Last year’s post on my favourite curly girl products has continued to be one of the most viewed on the blog. Since then, I’ve discovered some new brands and products. Here’s a roundup of my favourite curly girl products of 2018. And, this is a giveaway post! Check out my Instagram for a massive giveaway worth over £150, and how you can win!
My Hair Type
I have fine hair, but lots of it. I have a mix of 2c – 3b curls – but curl type doesn’t matter when it comes to buying products, read why here. I have low porosity hair, which gets easily weighed down. What works for me and my hair, may not work for you. There is no shortcut to finding a product that will work for your hair. It all about trial and error; patience, persistence and consistency.
Where I Shop & Discount Codes
I live in Ireland, and buy most of my curly girl approved products online. If you’re outside the U.S.A., most of the brands and products mentioned in this post (excluding MopTop and Aussie Instant Freeze) can be purchased from Look Fantastic and HQ Hair who always have great discount codes and ship worldwide, often with free shipping. Naturalistic Products who ship worldwide, and Beauty by Zara who ship throughout Europe. This post includes discount codes and affiliate links. I’ll list my discount codes below, simply apply them at checkout on the relevant sites. These codes won’t work on third-party sites.
Bounce Curl: 10% off site wide using code CURLYCAILIN10 (permanent)
Co-Wash
The As I Am Coconut Co-Wash is still my favourite co-wash product I’ve found since I started the curly girl method. I’ve tried others, but keep coming back to this and continue to buy countless tubs. It’s not a heavy co-wash, but light and leaves your scalp, roots and hair feeling really clean without feeling stripped. It’s also got black castor oil which is great for hair growth!
Lo Poo & No Poo
There are four lo poo’s and no poo’s that really stand out, which I have continued to come back to time and again throughout 2018. They are Jessicurl Hair Cleansing Cream (glycerin free), MopTop Gentle Shampoo (contains glycerin), and DevaCurl No Poo (contains glycerin and protein). My favourite is probably Bounce Curl Moisturizing Shampoo (contains glycerin and protein). This is so moisturising and hydrating, I often feel like I don’t need conditioner at all.
Top Tip: Low porosity hair gets easily weighed down, so clarifying is important. To avoid your hair feeling stripped and straw-like, always do a deep conditioning treatment after a clarifying or chelating shampoo!
Clarifying Shampoo
Still top of my chelating shampoo favourites is Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo. It’s not curly girl approved, it’s loaded with sulfates, but its necessary, read the post to find out why. Unlike many chelating shampoos, it doesn’t contain silicones. A new find, and my favourite clarifying shampoo is Bounce Curl Enzyme Gentle Clarifying Shampoo. This is the most moisturising, clarifying shampoo I’ve tried. Unlike a chelating shampoo, it’s gentle enough for regular use. Honourable mentions for Kinky Curly Come Clean and MopTop Detox Shampoo. All of these products are available in my Amazon Shop.
Conditioner
A favourite for another year running, I’ve been using this on and off since I started my curly girl journey in May 2017. Matrix Biolage Hydra Source Conditioner aka GVP Conditioning Balm in the U.S. This product is amazing, especially if you’re hair needs moisture. Less is more, you only need the tiniest amount!
Another favourite conditioner, and the only other one that doesn’t require palmfuls to detangle, moisturise and hydrate my hair is MopTop Daily Conditioner. I adore this conditioner! If glycerin is a problem, I love Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturising Conditioner, which is suprisingly lightweight! If your hair needs more protein, then Hairfinity Balanced Moisture Conditioner is another firm favourite – and smells delicious! Honourable mention for DevaCurl One Condition Original.
Top Tip: You can also use the Matrix Biolage Hydra Source Conditioner (or GVP Conditioning Balm) as a deep conditioning treatment!
Leave-In Conditioner
I’ve tried a few new leave in conditioners this year, Giovanni Direct Leave In Weightless Moisture Conditioner is still a firm favourite. However, I’ve been reaching for Flora & Curl Leave In Detangler more often, not to mention it smells divine! I also love the MopTop Leave In Conditioner, but a tiny amount goes a very long way, and lasts ages! Another old favourite, and great for fine, low porosity hair is the As I Am Leave In Conditioner.
Deep Treatments
Hands down, my holy grail, favourite deep conditioner is Hairfinity’s Strengthening Amino Mask. It’s a protein conditioner which replenishes, strengthens and fortifies hair to protect against breakage and split ends. I use it for my modified rice water treatment and never fail to get great, noticeable results every time. Another favourite, but protein-free is Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment.
