The best products for 3B curly hair act as a savior for people with dry, flaky, and itchy scalps and the ones desperately looking to eradicate frizz, curb hair shedding, and improve overall hair texture and shine. Our research indicates that the corkscrew-like texture of 3B curls tends to make the hair follicles more susceptible to damage, and loss of moisture that eventually makes them puffy and frizzy compared to other hair types. Hence, it needs a specially formulated haircare product and carefully crafted hair tools that help to maintain vibrancy and do not weigh down the tresses.

Although 3B hair and 4C hair both come under the category of springy follicles, there is an underlying difference between the two hair types. While the 3B hair type is prone to thinning and shedding, 4C hair tends to shrink after shampooing. The kinks in 4C hair are resultantly more compact, whereas in 3B, hair is more loose and bouncy. But we all can't help denying that there is something very enticing about those vibrant, bouncy, and springy curls that make people turn heads every time an individual passes by. 

Individuals with 3B hair type tend to have problems searching for the right haircare products that help smoothen texture, improve shine, boost elasticity, and combat follicular fractures. Hence, after extensive research both through offline and online platforms, and innumerable trials of various samples of the best products in the market, our in-house haircare experts have curated a list of the best 3B hair products that are easy on the pocket, travel-friendly, non-irritating, and anti-inflammatory. 

Scroll away to have a look at our choicest recommendations.

• 1
  Best Overall

  MOROCCAN OIL Curl Defining Cream

  BUY ON AMAZON

Provide wholesome nourishment to every ringlet in your scalp with the Moroccan Oil curl defining cream for 3B hair type. It penetrates through all the hair follicles and ensures proper nutritional absorption at the cellular level of the hair shafts. Moreover, this hair cream helps to soften the coarse, dry hair texture and provides extra moisture while simultaneously establishing a gentle hold onto your loose curls without weighing down the hair. To add on, it instills an unmatched shine to lifeless curls, makes hair soft, and elevates definition. Lastly, because of its miraculous hair-strengthening superpowers, this styling product was awarded the Allure Readers Choice Award in 2019 and 2022.

2

Editor’s Pick

AUNT JACKIE’S Curls And Coils Defining Curl Custard

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The amalgamation of nature’s best ingredients, shea butter and olive oil, in the Aunt Jackie’s Curl Custard for 3B curls make it one of the most impeccable options for amplifying moisture, elevating shine, and naturally conditioning frizz-prone hair. After conducting a few tests with the curl cream, our in-house haircare experts concluded that it provides an alluring bounce to all curl types and softens rigid hair by providing plenty of moisture without making it prone to breakage. The best part? It helps to resolve complex tangles and makes the hair more manageable. Lastly, it has an easily blendable lightweight formula that does not weigh down the hair or make the follicles cling to one another.

3

Best for Color-treated Hair

CANTU SHEA BUTTER Leave-in Conditioner Repair Cream

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For scrunchy, bouncy, and vibrant curls within an instant, our in-house haircare experts believe there is no better option than the Cantu Shea Butter leave-in conditioner. Why? Because, it is one of the rarest 3B hair products with an emollient-like creamy formula that helps soften, strengthen, and smoothen hair strands from the roots to the ends. Moreover, the magical mousse-like texture of the product makes it suitable for natural, color-treated, chemically processed, and textured hair. Addedly, it helps to seal split ends and strengthen limp hair. Lastly, this deep conditioner assures robust protection against extensive heat and prepares the hair strands for styling.

4

Best for Complex Tangles

COLOR WOW DREAM COAT FOR CURLY HAIR

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Eradicate all fears of dull and crunchy curls and embrace bouncy curls with the Color Wow Dream Coat for a 3B curl pattern. The weightless, non-sticky formulation makes it easy for the product to penetrate through low-porosity hair. Furthermore, it keeps your curls hydrated, bouncy and voluminous from the first day of application. Addedly, it is suitable for wavy and curly hair as it helps to facilitate combing, and strengthens weak hair without making it prone to frizz and stress caused by extrinsic pollutants. The best part- It does not make hair greasy and has an alcohol and paraben-free composition and is ideal for a sensitive scalp.

