Leave-ins are where a routine either works or does not. PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Leave-In Conditioner for Curls and Coils seals in moisture after washing and adds soft curl definition, with aloe, honey and jojoba oil. The Palo Santo version has the same job in a different scent. Mizani 25 Miracle Milk is lightweight and protects from heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the brand. Davines OI All In One Hair Milk is a multitasking milk for softness and shine that controls frizz and protects from heat.

Living Proof Leave-In Conditioner and Detangler Spray is the easy one for wash day, since you can mist it on in the shower. OUAI Melrose Place and OUAI North Bondi are the same multitasking leave-in in two scents, made to detangle, hydrate and fight frizz, with tamarind seed extract for weightless hydration. COLOR WOW Money Mist is a leave-in mist that the brand says fortifies hair and reduces breakage.

How to choose: fine curls want a mist or a milk, and thick curls do better with a cream. If your curls are somewhere in the middle, layer a mist first and a little cream on top.

What I would skip: stacking two different leave-ins from this list on the same day. They are built to do the same job, so choose the one that fits your texture and give it a few washes.

A good curl routine starts in the shower. Olaplex N°4CURL Bond Shaper Hydrating Curl Shampoo, which the brand describes as a multi-action shampoo for coils, curls and waves, is the bond building option. Kérastase Curl Manifesto is a sulfate-free shampoo for gentle, hydrating cleansing. Living Proof Curl Enhancing Shampoo is silicone-free and low lather, with a matching Curl Enhancing Conditioner that the brand says hydrates and improves definition. Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino and Avocado Hydrating Shampoo cleanses without stripping natural oils, and Oribe Eternal Curls is a moisturizing shampoo for wavy, curly, coily and thick hair.

For buildup, Bounce Curl Weightless Hydrating Shampoo is a deep cleansing shampoo for oil control and scalp buildup. COLOR WOW Curl Wow Hooked Shampoo is a sulfate and residue free cleanser made for all curl types, with a Procapil blend the brand says helps prevent shedding and breakage.

A tip: focus the shampoo on your scalp only and let the suds rinse down the lengths. Then condition from the ears down, and detangle with your fingers while the conditioner is still in.

What I would skip: a clarifying shampoo every week. Use the Bounce Curl or the Hooked once a month or when your curls feel coated, and save the gentler options for the rest of the time.

Start with the founder story, then choose by what your hair asks for. If your curls need definition, look at the Goddess Strength True Stretch Defining Cream or the Coco Creme cream gel. If they need repair and softness, the Born To Repair pair is the simple place to begin.

Add one leave-in and one shampoo from the other grids, and change only one thing at a time so you can see what works. Curls tend to reward patience and a light hand, and Lisa's own line is a reminder that a good routine can begin with a few well made products at home.