Scarlett Dargan, a features writer for the Daily Mail, published a roundup on Sept. 10, 2025, listing eight hair-care products she says delivered consistent results for curly hair after extensive personal testing. The piece emphasizes budget-friendly options and practical styling tips for textured hair.
The article opens by describing common struggles for people with curly hair — frizz in humidity, dry strands, and the frustration of products that underperform — and says the author settled on a shortlist of items that revived her curls without costing a fortune. The writer also recommends using a silk bonnet to preserve curl shape between washes.
Dargan named SheaMoisture's Intensive Hydration Hair Mask as a rescue product for very dry curls. She described the mask, which contains manuka honey and mafura oil, as delivering soft strands after a short application and partial rinse, and listed a price of £13.99.
Also recommended was Andrew Fitzsimons Fantasy Curls Nourishing Moisture Mask Treatment. The writer said she first tried the product after an in-salon recommendation and has repurchased it multiple times. Dargan noted its inclusion of amino acids and bonding technology, calling it suitable for those who want deep conditioning without a sticky, weighed-down finish; the item was listed at £9.80.
Only Curls All Curl Conditioner was cited as a conditioning alternative that still provides substantial moisture for coarse, dry hair. The piece advised generous application, detangling with a wide-tooth comb, and rinsing, and reported a price of £18.
For cleansing, the article recommended Q+A Curl Defining Shampoo, saying a scalp and product-buildup-clearing shampoo remains important even for curl-care routines that favour co-washing. The Q+A formula was described as containing shea butter and coconut oil to avoid over-drying; its price was given as £6.71.
On styling, Dargan included two gels and a styling spray. Zara Hair Curl Gel was described as a creamy gel that reduces frizz and provides hold without a crunchy finish, priced at £15.99. Cantu Twist and Lock Gel was recommended for a stronger hold; the writer suggested applying generously, twisting strands and diffusing to create long-lasting ringlets, and warned that heavy use can create overly uniform curl clumps. Cantu was listed at £7.50.
Garnier Method For Curls Spray was recommended as a refresh for second-day curls. The author noted its 5% hyaluronic acid moisture complex and shea fatty acids, saying it can revive bounce and elasticity for day-two styling; the spray was listed at £9.99.
For slicked-back styles, the roundup recommended Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Gel, which the writer said tames flyaways without tackiness or a wet look and is unscented. The product was cited as a low-cost option at £3.99.
The piece also addressed the so-called "curly girl method," noting the writer's view that regular shampoos remain necessary to cleanse scalp oil, dirt and product residue even when many curl-care routines discourage frequent shampooing. The article stressed moisture-focused products for textured hair and suggested small routine adjustments — such as targeted deep-conditioning, strategic detangling and nighttime protection — to prolong curl definition.
The Daily Mail notes that its journalists select and curate the products featured on the site and that purchases made through links on the page may generate commission. The article presents the list as the writer's tested selection rather than an industry-wide endorsement and includes price points available at the time of publication.
Readers seeking hairstyling alternatives or clinical advice for hair loss or scalp conditions should consult hair specialists or medical professionals; the article focused on over-the-counter products and at-home styling methods rather than medical treatments.