17 Curly Hair Hacks That Will Help You Beat Frizz In 2024

Curly hair hacks

We can't always get what we want, including when it comes to our hair. You know how it goes, those with sleek and straight tresses crave waves and the girls with curls pine for frizz-free hair days. Since it's still winter, we've got a few curly hair hacks — hairstyles included — and products that'll make you feel confident while rocking your coils.

Curly Hair Hacks: Products To Use

Madison Reed x AQUIS Quick Drying Towel

Strengthen your hair (and minimize frizz and breakage) with this microfiber towel. It's important to never rub your hair when drying. Always squeeze curls gently to dry.

PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross The Blow Dryer with Four Attachments

One of the most essential curly hair hacks is to use a good blow dryer if you want to use heat on your hair after washing it. We love that PATTERN's blow dryer is specifically designed with curls in mind and comes with four attachments, making it customizable. Each attachment is designed to help you achieve different things from stretching to share your hair.

PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Mini Wide Tooth Comb

Regular brushes can wreak havoc on curly hair, causing breakage and split ends. Opt for a wide-toothed comb that gently detangles from root to end. Hint: Comb hair while in the shower to minimize the frizz factor!

Aquasana Shower Water Filter

Besides having a good blow dryer, we're adding a durable shower water filter to our list of curly girl hacks. Even if you invest in products your hair loves, stopping frizz at its root begins with being mindful of the water you're using to wash your hair. Stripping water of harsh chemicals, like chlorine, it leaves you with pure, filtered water that keeps hair follicles (and skin) healthy, glossy, and natural!

Surf Spray

You know the look –– effortless, sexy, windswept locks that say, "Yeah, I just walked out of the ocean." Not near the Atlantic or Pacific? Fake it with the original surf spray.

Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Conditioner

You already know how important it is to keep locks moisturized to avoid frizz. And this conditioner does just that. It avoids weighing hair down, keeping curls lightweight and smooth while adding volume.

Donna's Recipe Sweet Potato Pie Extra Creamy Moisturizing Shampoo

This shampoo smells good enough to eat, but we recommend you resist temptation. Formulated with real sweet potato extract, cinnamon, and vanilla, this moisturizing shampoo softens your curls with each use.

BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY Mud-Mask: Hair & Scalp Detoxifying Pre-Wash Clay Treatment

Did you know there were curly hair hacks you could try before washing your hair? If not, we suggest you start with this pre-wash clay treatment mask by BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY. It's filled with quartz and other nutrient-dense ingredients that'll cleanse your hair without stripping it of its oils.

Aveda be curly Curl Enhancing Spray

Use this hairspray wet or dry to amp up flat curls. A great product to stash in your purse or desk for a refreshing curl pick-me up!

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

Treat your scalp with Mielle Organics' scalp and hair strengthening oil. It comes with a stopper that helps you focus on concentrated areas instead of dousing your scalp — as tempting as that may be!

Hair Ties Ponytail Holders

Stylish and healthy for locks, these ribbons hold up curly hair with minimal breakage. Personalize your style with different colors, patterns, and textures.

YANIBEST Satin Bonnet

It's almost like an unspoken rule, but one of the other essential curly hair hacks we swear by is protecting your hair at night by wearing a satin bonnet.

Blissy Pillowcase

A satin pillowcase is a must for curls. Satin causes less stress and friction and keeps hair more hydrated than other fibers. Less friction = beautiful curls!

Curly Hair Hacks: Hairstyles

Pin In Place

Bobby pins take on a life of their own when you pick an array of colorful or bejeweled pieces. Pin a few to keep your hair out of your face and they'll double as accessories. (via Brit + Co)

Curly Ponytail Look

A fresh, messy look that only requires an elastic band (and some hair gel) Allow some curls to fall and frame your face for added texture. (via Brit + Co)

Image via Andrea K./Flickr

High Bun

Pile those curls atop your head for an easy day or night-time look. (via Andrea K/Flickr)

Easy Twist and Pin Updo for Curly Hair

Twist and pin those tousled curls into this romantic updo. It's a great way to showcase your collar bone in a little black dress! (via Hair Romance)

Been bestowed with natural curls? Share your curly hair hacks with us on Instagramand follow our storefront on Amazon for more beauty picks!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This article has been updated.

The only Black hair growth products that help my thick, natural hair thrive have been found through intense trial and error. It's not that I didn't have a regimen before postpartum hair loss wreaked havoc on my tresses, it's more so my hair changed. It's like my hormones decided everything needed an overhaul, so I had to go back to the drawing board.

It's taken three frustrating years, but my hair and I finally have an understanding again. One of the things she craves is moisture so the following 4 Black hair growth products are the ones I absolutely swear by.

Though they're not specifically labeled as "hair growth" products, the ingredients found in these beauty goodies aid in repairing and strengthening hair. I also swear by some of Sephora's top-rated hair products!

Have thick hair that craves moisture like mine? Keep scrolling for my healthy hair must-haves!

