Trend watch: New curly hair products for 2012

Embrace your natural spirals with these recently launched products for curly hair.

By Cristina Velocci Fri Nov 30 2012

Whether you have loose waves or tight ringlets, there are a tons of beauty products to help you care for your natural hair. We tested out some of the latest items from Ouidad, Miss Jessie’s, Redken and more designed specifically for those with curly hair.

While some wash curly hair infrequently for fear of stripping it of its much-needed natural oils, we’ve never been able to get away with messy second-day spirals. This creamy, low-lather shampoo and lotionlike conditioner offer compromise by gently cleansing locks while delivering rich moisture through nutrient-dense moringa oil. The sublime, beachy-clean fragrance gives you yet another reason to hit the shower. Redken Curvaceous Cream shampoo, $17; and Curvaceous conditioner, $18; both at Cutler Salon, 465 West Broadway between W Houston and Prince Sts (212-308-3838) • 47 W 57th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, second floor (212-308-3838) • 420 Park Ave South at 29th St (212-308-3838)
You’ll be sniffing your locks nonstop when they’re coated in this lightweight styling lotion, which smells like a load of fresh laundry. The latest product from New York sisters Miko and Titi Branch’s natural-hair line creates fluffy, touchable curls that boast a smooth, waxy coating rather than a crispy finish. Even the spirals themselves come out larger and more relaxed. Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls styling lotion, $22, at Miss Jessie’s Curl Bar, 441 Broadway between Grand and Howard Sts, suite 2 (212-966-5600, missjessies.com)
Photograph: Brad Stanton

Busy New Yorkers might be hesitant to add yet another step to their shower routines, but this creamy wash-out treatment from the curl experts behind Ouidad actually simplifies getting ready. Finger-comb the fatty-acid-packed formula through wet hair and let it set for three minutes while you suds up, then rinse it out before shampooing as usual. Your locks will be so silken and hydrated, you won’t waste precious time detangling snags or coaxing out coils with lots of product. Salon Series by Ouidad Omega 3 Replenishing Hair Treatment, $36, at ouidad.com
Photograph: Chris Hyland

We were skeptical that this water-based liquid shampoo and nonsticky spray from Toronto’s Curly Hair Institute founder Jonathan Torch would be enough to give our ringlets hold and definition. Miraculously, the duo turned out frizz-free, perfectly formed coils with a healthy bounce, converting us into true minimalists. RevUp! Volumizing System (includes Volumizing shampoo and Volumist spray); 2oz $20, 8oz $40; at frizzoff.com
If cringeworthy memories of crunchy, stiff-to-the-touch curls from your high-school days have you sworn off hair gel, this alcohol-free version might make you reconsider. Within minutes of raking the silky styling product through your strands, you’ll notice tightly wound—yet flexible—corkscrews start to form. L’Oreal Paris EverStyle alcohol-free curl-defining gel, $7, at Duane Reade, locations throughout the city; visit duanereade.com

While some wash curly hair infrequently for fear of stripping it of its much-needed natural oils, we’ve never been able to get away with messy second-day spirals. This creamy, low-lather shampoo and lotionlike conditioner offer compromise by gently cleansing locks while delivering rich moisture through nutrient-dense moringa oil. The sublime, beachy-clean fragrance gives you yet another reason to hit the shower. Redken Curvaceous Cream shampoo, $17; and Curvaceous conditioner, $18; both at Cutler Salon, 465 West Broadway between W Houston and Prince Sts (212-308-3838) • 47 W 57th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, second floor (212-308-3838) • 420 Park Ave South at 29th St (212-308-3838)

Follow Cristina Velocci on Twitter: @cvelocci