The 10 Best Conditioners for Curly Hair of 2025, Approved by Experts

Key Ingredients: Shea and murumuru butter blend, hyssop extract, bioactive keratin ferment | Free of: Silicones, sulfates, phthalates, parabens | Size: 10 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This Beyoncé-approved deep conditioner earns the number one spot not because of the star power behind it, but because it delivers results across all hair types and textures in need of intense moisture. Its rich formula—infused with natural African oils like baobab, moringa, and black seed oil—helps nourish and soften curls from the inside out. “The best ingredients for damaged hair are protein and natural oils,” says Alia. Free of silicones, sulfates, and parabens, the Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner seals the hair cuticle to lock in hydration, restore nutrients, and revitalize overall hair health. What more could a curl friend want?

Key Ingredients: Rice amino acids, shea butter, avocado oil | Free of: Silicones, sulfates | Size: 8 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Briogeo has long been a go-to for wavy, curly, and coily hair types, and the brand’s Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Curl Defining Conditioner was a star product among our editors. Our tester, who has long, thick hair, found the formula to be deeply hydrating and effective at enhancing her natural wave pattern without adding weight. It also revived her dry ends and made detangling effortless—she could finger-comb through her hair easily after use. The formula also rinsed out cleanly (it left behind zero buildup, even when applied all over), and its scent was light and fresh without being overpowering.

While Briogeo’s conditioner improved moisture and manageability, our tester wished it offered more frizz control, as she still needed to apply a hair oil to tame flyaways. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those embracing their natural curls and waves, offering hydration and definition without weighing down the hair.

Michelle, tester with thick, long, wavy hair: “This moisturizing conditioner definitely enhanced the look of my waves, but I still felt like I needed a hair oil to tame my frizz and flyaways. I still use it on days I plan on leaving my hair in its natural state, though—it gives me confidence knowing that my waves will be more defined.”

Key Ingredients: Biotech-produced polysaccharide, K18PEPTIDE | Free of: Silicones, sulfates | Size: 8 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For one tester with type 2B/3A hair, K18’s DAMAGE SHIELD Protective Conditioner was a game-changer at repairing damage from a recent round of highlights. During the testing period, she observed significant improvements in hydration, shine, and curl definition, as well as a reduction in frizz and breakage, particularly at the crown and roots. This conditioner also made her highlights look healthier and more vibrant, even in dry winter weather. Lastly, she highlighted this conditioner’s lightweight yet creamy texture, which distributed easily without buildup.

Our tester had no drawbacks to report, except that the 8.5-ounce bottle is a bit pricey! While she still used additional oils and leave-in treatments during the testing period, she credited this conditioner with reviving her curls and reducing breakage after just a few washes. It’s ideal for those with thicker or drier hair looking for noticeable repair and moisture.

Ally Hirschlag, associate editorial director with curly 2B/3A hair: “I love what this conditioner has done for my hair. I’ve been experiencing more breakage lately due to adding more highlights, and I think this product rescued it. I don’t think I’ll be going back to my old conditioner.”

Key Ingredients: Biotin, rosemary, essential oils | Free of: Sulfates, parabens, silicones | Size: 12 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

One of our testers, who has type 4C natural hair, loved that Mielle Organics’ Rosemary Mint Strengthening Conditioner effectively added moisture to her ultradry strands. She loved its lightweight, easy-to-apply texture and great slip, which helped smooth and soften her hair for styles like twist-outs and wash-and-gos. While she didn’t notice significant hair growth, her strands felt noticeably healthier, less brittle, and more manageable.

She also appreciated that this conditioner boosted hydration without any buildup or heaviness, though she still needed to follow up with oil and a leave-in treatment to lock in moisture. The rosemary and mint scents lingered pleasantly, soothing and cleansing her scalp. Her only critique? She wished this formula was slightly thicker to better serve dehydrated hair, but she still recommended it to those with type 4 hair seeking additional moisture.

