5 Curly Hair Products You Don’t Actually Need (And What to Use Instead)

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Stop Overbuying, Start Simplifying

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the curly hair products out there, or you’re just tired of wasting money on things that don’t actually help, this post is for you.

You don’t need a bathroom full of bottles to get healthy, defined curls. In fact, a lot of the “must-haves” floating around social media are just extra fluff that creates more confusion than results.

And here’s something really important to keep in mind:
Curly hair doesn’t always mean dry hair. That’s one of the biggest myths out there. Just because your hair has texture doesn’t mean it needs all the moisture. In fact, over-moisturizing can create just as many problems, like frizz, limp curls, and buildup that weighs your hair down. What your hair actually needs is balance.

Let’s walk through the five products you can totally skip, and what you do need instead.

1. Co-Wash

Why you don’t need it:
Co-washing might sound like a gentler way to cleanse your hair, but for most people, it ends up doing more harm than good. It doesn’t clean the scalp well, causes buildup, dulls your curls, and can even lead to scalp issues or hair loss.

What to do instead:
Use a regular shampoo. Yes, a real lathering shampoo. Your scalp will thank you, and your curls will look so much better over time.

These are my top picks for shampoo for curly hair.

2. Leave-In Conditioner

Why you don’t need it:
Unless your hair is really dry or prone to tangling, leave-in conditioner is often unnecessary. A lot of times, the issue is just using the wrong rinse-out conditioner.

What to do instead:
Try leaving a bit of your regular conditioner in, or upgrade to a more moisturizing rinse-out. That one tweak might be all you need.

3. Treatment Products (Protein, Bond Builders, Rice Water, etc.)

Why you don’t need it:
If you’re using high-quality shampoo, conditioner, and styling products, they should already contain the moisture and protein your hair needs. Most of these extras cause confusion and aren’t necessary unless your hair is chemically damaged.

What to do instead:
Stick to the basics and clarify regularly. Only add treatments if your hair is damaged or dry, and even then, only as needed.

4. Oils

Why you don’t need it:
This one gets people fired up, but here’s the truth: oils don’t moisturize.

Some oils (like coconut or avocado) can penetrate the hair shaft, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best choice for everyone. Oils still don’t hydrate, water does. And using too much oil can block your hair from absorbing the moisture it actually needs, leading to buildup, dullness, or frizz over time.

What to do instead:
Focus on hydrating your hair with water and sealing it in with a good conditioner. That’s the real moisture your curls are craving. If you want to experiment with oils, keep it minimal and watch how your hair reacts, especially if it’s low porosity or fine.

5. Hair Towels, Fancy Dryers, and Styling Brushes

These aren’t bad—they’re just not essential.

• Hair towels: Old t-shirts work just as well. No need to spend extra here.
• Expensive dryers/diffusers: A $30 dryer with a diffuser attachment works just fine. You don’t need the Dyson or Shark.
• Styling brushes: Helpful for some, but not necessary. If you don’t get great results or it feels confusing, let it go.

So What Do You Actually Need?

Here are the five things that are actually essential for caring for your curls:

1. A good shampoo (not a co-wash)
2. A good conditioner
3. A styling product with hold (gel, custard, mousse, or something similar)
4. A clarifying shampoo
5. (Optional) A deep conditioner if your hair is damaged or dry

That’s it. Those are the only five products you really need to care for and style your curls effectively.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple

You don’t need to try everything you see others doing. The more complicated your routine gets, the harder it becomes to know what’s actually working.

Stick to the basics, track your results, and build from there. If something doesn’t feel right for your hair, trust that and make a change.

Ready to stop overthinking your hair routine?
Download my free Quick Start Guide below to learn the exact 5-step method I teach to simplify your curly hair routine and get results faster.

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