I Have Naturally Curly Hair—These Are The Wash-and-Go Products I Swear By

IMO, the single most annoying part of wash day is detangling. This is one step that’s extremely important to approach with care. As frustrating as knots can be, hastily tugging at stubborn tangles is the worst thing you can do. To avoid unwanted breakage, I turn to a life-changing product from Devacurl that makes detangling so much more manageable. The slippery,  sugar-based formula is unlike anything I’ve felt before. Ahead of your co-wash, coat your most difficult strands with this ultra-slick pre-cleanse and finger-detangle seamlessly.

A few years ago, I essentially left shampoo by the wayside. Despite being taught it’s a necessity early on, the sulfates and parabens found in most shampoos are extremely drying for hair types that lack natural oils. Unless I for some reason feel remarkably dirty (e.g., I went camping, stumbled into a trash can, or rolled around in the sand—which, like, don’t put it past me), I skip it altogether.

Obviously, product buildup and environmental pollutants are real, but there are plenty of co-washes on the market now, so getting your hands on a great alternative is easier than ever. I love New Wash (Rich) from Hairstory, an offbeat, New York–based hair brand you need on your radar. This blend of essential oils and detergent-free cleansers is clean and green, and the naturally derived fragrance is so energizing.

As you well know, conditioner is basically the lifeblood of any curly hair routine. I always have a great laugh when brands suggest a “dime-sized dollop” of product because, realistically, I need about five times that amount. Nailing down your favorite formula is key, and this intensely hydrating sulfate-free option from Ouidad is ideal for my tight curl pattern. Jam-packed with botanicals and vitamins for definition and shine, it leaves curls buoyant without heaviness weighing them down.

Masking obviously isn’t always in the cards, but I aim to do it twice a month if possible. Making time to go above and beyond for hydration feels so luxurious, and you can throw on a face mask too while you’re at it. I’ve tried a long list of deep conditioning treatments, and this award-winning Briogeo formula is at the top of my list. Free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones, it’s luscious and creamy without feeling dense, and it’s packed with B-vitamins and rosehip and argan oils to replenish tired, lackluster strands.

Work it through your entire head with your fingers, focusing on the ends, which tend to be particularly parched. For optimal results, throw on a plastic cap and apply heat with a blow dryer. Rinse after 30 minutes.

Once you step out of the shower, you’ve only conquered half the battle. In order to cash in on all the TLC you just poured into your locks, reach for quality styling products that will fight frizz, seal in moisture, and define your curl pattern in all its glory.

Coconut oil, pineapple extract, and hyaluronic acid comprise this defining cream from Pacifica, and aside from taming frizz and adding shine, it’ll leave you smelling like a tropical vacation even if you’re really on a crowded Monday morning subway ride.

A major misconception in the beauty world is that oil has the power to moisturize. Contrary to popular belief, oil works best when used to lock in hydration from water-based products. It’s more like a safeguard for all of the moisturizing formulas used earlier in the process, so a great multi-use oil will help you get the most out of your leave-in conditioners, styling milks, and so on. Once your hair has air-dried, finish it off with a few spritzes of this jojoba seed oil to seal in moisture and amp up the shine, making for a gorgeous, lustrous texture that won’t go unnoticed.