Over the last 15 years, I’ve been wearing my hair in protective styles on and off. Over time, I’ve developed a skill for curating haircare and building a high-performing product lineup that meets all my hair needs. When testing products, I also spend a good chunk of time noting which ingredients help revive my tight curls after they come out of their braids and twists and which ones send my hair to an early grave. I can’t even begin to tell you how many products I had to give away because they left my hair feeling worse than it did before application!
As we all know, finding the hair products that work best for your unique needs and lifestyle can be challenging, but it doesn’t mean the search won’t pay off. To make yours a little easier, I’ve gathered 22 detangling products, shampoos, conditioners, and more that have completely restored my curls to their healthiest state from brands like OurX, Briogeo, Salwa Petersen, and many more.
Step 1: Washday Prep
OurX
Pre-Cleanse Micro-Oil Enhancing Scalp & Strand Cleanse Primer
Before I hop in the shower, I like to use products that clarify my scalp and provide the moisture my parched post–protective style hair needs. This one is an oil-based detoxifier that purifies your scalp of dirt and buildup while replenishing oil to promote natural shine. I’ve also noticed it takes a lot less effort to detangle and undo knots later.
Customer Review: “This works really well to loosen the dirt, sebum and dandruff from my scalp. It smells amazing. It has a very fresh smell with a hint of sweetness. This is a semi-lightweight oil that is very soothing on my irritated scalp. It washes away somewhat easily. I use this before I shampoo my hair. It makes my hair and scalp so soft.”
Briogeo
Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil
Briogeo has a treasure trove of great products for anyone with curls and coils, but the Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil is especially good. It intensely nourishes the hair using a formula filled with rosemary and fortified with vitamins and lipids for a soothed scalp and stronger strands. My hair feels ready for the washday process after I use this.
Customer Review: “Loved this product! I have been noticing a lot of breakage and itchiness—this immediately helped! I kept it on for about two hours before washing, rosemary smells amazing, and felt super tingly!”
Pattern
Deep Scalp Detox 2-in-1 Hair Serum Cleanser
To me, the mark of a good hair serum is a multipurpose formula that can cut down on wash time. Pattern’s Deep Scalp Detox is one of the best since it purges the leftover gel and styling cream from my scalp without stripping my hair of its natural oils. It’s made of Australian tea tree oil, pH-balancing pink clay, and lemon peel, all great products for restoring scalp health.
Customer Review: “After ONE use my scalp feels so much better. I let the product stay in an hour before I washed my hair and it made such a big difference in my scalp. I’m less itchy already, and I don’t feel the build up on my scalp the way I once did. My hair was also super shiny and healthy looking the next day.”
Fable & Mane
HoliRoots Pre-Wash Treatment Oil for Thinning Hair
While you may not suffer from thinning hair, all curls and coils can benefit from strengthening hair oil treatments (especially if your hair is fine like mine). Fable & Main’s pre-wash treatment strengthens the roots and hydrates the strands for healthy growth after your hair has been through the wringer. It also restores moisture to the scalp.
Customer Review: “I have baby fine hair and this oil does so well for me. I only use half a dropper full and it is plenty. I also make sure to double shampoo when washing but that is standard for hair oiling. My hair is SO soft and shiny compared to the previous oil I was using that definitely wasn’t meant for fine hair! I’m excited to see the growth from this”
Step 2: Washing and Conditioning
Salwa Petersen
Chébé Hydrating Shampoo
The first wash after taking my hair out of any protective style is dedicated to delivering as much hydration as possible. I recently discovered this shampoo by Salwa Petersen, which uses chébé seeds (community sourced and harvested in Chad) with argan oil and squalane to cleanse and moisturize the hair. This one is non-foaming and gentle enough for daily or weekly use.
Customer Review: “The texture and oils in my hair have been all out of whack and my hair was thinner since I had my baby a year ago. I can’t believe it, but this shampoo has solved my issues! My hair looks even better than before I swear my hair is longer and fuller. My husband didn’t know I changed shampoo and even commented how good my hair has been looking.”
