Community favorite
Dyson
Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer
8.2Great
Dyson's Bluetooth-connected Airwrap automates the wrap, curl and cool-shot timing; the most effortless air curler, at a steep price.
Device5$650
Hair & Scalp · Shape & Shine
Curl definition
6 products we review are built for curl definition — 50% of them hot tools. The ingredients doing most of the work: panthenol, glycerin and rice extract & ferment. Most are made for wavy hair, curly hair and coily hair.
Repair, shape, shine and scalp care for straight, wavy, curly and coily hair.
Top rated
The curl definition podium.
The ingredients behind it
Key actives in the products that deliver curl definition — tap one for what it does and how strong the evidence is.
Often paired with
Benefits that tend to come along for the ride.
6 products
Every curl definition pick.
6 products
Best value
Shark
FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System
8.1Great
A twist-to-convert dryer and Coanda multi-styler that does most of what an Airwrap does for about half the price; curls fade sooner.
Device5$350
Dupe alert
Laifen
Swift Special High-Speed Hair Dryer
8.0Great
A light, quiet 110,000 rpm high-speed dryer with three magnetic nozzles, widely tested as a far cheaper Dyson Supersonic alternative.
Device5$170
Best value
SheaMoisture
Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
7.6Good
An inexpensive sulfate-free shampoo for waves and curls with shea butter and coconut oil, though results vary with hair type.
Shampoo5$12.49
Community favorite
Kinky-Curly
Curling Custard
7.6Good
A concentrated agave-based gel with strong definition and hold for curls and coils, if applied to soaking-wet hair in sections.
Gel5$20.00
OUAI
Wave Spray
7.2Good
A salt-free texture spray for soft, undone beach waves without crunch; easy to use, but pricey for a light-hold mist.
Texture spray5$30.00