Ulta Beauty carries some of the best prestige haircare brands in the curl space - brands that aren’t available at your local drugstore and that specifically formulate for curly, wavy, and coily textures. These five picks are the best curl products you can find at Ulta, ranging from a deep conditioning treatment to an anti-humidity powerhouse gel.
| Product | Best For | Key Feature | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briogeo Curl Charisma Conditioner | Definition + strength | Rice amino + shea formula | $28-$32 |
| Living Proof Curl Defining Cream | Defined, frizz-free curls | Humidity-blocking curl cream | $30-$36 |
| Bumble and Bumble Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil | Humidity protection | Gel-oil hybrid formula | $32-$36 |
| Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel | Extreme humidity control | Climate control technology | $26-$30 |
| Redken All Soft Curl Cream | Softness + moisture | Softening argan oil curl cream | $22-$28 |
Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino Hydrating Curl Enhancing Conditioner
Briogeo has built a reputation for clean, high-performance haircare, and the Curl Charisma Conditioner is a standout in their lineup. It’s formulated with rice amino acids (a strengthening protein), avocado oil, and marshmallow root to define curls while deeply conditioning. It can be used as a rinse-out conditioner, a co-wash, or a leave-in - making it one of the most versatile products in the Ulta curl section.
Pros:
- Works as rinse-out, co-wash, or leave-in
- Clean formulation - free of sulfates, silicones, and parabens
- Rice amino acids strengthen as well as condition
Cons:
- Higher price point than drugstore conditioners
- May need a separate hold product for defined wash-and-go styles
Living Proof Curl Defining Styling Cream
Living Proof is known for its science-backed approach to haircare, and the Curl Defining Cream uses their patented technology to create soft, defined curls that resist humidity and frizz. The cream provides a flexible hold that feels like second-skin rather than product - curls are touchable and springy, not coated. It’s a strong performer for type 2c through 3b hair.
Pros:
- Patented formula delivers genuinely frizz-free results
- Soft, touchable curls with no product feel
- Long-lasting definition that holds through humidity
Cons:
- Works best on looser curl types - may not be enough hold for tight coils
- Premium price point
Bumble and Bumble Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil
Bumble and bumble’s Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil is a unique hybrid that uses oil-based conditioning agents inside a gel matrix to simultaneously define and nourish curls. It blocks humidity from the outside while providing moisture from within, solving the common problem of anti-humidity products that dry hair out in exchange for frizz control. The result is glossy, defined curls that last through heat and humidity.
Pros:
- Gel-oil hybrid provides hold and moisture simultaneously
- Strong anti-humidity protection
- Leaves curls with a glossy finish
Cons:
- Can feel slightly heavy on fine or wavy hair
- Strong hold may not suit those who prefer a natural look
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel
Ouidad is the original curl specialist brand, and the Advanced Climate Control Gel is their flagship anti-humidity product. It uses a unique “Climate Control technology” - a proprietary polymer system - to create a protective barrier around each curl that blocks moisture while allowing the hair to move naturally. It’s particularly effective in hot, humid environments and holds type 3 and 4 curls all day without crunch.
Pros:
- Industry-leading humidity protection from a curl specialist brand
- Holds type 3 and 4 curls without stiffness
- Trusted by professional curl stylists
Cons:
- Strong hold may require scrunching to soften when dry
- Higher price point even within the prestige category
Redken All Soft Curl Cream
Redken is a professional salon brand available at Ulta, and their All Soft Curl Cream is designed to balance softness and definition - a combination that’s harder to achieve than it sounds. The formula contains argan oil to add softness and shine while maintaining enough structure to keep curls separated and defined. It’s a great everyday styling cream for type 2b through 3b hair.
Pros:
- Argan oil provides softness without sacrificing definition
- Professional Redken formula at accessible Ulta pricing
- Good everyday option for medium to loose curl types
Cons:
- Lighter hold may not satisfy those with tight curls who need strong definition
- May need to be layered with a gel for wash-and-go styles
What to Look For
- Curl-specific formulation: Prestige brands sold at Ulta often have entire lines developed around curl chemistry - look for products that specifically list your curl type (2c, 3a, etc.) in their targeting.
- Clean ingredient standards: Brands like Briogeo are sulfate-free, silicone-free, and paraben-free - important for curly hair routines that rely on moisture retention.
- Anti-humidity agents for your climate: If you live in a humid region, this feature is worth the prestige price premium. Ouidad and Bumble and bumble lead here.
- Consistency with your existing routine: Prestige products perform best when your full routine uses compatible formulas - mixing heavy silicone-based products with clean formulas can cancel out their benefits.
Final Thoughts
Ulta’s curl selection is one of the strongest in retail - the combination of Ouidad’s specialty expertise, Briogeo’s clean chemistry, and Living Proof’s patented technology gives curly-haired shoppers access to genuinely superior formulas. If you’re ready to invest in your curl routine, start with Ouidad Advanced Climate Control for humidity protection or Briogeo Curl Charisma for a versatile conditioning-and-defining option that earns its price point.
Frequently asked questions
Are prestige curl products at Ulta worth the higher price?+
Prestige curl products at Ulta often use higher concentrations of active ingredients, more sophisticated delivery systems, and gentler preservatives than drugstore equivalents. For curly hair specifically, brands like Briogeo and Living Proof have invested heavily in curl-specific research. Whether they're worth the price depends on your hair's needs - if drugstore products leave your curls dry or frizzy, an upgrade often makes a noticeable difference.
Can I use Ulta's Beauty Insider points on hair products?+
Yes - Ulta's Beauty Insider loyalty program applies to all purchases including hair products, not just cosmetics. Points accumulate on every qualifying purchase and can be redeemed as cash toward future orders. Platinum and Diamond tiers also get access to exclusive sales and early product launches, which makes stocking up on pricier prestige curl products more cost-effective over time.
What is the best Briogeo product for curly hair at Ulta?+
Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino Hydrating Curl Enhancing Conditioner is consistently one of Briogeo's top-rated curl products. It's a rinse-out conditioner that also works as a co-wash or leave-in, making it versatile across curl routines. The rice amino acids strengthen the hair shaft while the formula defines and conditions in a single step. It works best on type 2c through 3c hair.