Salwa Petersen
Chébé + HA Nourishing Conditioner
After using Salwa Petersen’s hydrating shampoo, I’ve noticed that following up with the Chébé Cleansing Conditioner has yielded great results! I’m able to run my fingers through my curls to work through knots and tangles without having to pull or tug. Detangling my hair after its been in protective styles can be hard, but this makes it so much easier!
Customer Review: “I picked this as I know the benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin and loved the idea of combo with Chébé for hair. The formula is pretty thick and has great slip. It makes my wavy hair so bouncy and shiny. I recommend it. It works very well with the hydrating shampoo of the same brand.”
OurX
Nutrient Cleanse Complex Hydrating Peptide-Enriched Shampoo
Like Salwa, OurX was designed for textured hair by experts with textured hair, and I definitely see the difference in mine after using the brand’s nutrient-dense, hydrating shampoo. Its formula uses essential nutrients like rice protein, tea tree oil, peptides and, squalane, which do wonders for curls and coils.
Customer Review: “What I appreciate most about this cleanser is its ability to cleanse and leave my coils oh so manageable. After use I’m easily able to finger detangle and manage my coils without any problems. It’s the perfect canvas to prepare my hair for any of my following conditioners or treatments. My curl pattern is coily, my diameter is fine/medium, & density is super thick. The condition of my hair is average keeping in mind i have a ton of gray. I love it!”
OurX
Intensive Conditioning Compound Deep Hydration Mask
After using OurX’s hydrating Nutrient Cleanse Complex shampoo, I use its Intensive Conditioning Compound. It delivers immediate and long-lasting hydration with a formula crafted to enhance your natural curl definition and pattern. My curls practically bounce back to life after a few minutes with this one on!
Customer Review: “I have been on the hunt for conditioner that will deliver some serious moisture to my hair and I finally found it. My hair feel so soft after using this conditioner and I noticed that my hair is a lot stronger with little to no breakage. It’s a thick and rich conditioner with a very mild coconut scent and it really is a must have for textured hair.”
Step 3: Detangling
Pattern
Detangling Nectar
I’ve only recently been introduced to the Detangling Nectar, but I’m loving it so far. It’s a high-slip formula that helps work through stubborn knots and tangles after I’ve washed and conditioned my hair (but it can be used on wet or dry hair!) Its formula uses a blend of products like shine-enhancing sea moss, aloe vera, and grape-seed oil.
Customer Review: “This is by far the best detangler I have ever used for when I first take out my braids. I used to dread the amount of time it would take to detangle my hair after braids, and this cut that time in half. It leaves my hair soft and shiny and I look forward to trying it out on my natural curls at some point.”
Salwa Petersen
Chébé Hair Milk One-Step Detangler
Here’s another Salwa Petersen product I’m obsessed with! It’s a one-step detangling and finishing solution that melts away crafty knots and tangles while adding shine and definition. Its uses Chébé seeds, vitamin-rich oat milk, and green tea antioxidants to make detangling my 4c hair possible with just my fingers.
Customer Review: “I love this product. It is the definite multitasker for me. I use it as leave-in conditioner after I wash and condition my hair. I then use it in-between wash days to refresh my hair. It smell so good. I have noticed less shedding, and more volume.”
Aunt Jackie’s
Knot on My Watch Instant Detangling Therapy
This detangling product has been a staple on my bathroom counter since high school! I use a generous amount of this on my hair, and it majorly helps combs glide through my tight coils, leaving my strands tangle-free and protected from breakage. It also helps restore healthy moisture and oils to the hair.
Customer Review: “This is my all time favorite detangling product. I use this product while finger detangling and it makes the comb through so easy. The product has a lot of slip and smells great. I also feel like the slip makes a little go a long way. I’ve been using this for years and it still remains my favorite!”
L’Oréal Professionel
Curl Expression Mask
Before moving on to styling, sometimes I also like to use this L’Oréal Professional mask to moisturize and detangle my hair while adding some extra shine. The product feels featherlight and promotes long-lasting healthy hair free of frizz and dryness. It’s the best way to achieve salon-quality haircare at home!
Customer Review: “I have been using this for over a year now. This is the only product I use now. A little goes a long way btw. I typically have to order this once a year, so cost wise it is worth every penny! I have fine wavy/curly hair and air dry my hair and get many compliments from guests at work.”
