Having the best tools can make styling and caring for your curly hair effortless. This article covers the top 17 must-have tools for natural hair care to keep your curls, coils, and kinks looking their best.
Natural hair is a gorgeous and glorious crown, but some days, it does have a mind of its own. To keep those curls, coils, and kinks thriving, we need the right tools in our arsenal.
Those tools can turn what used to be a frustrating chore on regimen days into a moment of self-care.
17 tools might sound like a lot, but trust me, each one serves a purpose and works for different hair needs and lengths.
With this guide, you can create a toolkit that makes caring for your natural hair feel less like a chore and more like a ritual.
Must-Have Tools for Curly Hair: 17 Top Recommendations
1. Wide-Tooth Comb
A wide-tooth comb is essential for detangling natural hair without causing excessive breakage.
It can be used on damp, conditioned hair to gently remove knots and minimize shedding.
My favorite wide-tooth comb is a bone comb, but other brands like Pattern and Ouidad provide wide-tooth combs too.
2. Spray Bottle
A spray bottle serves so many purposes. It can be filled with water, a water-based leave-in conditioner or diluted conditioners.
It helps keep your hair hydrated throughout the day. Moisture is key to maintaining healthy natural hair, and a spray bottle makes it easy to refresh your curls whenever needed.
Spray bottles are available in the regular version or the newer continuous mist spray versions.
3. Satin or Silk Bonnet
Protecting your hair and styles at night is crucial. A satin or silk bonnet prevents friction between your hair and cotton pillowcases, reducing frizz and breakage while helping to retain moisture.
You can also double up on the protection by using a satin or silk pillowcase.
4. Detangling Brush
A good detangling brush is a game-changer for defining curls and evenly distributing product through your hair.
It’s particularly useful for curl definition when styling wash-and-gos or twist-outs. Check out our top picks at The Best Detangling Brush for Curly Hair.
5. Natural Hair Journal & Planner
Tracking your hair journey is just as important as using the right tools!
The Curls, Coils & Kinks Journal helps you document your wash days, favorite products, hair growth progress, and styling routines.
This essential tool keeps you organized and ensures you stay consistent with your hair care regimen throughout the year.
6. Hair Steamer
A hair steamer is excellent for deep conditioning treatments. The steam opens the hair cuticles, allowing moisture and nutrients to penetrate deeply, leading to stronger and more hydrated hair.
Depending on your budget, you can get a cap, handheld, or tabletop hair steamer. They are beneficial in different ways, and I will cover that in a future article.
7. Microfiber Towel or T-Shirt
Unlike regular towels, a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt reduces friction and prevents frizz when drying your hair.
It’s a gentle way to absorb excess water while maintaining your natural curl pattern.
8. Diffuser Attachment
A diffuser attachment is perfect for drying curls without causing frizz. It helps maintain curl definition and adds volume to your hair.
Nowadays, most blow dryers come with a concentrator nozzle and diffuser attachment, which can also be bought separately.
My favorite brand is the Dyson Complete Airwrap for curly hair, which comes with various attachments.
9. Hair Clips
Sectioning your hair while detangling, styling, or applying products is much easier with hair clips.
Sectioning clips keep your hair organized and prevent unnecessary tangles, breakage, and single-strand knots.
10. Applicator Bottle
An applicator bottle makes it easier to distribute oils, deep conditioners, and other liquid products directly to your scalp and hair.
An applicator bottle also prevents product wastage.
11. Scalp Massager
A scalp massager promotes blood circulation and encourages hair growth. It also helps distribute natural oils and removes product buildup during shampoo sessions.
12. Sectioning Comb
A sectioning comb, also known as a rat-tail comb, helps create precise parts when styling, braiding, or twisting natural hair.
13. Hooded Dryer or Bonnet Soft Hood Dryer
A hooded or bonnet soft hood dryer is an excellent investment for setting styles like roller sets, perm rods, or Curlformers. You can also air-dry your hairstyles if you prefer.
14. Hair Scissors
Professional-quality hair scissors are essential for trimming split ends and maintaining hair health. Do not trim your hair with a regular pair of scissors.
15. Bobby Pins & Hair Ties
A simple but necessary tool, bobby pins, and hair ties help secure styles, buns, and updos while keeping your hair in place without excessive tension and breakage.
16. Edge Brush
For smooth and sleek edges, an edge brush is a must-have. This small tool helps you achieve smooth, polished styles without disturbing the rest of your hair.
17. Travel-Sized Bottles
Travel-sized bottles, 2 oz and 4 oz, are perfect for conveniently packing your usual products during travel.
This is not an exhaustive list, and you might need another must-have tool as you embark on your journey to healthy hair.
However, equipping yourself with these recommended must-have natural hair tools can make your hair care routine more effective and enjoyable.
Don’t forget to incorporate a hair journal and planner into your routine to track your journey and stay motivated.
What’s your favorite must-have natural hair tool? Share in the comments.
Abi is a curly hair care expert and an avid researcher. She is the founder of Ade Ori Hair Care, Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty, and Healthy Natural Hair Products, premier destinations for the best information, support and resources for your natural hair care and healthy hair journey! Learn more here.
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