hair experts and personal favorites from shopping experts on the NBC Select team.
Size:3.3 fl oz | Free of:parabens, sulfates, alcohol
What we like
Lightweight
Protects from heat damage
Something to note
More expensive than others
Former NBC Select editorial assistant Mikhaila Archer, a self-proclaimed “silk press natural all the way,” says this leave-in hair milk is one of her must-haves. “It’s a great heat protectant and I think it’s a big reason why my presses are nice and soft, and why my hair has stayed healthy with the heat,” she says. It’s formulated with coconut oil and fennel seed for luster and moisture retention, and helps to detangle and stop frizz, according to the brand.
This hydrating leave-in conditioner is my favorite one, especially when I don’t have time to deep condition on wash days. It’s really easy for my hair to dry out, but this conditioner keeps it feeling soft and moisturized all day. It uses aloe and honey to hydrate, and jojoba oil to seal in moisture, according to the brand.
Size:8 fl oz | Free of:parabens, sulfates, silicones
What we like
Great for daily use
Nourishing ingredients
Lightweight
Something to note
Nothing to note at this time
Made with shea butter and coconut oil, this lightweight moisturizer softens hair and boosts shine, according to the brand. NBC Select senior editor Nikki Brown reaches for this when she’s looking for a protein-free styling option — it’s great for daily hydration, and those with finer hair. According to the brand, it’s best applied by rubbing the product between your hands, then massaging it into your hair, while scrunching the ends to ensure they’re fully coated.
Size:8.5 fl oz | Free of:parabens, sulfates, silicones, mineral oil. formaldehyde | Type:spray | Scent:notes of pink pepper, vanilla, cardamom spice, tonka bean and oud | Heat protection:no
What we like
Works quickly
Adds slip to hair
Safe for all hair types
Something to note
Use as pre-shampoo
Although I usually reserve my detangling products for taking down protective styles or getting ready for wash days, this spray from Cecred is so good that I’ve started working it into my styling routine as well. It usually takes me over an hour to get through a full detangle, but with this spray, I can do my whole head in less than half that time. The ingredients include ceramides, honey and aloe vera leaf juice, all of which help to moisturize my hair and leave it slippery enough to easily comb through or detangle with your fingers.
This spray cuts my detangling time in half, and keeps my hair feeling soft throughout my wash routine.Courtesy Ashley Morris
Challenger loves this cream for its versatility — she says that depending on your hair type, you can add water to customize the cream’s texture without losing any of its benefits. It’s great for preventing frizz, and uses coconut oil and olive oil to moisturize your hair while adding shine and keeping it soft, according to the brand. For thinner or looser hair, Challenger recommends adding water to the cream in your palm little by little, until reaching a lightweight texture that works best for you.
Challenger recommends this curl cream for looser hair, because it “gives hold without any crunch.” It moisturizes and softens hair using castor oil and jojoba oil, and enhances curl definition, according to the brand. For best results, the brand suggests applying the cream in small amounts to damp hair, followed by gently scrunching the product into your hair for maximum curl definition.
Size:15 oz | Free of:parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum
What we like
No residue
Little goes a long way
Something to note
Nothing to note at this time
This styling gel is another favorite of Priestler’s, who says that it works “amazingly” for most curly and coily hair types. According to the brand, it also helps to control frizz without drying out your strands. The gel is formulated with silk protein and flaxseed oil, which gives it a long-lasting hold that Priestler says is especially helpful for wash-and-go styles. She also loves the Edge Control Gel from this line, which she uses for styles like Bantu knots and sleek ponytails. The best part? She says the products leave no flaky residue, which is a common issue with styling and edge gels.
Laying your edges is more a personal preference than a necessity, but if you’re looking for a sleek finish to your hairstyle, edge gel can be helpful. According to Brown, this castor oil-infused edge control doesn’t flake or leave behind any residue, though the applicator can be annoying. It has an apple-coconut scent and is safe to use on color-treated hair, according to the brand.
Another one of Brown’s go-to gels, this option uses biotin to stimulate the growth and strength of your edges, according to the brand. It leaves no residue, and can be used on edges of all hair types, including chemically-treated hair and wigs. It’s best applied by smoothing around the perimeter of your hairline with your fingertips or a brush, according to Mielle.
