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If you've been wishing on stars for perfectly defined, weightless curls, call me your fairy godmother because bippity boppity boom — mousse that doesn't make your hair crunchy.
1. A"Mousse Def" texture foamthat'll give your hair (any type, might I add) a flexible hold without all the flakes and crunch. First ingredient in this has GOT to be witchcraft because, howwww?! This stuff does it all — detangles, conditions, defines, AND adds shine in just one step. Magic in a bottle, that's what this stuff is.
The Douxis a woman-owned small biz that specializes in professional-quality products for all hair types.
Promising reviews: "I use this stuff FAITHFULLY!!! It gives my curls great definition without weighing it down and there's no flaking. It's also GREAT for a wash-n-go!" —Markitha
"Impressed with this hair product, it effectively maintains moisture in my hair, resulting in long-lasting curls. I find myself using it sparingly, every other day, and still achieve natural-looking, healthy curls. A genuine thumbs up for its consistent performance and ability to keep my hair well-hydrated." —Bergen County Housewife
Get it from Amazon for$14.98.
2. Astrong hold edge controlfor thick edges because it seems that nothing is laying your baby hairs the way you want them laid. Well, meet this little bottled magic, honeyyy! Say goodbye to your weak edge control and say hello to flake-free hold for all types of hair. Kinky, coily, loose, whatever you've got, this stuff will surely replace whatever gel you currently use.
Bask and Lather is a woman-owned biz that specializes in natural products made from 100% organic ingredients.
And check it out onTikTok! This reviewer even went to the gym and their edges did not move. One word — shook.
Oh, and I totally understand that laying your edges is not a necessity and isn't everyone's cup of tea! For more on this, check out "Just A Friendly PSA That You Don't HAVE To Lay Your Edges Down If You Don't Wanna."
Promising reviews: "Definitely works with no residue left behind and lasts ALL DAY! The only product that won’t get greasy and lift after a few minutes!! I love it! Will be buying again." —Ms. T
"My curls are very stubborn. No matter how much Eco styling gel I used when putting my hair in a puff or ponytail the curls would still pop out. This edge control looks nice and sleek while giving my hair shine and holding my curls down all day!" —Brandi
Get it fromAmazonfor $15.99.
3. Ascalp and hair clarifying rinseto help avoid dandruff and maintain an itch-free scalp. It's made with apple cider vinegar to help remove buildup caused by your everyday hair products and it helps repair damaged follicles without stripping the natural oils that are essential for keeping your mane moisturized. Plus, the hydrating shea butter and strengthening castor oil will have your locks looking and feeling the best they've ever been.
Girl + Hairis a woman-owned small biz that specializes in products to maintain natural hair underneath hair extensions.
Promising review: "I have braids in. It's going on three months and this product got rid of ALL my buildup — one wash!!! I also have scalp issues with flaking and itchiness because of the braiding hair. This product got rid of flakes, itchiness, and buildup. Not to mention, the bottle is big and AFFORDABLE. Y'all, this is a WIN! I faced many struggles with other shampoos and my flaky scalp condition. WHEN I TELL YOU this scalp has been clean for a week now...usually the flakes come back after a week but they haven't.I want the whole darn hair care line. FYI, Black-owned by a dermatologist!! Get on it. Her Instagram is@girlandhairand her TikTok is also@girlandhair. Check her out." —Nysha
Get it fromAmazonfor $13.99.
4. Bread Beauty Hair-Mask with Australian Kakadu plum (which is super fun to say) and starflower oil, which, together, could literally be mistaken for a magic potion. I mean, this stuff helps reinforce hair follicles — which helps prevent breakage — delivers you super soft, velvety strands, and doesn't weigh your luscious locks down! Quench your curls' thirst with some of this cloud-like hair treat.
Kayla Boyd / BuzzFeed, Ulta
Bread Beauty Supply is a woman-owned small biz that creates hair products forcurl types 3a to 4c.
See it in action onTikTok!
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Kayla Boyd loves this — here's what she has to say: "I recently started using Bread products and I really love how lightweight and easy they are to use. Since I have mixed textured hair that's been frequently dyed, it tends to get very dry. After using this deep conditioner my hair felt so much better and softer. In addition to that, the smell is A-MA-ZING. Definitely one of my new favorite wash day products."
