Best Curly Hair Products for Volume + GIVEAWAY & ANNOUNCEMENT!
Which curly hair products actually make a difference in volume? I’m sharing my top picks and breaking down the differences between them so you can
Which curly hair products actually make a difference in volume? I’m sharing my top picks and breaking down the differences between them so you can choose the best volumizing product for your curl type.
Continue reading towards the end of the post for a special announcement and giveaway!
Mousse is a great way to get hold and volume without much moisture. Some mousses give texture/grit, while others don’t. The airy nature of mousse helps to create volume regardless of texture/grit content. Mousse is great because it can be used as your main styler and holding product. You don’t need to use a gel along with a mousse if the mousse gives enough hold.
Benefits: Strong hold, volumizing, humidity-protection
Key Ingredients: Polyquaternium-46, Isobutane, Propane, Propylene Glycol
Texture/grit: None
Hold: Medium-strong
Weight: Lightweight
Proteins: None
Hair types: All
Benefits: Volumizing, moisturizing, gel-to-mousse
Key Ingredients: Isobutane, Polyamide-1, Linseed Extract, Olive Extract
Texture/grit: High
Hold: Medium
Weight: Mediumweight
Proteins: None
Hair types: All
Foams have similar properties to mousse but are much more watered down. Therefore, they have less hold. Most foams are light hold and will require a gel on top. Some are texturizing, and some just help plump up the curls. Due to their high water content, they help with curl clumping.
Benefits: Volumizing, texturizing
Key Ingredients: Pullulan, Galactoarabinan, Aloe, Glycerin, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
Texture/grit: High
Hold: Light
Weight: Lightweight
Proteins: Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Hair types: All, use sparingly on low porosity + coarse
Benefits: Volumizing, clumping, humidity-protection
Key Ingredients: Propanediol, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Avocado Oil, Almond Oll, Polyquaternium
Texture/grit: None
Hold: None
Weight: Lightweight
Proteins: Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Hair types: All, use sparingly on low porosity + coarse
There are many forms of volumizing sprays. You may have most commonly seen texturizing sprays that are an aerosol. These are often used in straight hair but could be used on curls to provide texture. Another format is a water-based spray. The one I’ve listed is not specifically marketed for volume. It’s a salt spray designed to increase curl definition, but I’ve found it creates volume and fullness. It’s not too drying but is very low in moisture.
Benefits: Volumizing, curl enhancing
Key Ingredients: Magnesium Sulfate (salt), Polyquaternium-10, Castor Oil, Polyquaternium-70, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Texture/grit: Medium
Hold: Light
Weight: Lightweight
Proteins: Keratin Amino Acids
Hair types: All
Lotions are less common but the one I’ve listed is unique in that it has properties that help create space between the hair strands. This is sort of the opposite of a clumping product, however it doesn’t make my hair stringy, just more full-looking. Since it’s a lotion format, it has moisturizing properties but is lightweight. Those with fine hair that gets weighed down easily could use this in place of leave-in and then add a gel.
Benefits: Volumizing, lightweight, moisturizing
Key Ingredients: VP/VA Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium, Ginger, Nettle
Texture/grit: None
Hold: None
Weight: Lightweight
Proteins: None
Hair types: All
Hairspray is the strongest form of hold with the least moisture. Most provide texture and grit, so they can also help with volume. Hairsprays can be aerosol (the one I’ve listed is alcohol-free so it’s not drying), or water-based hairspray. Aerosols can be used on dry hair after styling for extra hold and grit. Water-based sprays can be used on wet or dry hair.
Benefits: Volumizing, lightweight, long-lasting hold, alcohol-free
Key Ingredients: Dimethyl Ether, Polyurethane-14, Acrylates Copolymer, Amp-Acrylates Copolymer
Texture/grit: High
Hold: Medium-Strong
Weight: Lightweight
Proteins: None
Hair types: All
All the products I’ve featured help increase volume and fullness, but it’s important to know that if you naturally have thinner hair like me, there is only so much we can do. When choosing your volumizing product, think about whether you like texture/grit or not because it’s going to impact the ease of refreshing. Sometimes, too much texture can be tangly or sticky on a refresh day. That may be worth it for you if you want more volume or struggle with your curls not lasting.