Philtrina, tester with dry 4C hair: “[After the testing period], I noticed my hair felt healthier, smoother, and softer than usual. I’d recommend it to natural hair girls who need additional moisture.”

Key Ingredients: Mafura and baobab oils, fig extract, and fair trade shea butter | Free of: Silicones, sulfates, phthalates, parabens | Size: 13 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Celebrity hairstylist and SheaMoisture education partner Lacy Redway says, “For dry curls, it’s all about deep hydration.” Dry, dull hair often signals a compromised moisture barrier, but the SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Conditioner is here to help. Infused with manuka honey, shea butter, mafura, and baobab oils, this rich formula deeply nourishes curls. It also includes antioxidant-packed African Rock Fig to protect against environmental damage while restoring softness, shine, and manageability. Whether you have tight curls, loose curls, or waves, this intensive conditioner delivers impressive results—at an equally impressive price.

Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, shea butter, safflower oil | Free of: Silicones, sulfates, parabens | Size: 13 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This ultra-hydrating and rich intensive conditioner is a go-to for restoring moisture and hydration to low-porosity hair and coily textures. Thick, creamy, and easy to apply—Pattern’s Intensive Conditioner, formulated with avocado oil, shea butter, and safflower, helps protect against breakage and dryness, leaving your hair just as defined as the founder and creator, Tracee Ellis Ross.

Key Ingredients: Extended humidity shield, water lily extract, aloe leaf juice | Free of: Silicones, sulfates, phthalates, parabens | Size: 9.2 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

What’s curly and frizz-free? Your hair—once you’ve tried Amika’s Forget Frizz Anti-Frizz Conditioner. While frizz is a common concern, it can also signal deeper issues. “Frizz is often a sign of dry hair that may be breaking or lacking moisture,” explains Alia. “It can also mean your hair isn’t absorbing conditioner properly due to uneven porosity.” This lightweight conditioner is clinically proven to reduce frizz and lock in moisture for up to 72 hours. Suitable for straight, wavy, curly, and coily textures, the formula smooths hair, boosts manageability, and forms a silky barrier that shields against humidity and environmental stressors.

Key Ingredients: Lemon fruit extract, chamomile flower extract, aloe | Free of: Sulfates, parabens | Size: 8.5 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The tighter the curl, the greater the need for hydration—and the Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner delivers. Formulated with Pro-Vitamin B5, botanical extracts, and soothing aloe, it deeply nourishes even the driest curls while hydrating the scalp and protecting it from irritation. It’s a multitasker we love: ideal for reviving tight, corkscrew curls and leaving your scalp refreshed and moisturized. Lightweight yet effective, this conditioner might be just what your curls have been craving.

Cortney, tester with curly hair: “This made my hair easy to detangle and manage before styling. It smoothed and reduced frizz, though it didn’t eliminate it completely. There was also minimal breakage when detangling.”

Key Ingredients: Keratin, marshmallow root, shea butter | Free of: Sulfates, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde | Size: 10 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

They say it’s survival of the thickest, and OUAI’s Thick Hair Conditioner is built to handle it. Formulated with marshmallow root, keratin, and shea butter, this ultra-rich conditioner is designed specifically for thick, coarse hair. Nicknamed “so rich you’ll need a prenup,” it works to reduce frizz, smooth flyaways, and prevent breakage. Ideal for thick hair types, especially curls ranging from 3C to 4C, it delivers the moisture and strength your strands need.

Key Ingredients: Argan oil, almond oil, algae extract | Free of: Sulfates, parabens, silicones | Size: 16 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

According to Alia, damaged hair is often the result of deeper issues, such as excessive chemical treatments, infrequent trims, or using the wrong products for your hair type. Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! Conditioner is a go-to for restoring and revitalizing curls. Infused with natural oils, this gentle formula is safe for all hair types and helps replenish essential moisture. Even better, it’s clinically proven to reduce breakage after just two uses—giving your curls the refresh they didn’t know they needed.