Promising review: "I was gifted this product to try out. I use it 2–3 times a week and so far, I love it! I notice my ends feel softer and more healthy. It's super thick and creamy so it detangles my hair so easily. The scent is light but smells delicious, like a bakery. I would definitely recommend this product if you are looking for a good conditioner that helps with dryness and damage but also won't weigh your hair down!" —Kacey
Get it from Ulta for $28.
5. A nongreasy, coil-defining curl creamthat'll nourish your curls, waves, or coils without all that dreaded, sticky buildup. Eliminate the frizz, revitalize the curls, and marvel at the shine. 😍
Taliah Waajidis a woman-owned small biz that specializes in products for naturally curly, coily, and kinky hair.
Promising review:"For my type 2c, thick, coarse, low-porosity, and frizz-prone hair, this is by far the best styling product I have found. Before finding this product, the only way I could get defined curls with minimum frizz was to wash every day and use my styling/control products. I use this curl cream to get defined second and third day curls. My hair feels soft and does not feel coated with anything crunchy or stiff, though there is a sense of a light protective coating— hard to describe. I've never found another product that does anything like this. For my hair, it is absolutely not greasy in the slightest, and there is still movement to my hair. It completely controls my frizz, defines my curls, and keeps my hair looking groomed with good curl definition for the rest of the day." —A.S.
Get it from Amazon for $9.29+(available in two scents).
6. Acurl-defining gelby Camille Rose that's made with marshmallow root to help smooth, define, and detangle your locks. Apply a generous amount of this little potion to freshly-washed hair and you'll see your strands magically transform into the most beautiful, soft, ~not crunchy~ curls you ever did see.
Camille Rose is a woman-founded/owned business.
Promising review: "This is my first time leaving a review but I recently cut off my relaxed hair and have been experimenting with some natural hair products to use as stylers for my wash-n-gos. This has been the BEST product I've used. Normally after day one and two my hair gets dry when I use other products, but today is day six after using this product and my hair is unbelievably soft and moisturized. Not an ounce of dryness. The consistency is somewhat like a gel but it doesn't leave my curls crunchy at all. My hair was well defined. I love this product and I would recommend it to anyone. —IslandPrincess
Get it from Amazon for$15.
7. A vegan purple temporary hair color gelbecause you love a bright, vibrant hair color but geez, does your hair hate it! This stuff washes out in one wash so you can get the drama you crave without having to totally commit. Oooh, and did I mention that this stuff is *also* a curl definer! Genius!
Gemini Naturals
Gemini Naturals is a woman-owned small biz that specializes in temporary hair dye that works on dark and textured hair.
Promising review:"Best temporary color I’ve used! The gel was easy to apply and the color is vibrant even when it dries, plus you can add more if need be. I spritz my hair with a light hairspray and there was absolutely no transfer! I will definitely be trying more colors!!" —Alicia D.
Get it from Gemini Naturals for $13(available inmore colors) or Amazon for$22(available in two colors).
8. A post-workoutdry shampoo that uses apple cider vinegar and micellar water to *actually* clean your hair and scalp, leaving your locks looking, smelling, and feeling as fresh and clean as OutKast. Your mane will look ahhh-mazingggg in between washes.
Sephora
Promising review: “As someone who is very active (I dance and work out) I love using this rinse, especially when wearing protective styles. There’s no way I’m able to wash my braids every single day and it feels so good to be able to spray this for those moments. Also, as someone who suffers with psoriasis, I don’t see it causing issues for me, which is important. Now that I have it I can’t go without it." —JoIsThatGirl
Get it from Sunday II Sunday,Amazon,orSephorafor $31.
9. Lightweightblonde boho goddess locsfor an easy *and I mean EASYYY*, fabulous, protective style. They're pre-looped, which means the install will be a total breeze. I– I think I need them.
Boho Locs
Boho Locsis a woman-owned small biz.
Promising review:"I do not know where to begin because I am so in love with my Boho Locs. I feel like a Nubian queen. They are incredibly lightweight, which is a big plus because my natural hair is fragile due to being on chemo several times over the last few years." —Latrika W
Get it from Boho Locs for $167(available in 17 colors and three lengths).
10. A lightweight, vitamin-infused, vegananti-frizz growth serumthat'll have you belting out 🎶 do you believe in magicccc 🎶 by The Lovin' Spoonful because this stuff is absolute sorcery. It's filled with ginger, turnip, and carrot root oils that'll help stimulate growth, soothe your scalp, and protect against breakage while keeping your hair silky smooth all at the same time. This stuff has to be some sort of Hogwarts potion that got outta Professor Slughorn's class.
