The Curly Hair Essentials Real Curlyheads Swear By
Managing curly hair should not feel like a chore.
by Kyla Villena
Published on Nov 27, 2025
Everyone's relationship with beauty is unique. For people who grew up with curly hair in the Philippines, these experiences probably include years of dealing with frizz and tangles, battling humidity, and resisting the temptation to have it straightened.
This only goes to show that having conversations on haircare matters. Naturally curly hair is a part of you as much as every other feature on your face and body, and all you need is to figure out how to bring out its best.
With this, Preview asked proud curlyheads for the products they just can’t live without. Read on, and shop for their essentials!
What Are the Must-Have Products for People With Curly Hair?
Marga Cortez, Model
“The Cantu Wave Whip Curling Mousse! I have 2B-2C hair and this mousse is, by far, the only one I tried that doesn’t make my hair look greasy while maintaining my hair’s curl pattern. I love that it’s also lightweight! I’m on my fourth bottle, and it has become my haircare essential.”
Karl Reyes, Artist
“I used to explore different kinds of hair products, but I find myself coming back to pomade all the time. It’s easy to work with, and it doesn’t damage the hair given the use of natural ingredients. Pomade helps me maintain my hair's moisture, and it leaves my curls soft. Fortunately, it has grown in selection in the past years, so you can now choose from different types and levels of hold and shine—depending on how you want to style your hair. A few local brands I’ve found myself enjoying are Eight Wolves, El Hefe’s, and Mould Pomade.”
Jana Jodloman, Preview Assoc. Creative Director
“I use the Curl Defining Crème Gel from Curlico. I love how it sets my curls in place without weighing it down or making my hair feel sticky. I pair it with the Mis-en-scene Perfect Serum for a healthy shine and to make my curls extra soft.”
Jason Mago, Stylist
“I have a 2B-2C type of curls, so I really need both leave-in conditioner or cream from Cantu or Curls by Zenutrients, and any hard water-based gel from Gatsby to maintain my hairstyle. I love the weight it gives my hair, especially for windy days and for when I'm actively running around for sourcing or on set. Having just a water-based gel is okay for quick days when you're naturally curly.”
Tamia Reodica, Writer and Photographer
“My go-to haircare product is just a simple spray bottle with water. In the morning or whenever I feel my hair needs a reset, I mist it with water then scrunch my curls up. It's a simple thing that does the trick for me!“
Saint Yves, Model
“My ultimate holy grail is the Luxe Organix Curl and Define Essence. I’ve been using this styler for over three years, and it has never failed me. Even on days where it’s the only product I use, my curls still come out perfect. It’s lightweight, never heavy on my curl type, gives long-lasting definition, smells amazing, not sticky, and the best part? The price. Super mura! I love this product because, even when I was still a student, I could afford it. I truly believe haircare shouldn’t be expensive or a luxury—it’s a necessity. Haircare matters just as much as skincare.”
Beauty Essentials for Curly Hair
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.