The Best Products For Low Density Fine Curly Hair
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In this post, I share the best products for my fine, low density, high porosity type 2b 2c 3a hair. These are lightweight curly girl products that help with volume but still define my curls. These would all be ideal products for low density fine curly hair.
Fine, Low-Density, High Porosity Hair
My hair is low density meaning I don’t have a lot, and very fine. So my hair gets weighed down by everything. I struggle with volume more than anything else and I prefer lightweight products for this reason. If you have more dense hair then these products may not be ideal for you.
In addition to being fine and low density, I have high porosity hair. Remember that high porosity hair tends to get wet quickly, stretches out when it’s wet, absorbs products easily, tangles easily, is easily over moisturized, and is more prone to dryness.
If you’re not sure what porosity your hair is, be sure to read my ultimate guide to hair porosity post.
Fine Curly Hair Problems
Fine curly hair is so different from other curly hair types. For so long, curly products have targeted thick, coarse curly hair and ignored us fine haired wavies and curlies but since the Curly Girl Method has gained popularity, more companies are coming out with product lines specifically for fine, curly and wavy hair.
I have a few favorites and don’t use the same products every day. Depending on how my hair feels and what I think it needs, I tend to rotate through the same bunch and use treatments as needed. But overall, these are the best products for fine curly hair that also work for my high porosity hair.
Hair Products for Low Density Fine Curly Hair
Shampoo For Low Density Fine Curly Hair
This is my go to shampoo for clean hair that's bouncy. Light in moisture but doesn't dry out my hair.
Use code HE15 to save on your first order with EVOLVh.
- EVOLVh SmartCurl – This shampoo has just enough moisture for my hair with lots of cleansing. I have found that this is too drying for people with more hair or really dry hair, but it’s just perfect for my fine curly hair.
- EVOLVh InstaVolume Cleansing Treatment – The most lightweight shampoo on this list, this will give you volume at the expense of moisture. This shampoo has the least moisture of all on this list.
- Raw Curls Wavy Swavy – This is very similar to the EVOLVh SmartCurl but a little more moisturizing. It’s very thin and runny and doesn’t really smell like anything, but works really well.
- Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat– This is great for anyone with a problematic scalp and is affordable. It’s not very moisturizing so great for fine curls.
- Giovanni Root 66 Max Volume Shampoo – Another affordable option that helps give volume. This is quite cleansing to help prevent flat, greasy roots.
- MopTop Salon Shampoo – This shampoo is also quite cleansing and is described as being drying by some. It works really well for me. Use code HE10 and save on MopTop.com.
- TWIST Hit Reset Light Clarifying Shampoo – Although this says clarifying it’s not that strong. It’s a stronger low poo that can be used daily for those who prefer a stronger cleanse on a regular basis. This has quickly become a favorite of mine.
Conditioner For Low Density Fine Curly Hair
This is my favorite for light moisture, slip, and softness.
Use code HE10 to save at MopTop.com.
- EVOLVh SmartCurl – Although this line is formulated for all curly hair, it’s very thin and lightweight and soaks right into the hair making it perfect for fine curly hair too. It softens and adds just the right amount of moisture. Again, this probably wouldn’t be enough for those with tighter or drier curls.
- Raw Curls Wavy Swavy – This conditioner is formulated for finer hair that doesn’t need as much moisture as most curly hair. This is one of my favorite lines and a great value.
- Giovanni Root 66 Max Volume Conditioner – This is a great affordable, water soluble conditioner that helps with volume.
- Jessicurl Aloeba Daily Conditioner – This regular conditioner is lightweight enough to be used by all curl types, but it has more moisture than other options listed here.
- MopTop Light Conditioner – Another conditioner made just for fine curly hair! It’s very lightweight and smells good. Their regular conditioner is also a favorite of mine and better if you need more moisture but still want a lightweight product. Use code HE10 to save on MopTop.com.
- TWIST Weather or Not Conditioner – If you need extra humidity protection then this is my recommendation. This lightweight conditioner softens hair instantly without weighing hair down. It also has light anti-humidity ingredients to help your style last. Use code HOLISTICENCHILADA to save on TWIST.com.
Leave-in Conditioner For Low Density Fine Curly Hair
I don't often use leave in but this is definitely my favorite. It has some protein, is lightweight, and creates a little definition.
- EVOLVh SmartVolume leave in conditioner – This is my favorite leave-in to use when I want volume, which is almost every wash day. I love that it’s a spray so I can control how much and exactly where it goes. This is the best leave in for fine curly hair.
