gold flakes for hair

THE 15 BEST CURLY HAIR PRODUCTS

When it comes to curls, kinks, and coils, the greatest curly hair products leave no room for error. What are the must-haves on our shopping list? Hydrating products that hydrate and revive dry strands, stylers with added grip and hold, and clarifying cleansers that make wash days a breeze.

Every curly girl knows that finding the proper combination of products takes effort, but once you’ve discovered it, there’s no going back. Here’s our pick of the top curly hair products of 2024 to help you show off your bouncy, gleaming curls. 

BRIOGEO CURL CHARISMA

Briogeo’s leave-in cream does double duty by defining and protecting your curls from humidity. The composition contains rice amino acids and avocado oil, which help your hair retain moisture and decrease frizz. The creamy texture is soft and never flakes or feels sticky. Isn’t it also nice? This cream is manufactured with 96 percent naturally derived components and does not contain colors or silicones, making it suitable for all hair types. Many clients reported that it has a long-lasting effect on their hair. However, when it comes to weight, it is quite pricey. 

RIZOS HYDRATING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

This Hydrating Shampoo cleanses softly, intensely hydrates, and nourishes the scalp and hair. Natural components such as Shea Butter and Moringa Oil are used to create soft, glossy, and healthy hair. This nutritious shampoo relieves dry and irritated scalp. This pair excels at retaining moisture and preventing dandruff and split ends while being silicone, sulfate, and cruelty-free. Rizos, formed by Latinx women, was founded to highlight the natural texture of curls, coils, and waves everywhere. If you have thick, dense hair that detangles best in the shower, this is a must-try. 

SEEN MAGIC SERUM

If your curls can’t handle heavy oils—or any oils at all—let me introduce you to my favorite oil substitute: this fragrance-free, silicone-free, three-ingredient serum. It employs a silky solvent and a combination of lightweight moisturizers (squalane and fatty acids) to smooth your curls and define your ends without feeling as heavy as typical hair oils. The texture is water-like, making it simple to apply to hair. To use it effectively, have a few drops on your hair and then massage the hair and scalp gently. You would see the difference after few days. 

PATTERN BEAUTY CONDITIONER

This is the Intensive Conditioner, the richest of PATTERN’s ultra-hydrating conditioner products, ideal for tighter textures. The powerful recipe is packed with ingredients like Avocado Oil, Shea Butter, Safflower Oil, and Acacia Decurrens Flower to help protect against breakage and dryness while leaving definition behind after rinse-out, making it ideal for low porosity hair fighting to get moisture to enter into strands. This nourishing blend of coconut, jojoba, avocado, and sweet almond oils hydrates curls restores bounce and locking in moisture. It can be used following the washing and conditioning steps. If you prefer to detangle outside of the shower, this leave-in has a lot of slip and will do the job without pulling. Furthermore, the aromas in this Pattern product are soothing – they’re fresh but not overpowering. 

AMIKA DEFINING CREAM

This is a curl-controlling smoothing crème that adds bounce and shape to hair. The ingredients in Amika’s Curl Corps are top-notch, according to the company, with tapioca starch providing definition and oat peptide forming a protective barrier, intensifying your hair’s shine. The inclusion of these components helps to control curls, fight frizzy and lightly condition the hair. The product claims to keep hair curled and defined all day long with little to no frizz. It is formulated free of paraben and sulfates, making it suitable for the most sensitive scalps.

SHEAMOISTURE CURL &=STYLE MILK

The key ingredient in this leave-in conditioner is coconut oil, which acts to detangle and nourish hair. It’s great for letting your hair air dry and saves time. Curls are left silky and swingy while being shielded from frizz and humidity. The natural formula contains ethically traded and sustainably produced ingredients. Its effects on hair are excellent, but it can be difficult to get the product out of the bottle. 