Rucker Roots
Rucker Roots is a family-owned small haircare biz that uses all natural ingredients in their products.
Promising review:"I love my hair serum! It smells amazing and I love the soft vanilla scent. It's light and doesn’t weigh down my hair, and it keeps my blowouts fresh!" —Shandy M
Get it fromRucker RootsorAmazonfor$19.99.
11. Wonder Curl's Get Set Jelly with aloe leaf juice and pro-vitamin B5 to define curls while protecting them from humidity. No need to curse mother nature every time it's humid, because this gel has your back.
Wonder Curl
Wonder Curl is a woman-owned brand — it's also vegan and comes in eco-friendly packaging! The Get Set Jelly was owner Scarlett Rocourt's first product, and it's still one of the brand's bestselling items.
Promising review: "I was recently introduced to this gel during my very first appointment at a salon that specializes in curly hair. In all honesty, I had given up on using hair gel to define my curls during the early stages of my natural hair journey because the gel available in most stores would either flake horribly or make your hair sticky or hard. They were terrible. Not this gel. It's truly wonderful. It will do what you ask it to do without the flaking, stickiness, or hardness. I have basically a 4a curl pattern and it does a great job of defining my curls. I typically wear a wash and go and it lasts until I wash my hair again. My curls are defined even after my hair gets smushed overnight due to the bonnet. I typically use homemade shea butter to stretch my hair out again. No more struggle with my hair before I have to go to work." —Angela Taylor
Get it from Wonder Curl for $22 (available in two sizes) or from Amazon for $20.01.
12. A Hairbrella so the rain and humidity don't mess up that blowout or silk press you just paid for. It's also satin-lined and breathable to protect your hair from frizz and sweat.
Hairbrella/YouTube
Hairbrella is a small biz established in 2016 that specializes in hats combining fashion and function to protect against all types of weather.
See it in action onTikTok!
Promising review: "I never carry an umbrella cause they’re too bulky, so when I saw the Hairbrella I was so excited. It keeps my hair dry and my curls nicely coiffed, rather than me looking like I stuck my fingers in a light socket. I’m telling everyone I know about it; it’s an amazing alternative to those wide-brimmed hats or a briefcase LOL! Truly it’s never going to leave my side from now on! I definitely recommend it." —Gina C.
Get it from Amazon for $49(available in two colors) or Hairbrella for $22+ (available in 10 colors and three sizes).
13. A stunning anti-statichair pickwith a comfy grip and rounded tips that'll help make detangling less whine-y and scream-y. If combing through your hair makes you consider grabbing a razor and shaving it all off, grab this pick instead.
AfroPick is a family-owned small biz that specializes in salon-grade picks for textured and curly hair.
Promising review:"Looks great and works like a charm. It's milder on my scalp than the metal ones I have, and I really like the different style options they offer as well." —Chris
Get it from Amazon for $9.18+ (available in five designs).
14. A coffee seed- and castor-oil-infused hair oil that works to moisturize your hair and scalp while also making your locks smooth and glossy — ooh la la! It uses growth secrets (raise your hand if you think magic is the secret 🙋🏽♀️) that are unique to the Dominican Republic to help you retain length and moisture and help promote healthy hair growth.
Bomba Curls
Bomba Curls is an Afro-Dominican woman-owned haircare brand that specializes in products for curly hair using Dominican-inspired recipes with moisture-retaining formulas.
Promising reviews: “This stuff is magic. My hair has never felt so alive.” —Nico C.
"My hair instantly felt softer, and my curls were more defined."—Katherine A.
15. A nourishing blend of oils like avocado, castor, argan, and olive to help promote hair growth and prevent breakage and split ends. Use this like you would a leave-in for 20 minutes with a cap on, and boom — beautiful, SUPER-nourished kinky tresses.
Kinky Tresses
Kinky Tresses is a woman-owned biz that makes products for natural hair — and all of their products are cruelty-free. The founder is also a former lab scientist, so you can expect some out-of-this-world results.
Promising review: "This oil really surprised me. My attitude with oils was always an oil is an oil. But there is something with this oil combination that makes a big difference in my hair. Even though it's an oil, it makes my hair feel so hydrated, I can't explain it. It just works. I buy three bottles at a time now." —Candice K.
16. A well-loved "defunk" sprayby Uncle Funky's Daughter with lavender, some sort of magic potion, and rosemary to get rid of hair odor without absorbing your hair's natural oils. It can also help soothe itchy scalp and help you go without washing a bit longer if your hair requires less cleansing.
