7 great summer haircare products for natural hair

Everyone with natural hair knows the importance of finding the right products for their personal texture and style. This is especially the case in the summer when many have to contend with sticky humidity or dry oven-like heat (depending on the climate), both of which can wreak havoc on beautiful, natural curls. Layer in factors out of your control, such as sweat and hard water that also impact the condition of your hair, and it becomes imperative to find product solutions.

But don’t fret. These tried-and-true, highly reviewed products hydrate and define your crown of coils, no matter what elements you’re contending with.

1. A moisturizing, gentle cleansing co-wash

Shampooing hair daily can strip your curls of much-needed moisture, which makes a gentle cleansing co-wash such as Amika’s Nice Cream Cleansing Conditioner a necessity. This no-lather co-wash, or conditioner wash, gently cleanses and simultaneously hydrates the hair. It also helps to prevent a bad case of the frizzies with the inclusion of grape seed oil.

One happy reviewer writes: “So good on the hair. Very hydrating and way less frizzy than using a normal shampoo. 10/10 recommend! I could tell a huge difference in my waves after using!”

Get the Amika Nice Cream Cleansing Conditioner on Revolve for $22

2. A deep conditioner that restores moisture

A deep conditioner that achieves everything it claims to is hard to find. It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack—there are so many choices out there! Coco & Eve’s Like A Virgin Hair Masque is a miracle in a jar that not only nourishes curls but also treats split ends and gets frizz under control. You will notice a shift in the texture of your hair (the shine, too) in the best way as it becomes easier to brush through during the dreaded detangling process. Plus, you can use the mask post-shampoo however frequently you’d like—use it as a once-in-awhile treatment and you’ll surely get your money’s worth.

“I have been watching this product, and looking into it for so long! It was a bit expensive, and being a single mom, I don’t often purchase things for myself,” one reviewer writes. “I leave the mask in all night. And the next day, my hair is sooo silky smooth, and still has a hint of that calming yummy smell. I’ve used it I think three times, and I am totally noticing a difference. Every time I use it, my hair gets better and better. It’s worth it. I’d buy it again.”

Get the Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Hair Masque at Ulta for $44.90

3. A detangling leave-in conditioner that loosens the worst tangles

Ask any curly-haired person about the least fun part of hair wash days and your answer will no doubt be “detangling.” It can be a painstaking process to gently comb through strands with minimal breakage, but it doesn’t have to be. Regardless of your curl pattern, a detangling leave-in conditioner is your best friend. The more “slip”—the attribute that helps knots fall out easier—in a leave-in, the better. Kinky-Curly’s Knot Today has the right stuff, including fruit and herb extracts that moisturize and a creamy texture that loosens the worst snarls.

After washing your hair, generously apply this conditioner and work through the areas that are particularly problematic. Use a wide tooth comb and let this conditioner do the rest. This product can also be used as a regular rinse-out for fine hair or a leave-in for thicker curls.

One reviewer raves: “Love it! Moisturizing, detangling, light weight, smells good and leaves hair feeling soft. What more could I ask for! Worth every penny. Will purchase again!”

Get Kinky-Curly Knot Today at Target for $12

4. A curl defining cream for wash-and-go days

Summer is all about being as low maintenance and fuss-free as possible. Furthermore, no one with natural hair in the history of summer has ever wanted crunchy curls. Rizos Curls’ Curl Defining Cream has all the key good-for-your-hair ingredients you’re more than likely familiar with, such as aloe vera (which reduces dandruff), moisturizing shea butter, and beloved coconut oil that aids in frizz reduction and prevention of hair breakage. All you have to do is run this product through your hair from roots to ends and your hair will feel super soft once it dries.

“I had been struggling with curling creams but Rizos Curls’ defining cream is a life saver. My hair has never been so soft and voluminous without losing definition. I love it,” writes a satisfied reviewer.

Get Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream on Amazon for $21.99

5. A control gel that actually stays put

When you’re on the go, a top knot or curly puff is a lifesaver. But what about those fly-away strands that can escape from along the edges of your updo? There’s a fix for that. Miss Jessie’s Hold Me Down control gel has mega hold in even the most humid of climates. It also conditions your edges thanks to the infusion of argan and coconut oils. Even better, it won’t leave a greasy film or flakes on your skin.

One reviewer swears by it: “I have difficult curly edges that would curl up using any edge control. Hold Me Down is the only edge control that is able to handle the task at hand. I give this product two thumbs up.”

Get Miss Jessie’s Hold Me Down on Amazon for $8

6. A weightless hair oil that helps lock in moisture

Because natural hair tends to be on the drier side, it’s essential to use hair oil to coat and absorb into each strand’s shaft for a silkier cuticle. The end result: way less frizz. There’s more than one use for hair oil: Add it into your leave-in for extra hydration, put a few drops on your fingers to apply as a sealant after your hair dries, or use it to get rid of the crunch from gel.

If you’re looking for a good one that’s also multi-purposeful, the Biossance 100% Squalane Oil uses vegan sugarcane-derived squalane (a moisturizing ingredient typically made from shark livers) and can be applied to the hair, face, or body for extra hydration.

One reviewer gushes: “Really, really loving this product and can see that it is going to last a long time! My favorite part about it is that I can use it in my hair and on my skin.”

Get the Biossance 100% Squalane Oil on Biossance.com for $32

7. A daily dose of hydration to boost life into yesterday’s curls

Just like you’d apply body lotion to dry skin daily to keep it silky smooth, it’s also good to show dry coils some love by giving them moisture every day. Pattern’s Hydrating Mist does just that: hydrates and revives your hair from the prior day’s stylings. It’s composed of highly moisturizing ingredients such as avocado oil, aloe vera, and safflower seed oil.

A delighted reviewer writes: “Love this product. As soon as you put it on the hair you can feel your curl absorbing it and it’s so easy to use in the morning to brush and style your hair. Will definitely buy some more, and it smells so good!”

Get the Pattern Hydrating Mist at Ulta for $18