DPHUE ACV

Unlike shampoo, which can strip hair of its natural oils, our rinse is prepared with artisanal crafted Apple Cider Vinegar from George Paul Vinegar, which helps seal the hair cuticle, improve shine, and keep the scalp and hair pH-balanced. Allowing your hair’s natural oils to do their job for a while is a vital aspect of any good hair-care routine. However, using too much oil can result in weighed-down curls, scalp discomfort, and the appearance of having gone swimming when you most certainly did not. When you need a clarifying boost, DpHue’s ACV Rinse replaces your regular shampoo.

LUS LOVE UR CURLS ALL-IN-ONE STYLER

LUS’ products are straightforward and uncomplicated, free of silicones, sulfates, and mineral oils, and created with the best hydrating components. This all-in-one styler is a cross between a leave-in conditioner and a curl cream, with moringa oil and shea butter to mildly hydrate, define, and improve your curls. Plus, it’s adjustable for different curl types, so you can find the ideal fit for your hair. 

VERNON FRANCOIS CURL SHAMPOO

This Curl Shampoo has been a favorite for years due to the way it hydrates while cleansing. Most shampoos contain sulfates, which remove filth and generate the sudsy foam we’ve come to expect when we want to feel our scalps clean, but sulfates also strip natural oils from hair. Sulfate-free shampoos are softer but more expensive. This Vernon François recipe is not only reasonably priced, but it also contains healthy components like tea tree oil, seaweed extract, olive oil, and shea butter that work double duty to clear and hydrate.

KÉRASTASE CURL MANIFESTO

This shampoo mix checks all of the boxes for curly hair shampoo. First and foremost, it is sulfate-free, so you won’t have to worry about it removing your natural moisture. The creamy composition softly cleanses while also including moisturizing elements (manuka honey and ceramides) to keep your curls in great shape. It’s also a fantastic choice for wavy, curly, or highly curly hair. To use, apply it to wet hair. Then, thoroughly massage and rinse. If you come into touch with your eyes, rinse them promptly and thoroughly.

KRISTIN ESS CURL CO-WASH CLEANSING CONDITIONER

This mixture contains hydrating glycerin and hydrolyzed linseed, which is high in omega fatty acids and prevents curls from drying out while cleaning your hair and scalp. The non-sudsy product, which is devoid of drying alcohols, sulfates, and parabens, is ideal for curly and kinky hair. This hair product moisturizes and preserves coarse, curly, kinky, frizzy, and/or natural texture hair. This soothing co-wash will cleanse your hair and scalp gently while preserving your natural oils.

Pantene GOLD SERIES SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Pantene’s Gold Series Root Stimulating Shampoo and Conditioner cleanse and condition hair while promoting and sustaining new length. The star ingredients in this sulfate-free combination are apricot oil and green tea extract, which work their magic by detoxifying the scalp and nourishing the hair for long-term growth with frequent application. According to many customers, this shampoo does help with their dry and damaged hair, leaving it feeling clean, smooth and more manageable with extra bounce.

MOROCCANOIL CURL DEFINING CREAM

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream is a hair product that aids in the definition of curls while combating frizz. It is paraben-free and ideal for colored, curly/permed, dry, and regular hair types. It’s also enriched with argan oil, which results in hair velvety smooth curls with extra shine. This product is suitable for the majority of waves and curls. While most creams weigh down finer curl types, this lightweight solution contains just a hint of argan oil, which works to smooth flyaways and define waves and curls without feeling greasy, heavy, or sticky.

AG CARE RE:COIL CURL ACTIVATOR

Re:Coil is a vegan, silicone-free styling cream for curly hair that also works as a curl enhancer for wavy hair. Amino acid curly hair solutions for damaged curls infuse each strand with critical nutrients, giving worn hair new energy.This curl-friendly gel product, as the name suggests, helps define, tighten, and moisturize coils so they look and feel their best. It’s not too heavy on the hair, and it’s a salt-free composition, so it’s less drying. To use, run a small amount into damp hair and dry as usual. Then sit back and wait for the compliments to come in.

