natural hair, now

UNCLE FUNKY’S DAUGHTER THIRSTY CURLS —$15—

layering in moisture is essential for 4C hair and can be done in a few different ways. The LOC method calls for applying leave-in first, followed by oil and a styling cream to finish it off, while the LCO method involves using a cream and then an oil to seal the moisture in. Content creator Aboyowa Wood uses the LCO method and likes this leave-in, which comes in a lightweight mist and hydrates and conditions. This can be applied to hydrate freshly washed hair and to revive dry curls, helping to moisturize and define.

PATTERN BEAUTY LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER —$25—

if you tend to detangle postshower and need a leave-in with a little slip, then this conditioner, which uses oils and honey to seal in moisture and give hair definition, is an especially good option. “This works wonders for detangling,” says Leigh Hardges of the Maxine Salon, adding that it has a light consistency that won’t weigh down hair.

The Best Styling Products

Defining creams, gels, and mousses for various curl types.

CURLMIX PURE HOMEMADE FLAXSEED GEL —$25—

stephanie louis, owner of Stylebox Salon, says this relatively new gel product works “on every single curl type—loose, wavy, tight curls, tightly coiled, all of it.” What she likes about the flaxseed gel is that it can be used for a wash-and-go look (though she notes that you’ll have to use some trial and error to find just the right amount of gel to suit your hair type, depending on its thickness).

SOULTANICALS SPRUNG COIL BOOSTING GELLY —$16—

for those with tightly coiled hair, Louis says, “this Gelly is a phenomenal curl definer and curl elongator—so the holy grail of double whammies.” It has a slight hold, which will keep your hair looking curly but not crunchy and, according to Louis, it “makes frizz invisible.”

DESIGN ESSENTIALS ALMOND & AVOCADO CURL ENHANCING MOUSSE —$16—

harris is a big fan of this lightweight mousse for achieving definition and reducing frizz without making your hair stiff or flaky. “If there is any existing curl pattern, whether fine curls or tight curls, this mousse will find it,” she says.

AFRO SHEEN CROWN DEFINING CURL CREAM —$9—

celebrity hairstylist Nicole Newland, whose clients include

Queen Sugar’s Bianca Lawson and Insecure’s Amanda Seales, swears by this curl-defining cream that hydrates and works well on everything from a twist-out to a wash-and-go. The formula contains an array of good-for-hair ingredients like flaxseed oil, which is packed with omega-3’s and promotes growth, and shea butter, which helps reduce split ends and has fatty acids and vitamins to boost your hair’s moisture.

The Best Hair Oils

In addition to imparting shine, they are key when it comes to moisturizing, conditioning, and reducing frizz (or, when they’re really good, even eliminating it).

KREYÒL ESSENCE HAITIAN BLACK CASTOR OIL —$18—

vogue beauty assistant Akili King uses this castor oil—which is packed with omega fatty acids and vitamin E—around her hairline, where her hair tends to be dry and tangled, and on her ends, especially after she diffuses. “It takes it from dry to nourished instantly,” she says.

MIZANI 25 MIRACLE NOURISHING OIL —$22—

this nongreasy-feelng oil comes highly recommended by both M.A.C global editorial manager Khalea Underwood, who uses it on her natural curls and protective styles, and Daryce Tolliver, founder of A Curl Can Dream. “It smells fantastic and delivers hydration and shine without all of that yucky stick,” says Underwood.

CAROL’S DAUGHTER MONOI-OIL SACRED STRENGTHENING SERUM —$21—

when elle beauty director Chloe Hall was looking to transition back to her natural texture, she relied heavily on this Carol’s Daughter serum to keep her hair strong. “This was the first product I grabbed,” she says. “The monoi oil is extremely nourishing on my scalp, and it did an exceptional job repairing my damaged strands.”

The Best Edge Controls

There are two main types of edge controls: oil based and water based. Our experts say water based is best unless you’re straightening your naturally curly hair and then laying your baby hairs (in this case, use oil— water will make it revert).

HICKS TOTAL TRANSFORMATIONS EDGES STYLING GEL —$15—

not every edge-control product is for everybody, but there is at least one option our experts think suits almost all hair types: Hicks Total Transformations Edges Styling Gel. “It’ll hold a coarser texture or a looser texture down well,” says Shannon Kennard, creative director of Mama Tress. Morgan agrees: “It has no problem taming 4C edges.” And even though the first ingredient is water, Kennard says it is “not so watery” that it would make your hair curl up, especially if the goal is to keep it straight and sleek.

DESIGN ESSENTIALS NATURAL HONEY & SHEA EDGE TAMER HAIR GEL —$12—

this edge tamer is free of harsh ingredients, making it great for natural hair, according to stylist Myss Monique. “It has no parabens, no paraffin, and no mineral oil, which is essential for maintaining healthy natural hair,” she says. Instead, it contains almond and avocado oils along with honey and shea butter, all of which help keep hair moisturized. Even with all the added oils, Monique says, “it delivers a nongreasy, long-lasting, firm hold without any buildup or flakes.”