Claire Tries It: My Favorite Curly Hair Products (+ How I Use Them)

Ever since I posted about my curly hair journey, I’ve gotten so many messages asking, “Wait… what products are you using?” And because I love a good behind-the-scenes breakdown, I figured I’d walk you through my full current routine, what I’m loving lately, the order I use everything, and why these products have earned a spot in my lineup.

Between the Maryland humidity, getting the kids out the door in the morning and trying to actually look put together, figuring out a curly hair routine that works and fits in your life can feel impossible. That’s why I’m kicking off this new series “Claire Tries It” with something I’ve been testing (and perfecting) for months, my go-to curly hair products and exactly how I use them. Whether you're just starting your curl journey or you're a seasoned curly girl, I hope this list helps make your routine a little easier!

And the best part? You can grab everything directly from my Amazon storefront so you don’t have to go hunting.

Step 1: Wash Day Must Have 

I always start with freshly washed hair. I keep my shampoo and conditioner pretty simple, but once I’m out of the shower, the magic starts. Even on wash days, I start with a spray bottle to saturate my hair with warm water. It helps prep the curls and makes sure the product goes on evenly. This is a non-negotiable on refresh days too (more on that below).

Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner

This is my holy grail for detangling and adding moisture before styling. It smells amazing (think spa day at home), and it makes my curls feel super soft without weighing them down. I put some on my hands and rake it through generously on damp hair right after towel drying.

Step 2: Styling Starts Here ( In Order!) 

Styling is where the curls really come to life. Here's what I layer in:

WOW Dream Coat Spray for Curly Hair

This product is truly what the name promises, dream coat status. I used this product first, as it is supposed to go on damp, clean hair before any other styling products. and it helps lock in the style and fight humidity (a must here in Maryland). Think frizz protection without the crunch.

Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Defining Cream

This cream defines my curls without making them crunchy or greasy. I rake it through section by section with my fingers, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends. Bonus: it helps a lot with frizz.

Aveda Nutriplenish Styling Foam

This is a newer addition to my routine, but I love the lightweight hold it gives. I scrunch it into my curls after the defining cream for a little extra bounce and volume.

Step 3: Tools I Swear By

You don’t need a lot of fancy tools… just the right ones.

Conair Detangling Comb + Brush Set  and WET HAIR BRUSH

This combo is budget-friendly and effective. I use the wide-tooth comb in the shower with conditioner to detangle, and the brush afterward to smooth and define my curls before styling.

Step 4: Lock It All In

To keep everything in place without sacrificing softness, I finish off with:

Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Sculpting Gel

This gel has a flexible hold, so it lets my curls move but still stay defined. I scrunch it in after applying my styling products and use it right before diffusing (or air drying, if I have time, which is rare, let’s be honest).

Step 5: Non- Wash Hair Days

This is huge for keeping curls looking fresh in between wash days.

On non-wash days, I use a spray water bottle like this one to re-wet my hair, especially around the curls that need reshaping. You don’t need to fully soak your whole head (unless you want to!), but it’s key to get your hair damp enough so that the products can work and your curls can bounce back.

Note: Most curly hair folks will tell you to saturate your hair as much as possible, sometimes even getting it soaking wet again to really revive the curl pattern. This all depends on your texture and how your hair holds shape, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

After spraying, I usually go in with a small amount of the defining cream and maybe a little foam if I want extra volume. Then I scrunch and let air dry (or diffuse if I’m rushing out the door).

One Last Thing…

This routine is what I’ve been trying lately,  but let’s be real, curly hair is all trial and error. What works for me might be totally different from what works for you, and even the seasons make a difference.

I’ve got more wavy hair (less tight ringlets), so I like to go light on the gel and keep things flexible. Some people apply products while their hair is soaking wet,  I do mine damp. It’s really about knowing your curl type, your texture, and what your hair responds to best.

So don’t stress if your routine looks different, it should! The fun of curly hair is figuring out your magic combo. And if you try anything from my lineup, let me know how it works for you!