Curly girl method approved and great as a deep conditioning treatment, Olaplex No.3. This is especially great for curlies who have coloured hair, colour damaged hair or hair that’s had Brazilian blow outs or relaxing treatments. Just make sure you purchase the genuine product! I’ve tried mixing this with my rice water, but it’s not as successful as the Hairfinity mask.
An honourable mention for the cult-favourite deep conditioning mask which contains protein. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask. You only need a small amount of it, and the tub lasts a really long time. Since publishing this post, I’ve discovered that Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! is not curly girl friendly as it contains a wax – isododecane. All other products available in my Amazon Shop.
Styling Products
Still my favourite curly girl approved styling product, Pantene Defined Curls Mousse (No.5). I use it like a curl enhancer, but it works equally well layered with other products or as a one and done. For soft, defined, frizz-free curl clumps every time, I style my hair using this mousse, and then a gel. I’ve never found a mousse or foam that’s as good, and it costs just a few euros/pounds!
Another favourite is MopTop Curly Hair Custard. It’s the best product I’ve found if you want big, fat, juicy, frizz-free curl clumps! It’s a great one and done styling product and smells amazing! Stepping away from my much loved combo of mousse and gel/custard. My other favourite styling combo is Confident Coils and Spiralicious Gel from Jessicurl. Confident Coils is a curl enhancing styling…milk…? I’m not sure how to describe it, I’ve never tried anything like it. You only need a little, but paired with the gel, it’s consistently given me my best curls this year!
Gels
Another American import, but available from Amazon. My favourite gel of all time, Aussie Instant Freeze Gel. It costs just a few bucks and is often 3 for 2 at Walgreens and Target! If you’re in the UK & Ireland, click here to buy it. Like a whipped gel texture, it doesn’t weight my curls down. It’s great at creating curl clumps, definition and hold. Is a fab one and done styling product, or works well with mousse or custard on wash days, or mixed with KY Jelly for refreshing. Umberto Gianinni Curl Jelly which is currently 3 for 2 at Boots. Or Giovanni LA Natural Styling Gel are great, budget-friendly, alternatives. The Giovanni gel is quite thick and sticky, so works best on soaking wet hair, or wet your hands before use.
Honourable mentions for a new find this year, Jessicurl Spiralicious Gel (glycerin free) and the cult-favourite Bouclème Curl Defining Gel. As a low porosity curly, I really struggle with products weighing down my hair. No matter how much Boucleme gel I put in my hair, it never feels weighed down or like I’ve got too much product in it. Because it’s so lightweight, and not sticky at all, it’s great for refresh days. Paired with KY Jelly, it’s my favourite combo for refreshing!
Curl Towels & Tools
I’ve found microfibre towels squeeze out too much water and leave my hair a little frizzy. The Bouclème Cotton Curl Towel doesn’t squeeze out quite enough, but it’s my favourite for plopping, which I do after diffusing.
The Trepadora towel squeezes out just the right amount of excess moisture, and is a little cheaper than the Boucleme one. Both towels are quite large, great for if you have long, thick hair like me.
Heat Cap
My Curly Cailín Heat Cap, which I make and sell on Etsy, has made a huge difference to my hair in the last year. I use it every time I deep condition. Handmade using 100% Cotton and 100% organic Irish-grown flaxseeds. My heat caps are eco-friendly, microwaveable, reusable, reversible, stylish and easy to use. Heat opens up the hair’s cuticle so products can penetate deeper into the hair shaft. Meaning your hair really gets the most benefits out of your deep conditioner. You can see what fabric combinations are available to purchase here. I ship worldwide!
To dry my hair, I still use and love Diva Professional hair dryer and diffuser. Not to be confused with the DevaCurl diffuser – review on that coming soon. I’ve used a lot of diffusers over the years and the Diva one is still my favourite. It cuts down my diffusing time because the bowl is so huge! Thanks to the little grips, I can lift the roots of the hair while I’m diffusing, which helps with root volume. Read this post for more info.
I hope you’ve found this post helpful! Please make sure you subscribe and follow me on Instagram. Make sure you enter my amazing giveaway worth over £150! There will be three winners announced on New Year’s Eve. Good luck! Gabriella xoxo
Knowing your hair porosity can really help in choosing the type of products that are most likely to work for hair. Check out this post to learn more about hair porosity, 4 ways to test for it and characteristics for each.
Or this post is really helpful on how to build a curly girl routine.
*This post contains some affiliate links, which means I get paid (a very small) commission on products you purchase through my links. This in no way affects you, the price you pay or the way in which I write about products featured on this site. My content is not influenced by advertisers, affiliate partnerships, brands or PRs.