4. Styling and Setting
Carol’s Daughter
Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Hair & Scalp Oil
As you may have probably already guessed, I use a lot of oil after I’ve taken my hair out of a protective style! This one by Carol’s Daughter is one of my favorites to use since it’s a great blend of seven nourishing hair oils to help protect hair from breakage and split ends. It was also developed and tested for all curls (including 4c).
Customer Review: “Haircare gem! Lightweight and nourishing, hydrates the scalp and revitalizes hair. I used it after getting my wig braids in and it was wonderful! A delightful addition to any hair care routine for strength and vibrancy.”
Aunt Jackie’s
Curl La La Defining Curl Custard
If it’s a twist-out or braid-out I’m planning on doing, I always have Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard on hand. It adds moisture to my hair and helps me coax it into a style without weighing down my strands, caking, or flaking. I really appreciate the fact it can be used on both wet and dry hair.
Customer Review: “I love this product. It’s not heavy on my hair, and it keeps my hair moisturized and curly for days. Most products build up pretty easily but this doesn’t. I pair this with the Aunt Jackie’s gel and I’m good to go. [I] highly recommend.”
Mielle
Honey & Ginger Styling Gel
Mielle’s Honey & Ginger Styling Gel is also a must for me when I’m looking to add some definition and hold to my strands. It’s formulated using two powerful antioxidants (honey and ginger) as well as aloe extract and babassu oil to strengthen, protect, and nourish your curls and coils. Plus, it dries clear without caking or flaking.
Customer Review: “Purchased this product about a month ago and finally decided to try it and omg I love it. I have type 4a hair and at first I was not seeing a lot of curl definition but I just kept applying and left it to dry and omg I am in love with this product! It’s moisturizing and gave me great definition and a medium hold.”
Aveda
Be Curly Advanced Curl Perfecting Primer
To finish off my hair, I’ve been using Aveda’s new Be Curly Advanced Perfecting Primer to make sure my curls are smooth, bouncy, and protected before I head out the door. This silicone-free curl primer detangles the hair seals the hair cuticle to reduce frizz in high humidity for 24 hours. Since incorporating this into my haircare routine, I’ve experienced less frizziness.
Customer Review: “This was a game changer for me. I have wavy hair and it’s hard to find a product that is weightless and that defines and leaves your hair frizz free. The Aveda primer left my hair defined and the smell is clean. I wore the product in my hair for a long period of time and at the end of the day it was still frizz less with waves intact.”
Shop More of my Favorite Products
Dr Kiglour MD
The Prevention Scalp Serum
Frequently wearing protective styles can take a toll on your scalp (namely your edges). The Prevention Scalp Serum nourishes the follicles to help you maintain thick full-looking hair style after style.
Pantente
Wave Curl Defining Creme
Pantene’s Wave Curl Defining Creme is a lightweight crème that supports your hair’s structure to boost curls. It also helps combat frizz (even in high humidity) and reactivates easily with a spritz of water two or three days into your style.
Adwoa
Baomint Moisturizing Curl Defining Gel
It’s taken me a while to find a curl-defining gel that helps me stretch my strands while providing hold, definition, and shine. This one uses a concentrated, cream-based formula of prickly pear oil, pumpkin seed oil, and sweet almond oil.
Shea Moisture
Strengthen and Restore Shampoo and Conditioner
I’ve sung the praises of this shampoo-and-conditioner duo on multiple occasions, and I’m still in love with it. Jamaican black castor oil, shea butter, peppermint, and apple cider work together to clarify the scalp with restoring natural shine and bounce to the hair.
Herbal Essences
Nourishing Detangling Spray
This lightweight and versatile spray works overtime to detangle the hair, smooth away frizz, and protect strands against breakage. It also has the loveliest rose scent that lingers hours after use—think of it as an affordable, multipurpose hair perfume.
Mielle Organics
Rosemary Minty Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
The hype is real with this one! Since using Mielle Organics’ TikTok-viral oil, I’ve noticed a major boost in hair growth, shine, and body. It’s the easiest way to replenish lightweight moisture in my hair and restore its luster after being worn in a protective style.
