Delivers smooth detangling and lasting curl definition with hydration and frizz control for 2B to 3B curls.
Curls need slip for painless detangling, water-binding humectants to hydrate, and richer lipids to seal it in so definition lasts. The right conditioner softens and separates without collapsing volume or leaving a waxy film. Look for glycerin or hyaluronic acid for moisture, fatty alcohols for that creamy glide, and curl-friendly oils or butters that rinse clean.
This guide narrows the field to three standouts that cover most curl patterns. You will find a balanced everyday pick for waves and classic curls, a richer option for coils that drink moisture, and a bond-supporting choice for color-treated or heat-stressed curls. Each review explains who it suits, who should skip, how to use, and what to expect after a few washes.
Quick Picks
- Best overall for curls and waves: Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Conditioner
Defines without heavy residue. Great slip with soft volume. Rating: 4.7/5 - Best for coils and very dry curls: Pattern Heavy Conditioner
Rich moisture with serious detangling for 3C to 4C textures. Rating: 4.6/5 - Best for damaged or color-treated curls: Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
Smoother cuticle feel and fewer rough ends look. Rating: 4.6/5
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Deep Dives
1) Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Conditioner — Best overall
Why it stands out: Owners praise the quick detangling and consistent definition on 2B to 3B curls. The formula pairs rice amino acids and glycerin for hydration with shea butter and fatty alcohols for slip. Rice aminos are popular in curl care because they help reduce frizz caused by humidity swings without a stiff feel.
Performance notes
- Good slip in the shower so you lose fewer hairs to tugging
- Rinses clean and leaves curls bouncy rather than coated
- Plays nicely with gels or creams on top
Texture and scent: Creamy lotion. Light, sweet-clean scent that does not linger long.
Who it is for: Waves and curls that want hydration and frizz control without heavy weight.
Who should skip: Very coarse or high-porosity coils that need a buttery, occlusive finish every wash. See Pattern Heavy below.
How to use for best results
- After shampoo, squeeze out water so it does not dilute the product.
- Apply mids to ends first, then work up with praying-hands motion.
- Detangle with a wide-tooth comb in sections.
- Leave 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse until silky but not squeaky.
- For extra definition, glaze a pea-size back over ends and do not fully rinse.
Pros
- Reliable frizz control without collapse
- Strong slip and easy rinse
- Works with most stylers
Cons
- Not rich enough for very dry coils
- Price is mid to premium
Rating: 4.7/5
2) Pattern Heavy Conditioner — Best for coils and very dry curls
Why it stands out: Designed for moisture-hungry textures. Uses shea butter, avocado oil, safflower oil, and creamy conditioning polymers for serious slip. Owners with 3C to 4C hair often mention faster detangling sessions and fewer snapped ends.
Performance notes
- Thick, buttery feel that coats strands evenly
- Excellent for finger-detangling and twist-outs
- Helps reduce single-strand knots with ongoing use
Texture and scent: Dense cream. Warm, salon-clean fragrance.
Who it is for: Coils and tight curls that feel rough or look dull by day two. Also helpful for high-porosity hair that loses water fast.
Who should skip: Fine waves that go flat easily. Start with Briogeo instead.
How to use for best results
- Work in sections on soaking-wet hair.
- Add water with your hands to help the conditioner “slip” rather than adding more product.
- Detangle from ends upward.
- Leave 3 to 5 minutes. On very dry ends, leave a pea-size amount in as a base under your cream or gel.
- For weekly deep moisture, cap for 10 minutes with gentle heat.
Pros
- Serious slip for tight textures
- Leaves coils plush and springy
- Doubles as a leave-in on ends
Cons
- Can be too heavy for fine or low-density hair
- Fragrance may not suit very sensitive scalps
Rating: 4.6/5
3) Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner — Best for damaged or color-treated curls
Why it stands out: Uses the brand’s bond-support ingredient bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate along with conditioning agents and light oils. Based on brand information and owner feedback, curls feel smoother and look less frayed, especially after lightening or heat styling. It is not a heavy mask, so coils keep some lift.
Performance notes
- Helps reduce the look of split ends between trims
- Adds slip without a waxy film
- Enhances shine because the cuticle lies flatter
Texture and scent: Concentrated cream. Clean, light fragrance.
Who it is for: Any curl pattern that is dry and also damaged from color or heat.
Who should skip: If you want a very rich, occlusive feel every wash, Pattern Heavy may satisfy more.
How to use for best results
- After shampoo, wring out extra water.
- Apply mids to ends first, then lightly through the crown.
- Comb through. Leave 3 minutes.
- Rinse and style as usual. Use a true mask weekly if ends are severely parched.
Pros
- Supportive choice for damaged curls
- Smooths without heavy waxes
- A little goes far
Cons
- Salon pricing
- Not buttery enough for the driest ends on its own
Rating: 4.6/5
FAQs
How often should I condition curly hair?
Use conditioner every wash. Many curls wash 2 to 3 times a week. Coils can co-wash between shampoos if scalp allows, then clarify every 1 to 2 weeks to prevent buildup.
Do silicones hurt curls?
Silicones are not automatically bad. Lightweight types can reduce breakage during detangling. If you use them often, add a gentle clarifying wash every week or two.
What is the difference between protein and moisture for curls?
Protein helps reinforce the hair surface and can boost spring on limp curls. Moisture adds softness and slip. If hair feels mushy and won’t hold a curl, add protein. If it feels straw-like and snaps, add moisture.
Should I rinse conditioner fully or leave some in?
For waves and light curls, rinse to a silky feel with no film. For coils or very dry ends, you can leave a pea-size in the last few inches as a base under your styler.
How do I prevent frizz after conditioning?
Finish in the shower with cool water, then apply your styler to soaking-wet hair using praying-hands and scrunching. Do not touch while drying. Once fully dry, scrunch out the cast with a drop of oil if you used gel.
See also
Starting with the right wash routine makes every conditioner work harder. Compare gentle cleansers in our guides to Best Shampoos Free of Sulfates and Parabens, damage support in Best Shampoo for Damaged Hair, and deep moisture in Best Hair Mask for Damaged Hair.
If shedding or texture changes are part of the picture, you may also like Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair. Silver curls need special care, so bookmark Best Shampoo for Gray Hair for tone and shine.