curly hair tools

Having the right products and tools are important to avoid flat, lifeless hair. That’s why this list of my 10 must-have items for fine, curly hair was created. If you love volume and making your curls appear thicker than they really are, continue reading below.

Must-Have Curly Hair Products

1. Clarifying Shampoos

Clarifying shampoos are a must-have item for fine curly hair because of how easily it gets weighed down. It’s important to remove the excess buildup to keep it from looking flat. Many of the clarifying shampoos seen in stores contain sulfates but there are many options that are sulfate-free and do a really good job of cleaning the scalp and hair without stripping it down completely.

My favorites: Kinky Curly Come Clean, DevaCurls Buildup Buster and Eden Bodyworks Peppermint Tea Tree Shampoo.

2. Gels

Introducing gels back into my routine took some getting used to. That’s because in my youth, gels made your hair as stiff, crunchy and used a lot of alcohols. However, the gels of today are more innovative. They can hold a style for long periods of time, give major definition, and leave the curls soft to touch (after breaking the curl cast of course). In my experience, gels make my curls tighter, which in turn, helps add volume.

My favorites: DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel, Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel and Briogeo’s Curl Charisma Rice Amino & Quinoa frizz control gel.

3. Leave-In Conditioners

Conditioner, in general, is an important step for all curl types but for low- density curls you can choose to skip the heavy conditioners and go straight to a leave-in. Choose a lightweight formula that has great slip to help detangle and lightly moisturize. For myself, I typically use a conditioner on my ends then follow up with the leave-in to start my stylers. Use trial and error to see what works for your curls and density.

My favorites: Not Your Mothers Naturals Tahitian Gardenia & Mango Butter Detangler, DevaCurl Decadence Leave In, SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Leave in Treatment.

4. Volumizers & Thickeners

The most important category in this article include styling products that volumize and thicken the hair. These include thickening creams, sprays, and mousses. They add body and volume to the hair and some of them, like a thickening cream, can help clump up curls to give the appearance of thicker hair.

My favorites: Hask Biotin Boost Thickening Cream, Aveda Volumizing Tonic, Not Your Mothers Curl Talk Curl Activating Mousse.

Curly Hair Tools

5. Q-Redew

The Q-Redew is definitely a staple in my cabinet. The reason that this is awesome for fine curls is because it can add volume. When you place the prongs near the scalp and apply a little steam it lifts and plumps up your roots. That is just one way to use the Q-Redew but if you want to learn more, watch this video.

6. Blowdryer With Diffuser Attachment

Investing in a really good blow dryer and diffuser attachment is well worth it. My DevaDryer has been by my side for a few years and I have never had a problem with it breaking. In addition, it’s lightweight, has 3 temperature settings, 2 speed settings and a cool shot button. The DevaFuser is where the magic happens though because it’s got a really different shape to it that resembles your hand. It cradles your curls gently while you dry them. The fingers also slide easily into your roots to dry them quickly.

Although the DevaFuser is great for quickly drying my roots, standard diffusers really buildup volume. A collapsible diffuser is also a great space saver and great for the toiletry bag.

7. Duckbill Clips

Duckbill clips are a necessity for fine curly hair because they can be clipped at the roots to build volume during the drying process. They are also helpful clipped on the ends to help stretch any shrinkage.

8. Afro Pick

No purse is complete without our trusty Afro-Pick. A must-have for all curly girls but especially for those with fine curls because our roots gets flat quickly. Unfortunately, it’s not a one and done process. I’m someone that uses it constantly to keep my hair looking full.

9. Mini-Clips

Tiny mini-clips ones can easily be hidden near your roots to keep flat areas up for long periods of time. If you are scalpy, you are not going to want larger clips or you will see them peeking through.

10. Hair Fibers & Root Touch Up Kits

Last on the list are hair fibers and root touch up kits. These are my secret weapons because not only is my hair low-density but I have traction alopecia. Having a product like Toppik Hair Building Fibers, an eyeshadow, or a root touch up spray can conceal and fill those thinning areas. It’s beneficial for the times you wear your hair back in updos or ponytails.

What are some of your must-have items for fine curly hair? Share all of them down below in the comments.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/o8BEoavML2k