Out of all the gels she’s tried over the years, Brown says this one has given her the most curl definition. It’s formulated with aloe vera, jojoba oil and marshmallow to add definition and moisture to curls, according to the brand. Brown says that it doesn’t leave her hair feeling crunchy and that a little goes a long way — however, she recommends testing it on a couple strands first, “to find the amount that works best for you.” It has a medium hold that helps to combat frizz, and is best applied by finger-combing it through soaking wet hair, according to the brand.
For slicked back styles like a ponytail or bun, Brown swears by this gel from Cantu. “The ingredients are actually nourishing and it doesn’t leave me with helmet hair at the end of the day,” she says. It’s designed specifically for tighter curls and coils, and uses Jamaican castor oil and shea butter to smooth and moisturize your hair, according to the brand. Brown also says that the texture of this gel makes it easy to work with: “It’s not super hard like a pomade but it isn’t super liquidy like a leave-in”’ she says. Although Brown likes it best for sleeks styles, the brand says it can also be used for flat twists, edges and more.
When I want a sleek style to last for days, I use this spray from Got2b. I originally got the recommendation from one of my hairstylists, who told me that she uses it for all of her natural clients. I love that it instantly smooths my hair, and that the application is a lot less messy than using a gel — working in sections, I simply spray it, smooth the area down, and then give it a quick blast with my blow dryer and it’s good to go. When I need a more intense hold, I follow it up by tying it down with a hair scarf for at least 10 minutes.
Size:4 oz | Free of:silicones, phthalates, parabens
What we like
Soothing formula
Lightweight
Hydrating
Something to note
Scented
This balm is designed to help with both styling and protection — it uses an African oil blend, ceramides, and honey to moisturize and create a protective layer on top of the scalp, while also smoothing flyaways and softening your hair, according to the brand. It can also be used to blend your leave-out for half wigs and sew-ins, along with locking in strands while braiding. Brown says that when she rubs it along her scalp and hairline, “the relief feels almost instantaneous.” She also loves the smell, and that it’s not too thick or greasy.
This oil from Shea Moisture’s Bond Repair line comes recommended by Priestler because it “leaves the hair so soft with a natural shine.” Every product in the line, formulated especially for type 3 and 4 hair, is infused with amla oil and shea butter, both of which coat the hair cuticle and help to smooth frizz for up to 24 hours, according to the brand. Priestler is also a fan of the brand’s Bond Repair Shampoo and Conditioner, which she says are some of her favorite products to use on her natural clients.
Brown likes this foaming mousse for styles that need a lighter hold. It has a lightweight formula that’s anti-frizz, non-flaking and designed for use on all hair types and textures (including relaxed hair), according to the brand. The mousse is formulated with ceramides (one of our favorite skin care ingredients) to strengthen hair, while using monoi oil and shea butter to combat dryness and retain moisture. It adds hydration and shine to your hair without any greasiness, and can be used for twist-outs, slicked back styles, and more.
Mousse is great for maintaining braids, and this formula includes lavender and acai oils to help moisturize your scalp, according to the brand. It can be used to help lay the top of your braids and trap flyaways, and also adds a light sheen layer that helps your braids to look fresh.This mousse stuck out to Brown during a beauty supply store visit because of its ingredient list — “Because it’s alcohol-free and chock-full of oils, I can also use it on my scalp and natural hair once I take my braids out, too” she says. The hold is on the lighter side, however, she loves the sheen it leaves behind.
When shopping for natural hair styling products, keep in mind a range of factors. These include the type of styler you’re looking for, the ingredients that would best benefit your hair, and the texture and formula that match with your hair type.
Each type of styling product serves a different purpose or need. According to Priestler, these are some of the key types:
Leave-in conditioners provide moisture post-wash, and can be used to detangle hair.
Curl creams enhance curls and define your natural pattern minus stiffness or crunchiness.
Gels offer a strong hold for sleeker styles and can be used for curl definition and frizz prevention.
Mousse is lightweight and adds a bounce to the hair that’s ideal for voluminous styles.
Hair oils provide shine and adds softness while protecting the hair from outside elements.
Edge control products, sometimes called pomades, are designed to smooth and lay down the edges of your hair for a sleeker-looking hairline.
Hair butters are thick, creamy and ideal for twist-outs and braid-outs.
Setting lotions and foams are best for locking in a style and preventing frizz. They’re especially helpful for roller sets, perm rod sets and flexi rod sets.
Priestler always checks for “natural and nourishing ingredients” in her styling products, which help hair stay healthy and hydrated. She especially recommends shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera and jojoba oil, all of which provide moisture and a natural sheen to the hair.