KINKY CURLY KNOT TODAY DETANGLE

With this herbal conditioner, you can say goodbye to knots that cause breakage and grow your hair longer and stronger. It’s made with organic components including slippery elm, marshmallow root, lemongrass, and mango fruit extract. This hydrating product’s slide makes detangling easy by smoothing the cuticle and reducing knots. It can be used as a standard rinse-out conditioner for individuals with waves and loose curls, or as a leave-in conditioner for those with tighter textures.

CONCLUSION

Curly hair products that are loaded with nourishing nutrients are redefining hair care. These products, which range from a gentle cleaning shampoo to a hydrating conditioner, and from a defining curl cream to a volumizing mousse, change curls, banish frizz, and celebrate the beauty of various hair types. A game-changer for curly-haired people all over the world. Curly hair products that are loaded with nourishing nutrients are redefining hair care. These products, which range from a gentle cleaning shampoo to a hydrating conditioner, and from a defining curl cream to a volumizing mousse, change curls, banish frizz, and celebrate the beauty of various hair types. A game-changer for curly-haired people all over the world.

THE TATTOO AFTERCARE: WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but the real work begins after you leave the artist’s chair. Proper tattoo aftercare is crucial for ensuring your new ink heals beautifully and minimizes the risk of infection or complications. This involves a delicate balance of keeping the area clean while allowing it to breathe and heal naturally. 

This guide will provide you with essential tips and information on how to care for your fresh tattoo, from the immediate post-tattoo steps to long-term considerations. By following these guidelines, you can help your tattoo heal optimally and enjoy its vibrant colors and intricate designs for years to come.

TATTOO AFTERCARE: FIRST 30 DAYS AND BEYOND

Healing time varies depending on your tattoo’s size and intricacy. Larger tattoos tend to stay red and swollen for longer as they cause more trauma to the skin.

Day 1

When you leave the tattoo studio, your tattoo will be covered with a dressing. Your artist will tell you when to remove it. Plastic wrap and gauze are typically removed after a few hours, while medical-grade adhesive (known as “second skin”) can stay on for several days. Brands like Dermalize, Flexifix, Saniderm, SecondSkin, Tatu-Derm, and Tegaderm are commonly used.


Fluid, including blood, plasma, and excess ink, may ooze from your tattoo. It will also be red, sore, and warm to the touch. When it’s time to remove the dressing, wash your hands thoroughly before gently peeling it off. Cleanse the area with warm water and fragrance-free soap, rinse well, and then lightly pat dry. Afterward, wait a few minutes before applying the ointment or lotion your artist recommends.

Days 2–3:
Your tattoo will likely have a duller, cloudier appearance as your skin starts healing. Scabs may form.


Continue washing your tattoo once or twice a day, and don’t worry if some ink runs into the sink. This is just excess ink coming up through your skin. Let your skin dry completely before applying the recommended ointment or lotion.

Days 4–6:
By now, the second skin should be removed. Some artists suggest running the area under water while peeling off the adhesive. Make sure your hands are clean before starting.
Gently stretch the adhesive and peel it off slowly. Afterward, cleanse the area, let it dry, and apply the recommended ointment or lotion.


Redness should be fading, and light scabbing may appear. Avoid picking at the scabs, as this can cause scarring. Continue washing your tattoo once or twice daily and applying ointment as needed.

Days 6–14:
Scabs will begin to flake off naturally, but don’t pick at them. Pulling them off prematurely can remove ink and cause scarring. Itching is common during this time. To soothe it, use a fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturizer several times a day. If the tattoo remains red and swollen, consult your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional for advice on possible infection.

Days 15–30:
By now, most scabs should be gone, and any remaining flakes will fall off. The tattooed area may still look dry and dull, but it should start to feel smoother. Continue moisturizing until the skin appears hydrated again. By the second or third week, the outer skin layers will have healed, but deeper layers may take 3–4 months to fully heal.

Expect your tattoo to look bright and vivid again by the end of the third month.

Tips for Long-Term Tattoo Care:
Once your tattoo has healed, it’s important to maintain its appearance.

