Kinky and coily curls are wonderfully versatile, and their tightly coiled texture means they have specific care needs. Hydration, softness, and a gentle hair care routine help protect the curls from unnecessary friction and breakage and preserve their natural texture.

Here you'll find shampoo, conditioner, leave-in, and styling products for kinky and coily curls, as well as curl types 4A through 4C. Which products are right for you depends not only on your curl pattern, but also on the porosity, thickness, and density of your curls.

CLEAN SCALP, PROTECTED COILS

Clean gently, but thoroughly if necessary

With kinky and coily curls, the natural sebum doesn’t spread as easily along the hair shaft because of the many twists. As a result, the lengths may feel dry, but the scalp and curls still need regular cleansing. Residue can build up, especially from creams, gels, and oils. So cleanse as needed, and occasionally give your hair a more thorough wash if you notice buildup.

CARE IS ALSO PROTECTION

Slip helps reduce hair breakage

The many twists in kinky and coily curls make the hair more prone to tangles and mechanical stress. A conditioner with good slip makes detangling easier and reduces friction. It’s best to work in sections and gently untangle knots from the ends up, rather than pulling on the curls.

SKIN CARE THAT LASTS

Softness Between Laundry Days

Kinky and coily curls often benefit from products that remain in the curls after washing. Leave-in conditioners promote softness, reduce friction during styling, and make detangling easier. How nourishing your hair care products should be isn’t determined solely by your curl type (4A, 4B, or 4C)—the thickness, porosity, density, and condition of your curls also play an important role.

DEFINITION & PROTECTION

Shrinkage is part of your coils

Kinky and coily curls can lose a significant amount of visible length as they dry—this is called shrinkage and is a natural part of the coil structure. You can define your coils with gel, custard, or cream, or stretch them out more with twist-outs and braid-outs. No matter which style you choose: Avoid unnecessary tension and overly tight styles to protect your curls and scalp.