What is an affiliate link?
First of all, I want to be completely transparent because there can be some confusion between sponsored content/posts and affiliate links. This post, and many others on this site, contain affiliate links. This means I get paid (a very small) commission on products you purchase through my links. This in no way affects you, the price you pay or the way in which I write about products featured on Curly Cailín. My content and opinion is not influenced by these affiliate partnerships. I have purchased, used and loved all the products mentioned in this post. And if you’re a member of some of the curly girl Facebook groups, you’ll know I regularly recommend them.
Excellent Post Gabriella. I loved reading it. Thank you.
Dear Gabrielle, this is so very helpful, thank you. Have you ever tried the Boucleme Curl Creme? Did you like it?
Hi Rebekka, yes I have the Boucleme curl cream. Personally I don’t really like creams in my hair, but my daughters curly hair seems to love curl creams, and the Boucleme one works great on her hair. You don’t need a lot though. Hope that helps. xoxo
Thank you for this awesome post, Gabriella! I’m going to bookmark it for future reference. I’ve been following your blog for a while. I’ve learned so much from your tips because I have low porosity curls too!
I bought the As I Am Cowash because of your recommendation and I’ve almost finished a whole tub! It’s definitely the best curly cleanser I’ve tried.
Next I want to try the Aussie Instant Freeze gel because you’re always talking about it! 🙂 I haven’t found it in-store here in Canada but I’ll just order it online.
Keep up the great work! Definitely appreciate it!!
Aww thank you so much for your kind, sweet words Claudine! I’m so glad you’ve found my content helpful. I still adore the As I Am Co Wash, and buy it regularly, or as presents for my friends. I still think it’s the best co-wash on the market, I’ve not found any other one as good at actual “cleansing” if you know what I mean. Like my hair (and scalp!) feel clean without feeling stripped or dry or squeaky at all. I just love it! Definitely check out the Aussie Instant Freeze Gel if you can, I’ve not found another gel like it, certainly not in texture/consistency. Thanks again for taking the time to read my blog posts, and comment xoxo
Just came across your website through Pinterest! I have 3B curls, low porosity, fine in texture but a lot of it, very similar to yours. I somewhat follow the curly girl method. Definitely no silicones but I do use a sulfate poo and I sometimes straighten my hair (only in the winter though). I’ve been using for many, many years Biosilk Rock Hard Gelee. It’s CG friendly all the way. It’s my holy grail product. I plan to work on my clipping technique with no part because I have the same problem with parting my hair and then it’s flat where parted.
Thank you for the great content!
Hi Sherry, I also use a sulfate shampoo once every 4 – 8 weeks, because I have to clarify with a chelating shampoo due to living a very hard water area. I occasionally straighten my hair, never poker straight, but only a couple of times a year. Thankfully my curls always seem to bounce back to full health. I’ve not heard of the Biosilk Rock Hard Gelee, what country do you live in? I must see if it’s available online, especially as it’s fully CG! Gabriella xoxo
Hi Gabriella! Your blog is absolutely precious and I love the content. Thank you for all the great tips!
Love from India.
Hi Gabriella,
I’m really glad I found your blog. I’m new to this CG method and was almost in despair on what to do with my hair because it’s wavy/curly, but really silky, and every product I’ve tried, weighs it down a lot. Asking around in every product store they only have products for curly “dry hair”, because most people think that curly hair is always dry. Reading about your case, gave me some hope.
I now know that my hair is low porosity, but I’m a little confused on what my routine should be. I was aiming to try a routine that has some protein in it because, (i’m not sure) but i think my hair might need some more strength and I think It’s ok, when it comes to moisture.
I’m confused on the “cleanse / clarify” – should I, for example, use the Bounce Curl Clarifying shampoo” or the ”Bounce Curl moisturizing Shampoo”? Should I co-wash in between with the “as I am coconut cows”? Should I stay away from conditioners?
I already have the hairfinity Strengthening amino mask to try your modified Rice water rinse…
Could you please give me a more specific idea on what to try?
Thank you!
Hi Monica, I’m so glad my content and journey has given you hope with your own. Yes, it’s a common mistake many people make that curly hair = dry hair. But that’s not always the case, and often once your hair/curls reach a healthy state, and your moisture levels are fine. You don’t need to treat it as dry hair and constantly do moisturising deep conditioning treatments. Using products with protein will definitely help. Have you read my post on how to build a curly girl product routine? I think that might help answer your questions, I’ll link it here> https://curlycailin.ie/how-to-build-a-curly-girl-hair-routine/
Hi Gabriella,
Your blog has given me some great info as I begin my Curly Girl journey. However I am not ready to embrace my grey hairs so still colour. Due to lockdown I will have to resort to a box dye. Do you have any recommendations?
