Combing Cream Is the Best Thing to Happen to Curly Hair Since Co-Wash

Over the last decade, the curly hair product category has blossomed. Now you can't walk into a drugstore without seeing styling butters, preshampoo treatments, and co-washes targeted for ringlets and coils. The latest innovation to hit stores is an import from the international beauty market: combing cream.

"The primary purpose of combing cream is to increase lubricity and improve surface slip," said Ammon Carver, creative director for L'Anza. "The trend started in Europe, where thicker hair has shown a need for a product to cut down on damage and length of time in the combing/brushing process." We thought we'd given up tear-free detangler after our Johnson & Johnson days, but combing cream has cut down the yanking and pulling required every time we wash.

The product is equal parts detangler and leave-in styling cream, which makes it perfect for all hair types. "For thicker hair, you need the control and detangling benefits," explained Ammon. "For thinner hair, stopping frizz and flyaway is a key benefit." The smooth texture helps a comb glide through tangled locks, minimizing breakage and knots.

Just apply the product section by section on towel-dried hair. Once you've detangled every strand, you don't have to rinse out any of the remainder. The excess acts as a lightweight, frizz-reducing curl cream. If you're going to add heat, combing cream protects from heat damage and UV and infrared rays; it also prevents static electricity. Shop the few combing creams available stateside ahead.