5

Best for Damaged Hair

Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Curl-Defining Conditioner

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From the tropical islands of Maui, our team of in-house skincare experts presents you with the Mau Curl Defining conditioner for type 3B hair. The product consists of mother nature's most reliable ingredients like aloe vera, coconut milk, plumeria extract, and papaya extract that help to detangle, strengthen, and define the natural curl pattern of your hair. Moreover, it helps defrizz unruly hair, soften rough strands, and increase the intrinsic strength of the hair strands. Addedly, this regular conditioner also helps to increase the hair's resistance to the heat generated by styling appliances and environmental stressors. Lastly, it has a non-dripping, non-messy formulation which makes it one of the best options for on-the-go applications.

6

Best Durable Brush

BRUSHZOO Detangling Brush for Curly Hair

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When our team of in-house hair care experts examined all the features of the Brushzoo detangling brush, they believed that a magic wand had disguised itself as a wide-toothed brush and arrived to save people with 3B hair from bad hair days. Why? Because the product seamlessly cuts through complex tangles and rigid knots without causing damage or follicular fractures. Moreover, it is undoubtedly one of the best products for 3-curly hair as it has an unbreakable, anti-slip, tough-gripped handle that makes it easy to hold and operate. The best part? It is ideal for use on dry and wet hair and easy to clean and is one of the best options for long-term use.

7

Best Shampoo + Conditioner Duo

LUS Brands Love Ur Curls for Curly Hair, 3-Step System

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A magical 3B hair product that works miraculously for straight, wavy, coily, and kinky hair is the Lus Brands shampoo and conditioner set. It is recognized as one of the 25 best curly hair products for 2022 and one of the best shampoos for 3B hair because of its organic scalp-friendly composition that consists of shea butter and moringa oil. These ingredients help to amplify hydration, boost intrinsic nourishment of the hair follicles, and gradually reduce hair shedding with every usage. Moreover, this sulfate-free shampoo does not make the hair crunchy, leave any obnoxious residue, or weigh down the hair. Lastly, it makes curls soft, manageable and bouncy, and hence is one of the most recommended shampoo conditioner duos by certified hair stylists.

8

Best for Frizzy Hair

Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel

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Awarded by Cosmopolitan Magazine in 2022 as the ‘best curl definer’, our in-house hair care experts believe there can’t be any rightful recipient of the title other than the Not Your Mother's sculpting gel for type 3B hair. Why? Because the product consists of natural and scientific elements like amino acids, rice protein, and keratin that work at the cellular level to improve overall hair health. Moreover, it prevents moisture loss due to excessive heat and styling, hydrates dry shafts, and helps to keep the natural curl pattern intact. Lastly, it establishes a firm and flexible hold and adds a natural shine to the curls without making the hair greasy.

9

Most Cost-Effective Option

CREAM OF NATURE ARGAN OIL From Morocco

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Hair revitalization without any expensive treatments or dermatologist appointments is possible by purchasing the Cream of Nature Argan oil for 3B curly hair. It is a salon stylist recommendation for people with dry hair because it has the moisturizing properties of emollients and occlusives and it prevents the appearance of tangles and separates each strand, making it easy for combing, parting, and braiding. To add on, it renews the curl pattern of your hair and makes it more manageable without causing any redness, inflammation, or itchiness. Lastly, it does not make the hair crunchy and is thus best suited for people in torrid and frigid climates.

10

Best for All Types of Curls

DESIGNME FAB.ME Leave-In Treatment

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An instant fix to your coarse, stubborn, and unruly curls is the Designme Leave-in hair lotion for 3B hair. It contains the choicest ingredients like nectarine, peaches, fresh florals, and casis that help to make the hair softer, shinier, and super manageable. Moreover, it helps to protect your tresses against dryness and damage because of its unique defense formulation that strengthens the intrinsic strength barrier of the keratinocytes of the hair strands. Lastly, it assures porosity control, reduces blow-dry time, and increases hair resistance, which makes it one of the best options to use before and after styling.