Target

Donna's Recipe Sweet Potato Pie Extra Creamy Moisturizing Shampoo

I'm a huge fan of Tabitha Brown so I was excited when she launched her haircare brand Donna's Recipe. I literally ran to my local Target to buy this Extra Creamy Moisturizing Shampoo because I had a feeling my hair would appreciate the real sweet potato extract, cinnamon, and vanilla blend!

The first time I washed my hair with this shampoo, it felt like someone was giving me a personal scalp massage. It has a beautiful lather and it moisturizes my hair as I'm washing it. Not only that, but it smells like a baked sweet potato!

Besides that, I love that it's formulated without sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, mineral oil, and other pesky ingredients.

Sephora

Sienna Naturals Untangled Conditioner

Sienna Naturals is another brand I couldn't wait to try after chatting with co-founders Hannah Diop and Issa Rae. I actually washed my son's hair with the Hydrating H.A.P.I. Shampoo and this Untangled Conditioner first because his hair gets dry easily and he has eczema.

Once I saw how his hair and scalp responded to them, I washed and conditioned with the amazing H.A.P.I. duo before braiding my hair. It's summer so I'll be wearing braids for the most part, but wanted to make sure my hair was protected and prepped beforehand.

It helps reduce frizz and makes detangling hurt less than it usually does. It has raw slippery elm bark, marshmallow root extract, and Brazilian Patauá Fruit Oil in it — ingredients that are super moisturizing and strengthening!

I can't wait to see how my hair feels when it's time to remove my braids for wash day again!

Walmart

Alikay Naturals Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner

I feel like a deep conditioner connoisseur at this point, but I've finally found one that passes my strict policy about moisturizing products. Not only does it smell sweet, but you can immediately feel how moisturizing it is when distributing the product throughout your hair. Plus, a little goes a long way!

It spreads evenly and has ingredients like aloe vera juice, honey, sage, and nettle. It feels like the perfect followup after using the Donna's Recipe Sweet Potato Extra Creamy Moisturizing Shampoo and Sienna Naturals Untangled Conditioner!

I like to call them the tender trio because they're truly gentle on my hair while providing the moisture it craves.

Target

Mielle Organics Sea Moss Anti-Shedding Scalp & Hair Oil

The last thing I generally like to use is this Anti-Shedding Scalp & Hair Oil. This is the first product I discovered helped me combat postpartum shedding so I've stuck by it for the past few years. It's incredibly lightweight and helps tackle itchy spots on my scalp, which is a must!

I've also noticed a significant improvement in my natural hair's ends! I still have normal shedding, but I'm not seeing clumps of my hair fall out every time I wash, brush, or part my hair.

Ogo Johnson/Pexels

These are my tried-and-true hair products, and if you have thick hair, I hope you love them just as much.

If you don't have thick hair, here are the best shampoos to use for thinning hair!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Target

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

Summer brings a level of heat and humidity that can make our beautiful tresses very sad girls, but we've found 13 top-rated Sephora hair products to combat all that. Since you're going to be busy narrowing down friend date ideas to drop in your group chat and traveling to your next summer vacation destination, you likely don't have time to pinpoint what your hair is begging you for. Whether you're struggling with buildup on our scalps and frizziness that wants to ruin our Instagram pics, there's something here for you.


Top-Rated Shampoos At Sephora

Sephora

Shaz & Kiks Back To Your Roots Scalp + Hair Prewash

Some hair textures — like curly hair — require a little more love before shampooing and conditioning occurs. A good prewash not only helps minimize damage, but it can also tackle dryness.

You'll find over 35 nutrients in this prewash that helps nourish your curls while giving your scalp extra TLC.

Sephora

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Damage Shield PH Protective Shampoo

There's a reason why this protective shampoo has over 30,000 likes on Sephora. It's a certified clean product that's good for controlling frizz, treating hair that's been dyed, and it helps bring back your hairs beautiful luster. It's also optimized to restore your hair's natural pH balance — nice!

Sephora

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo

Busy schedules don't always make room for elaborate wash day routines, but there are a ton of dry shampoos that'll fill in the gaps until you have more time on your hands.

One of the best products you can keep in your bag is Living Proof's Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo! It helps combat your oily scalp, and it's made without silicones and sulfates SLS & SLES.

Sephora

BREAD Beauty Supply Clear-Wash Clarifying Detox Shampoo

We've all experienced oil, sweat, and product buildup on our scalps which have probably made for some irritating itchiness... That's why BREAD Beauty Supply's Clear-Wash Clarifying Detox Shampoo will become your new line of defense against them! One of the things we love is that it's fragrance-free for anyone who doesn't want to smell roses or coconut when washing their hair.

P.S. It's made for all hair types!

Sephora

OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo

If you have fine hair, it's easy to feel like there aren't many products you can use. But, things are way different now!

Ouai is already know for having some of the top-rated Sephora hair products out there so we just had to include this shampoo. It's great for volumizing your hair while combatting damage. It's also cruelty-free, so you can trust that you're using a product that was made specifically for humans.

