The Best Curly Hair Products for Kids

Whether your little one has tight coils, bouncy curls, or loose waves, it's important to find the right product for their hair. No matter your kid’s hair texture, a day spent at the beach, the playground, school, or even at home can tangle hair and leave it unmanageable, which could also lead to tons of tears (from both of you). Curly hair tends to be drier and more prone to frizz and breakage than straight hair, but there are great shampoos, conditioners, styling sprays, and more to moisturize, smooth, and protect those curls.

To find the best products for kids with curly hair, we researched dozens of products on the market. When reviewing products, we considered hair type, ingredients, design, ease of use, and overall value. Finding the right products for your child’s curly hair can make all the difference in not only your day-to-day routine but how your kid feels about themselves, too.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

SoCozy Detangler & Leave-In Conditioner at Amazon $10

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Best Styling Gel:

Fairy Tales Curly-Q Styling Spray Gel at Amazon $10

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Best Conditioner:

CurlyKids Mixed HairCare Curly Creme Conditioner at Amazon $24

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Best Detangler Spray:

Baby Bum Conditioning Detangler Spray at Amazon $6

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Best for Definition:

Hip Peas Natural Curl Tamer at Amazon $12

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Best Towel:

Lamoutor Hair Drying Towels at Amazon $13

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Best Overall

SoCozy Detangler & Leave-In Conditioner

PHOTO: Amazon

$10 at Amazon $9 at Target $13 $9 at Walmart

Curly hair is especially prone to dryness and breakage, which a leave-in conditioner can help. This lightweight formula sprays on smooth curls without weighing them down. It has ingredients like olive oil and beeswax to offer shine and control without looking greasy or heavy.

Best Styling Gel

Fairy Tales Curly-Q Styling Spray Gel

Fairy Tales Curly Q Kids Styling Spray Gel for Curly Hair - Daily Kids Spray Gel for all Types of Curls Including Multi Cultural Hair - Paraben Free

PHOTO: Amazon

$10 at Amazon $10 at Target $6 at Walgreens

This lightweight styling spray gel designed for kids with curly hair has nourishing aloe, hydrating avocado butter, and other plant-based ingredients to help shape curls and prevent frizz. The easy-use design and appealing pear and basil scent make this fun and kid-friendly.

Best Conditioner

CurlyKids Mixed HairCare Curly Creme Conditioner

PHOTO: Amazon

$24 at Amazon $4 at Target $10 at Walmart

Creamy curl-defining lotion adds moisture and control to dry-looking curls. This formula is free of heavy waxes, resins, mineral oil, and other heavy ingredients to leave hair looking weightless and bouncy.

Best Detangler Spray

Baby Bum Conditioning Detangler Spray

PHOTO: Amazon

$6 at Amazon $6 at Target

Fight frizz with this extra conditioning detangler for kids from Baby Bum. When kids’ curly hair gets tangled and messy, spray a little of this on and gently comb through with a wide-tooth comb to add extra moisture, protection, and smooth style.

Best for Definition

Hip Peas Natural Curl Tamer

PHOTO: Amazon

$12 at Amazon

Curls are so pretty and precious, but parents of kids with curly hair know they can sometimes feel out of control and hard to tame. This natural hair care product safely smooths and shapes even the wildest of curls without making hair feel greasy or sticky.

Best Towel

Lamoutor Hair Drying Towels

PHOTO: Amazon

$13 at Amazon

Hair towels help soak up excess moisture after washing and are more gentle on delicate curls than traditional terry cloth towels. Getting a kid to keep a towel on while their hair dries can be difficult, but these have an elastic band and fun design that turns their post-bath routine into dress-up time.

Our Review Process

Curly hair requires special attention, and the right product should make that process easier for parents and their kids. These products should lock in moisture and protect your child's precious locks. To find the best curly hair products for kids, we considered several factors, including ingredients, types of curls, and bottle sizes. Our list includes various types of products, including a towel, detangler spray, and more.

Who We Are

Hilary Abrahamson is a writer for Parents and custom projects editor who currently covers travel, and has previously covered beauty, home, lifestyle, food, parenting and more. As a parent of four kids, testing items for kids comes naturally, and she's always looking for the next best parent- and child-friendly items.

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