I am happy to help you pick the right product through my curl coaching program.
I’m excited to announce my new 6-Week Group Coaching Program! After coaching hundreds of clients through 1:1 sessions, we’ve realized there is so much more value in ongoing curl support versus a one-off call that can often feel like information overload. This group program will give you access to curl coaching from me over the span of 6-weeks, so it’s broken down into more manageable steps.
I’m offering a special early bird group rate that is discounted significantly from regular 1:1 sessions.
If you’re interested, just email me [email protected] or DM me on Instagram or Facebook with the word “GROUP” to chat.
2 winners will win a the AG Re:Coil Cream & Liquid Effects Gel.
There will be 2 winners!
Winners will be chosen at random on Dec 22 and contacted by email.
Good luck
Which curly hair products actually make a difference in volume? I’m sharing my top picks and breaking down the differences between them so you can
Do you find brush styling so difficult to master? I am sharing a simplified method that anyone can try to smooth out frizz and enhance
This post is sponsored by Curlsmith. Click here for the full disclosure. Does it take forever for your curls to dry? You should not have
‘Tis the season of good deals! With so many sales going on this week, I know it can be overwhelming navigating them all and knowing
© 2024 Gena Marie
17 Responses
I have fine, low porosity curls but thick hair. I struggle to balance enough product that doesn’t weigh my curls down but also gives me a strong hold. What’s the secret sauce for someone like me? My hair is also above shoulder length so finger coiling and brush styling have not worked for me. Help!
Oops I meant to say I have high porosity hair!
Hi Gena, thanks for theses informative videos and amazing giveaway! I struggle with consistency (I can use the same products and techniques and it looks different day to day 😩) and “lines” on my scalp when sectioning for brush styling. Videos with suggestions for these issues would be wonderful, TIA!
I have been struggling with getting longevity.
I have very low density, fine & high porosity curly hair. I have the hardest time getting volume especially because it’s such low density. I know you struggled with the hair loss & I was wondering what you did when you had less hair than now. Thank you so much!
Such a helpful comparison. I struggle with stringy curls. It used to be so easy to get big, pretty round curls without a lot of fuss.
Hey, Gena, I really enjoyed this post…so helpful, because I am constantly chasing that elusive volume!!
I would love to see you do a video/post about those annoying cowlicks that a lot of us curly girls struggle with; they can ruin a good hair day, in my opinion.
Happy Holidays to you and your family! 🙂
I’d love a deep dive on how to prevent your hair falling out into a normal part. I love the more “part free” look but my hair just always comes back into place
I love watching your videos talking about hair. I have bought products you have recommended and I really like them. I know you really like the AG products you are giving away because you have talked about them on your YouTube channel. I would really like to try them if you pick me I know my hair could benefit from them. Thank you for all you do to help us curlies girls out.
Thanks for this blog post/video! I have a side part, and the side with less hair tend to have less volume than the other side. It’s so noticeable that it’s frustrating. I’ve been using the Curlsmith Root Boost Uplifting Spray, and it’s made it a little better but not exactly what I want. I feel it’s less about volume products and more about how I diffuse. Would love some more videos or reels on adding volume when diffusing.
I’ve had trouble with my hair on top getting flat and losing curl definition since the weather has gotten cooler. I’ve been interested in the AG products for awhile. Thanks for showing these styling products for volume!
Been struggling with curl hold and frizz!
Thank you for the recommendations, now I have a better idea of what to try next.
Do you have a fragrance free curly product combination you can recommend? High end products and more affordable version.
I am having an issue where the very top of my hair at the part is flat and does not curl. How can I avoid that?
I need to stop buy every new product that hits the market and wait for your reviews.