- EVOLVh SmartStart leave in conditioner – This is similar to the SmartVolume but doesn’t provide volume. I use this when I need moisture over volume.
- Giovanni Direct leave in conditioner – This is a nice, creamy leave in that offers protein-free moisture. It’s pretty lightweight but heavier than the EVOLVh options.
- Briogeo Curl Charisma leave in– I love this for added definition and softness. It’s the perfect combination of moisture and definition that doesn’t weigh down my hair, and it has some protein. Plus it makes my hair so soft!
- Ecoslay Rice Pudding leave in – If your hair likes rice water rinses then this leave in would work great for you. It’s not heavy and instantly softens and clumps curls. I have used it as a rinse out as well.
- EVOLVh InstaVolume Conditioning Elixir – The InstaVolume line is just a shampoo and this leave in, no conditioner. So when used this way, you do get incredible volume. But again, very little moisture here. It’s not as softening as their other leave-ins.
Deep Conditioner For Low Density Fine Curly Hair
Lightweight moisture with a good amount of protein makes this mask a great pick for finer hair that tends to get weighed down by treatments.
Use code HE15 to save on your first order with EVOLVh.
- EVOLVh Ultrarepair Reconstructing Masque – I like this deep conditioner for when my hair needs some TLC but not as much moisture as the Shea Moisture mask provides. It has a lot of protein and is very lightweight.
- Shea Moisture Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque – I love this affordable deep conditioner. It provides both moisture and protein so it’s perfect for my hair.
- Ecoslay Matcha Boost – Another protein heavy mask, this gives just a little moisture with a lot of protein. It never weighs down my curls and is the lightest of the others.
- Rawkyn Green Tea Mask – This is like a cleaner version of Shea Moisture deep conditioner. It has a lot of moisture and protein, so it’s not as lightweight as EVOLVh or Ecoslay.
Styling Products For Low Density Fine Curly Hair
Gel
For light moisture and humidity blocking ingredients, this is my go to gel. It provides a long lasting hold, good cast, and great definition.
- Raw Curls gel – This used to be my favorite one and done styler. It has a hard hold, provides lots of shine and definition, and doesn’t weigh down my hair.
- Jessicurl Spiralicious Gel – A great gel for humidity, this gel is extremely popular. It has a hard hold and is very popular because of how well it works on all curl types.
- Jessicurl Gelebration – This is a curl enhancer and gel created for fine curls. It’s similar to Spiralicious but more lightweight. *This is not a good choice as a single styler in high humidity.
- MopTop Curly Hair Custard – This is so lightweight and an incredible curl enhancer, but it has a lot of glycerin. It will give you a light cast and medium to strong hold. It also has a really nice citrus scent.
- Giovanni LA Natural Gel – This is very similar to the Raw Curls gel except that my hair gets a bit dry by day 3 with the Giovanni gel. It’s amazing for high humidity and dry environments so it’s very popular. Layer more leave-in underneath if your hair tends to be dry, and water this thick gel down when applying.
- DIY Flaxseed Gel – Flaxseed gel is the perfect blend of hold, definition, and moisture for fine hair. It won’t weigh it down, it creates a great cast to help minimize frizz, and it’s very lightweight so you still have volume. My recipe has a little extra protein which most fine curly hair needs.
Cream
I struggle with creams but this is a styling cream that doesn't offer much moisture. It provides light to medium hold, light texture, and volume. I can use this as a single styler and skip gel.
Use code HE15 to save on your first order with EVOLVh.
- EVOLVh SuperCurl Defining Cream – If you need more moisture than the Total Control Creme offers and don’t care about adding texture or volume, then this is a better choice. Just be sure not to use too much.
- Evolvh Total Control Styling Creme – My favorite product for soft, bouncy, and defined curls. It provides moisture and has light to medium hold but my curls do well with this anyway. It’s so lightweight so I get the most volume and definition with this. This is my top recommendation if you want volume.
- Ecoslay Orange Marmalade – This is a firm hold curl definer that really lives up to its reputation. It’s a cream that has a sweet orange scent, and is used in place of or under gel. You’ll get a good cast, minimal frizz, and curl enhancing definition.
Serum
This is the best serum for smoothing, controlling frizz, and adding shine and definition. It makes a great finishing product for all hair types but helps with humid and dry conditions, and has heat protection. It's pricey but there really is nothing else like this.
Use code HE to save on your first order with EVOLVh.
- Treluxe ReFlex Serum – This liquidy serum is amazing for my fine curly hair. It provides flexible hold, tons of shine, and really smooths out my curls. I can use it on its own to style but most people need to layer something else over it. Be warned, the scent is strong. I wish it didn’t have such a strong scent but I use it away because it’s just so good. Use code holisticenchilada15 to save.