Top-Rated Conditioners At Sephora

Sephora

dae Mirage Mist Leave-In Conditioner

Depending on your hair's needs, you may not need a heavy conditioner. Thankfully, dae's Mirage Mist Leave-In Conditioner is weightless and protects against heat. Also, we're pretty sure it can be used as a mild detangler while you're at it!

Sephora

CROWN The Ritual Conditioner

What's vegan and made without sulfates? CROWN's The Ritual Conditioner! It's going to give your hair all the moisture it needs, creating soft hair that's super hydrated and a lot healthier looking.

Sephora

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair Super Moisture Conditioner

Do like this conditioner suggests and don't despair if your hair is a little dry or damaged. It happens to the best of us!

There's no harsh sulfates, silicones, or parabens in it — just beneficial ingredients that'll gently coax your hair back to life.

Top-Rated Hair Masks At Sephora

Sephora

Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask

No one's hair routine is complete without a hydrating hair mask. This nourishing mask will not only deep condition your hair, but it'll repair any damaged hair because of ingredients like jojoba seed oil and sea buckthorn.

Sephora

Gisou Honey Infused Hair Mask

Split ends and breakage can't compete with this honey infused hair mask. With ingredients like Mirasalehi Honey, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, and Provitamin B, this is one of the Sephora hair products that's oh-so-hydrating, strengthening and restoring.

More Top-Rated Sephora Hair Products

sephora

Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil

Hair oils don't have to weigh your hair down, and Olaplex's No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil knows that. It gives you optimal shine while minimizing the breakage you're experiencing, and even keeps those pesky, frizzy flyaways in place.

Sephora

PATTERN Palo Santo Curl Mousse for Curls & Coils

Want pillow soft hair that's full of volume and defines your gorgeous curls? Get your hands on PATTERN'S Palo Santo Curl Mousse! It's full of Marshmallow Root and Castor Oil that adds all the softness as well as shine back into your hair, making it easy to style.

Sephora

CurlSmith Flawless Finish Curl-Enhancing Hairspray

We never knew a top-rated curl-enhancing hairspray exists until we came across CurlSmith's Flawless Finish spray. It does everything that finishing hairsprays normally do, but it provides a hold like no other and makes curls POP (hi, Polymer Blend).

You won't have to worry about your curls getting stiff or sticky either.

Looking for more beauty recs? Be sure to check out our storefront!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Shaz & Kiks

Christmas cookie decorating is holiday tradition for us here at B+C, so we were so stoked to find this recipe for paleo cookies that adds a healthy twist to this classic holiday dessert. These sweet treats will shine among the rest of your Christmastime tablescape, and they are super easy to make. Plus, they'll pair well with just about any Christmas dessert. Just combine your paleo-friendly ingredients to prep the dough, let it sit overnight, then bake for ten minutes! The best part about this recipe is of course, all of the fun holiday-time shapes you can cut. Consider this recipe your go-to for healthy cookies, though, since you can make them year-round in any shape you like. Let's get to decorating!

Ingredients for Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

For the cookies:

  • 1/2 cup grass-fed salted butter, softened
  • 6 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the frosting:

  • 6 tablespoons coconut butter or coconut manna
  • 1/4 cup cacao butter
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • Plant-based food coloring
  • Vegetable-dyed sprinkles, for topping*
* Look for vegetable and fruit-dyed food coloring and sprinkles in natural grocery stores or online, and avoid artificial colors to keep these cookies Paleo friendly!

How to Make Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

  1. Add the softened butter and honey to a large mixing bowl. Cream the mixture together using a handheld mixer until it is smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and whisk until they are well combined. Pour in the almond flour, coconut flour, and baking soda, and continue mixing until the batter has come together smoothly.
  2. Separate the dough into two, and place each one on top of a piece of plastic wrap. Roll each dough into a ball, then flatten to a thick disk, cover completely with the plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove one of the dough discs from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic and place the dough on top of a piece of parchment paper, then top it with another piece of parchment paper. Use a roller to flatten out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch thick. Work quickly with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, and use a thin spatula to lift the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack for further cooling. Gather the leftover scraps back into a ball in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it back in the refrigerator, while working with the other piece of dough. Do this in batches to keep the dough from getting too warm and so you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
  5. While the batches of cookies are baking, use a small saucepan to lightly melt the coconut butter and cacao butter together over low heat on the stovetop. Remove the pan from the heat when the ingredients have just melted together. Stir in the desired amount of honey, then set aside to cool and thicken up slightly. If you are using food coloring, add in the desired amount into the frosting mixture (1-2 teaspoons of green or red should do the trick). If you plan on only using white frosting, only use a small amount of honey, as it can make the frosting an off-white or light brown color.
  6. After the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with the frosting and sprinkles as desired. If you don’t have any professional piping tools, an easy fix is to place the frosting in a plastic sandwich bag and remove all the air when sealing the top. Cut a tiny tip off one corner of the plastic bag, then gently squeeze and pipe over the cookies. Use one plastic bag or piping bag for each color of frosting. Top with corresponding sprinkles and enjoy!

Is your mouth watering yet? Check out our newsletter for more delicious holiday recipe ideas!

Recipe development and photography by Sarah Anderson.

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.