curly hair products for men

12 Best Curly Hair Products for Men (CGM-Approved)

Hey, curly guys, it’s your time to shine!

Curls are great but if you are not sure how to style and control them it can be a total disaster. 

Curly girls can assure you that taking care of your hair is a form of art but if you are a guy with short curly hair it can get messy as well. Short hair can be the cause of tight and frizzy curls.

Good hair days begin with the right haircut, however, to keep your curls in place you need to use a few hair products. It can be difficult for a man if you don’t want to smell like a marshmallow or a field of flowers.

That’s why we at SubjectCurls decided to put the 10 best curly hair products for men guide. All products are CGM-approved and are safe for your awesome curls.

From deep conditioning to the perfect hair mousse. We’ve got you!

Please be aware that ingredient lists may change from time to time. Please refer to the ingredient list on the product package you receive.

Note: If you click on any link & decide to buy it, I may earn a small commission.

Shampoo for curly hair men (CGM-approved)

Doesn’t matter if you are a girl or a guy – you have to take proper care of your scalp if you want to have healthy hair. Avoid harsh ingredients and look for natural products.

If you are shampooing your hair every day might be that you are overwashing your hair. Try to use a cleansing conditioner every other time!

Huron - Men's Wash & Strengthen Shampoo

- Suitable for all hair types
- Contains moisturizing ingredients (argan oil, glycerin, vitamin E, and panthenol)
- Smells amazing (but not too strong!) and has that awesome tingling when you apply this shampoo
- Can be used even on the sensitive scalp as the ingredients are gentle
- Menthol stimulates blood circulation therefore your hair may grow quicker

Vegan, cruelty-free

Curlsmith Shine Shampoo (Fragrance Free)
  • If you have fragrance sensitivity, this product is for you as it has no smell
  • Great ingredients that are beneficial to your hair and scalp
  • Foamy, so you can only use a dime size of the product
  • Adds volume and shine to your hair
  • Higher price point
  • Vegan & cruelty-free
Phillip Adam Fragrance Free Shampoo -

- Clean & natural ingredients
- Very gentle for your scalp & hair
- Apple cider vinegar makes your hair shiny & may help to balance pH of hair and scalp
- Lathers well. and leave your hair clean, not stripped
- Contains protein

Vegan & cruelty-free

As I Am Coconut Cowash

PROS:
+ Helps to detangle hair
+ Works wonders for type 4 hair
+ Thick texture so easy to spread throughout the hair
+ Helps to retain moisture
+ Great price
+ Our favorite 

CONS:
- Might not be the best co-wash choice for thin or wavy hair
- Contains coconut oil, which is not everyone’s cup of tea
- Packaging (jar) is not convenient

 

Cruelty-free but not 100% vegan

Ouidad Curl Immersion Low-Lather Coconut Cleansing Conditioner

PROS:
+ Safe for color-treated hair
+ Strengthen curls
+ Suitable for every curl type & porosity
+ Protein free

CONS:
- Higher price point
- Heavily perfumed
-

Cruelty-free but not 100% vegan

 

Conditioner for curly hair men (CGM-approved)

If you never used a conditioner, you should start doing that! Conditioner adds extra moisture and closes your hair cuticles after shampooing. Look for conditioners without silicones, parabens, or drying alcohols.

Phillip Adam Fragrance Free Conditioner

- Clean & all-natural ingredients
- Helps top combat frizz
- Leaves your hair shiny, detangled & properly moisturized
- Works well on curls, coils, and waves. Also, it's fragrance-free so it's a great choice if you have a sensitive scalp
- Contains protein so might not be the best choice if you have 3A type or protein-sensitive hair

Vegan & cruelty-free

 

Dr. Squatch Cool Citrus Conditioner for Men

- Peppermint oil stimulates the scalp and helps to strengthen your hair
- Aloe vera, avocado oil, shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and other oils ensure maximum hydration and shiny curls
- People on Amazon are raving about this conditioner and other Dr. Squatch products

Cruelty-free

Deep conditioner for curly hair men (CGM-approved)

Dull, frizzy, and brittle curls? You might need to incorporate deep conditioner into your routine! Don’t worry, you can use this product bi-weekly and it doesn’t take a lot of time. Check our guide on how to deep condition curly hair.

Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner

It doesn’t matter if you have wavy, curly or coily hair, this deep conditioner ticks all the boxes: it’s inexpensive, super moisturizing, smells fantastic, and has no harsh ingredients.


You have to leave it on your hair for 15 minutes (or more, if you want to).


What to expect? Soft, smooth, and moisturized hair.


Suitable for very damaged hair as this product contains lots of protein. This product might be too strong if you have unbleached, overall healthy hair.


It smells like mint, so if you don’t like it, this product might not be the one for you.


Cruelty-free. 

Best curl cream for men (CGM-approved)

If you have type 3C or type 4 hair curl cream is a better option for you as it is heavier, more hydrating, and helps to enhance your natural curl pattern. Here are a few options:

INAHSI Rock Your Curls Curl Enhancing Cream

- Medium hold without a nasty cast
- Helps to reduce frizz
- Locks in moisture
- Great ingredients that will moisturize your hair: glycerin, shea butter, avocado oil, and coconut oil
- However, if your hair is type 2C/3A this product will probably too heavy and will weigh down your curls

Cruelty-free

Cantu Avocado Curl Activator Cream
  • This product is awesome, and you have to try it
  • Might be too heavy for loose curls or waves; however
  • Only use a pea size of this product if you have type 3A or 3B curls
  • Great price for the size
  • Moisturizes and hydrates your hair
  • Creates perfect natural curl pattern
  • Cruelty-free

Best hair gel for curly hair men (CGM-approved)

If you have wavy or type 3A/3B hair you should use hair gel or hair mousse as these products are lightweight and don’t weigh your curls down.

Curlsmith Shine Gel (Fragrance-Free)

- Strong hold ensures amazing definition and humidity protection
- Non-sticky
- Doesn't contain proteins
- Easy to spread it evenly due to the texture of this gel
- Higher price point

Vegan & cruelty-free

Jessicurl Spiralicious Gel

- Provides extra strong hold
- Defined, soft to touch, and moisturized curls? With this gel, you can have everything
- No coconut oil. No glycerin. These two ingredients are not for everyone so if you have coconut oil or glycerin sensitive hair this spiralicious gel is for you, my friend.
- High price point but you only need a dime size of product.
- Fragrance free, therefore suitable for sensitive scalps!

Vegan & cruelty-free

The bottom line

You really CAN have it all: definition, softness, and shine. Don’t forget to always check the ingredients lists as they are constantly changing.

Oh, and one tip: you don’t have to spend a fortune to have perfect hair.

Get the hair you deserve!

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