- Evolvh WonderBalm – This is like a styling serum for your hair. I don’t use this on its own but you can. I like to cocktail this with the Total Control gel for even softer, shinier curls. This provides lots of moisture and shine, almost like an oil.
Foam/Mousse
Innersense I Create Lift Foam – The most lightweight mousse/foam. This gives me nice, bouncy curls with enough definition and shine as long as I use enough. It’s amazing for fine curly hair and wavy hair.
EVOLVh InstaVolume Foam – Yes, yet another EVOLVh product on this list. This brand just makes the best products for fine curly hair! This foam is SO GOOD too! It really adds volume, BUT it’s not a single styler. Layer a pump or two under their cream or a gel for best results.
Dry Shampoo
NYM Plump For Joy Dry Shampoo – This is NOT cg approved because it contains alcohol. It’s also not clean but it’s truly the best dry shampoo I have used so far. It comes in a spray form, really adds volume, and soaks up all the grease in the roots.
Low Density Fine Curly Hair Treatments
In addition to washing and styling with these products, I do protein treatments and clarify on a regular basis. High porosity hair needs protein and clarifying on a regular basis so don’t forget these.
Protein Treatments
I use the protein heavy deep conditioners on this list as my protein treatments.
In addition, I like to do rice water rinses once a month to help keep my curls bouncy. You’ll know you need this when your curls start to look stretched out. But do know, rice water is not truly a protein treatment!
Clarifying
I clarify once a month by using Kinky Curly Come Clean, and once every other month with Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo to remove hard water buildup.
I also use an apple cider vinegar spray or rinse once every few weeks, although this is not truly clarifying. I dilute some ACV into water in a large bottle and either spray on my scalp or pour over my head. It helps with my itchy scalp and provides some shine to the length of my hair.
Deep Conditioning
I deep condition on dirty hair because it doesn’t over moisturize this way. On wash day, I wet my hair and apply the deep conditioner. I leave it on as I soap up which takes a few minutes, then I rinse and continue with the regular wash and style. I do use regular conditioner again after shampooing. This is the only way I can deep condition without weighing down my hair. This is known as pre pooing, and you can read more about that here.
If you need more help choosing specific products based on your hair type, check out my product finder, the Curly Product Handbook.
If you need help finding the right products for your hair, then the Curly Product Handbook can help!
Determine your hair type, learn about products and ingredients, and choose from a list of vetted products based on your hair type.
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I’m just getting started with the curly girl method and honestly trying to decide if I want to commit to it. My hair seems very similar to yours, but maybe a bit less curly (2a/2b/2c). This post is very helpful to a newbie trying to decide what products to purchase!
Have you ever tried the puracy shampoo and conditioner? They aren’t specifically for curly hair but were recommended to me by a friend.
Hi Ashley. I am happy this post is helpful for you. I have not tried Puracy so I can’t offer an opinion on them. As long as they’re free of silicones and sulfates youc an give it a try.
This is great!! I’m at the age where my hormones are fluctuating and in combination with extra stress I had strayed to lose my hair. The first thing to go was the flat iron. I’m headed to target to see what I can find! Thank you!! My hair is like yours…fine, soft. 🙌
Good luck Maggie! Be patient and experiment until you find what works for you 🙂
I have low porsoity, fine, and think hair.. 🤦♀️ Can you tell me some products that I can buy from ulta that will be great for my hair. I do research and see what works for low porosity hair but then im always afraid they will be too heavy for my fine limo hair. I do absolutely love the Bolidy products because it truly does make my hair appear thicker instantly, however, im not sure they are good for my type of hair. I see that a lot of low density products are for afraid American hair so I was wondering if they will be too heavy. Iv read so many contradictions on what to use.. I seen one article where someone posted the best products from ulta for low porosity hair but then seen other articles that listed a lot more. I have a $100 gift card.lol.. so please help if u get a chance. Thanks so much! ~Brooke
Hi Brooke. You want lightweight products that won’t build up on your low porosity hair. Stay away from the heavy stuff and look for things marketed to provide lightweight moisture and that are water based. I am not sure what they carry at Ulta so I can’t say which specific products.
Thank you for writing this post!! I have 2c high porosity/low density hair and also have bleach damage which made the porosity WAY worse (and fucked up my wave pattern in a way that’s gonna take me years to grow out 🙁 and I always have trouble finding products and advice since most of what’s out there is for coarse or thick curls.