Uncle Funky's Daughter
Uncle Funky's Daughteris a woman-owned biz founded by Renee Morris in 2014. She has used her own 20+-year natural hair journey to expand the natural haircare line.
Promising reviews: "In between washes, it's hard to keep my scalp happy. Even if my hair is well-moisturized, my scalp suffers. Defunk has really helped keep my scalp healthy and happy, and on the plus side, it smells great!" —Karina
"So I'm sort of an ingredient snob (lol) and the inclusion of saccharomyces ferment so high up on the ingredients list is what drew me to this product in the first place. This spray really wakes up my hair and keeps my roots strong and my scalp refreshed. It also gives a nice feel to my slightly high porosity hair when I use it as a refresher. Definitely recommend." —Naima
Get it from Uncle Funky's Daughterfor $12.99.
17. A bottle of Ecoslay's Orange Marmalade, a plant-based curl definer gel that's sure to give you GAWWWWWGEOUS defined, shiny, curls. Your curls will look so incredible, you'll think Hagrid is gonna randomly burst through your door to take you back to Hogwarts with him.
Ecoslay
Ecoslay uses sustainable ingredients that are good for your hair.
Promising review: "Legitimate holy grail product, this stuff is incredible. I have mixed high-low porosity 3a–b curls and after torturing them with heat for the last 15 years, I’ve been experimenting with the CGM and this is the best styling product EVER. Solid cast, amazing definition and shine, my curls are so soft and bouncy. Minimal stickiness and this stuff doesn’t weigh my curls down. Seriously — this stuff is everything." —Anya L.
Get it from Ecoslay for $10+ (available in five sizes) or Amazon for$22.40.
18. A light,detangling leave-in conditionerso you can wave goodbye to the Frizzy McGuire look and say hello to detangled, soft, shiny hair. It'll add and retain moisture to wet hair while also making the whole wet combing process a breeze.
Brown Butter Beauty
Brown Butter Beauty is a woman-owned small biz that specializes in hair and skincare.
Promising review:"I came across this leave-in conditioner about a week or two ago and it has changed everything for my hair. I have very high porosity 3b/3c hair that just never seems to get enough moisture. I follow the curly girl method and so I am always looking for a very moisturizing leave-in conditioner. It is a light conditioner, but so full of moisturizing goodness. This product has made my hair so soft and I have even more ringlets than I had before. I need to look no further for my holy grail in a leave-in conditioner. I found it." —Dana
Get it from Brown Butter Beauty for $24.50+ (available in two sizes).
19. AnEden BodyWorks leave-in conditioner to moisturize your tresses and clump your curls together for some impressive, bouncy curls, no sorcery involved. You'll be doing Beyoncé hair flips all day.
Eden BodyWorks is a woman-owned business that specializes in natural products to nurture, restore, and maintain hair. Reviewers with 2a–4c hair say it works well for them!
Promising review: "This product is soooo moisturizing! I have type 4b/4c hair with some 4a in the front and I’m low porosity, and my hair loves this product! The consistency is really nice and it smells good too. You don’t need a lot either." —Shanteshia
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
20. A blinged-out 100% silk bonnet that'll be like your little magical secret weapon for keeping that twist out looking as fresh as it did on day one. Plus, the silk is way less coarse and scratchy on your precious locks than your regular pillowcase, so you can toss and turn the night away without worrying about damaging your hair.
Before Bed Headz
Before Bed Headz is a small biz that specializes in products that prep your hair for bed and showers.
Get it from Before Bed Headz for $29.99.
21. A deeply conditioning hair mask with castor oil and biotin to help get your hair to a healthier-looking state. It'll help resurrect any dry, damaged, or color-treated hair with intense hydration that'll reduce shedding and breakage just as well as Winifred Sanderson resurrected Billy Butcherson.
Thank God It's Naturalis a woman-owned small biz based in Chicago that specializes in hair products.
Promising reviews: "My scalp felt invigorated after applying. I left the masque on overnight and when I rinsed the next morning my scalp felt refreshed and clean. I actually think this product also aided in elongating my curls. Hair looks hydrated as well! I plan to use every two weeks." —Dawn M.
"I didn’t expect much from this mask, but was pleasantly surprised. I used it as directed after shampooing with a clarifying shampoo and my hair is soft and smooth. It calmed the frizz so much that I didn’t even need a styling product!" —HumanPerson
Get it from Amazon for $16.80.
Your baby hairs after you lay them using your new edge control:
CBS
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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