Hi Geraldine, that’s totally understandable and of all the things you could be doing during lockdown, colouring your hair is the least of them so don’t stress about it. I would recommend you do a good clarifying shampoo before hand with Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo, then apply your colour, and deep condition afterwards – preferably using your own deep conditioner, rather than the one in the box dye as that most likely contains silicones. If you’re looking for a suggestion for a box dye, I know Naturtint are a popular one that I believe don’t contain any silicones, but I don’t dye my hair and haven’t in quite some time so I’m not the best person to ask I’m afraid.
Are you serious about the KY Jelly? That is a lubricant for your lady parts! But I guess if it works!?
Absolutely 100% serious! I get the glycerin free version in my local pharmacy, and honestly, I’m never without a bottle of it! It’s soooo good for taming frizz and flyaways, and the hold is insane!
This post is a godsend! My hair is very similar to yours (though I hear when you said curl type doesn’t matter, it’s more about what works for your individual hair) – but your hair’s response to certain things is similar to mine. I’m off to try a few new things, particularly a shea-free washday, as I have suspicions.
ooohhhh, keep me up dated on how that goes!!
Hi Gabriella, I love your blog and all posts are very helpful.
Would you please let me know from where I can get you heat cap and whether you ship within the EU. Thank you
I’ll send you an email Selvana, thank you!
Hi, I was wondering if you have tried the LUS hair products?
Yes! I have. Review coming soon! xoxo
Hi, I’m thinking about starting the Curly Girl method. I live in the US and I can’t afford expensive items for hair. Is there must have items that I can find in the US that are a reasonable price? I hope you can help!
Yes, of course! Many of them mentioned in this post. As I Am Coconut Co-wash as your cleanser, Sally’s GVP Conditioning Balm as your conditioner, deep conditioner and leave in, Giovanni Direct Leave In Conditioner, Pantene Defined Curls Mousse, Aussie Instant Freeze Gel. You could get all of that for around $20-25!
Hello! Great post I have very straight hair so this is all new to me but my daughter has her Daddies very curly hair! So here I am learning all about the best way to start for her hair journey in an unknown new world to me! Would you recommend just using the As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner on her weekly (I currently only use baby shampoo once every 1-2 weeks, she’s 2)
Thank you I may be way of so thanks for your help x
Hi Tina! Welcome, and fair play to you for being such an amazing mom trying to do the best for your daugther’s curls. I wish my mom had! ha ha. Yes, the As I Am Co-Wash is perfect, leave a little in if her hair feels a little dry. But for now, what you suggested is perfect. x
WAIT!! As I Am Coconut cowash contains Methylisothiazolinone which is toxic and completely banned in several countries including Canada and Germany. Try the Boucleme Curl Cleanser which is non toxic, synthetic fragrance free and excellent. Or the Inahsi cowash which is also nontoxic and excellent. I know you want the very best for your baby girl so always check the ingredients before using a product on her. Best wishes xx
Any insight on the Noughty Wave Hello line? I have long bobbed really fine, wavy-curly hair that likes moisture, but hates weight. And, I really don’t like having to throw things out when they don’t work. Thanks.
Hi, I’m still trying it. I’ve used it a couple of times, but need to really test it properly. Sorry that’s not really much help x
Absolutely loved reading this. So very informative over everything else I have read! Thankyou so much. Going to find you on insta. Thanks lovely. Much love Sonia x
Hi Gabriella,
Excellent post and amazing reviews of the products. Which is the best place in Dublin that I can find these products. I have been on hunt for some of these but no luck.
Hiya, it’s hard to find products easily available in Ireland. Boots is the best place, or TK Maxx – which is hit and miss because you never know what you’re going to get. I buy almost all my stuff online, which I link thorughout the posts, and in the side bar and the Where I Shop section too. Hope that helps! x
This is very helpful, have been following CG method for 2 weeks, problems im finding I think my hair is 2B wavy with some curl. Fine, damaged from dyeing and heat tools so I imagine high porosity. In two weeks I have noticed the issue im having is worse frizz than ever and I cant go more than 4/5 days without needing shampoo (low poo) and conditioner again. Also advice what do you do to enhance curls on non wash days. I tried co wash and ended up with frizz and weighed down hair. Do you just get water and conditioner and spritz every morning and add more leave in conditioner. I’m also wondering if its worth getting some oils. So far im using Jessiecurl- low poo, Giovanni leave in conditioner. Deep conditioner Jessie curl once a week conditioner and a mousse/ Gel (Giovanni gel i think the same as in your post). Using microfiber towel on wash days. Is there something else I should be trying to help enhance wave and reduce frizz??