Yes, most people with curly hair have thick curls so I struggled in the beginning using the typically recommended products. Happy you found this helpful 🙂
Hello I have almost same type of hair but I guess is medium density if that is possible it was damaged by highlighting and when I am drying it looks good but then plup it looks flat any tips?
Hi Guillermina. Have you tried my tips in this post yet? https://holisticenchilada.com/tips-for-low-density-fine-curly-hair/
Hi im trying this out having died and used to much heat over the years. I did the quiz and got Type 2A, high porosity, Low density and medium thickness. I am looking for some simple products and routine to get started. I think im a bit confused about how often to wash and when to wash, I don’t have any styling products and used to wash my hair every two days so I think its a bit destroyed. Im happy to spend a bit of money but not a fortune on products and need a bit of a guide on how and when to use them, I just downloaded your guide but any advice would be great, noticed if I only wash once a week its very greasy and weighed down. Thanks again
So your hair sounds slightly different from mine. Make sure to read my guide to porosity to give you a better idea of what kinds of products to use. You should try washing less often, maybe try going 3 days at first. Use a low poo and don’t use heavy products like shea butter. Also, get a clarifying shampoo and deep conditioner and use them at least once a month. Your wash routine should be low poo, condition, leave-in conditioner, and styling product.
Hey I am thinking about starting this method, but I would like to ask you, how many times a week do you wash your hair? I have very oily roots and i don’t know how often to wash them with shampoo. And another thing: When should I wash with a shampoo and when with a conditioner I don’t seem to understand this whole clarifying shampoo and conditioner thing. Please help me out!!
Hi Nicole,
I wash 2-3 times a week, depending on how bad it gets. I used to have oily roots but it has gotten better. You can wash as often as you need to. You will have to see how often you hair needs shampoo vs a cowash. If you have oily roots you might just stick to shampoo (that’s what I do), but some people alternate, or cowash on days they work out our their hair looks crappy but isn’t ready to be shampooed. Basically, cowashing will leave a lot more moisture in your hair so it depends. You will want to clarify about once a month with a shampoo that has olefin sulfonate in it like Kinky Curly Come Clean. Most curly girl approved shampoos are low poo, even the ones that say they are clarifying.
Please advise as to best deal y shampoo. Thanks!
Check out this post full of affordable options https://holisticenchilada.com/affordable-clean-curly-hair-product/
Hello! I am just starting to get into Curly Girl and I came across your blog trying to find clean options! Thank you so much for all of the amazing information.
I have a question, though. I believe I have very similar hair to you and want to try the Evolvh line. I saw they had a curly kit on sale so I thought that may be a good place to start.
My question is, the kit has SmartCurl leave-in and SmartCurl defining cream. I’m curious why you prefer the SmartVolume or SmartStart leave-in or Total Control styling creme over the curl specific ones and if it would be better to buy individuals instead of the set?
Thank you again for the help and info!
Hi Alyssa. The curly kit is a great place to start. For most people with wavy and curly hair, those products will work. Because my hair is so thin and low density it does better with the other leave-in conditioners because they are not as moisturizing. The styling creme has more hold than the curl cream, which is more like a curl enhancer and moisturizer. So you would need to pair it with something with more hold anyway. I don’t use any curl creams because I don’t need any extra moisture.
Hi Delilah!
Thank you for this, it’s so hard finding someone with curly AND fine hair! I have 3c Hispanic hair, so very curl but it is very fine and I do not have a lot of it. I don’t know what products to use .
Should I be staying away from silicones, parabens, glycerin etc? Should I be using protein or staying away. I am so unbelievably overwhelmed with all of the different ingredients and I have never been able to pin point what works and doesn’t work.
I finally splurged and bought a ton of Aveda products (my poor wallet) and they have done nothing!!! Right now I have just given up, the bottom half of my hair feels like straw and I don’t know what to do. I have to wash it every other day since it’s so fine or it will be get greasy, please help me!
Hi Ariel. Before you spend any more money, be sure you are following the right methods for your hair. I recommend you download my free quick start guide to the curly girl method. It will inform you of the proper techniques to help, even if you’re using products that aren’t ideal. Ideally, you should avoid silicones and sulfates only because silicones build up and weigh down hair and you need sulfates to remove them, which dries out and damages your hair. But you can do things like squish, plop, style on wet hair, etc. to help improve how your hair looks now.
Hello!
I have the exact same hair type, porosity, and density as you do. I have tried all of the suggestions that are typically given for curly hair and had the same problems. Too much moisture and too much product. I’m incredibly grateful to have found your videos!
