Let's be honest: finding the right products for your curls is a journey of trial and error, and it's never fun. So we've compiled a list of curl-loving products for all your curl needs, from heavy creams to oils to leave-ins, from drugstore finds to high-end products (opens in new tab). But first, let's talk about the science of curly hair. There are so many factors that go into making our curls look their best, and many of them have to do with the porosity of our hair.

Porosity has to do with how the hair absorbs water and moisture. Hair with low porosity does not absorb moisture very well, which can lead to dehydration and frizz. Hair with high porosity absorbs moisture quickly, but breaks easily and takes longer to dry. To find out your hair's porosity level, pull out a few strands of hair and drop them into a glass of plain water. If the hair sinks to the bottom quickly, it may be highly porous. Hair with low porosity will float on top of the water for a while. If the hair sinks a little and then floats in the middle, you probably have normal porous hair. Well, perfect and congratulations, I guess.

Hair with low porosity does not respond well to heavy creams and butters, preferring products like serums and sprays that are easily absorbed by the hair cuticle. Hair with high porosity can handle heavier products and should include protein treatments to strengthen strands. Even with these guidelines, however, it is difficult to find products that are the holy grail. On this page, you'll find an editor-approved guide to curly hair products, no matter what your hair type.