11

PATTERN Cure Gel

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People with 3B hair often wish for soft, manageable, lustrous, bouncy locks in a single wash. Well, we are pleased that this manifestation will become a reality if they incorporate the Pattern curl gel into their hair care regime. The product provides a touchable hold and nourishes limp follicles. Moreover, it contains a scrumptious blend of natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and cacay oil that hydrates coarse hair and provides volumized natural-looking locks. Furthermore, the gel glides effortlessly through 4C hair and provides flexible and springy curls without causing any follicular fractures or root damage. Lastly, it is available in a clean, sweet floral essence to provide a pleasant-smelling styling experience.

12

TRESemme Defining Gel

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TreSemme, with its 76 years of expertise, has always impressed the general public and experts in the hair care industry with its unique, well-researched formulations. This time, the defining gel for 3B hair has proven to be equally efficient as its cousin products in terms of ensuring hydration, improving hair texture, and elevating shine. Moreover, it does not make the hair brittle, dry, or flat and provides a moveable and manageable hold. Lastly, it has a humidity-resistant formulation which makes the hair shiny and fabulous without causing any buildup.

13

TALIAH WAJID PURE & NATURAL CURLY HAIR CURL Soufflé

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Initially manufactured in the USA but loved by salon stylists around the world is the Taliah Waajid Hair Souffle for 3B hair. It is also best suited for 4B and 4C hair because it spreads evenly through the hair strands and improves their manageability. It has a non-inflammatory, non-itchy, and non-reddening formulation that makes it one of the best-suited picks for people with flaky and irritated scalps. Moreover, it helps to reduce transepidermal water loss and shrinkage of the keratinous cells due to mechanical stressors. To add on, it has reasonable pricing to cater to people of all market segments.

3B hair is a rare and pleasing sight to see, hence it requires a carefully crafted formulation in order to preserve its unique texture, alluring vibrancy, and bewitching bounce. But this should not be coupled with allergies, inflammation, redness, hair shedding, and root damage. Hence, here are a few additional ways suggested by our in-house hair care experts after immense research on how you can take care of your 3B curly hair.

1. Use Organic Heat Protectants: Organic heat protectants tend to be skin-friendly and are composed of ingredients like keratin, silk proteins, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid that work at the cellular level helping to treat hair-related problems internally rather than addressing issues superficially. It is always advisable to use organic heat protectant sprays during styling to prevent hair thinning and keratinous damage. 

2. Avoid Using Too Many Products: Using too many products at once can lead to residual buildup on the scalp and prevent the absorption of nutrients into the hair roots. Secondly, using too many products may disrupt the natural structure of the curls as curly hair is more susceptible to frizz and dryness. Lastly, too many products may lead to them canceling out one another's efficiency and lead to clumping and eventually weighing down your hair. 

3. Use Proper Hair Easing Tools: Always use a wide-toothed comb in order to seamlessly cut through messy tangles and knots to prevent hair shaft breakage and reduce friction occurring between the comb and the scalp. Moreover, it is always advisable to detangle the hair at regular intervals to prevent the hair strands from twining into one another. 

4. Avoid Tractional And Frictional Stress: Always tie your hair in a loose ponytail rather than a tight braid because it may uproot the hair from the follicles and gradually lead to tractional alopecia. It is also advisable to use a silk pillow while sleeping in order to reduce friction between the hair shafts and the pillow. 

The durable volume and the alluring bounce of the corkscrew-like ringlets of the 3B hair tend to make people with the mane stand out in the crowd. But trying to achieve the Oprah Winfrey level of perfection often leads to messy tangling, rigid knots, and hair shedding. Hence after having conducted a lot of tests, and trying out samples of the best available styling gels, creams, shampoos, conditioners, and hair serums, our team of in-house hair care experts has curated a list of the best products for 3B curly hair that help them retain their original shape and boost their intrinsic strength. 

Given above are a few recommendations of the best products for 3B hair that are easy on the pocket, portable, and lightweight.