I’ve already tried a few of your suggestions last night and saw a big difference in volume. Thank you for the full length video on how to use the diffuser! I had never used it because I didn’t know how to. My curls are healthy. I’ve been solely using aloe vera gel for styling and shampooing twice a week for a few years now. Only, I typically wet my hair daily and condition the ends daily with a light weight conditioner. I’m going all in on trying your routine though. I’ve ordered the products you use from Evolvh. I am excited to give it a try.
My questions for you are what co-wash do you recommend for work out days and what would you recommend to combat any dryness in between washes, since my hair is accustomed to daily conditioning? I feel like using the leave in instead of the aloe vera may rectify any dryness, but I would love to hear your opinion.
Thank you again!
Hi Krystal. For cowashing check our Mop Top and As I Am. As far as adding in moisture, I would mix some water and conditioner or leave in and smooth it over your ends to refresh and add back in that moisture you need.
This very helpful, thank you!
Thanks Diana 🙂
I’m new to the curly girl method and your blog and YouTube channel has been really helpful in getting started. My hair is 2b/3a high porosity, fine, low density, and I’ve always had trouble finding things that worked for me since I wasn’t the typical target market. My hair used to be really healthy and pretty solid 3a/3b but went downhill really fast when I started coloring it a few years ago. The stuff I used to do doesn’t work anymore so I’m really hopefully this will at least get my hair back to something presentable. I really appreciate your content as someone with similar hair!
Thank you so much Allison! I hope my tips and tricks do help you 🙂
Thank you so so much for such a detailed post. Many people assume thin hair cannot be highly porous. And when I’ve asked for suggestions on forums it usually turns out to be a debate on how that is even possible. Your detailed information on noticing when curls are stretched out helped so so much. Thank you thank you thank you. Now it makes sense why I have to use a variety of products to keep my curls happy. And why they go though phases.
Thanks Angelina! So glad you found some insight. 🙂
Hi Delilah
I wanted to try the Giovanni shampoo root 66 volume, but now I see that there is dimethicone in it. Is it a new variation of the shampoo?
Hi Rikke. I just checked on their site https://giovannicosmetics.com/product/root-66-max-volume-shampoo-for-thinning-hair/ and I don’t see dimethicone in the ingredients list
Hello Delilah !
I want to know the steps of applying those products like shampoo> then conditioner then …. when I use serum and leave in conditioner and gel!?
thank you in advance
Hi Farah! Shampoo> conditioner> leave in or cream> serum> mousse> gel
I just wanted to say thank you for this page and taking the time to educate people like me about hair. I am the only one in my family with curls and so I have been on my own in trying to figure out what my hair needs since I was 12. My family always laughs at the amount of products I buy and how often I change brands, they don’t understand that it’s a bit more complex than just shampoo and conditioner! I am still on my hair journey in figuring out what exactly my hair needs, but I am already seeing huge improvements in my curls, volume, and over all health of my hair just by using the products that you’ve listed. I almost gave up on having beautiful curls, but I found your page right in time! So, thank you.
Thank you Kaz! So happy things are going well for you.
Hi Delilah!
I agree with everyone here…super appreciate all the detail!
How do you decide how often to deep condition? I tried the EvolvH deep condition based on your recommendation and saw great results, but idk how to know how often is too often.
Thanks!
I just notice if my hair feels better or not after I do it. If it’s too soft, I wait longer. If it feels nice, then doing them biweekly to monthly is usually enough.
I use EvolVh products and absolutely love them! My hair is very fine, low density high porosity white and silver streaked hair. My roots tend to be oily and I can get itchy scalp if I don’t use my scalp brush to shampoo. I alternate between Ultrashine and Smartcurl products. My hair is only 2A since getting it cut in a short Bob. I occasionally use Smartstart leave in and them have to change product lines for stylers. I use Aussie max hold mousse. Period. I clarify with Malibu C or Ion as I need a chelated for very hard mountain water. I shape my waves and end curl under, let almost air dry and do five minutes or less with a powered curl brush to finish. This will last two days. Must wash by third day or drip with oily hair. I’m 79 years old and do like the ease of shorter hair and the look. I live in the high mountains of Colorado which are a desert climate, very, very dry. It is not unusual to have humidity of 10%. So I have the always take this into consideration when reading your blog as you live in Florida which feel like breathing water to me when I am there. But I do thank you for steering me to EvolVh products. I love them. Just not their styling products as they make my hair instantly greasy looking even with a tiny drop of product.
I am so glad that these products are working for you. Thanks for sharing 🙂