Also what do you do to improve it after exercise, swimming in ocean? pool and chlorine?
Hi Melanie, 2 weeks is such a short amount of time to start the method, you’re really not going to see results that soon. It took me 3 or 4 months until I saw positive results and progress. It takes time, you didn’t damage your hair over night, it’s not going to heal overnight either. The only way to truly get rid of heat or colour damage is to cut it out, if you want quicker results and even that it will still take some time unless you go super short. That’s totally fine to not go longer than 4/5 days without washing, I’d say that’s pretty normal. I don’t really refresh between washes, I focus my time on wash day so I don’t have to refresh. I don’t use oils either. From the products you’ve listed there, you’ve not included a conditioner – which may be the cause of your frizz if your hair is not sufficiently moisturised. Microfibre towels cause my hair to frizz, maybe it’s the same for you? I’ve got a few posts on how to reduce frizz, beat halo frizz and encourage curl definition, have a browse around my blog. As for swimming, you need to clarify – again, I’ve got a post on that too so check it out on the blog. Do some research and educate yourself so you get to know your hair and what it needs, likes, wants and doesn’t do well with. Hope that helps x
Hello! I too have curly hair and only like to wash it two or three times a week. If I use mouse or gel, my hair feels icky and weighed down. I want to go two or three days with clean looking curls before I wash it. What are your tips for refreshing day 2 or 3 curls?
Hi Katie, I would ask what type of mousse and gel you’re using, and from what brands. Because they are not all the same, some mousses aren’t as nice or as good as others, some gels are thick and sticky, others are light and watery. My tip for refreshing day 2 or 3 curls is to wet it down a little with water, and then apply more styling product – most of the time I’ll use a gel to refresh. Hope that helps. x
Thank you for all the info you share! Your curls are beautiful and consistent. I follow you for advice because even after 18 months of CGM my curls are not consistent. I know you love mousse but it always seems to break up my clumps and I get stringy curls. Does anyone else have this experience? I am always interested to try mousse because it’s lighter than gels. Thank you for any advice!
Hi Bella, what mousse are you using? And what other products are you using on wash day and styling? Because that doesn’t sound at all like what mousse tends to do to hair. x
Hi Gabriela,
Maybe you could help me! I am following the CG method but I changed the shampoo to a coconut one and it doesn’t work for me, It gives me itchy scalp even my face got red too.
Which co-wash you would recommend me to start using?
Thanks
Hi Mireya, hmm….that sounds interesting. You may be allergic to the coconut, or the product may contain the itchy m’s – which are two really long ingredient names that begin with the letter m. My favourite co-wash is the As I Am Coconut Co Wash – but that may not work for you, if you’re allergic to coconut. Other co washes and cleansers I like are from MopTop and Bounce Curl or Jessicurl. Hope that helps x
Thank you so much for this post, so informative and well written. I started with the CG method a while ago, and your posts have made it fun instead of confusing 🙂
I would love to get your heat cap on Etsy, but I don’t have a microwave, only an oven. Is there any way to make this work without a microwave?
Thanks!
Thanks for this! I have what I think is probably medium porosity, fine, thin 2b/c hair. I’m using the Trader Joe’s tea tree oil shampoo and conditioner 2-3 times a week and a light gel. It’s not terrible but it’s not great either, I can’t get good definition or keep my wavy/curly hair. Is there anything you would suggest I add to my routine to get better definition and keep my curls? I get easily overwhelmed with all the deep/leave-in/co-wash/regular conditioner options and don’t really understand when (in the daily routine and in the month to month routine) to use each of those options. I got a free sample of the ouai air dry mousse, wondering if you know anything about this product as well?
Ouai isn’t curly girl friendly. By the sounds of it your hair is lacking in protein. So I’d look at your routine and the ingredients in your products and make some adjustments. I’ve got a blog post, YouTube video and IGTV on protein moisture balance. Alternatively, I offer 1:1 Curl Clinics, they’re a 30 min consultation via video where we go through all the products you’re using and the issues you’re experiencing. I then put together a routine and recommend products to suit your hair’s needs, your budget and any other requirements you have. If that’s something you’re interested in, please fill out this form, and I’ll get back to you via email with all of the details. https://www.curlycailin.ie/contact