Best Products for Curly Hair in South Africa

TL;DR:

• Curly hair products serve four jobs: cleanse gently, add moisture, define the curl, hold it — get that line-up right and curls transform
• The leave-in applied to soaking-wet hair is the most important step — this is where curl definition is created
• Match products to your curl type: loose waves need lightweight formulas, tight coils need the richest moisture
• Gel is optional but powerful for hold and humidity resistance — scrunch out the cast when dry for soft curls
• A weekly mask is non-negotiable for drier, tighter curl types

Curly hair products fall into a simple set of jobs: cleanse gently, add lots of moisture, define the curl, and hold it. Get that line-up right and your curls transform. Here's what each product does and what our Cape Town curl specialists recommend. For the full routine, see our curly hair care guide.

Meet the experts:
Royston and Warren at Cavendish Square — Judy, head trainer — Lewis, owner — Jackie at Gardens Centre — Debbie and Nikí at V&A Waterfront — Danny and Charlene at Canal Walk — Lynette, Samantha and Dominique at Constantia Village

01 — A Gentle, Sulphate-Free Shampoo

Curls dry out easily, so a non-stripping cleanser is the foundation of any curl routine. Sulphate shampoos strip the natural oils that curly hair relies on for definition and moisture. Most curlies wash two to three times a week maximum — some co-wash (conditioner-only washing) between shampoos to preserve moisture on non-wash days.

"The shampoo decision is the first thing I discuss with curly clients," says Royston at Cavendish. "If they're washing every day with a sulphate formula, that's where the dryness and frizz is starting. Switch to sulphate-free, reduce wash frequency, and the baseline condition of the curls improves before we've changed anything else."

02 — A Rich Conditioner, Used Generously

Curls love conditioner. Apply generously through the lengths and detangle gently with fingers or a wide-tooth comb while it's in. Never brush dry curls — it shatters the pattern into frizz. The conditioner step is the backbone of curl care — used every wash, left on for two to three minutes before rinsing.

03 — A Leave-In Conditioner on Soaking-Wet Hair

This is the golden rule of curl definition: apply your leave-in while hair is dripping wet. This seals moisture into the strand and creates the humidity barrier before the curl forms. Applied to too-dry hair, products cause frizz rather than definition. Scrunch upward to encourage the curl pattern as you apply.

"The wetness matters as much as the product," says Debbie at the Waterfront. "Clients who apply leave-in to slightly damp hair rather than soaking-wet hair see significantly worse definition. The water is part of the formula. Don't towel-dry before applying — step out of the shower and apply immediately."

04 — A Curl Cream for Definition

The key definition product for most curl types. A curl cream defines and smooths the curl while adding moisture — applied after the leave-in on wet hair, scrunched upward. Loose waves need a lighter cream or mousse so they aren't weighed down. Classic curls benefit from a medium-weight cream. Tight curls and coils need richer creams or butters.

05 — A Gel for Hold (Optional but Powerful)

Gel creates a cast that locks curls in place and fights frizz, especially in Cape Town's coastal humidity. Apply after the curl cream on wet hair. When the hair is completely dry, scrunch out the cast with your hands for soft, defined curls. Most people don't need gel every day — it's most useful when you need curls to last through a humid day or stay defined for an event.

"Gel is the most underused curly hair product among our clients," says Charlene at Canal Walk. "Once they try it correctly — applied wet, cast scrunched out when dry — they can't believe the difference in definition and longevity. Cape Town's humidity makes it particularly valuable. The cast protects the curl pattern while it dries and the humidity resistance lasts all day."

06 — A Weekly Mask

Non-negotiable for drier, tighter curl types. Used once a week in place of conditioner — left on for five to ten minutes — it delivers the deep moisture that keeps curls springy, soft, and healthy. Kérastase Curl Manifesto and Redken All Soft Mega Curls are both formulated specifically for wavy to coily textures. Find the full curl care product range in our curly hair collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What products does curly hair really need?

A gentle sulphate-free shampoo, rich conditioner, leave-in applied to wet hair, and a curl cream cover the essentials. Add a gel for hold and humidity resistance, and a weekly mask for moisture maintenance.

Curl cream or gel — which is better?

They do different jobs and work well together: cream defines and moisturises, gel holds and fights frizz. Many curlies layer cream then gel. If you're choosing one, start with a leave-in and curl cream for definition.

How do I apply curly hair products?

To soaking-wet hair, scrunching upward to form the curl, then dry without disrupting. Applying to too-dry hair causes frizz rather than definition.

Are salon brands worth it for curls?

Professional curl ranges use richer, better-quality moisture and definition ingredients suited to specific curl types. The results tend to be better and longer-lasting than equivalent retail alternatives.

Which ranges does Partners Hair recommend for curly hair?

Kérastase Curl Manifesto (wavy to coily, moisture and definition), Redken All Soft Mega Curls (dry curly textures), and Intrinsicurly Me (South African curl-focused brand, naturally derived, sulphate-free). Browse our curly hair collection for the full range.

Browse our curly hair range, and for a personal curl consultation or curl-specialist cut our stylists are across Cape Town — find your nearest. Free delivery on orders over R390.