  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to support overall health and keep your skin elastic.
  • Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen to protect your tattoo from UV damage and keep the colors vibrant.
  • Avoid Rapid Weight Fluctuations: Rapid weight gain or loss can stretch and distort your tattoo.

SELECTING THE BEST SKIN CARE PRODUCTS FOR TATTOO AFTERCARE

USE SOAP

Always opt for a mild, fragrance-free soap or a specially formulated tattoo cleanser to clean the tattooed area.

Many tattoo artists recommend:

  • Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Soap
  • Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
  • Dial Gold Antibacterial Soap (although not fragrance-free, some artists recommend it)

USE OINTMENT


For the first day or two, some artists suggest using A+D Original Ointment. Afterward, you can switch to Aquaphor Healing Ointment or Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Organic Magic Balm.

USE LOTION

After the first week, you can switch to a lotion to keep the skin hydrated. Just ensure it is free of fragrances, ethyl alcohol, and additives like colored dyes that can dry out your skin.

Some recommended lotions are:

  • Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion
  • Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

AVOID 100% PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

It’s best to avoid using products that are 100% petroleum-based, such as original Vaseline, during the initial healing process.

Petroleum products are thick and can trap moisture, preventing proper airflow to the tattoo. This can hinder healing and may even cause the ink to fade. Always choose products that allow your skin to breathe while supporting the healing process.

COMPLICATIONS DURING THE TATTOO HEALING PROCESS

While some discomfort and changes in your tattoo are normal, certain complications can arise. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional.

INFECTION

Improper care of your tattoo can lead to an infection. Signs of infection include:

  • Redness, warmth, and pain around the tattooed area
  • Leaking pus or other unusual fluids

In rare cases, contamination of tattoo equipment or ink can lead to serious bloodborne infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tetanus, or HIV. Non-tuberculous mycobacterial skin infections have also been reported.

ALLERGIC REACTION

If you’re allergic to the ink, you may experience a red, itchy reaction at the tattoo site. Red dyes are most likely to cause allergies, although blue and black dyes can also trigger skin reactions like photosensitivity. Always consult your artist or a healthcare professional if you suspect an allergic reaction.

SCARRING

Improper healing, such as picking at scabs or damage from the needle, can lead to scarring. Scar tissue can be permanent, so it’s important to avoid picking or scratching the tattoo while it heals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. When should you start aftercare for a new tattoo?
Aftercare begins immediately after your tattoo is completed. Your artist will typically apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover the tattoo with a bandage or plastic wrap. Follow their aftercare instructions on when to cleanse and what products to use.

2. How long should you keep your tattoo covered after your appointment?
Keep the dressing on for the duration recommended by your artist, typically anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The dressing prevents bacteria from entering, absorbs excess ink and fluid, and shields the tattoo from friction or irritation.

3. What is proper aftercare for a new tattoo?

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before removing the covering.
  • Gently cleanse the tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free soap.
  • Pat the skin dry with a soft cloth.
  • Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizer.
  • Let your skin breathe by keeping the dressing off after initial care.
  • Follow this routine for the first few weeks and avoid sun exposure until fully healed.

4. What should you avoid after getting a new tattoo?

  • Avoid scratching or picking at your tattoo. Gently patting the area can relieve itching.
  • Avoid tight clothing that may rub or irritate the tattoo.
  • Stay away from bathtubs, hot tubs, pools, or submerging your tattoo in water.
  • Don’t apply sunblock until the tattoo has fully healed, and avoid direct sun exposure during healing.

5. Can you use Aquaphor on a new tattoo?
Yes, it’s generally safe to use a thin layer of Aquaphor Healing Ointment on a healing tattoo. Unlike pure petroleum jelly (like Vaseline), Aquaphor is more breathable and allows air to circulate, aiding the healing process without suffocating the skin.

CONCLUSION

A tattoo is not only a form of personal expression and art, but also a medical procedure. The artist uses a needle to deposit ink beneath your skin, which creates a wound. Anytime the skin is broken, there’s a risk of scarring and infection. Proper aftercare is essential to minimize these risks and promote healthy healing of your tattoo.