A lot of curly hair advice is focused on intense conditioning, because curly hair is often more prone to dryness than straight hair. But this advice leaves many curlies with limp, weighed down or greasy hair, because the products they are using are actually too heavy for their hair type.
Below are some of my favourite brands with lovely lightweight products that I use on my own curly hair. My curls are very fine, so these curl products help to give it a good balance of cleansing and conditioning without making it too dry or too weighed down.
Why might you need lightweight products for your curly hair?
Fine hair and virgin/lower-porosity hair often needs less conditioning compared to coarse or very damaged hair. This has nothing to do with the shape of your curl pattern – the characteristics of your individual hair strands, rather than the curl pattern itself, are more important to consider when choosing products. And fine hair strands have a very small diameter, meaning that they can’t take on as much product.
You might also find that when you first started doing a curly routine, your curls were thirsty and needed all the conditioning, but over the months or years, your hair is now healthier and doesn’t need a routine that heavy or intensive anymore.
What makes a hair product lightweight rather than heavy?
The overall formulation of a product will dictate whether it’s lightweight or not. In general, heavy products contain “heavy” or thick ingredients – think butters (like shea butter), thicker oils (castor oil, olive oil), or occlusives that create a barrier (beeswax, mineral oil).
In comparison, lightweight products will not contain these ingredients, or if they do, they will be further down the ingredients list in smaller concentrations. Instead, lightweight products will use lighter ingredients to condition the hair, such as aloe vera, hydrolysed proteins, or waters (e.g. coconut water rather than coconut oil).
Don’t forget that lightweight doesn’t mean light hold – there are many curl stylers that give good, lasting hold, but won’t make your hair greasy.
Tips for building a lightweight curly routine
If you have fine curly hair and you are looking to avoid heavy products, avoid products that contain too many of the heavy ingredients mentioned above. It is also a good idea to use a stronger shampoo more often, so that your hair is definitely clear of buildup and you have a good base to start from.
Overconditioned hair can also cause limp curls that struggle to hold, so avoiding too many conditioning steps will help to give your curls longer-lasting hold and less of that soft halo frizz.
Reducing the amount you deep condition, cutting out leave-in and curl cream (or at least not using both together), and even not using an oil at the end of your routine will all help your curls hold, as these are all steps designed to soften the curls rather than hold them.
In all, if your curls are throwing a tantrum, it’s best to strip your routine back to basics with just a good shampoo, conditioner and a single styler. Have a look through these products and decide if you need a make a couple of swaps in your current curly routine!
The best lightweight curly hair products (imo)
This section contains affiliate links and discount codes, but my opinions here are completely my own. In fact, most of the time I’ve become an affiliate because I don’t stop yapping about these brands on Instagram! Hopefully the photos speak for themselves…
Bouclème
Bouclème is one of the first brands I tried when I first attempted to embrace my curly hair, as I bought their 30 Days to Waves kit which comes with handy step-by-step instructions! This Black-British-owned company has created a range of salon-quality curl products that you can mix and match to create a super-conditioning or more lightweight lineup.
My faves: When my hair was more damaged I used their Hydrating Hair Cleanser and Super Hold Styler very often, but nowadays I love using a combo of their Super Volumising Foam with their Flexible Hold Hairspray on top for big volume that still holds really well. I also enjoy their Seal + Shield Gel, which is great in humidity.
Bouclème also sells protein drops that you can add to other products to give them a protein boost (protein being great for curl structure).
Where to buy: Get them direct from the Boucleme website (and use code COAST15 for 15% off), LookFantastic (use code LFTFCOAST for 21% off), Amazon US, Amazon UK, and Boots UK.
Giovanni Cosmetics
Giovanni Cosmetics is often overlooked in the curly world as they are not a curls-only brand, but it is a brand that is used a lot by stylists in the entertainment industry and they do great products for all hair types. It’s also very reasonably-priced, with a few travel-sized options to try out.
My fave: The LA Hold Styling gel may have a very thick consistency (and I have to style with extra water when I use it), but it always makes my hair look full and gives me a good curl structure that lasts really well.
Where to buy: Buy their products directly from their (US) website and get 15% off when you buy through this link, find them on LookFantastic (use code LFTFCOAST for 21% off), or on Amazon UK, Amazon US, or Naturalistic Products.
JSL Essentials
JSL Essentials is a one woman-owned business in the UK that utilises lots of botanical ingredients to gently nourish curly hair. Their products are very lightweight and contain no butters, instead featuring flower waters and light essential oils.
My faves: Although the actual conditioner is also very good, I love using the JSL Essentials Leave-In Hair Cream as a rinse-out conditioner, as it’s even more lightweight and just the amount of conditioning my hair needs. It contains a little protein, as does the Volumising Curl Foam, which is great for giving fine curls strength and structure.
Where to buy: Get 15% off the JSL Essentials website with code COAST15, or find their international stockists here.
Philip Kingsley
Philip Kingsley is not strictly a curly brand (and weirdly, I haven’t tried their curl products), but I use their shampoos and conditioners so often that they get an honourable mention. This London-based brand was developed by trichologists and focuses a lot on hair and scalp health. They also have trichology clinics in London and New York where they treat hair and scalp concerns.
My faves: Their Body Building shampoo and conditioner are ones that I reach for very often – this range is specially designed for fine hair so includes a clarifying shampoo and one of the lightest yet smoothest conditioners I’ve ever tried!
Where to buy: Buy direct from their website, or find them on Amazon UK, Amazon US, LookFantastic (and use code LFTFCOAST), or Boots UK.
TréLuxe
This US-based brand is another one where you can mix and match their products depending on how moisturising you want your routine to be. They do some of my favourite products, plus their stylers are great in humidity.
My faves: The TréLuxe Hi! Definition styling gel is my ride-or-die curl styler – it is super lightweight and easy to apply, and gives a medium hold when worn on its own, or it layers really well with other stylers. It also contains protein and aloe, which are great for structure and lightweight moisture retention. Coupled with their Soothe & Restore Mousse, I can get curls that easily last for 4 days.
Where to buy: Buy direct from their website, or find their international stockists here. TréLuxe is also sold in Walgreens.
Umberto Giannini
Umberto Giannini has lots of ranges: their original Curl Jelly range is hard to use too much of so it’s great for beginners, their Beach Waves range is ideal for wavy hair and contains UV-protecting products, and their new Strong Curls range is designed to promote healthy hair growth. Some specific products will be more moisturising than others, but it’s easy to build a lightweight routine from the wide variety of products available. Plus, they’re not too expensive.
My faves: Their Boost Mousse is new, but gives a promising light/medium hold on its own and is sure to layer well with another stronger styler like a gel.
Where to buy: you can get 20% off the Umberto Giannini website with code COAST20, or 21% off on LookFantastic with LFTFCOAST. Alternatively, you can find them in Boots or on Amazon UK.
I hope that among these recommendations, you find something that works for you and your curls! In the meantime, check out more of my curly troubleshooting posts, read about how best to protect your curls while you sleep, and if you need a pep talk, read 4 things that you may just have to accept about your curly hair.
Curls by the Coast 
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