For hydration, Challenger likes products that include water as a key ingredient, since it easily penetrates the hair cuticle to deliver moisture — hyaluronic acid can also boost hydration.
She also recommends double-checking the ingredients and formulas of your favorite products when re-purchasing — brands can sometimes change formulas under new ownership, so she says it’s important that you do your research before buying.
According to Dr. Brendan Camp in our article on sulfates, sulfates are a common skin and hair carte ingredient, and is often used as a surfactant, which is a chemical compound that’s used as a cleansing agent. It can be potentially irritating and drying for sensitive skin, similarly to parabens, which are used as preservatives. These ingredients, along with silicone and alcohol, can dry out the natural oils of your hair, which is why experts recommend being mindful of them as you shop.
“Thicker, coarser, and dry hair will benefit much more from a thicker cream or hair butter, because it has heavy emollients,” says Challenger. Emollients are ingredients like shea or cocoa butter that soften and smooth hair and skin, and create a protective barrier for moisture to prevent water loss. For thinner, low-porosity hair, she recommends lighter creams, light hold gels and mousses, which she says will help to create a bouncy, flowing curl that’s well-hydrated without being weighed down.
Frequently asked questions
What is hair porosity?
According to Challenger, hair porosity is the measure of how quickly water absorbs into your hair. When people have low-porosity hair, she says your hair may not be instantly soaked when it’s put under water — instead, rather than penetrating the cuticle, the water bounces off. For low-porosity hair, she recommends lightweight, thinner or more watery products that have a small enough molecule to penetrate your hair’s cuticle.
With high-porosity hair, the issue is water retention, rather than penetration. High-porosity hair easily absorbs water but doesn’t maintain moisture for long — for this, she recommends using products with lower amounts of water, along with heavier products like oils or creams to lock in moisture.
What are the steps to a good natural hair styling routine?
The first step to a proper styling routine, says Priester, is to start off with clean hair — “having a clean and healthy scalp is essential to having beautiful, flourishing hair,” she says. She recommends the following steps:
Wash and deep condition your hair biweekly, or monthly at the very least.
Thoroughly detangle your hair — Priester says this is absolutely necessary to ensure a smooth styling process, and to make your curls pop. She recommends using a Denman brush or wide tooth comb, working from the tips to the roots in sections to avoid breakage.
Apply your leave-in conditioner of choice.
Apply your styling product of choice section by section. “Make sure it’s applied on damp hair, that way the product penetrates the shaft and can lock in as it’s drying,” she says.
Create your style of choice — in order to maintain it over days, Prister recommends sleeping with a protective scarf, bonnet, or silk pillowcase.
What is the best way to layer natural hair products?
The best way to layer your products will depend on your hair’s porosity, according to Challenger. For high-porosity hair, she recommends using the LOC (leave-in/liquid, oil, and cream) method, which involves layering your leave-in conditioner/liquid moisturizer first, and then following it up with an oil and cream of your choice, which will help seal in the moisture from the leave-in.
For low-porosity hair, she suggests using heat, such as a steamer or hot towel, to let the leave-in absorb fully into the hair and following it up with lighter products that will penetrate your hair’s cuticle, as opposed to a heavier oil that won’t absorb as well.
Are products made specifically for natural hair better than others?
“Since most natural hair tends to be drier, natural products are designed to have more moisturizing agents and ingredients,” says Prister. These are often formulated to combat frizz and brittleness, which she says can help with your hair’s manageability. However, she says it really all depends on your hair’s specific needs, and which products can properly address them.
Challenger agrees, and says that it’s important to pay more attention to ingredient content and quality. Some of her favorite brands for high-quality ingredients include “mom-and-pop” brands like TGIN, and salon brands like Redken and Briogeo.
How often should you get a trim or hair cut?
Priestler says that trims are a great way to ensure your style “lays better and lasts longer”. Challenger agrees, saying that “going to the hairdresser is like going to the doctor” — it’s best to visit at least once every three months to check up on your hair’s health and get a haircut or trim.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Dani Priester is a licensed cosmetologist of 22 years specializing in styling and natural hair care, and the founder and owner of Haus of Beauty in New Jersey.
Jaxcee Challenger is the founder of The Coily Collective salon in New York City, and longtime hairstylist of NBC Select page Mikhaila Archer.
I’m an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, where I cover skin care, wellness, lifestyle and more, including reporting on the best natural hair masks and the best products for hyperpigmentation. For this article, I spoke to hair care experts about the best styling products for natural hair, including their advice on how to shop for one of your own.
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