Updated: June 8, 2013
The following list contains products that I consider staples, meaning, my hair likes them and I get consistent and beneficial results. I have the following hair properties:
- Texture: Medium/Coarse with some fine areas by my nape and hairline
- Density: Thick
- Porosity: Low-normal (has normalized a bit most likely due to the age of my hair and my experimentation with color)
- Priorities: Frizz Control and Moisture, Length Retention (Not growth necessarily)
- I do not type my hair using Andre Walker’s system, nor do I know what type my hair falls under (it would most likely be a mix though). By the Curly Girl system, I have fractal and corkscrew curls.
Please, do not blindly buy everything on this list just because I like it, ESPECIALLY if you have differing hair properties from me (and don’t buy things just b/c you think our hair “looks” the same). I encourage you to listen to/read/watch the reviews to determine if the product sounds/looks like something your hair would like. Also, if asked, I will not provide you with a list of products to purchase. It is your hair, your money, and your decision. I hope you find the info on this page helpful, but ultimately, it is up to you. Enjoy!
xoxo
**Note: I’ve pretty much removed all of the leave-in products that contain glycerin on here unless they’re very economical (like Eco Styler) or have glycerin lower on the list and my hair doesn’t seem to be as sensitive to it (like the Twist Whip). Also, very thick/buttery products with more oils seem to work better in all dews, which is said to be because of the sealing benefits. When you seal, it’s more difficult for moisture to escape even if the glycerin is reacting with the moisture (or lack thereof) in the air.
Shampoo
- HerbnLife Royal Rinse (seriously, this stuff has the slip of a conditioner)
- Ouidad Curl Co-Wash
Deep Conditioners
- Ingredients to Die For Organicals Deep Conditioning Creme (I also love this as a leave-in)
- Shea Moisture Organic Black Soap Purification Hair Masque
- EVOO and Honey
Protein Treatments/Conditioners
- Cherry Lola Treatments (Alkaline treatment used when needed, maybe every 6 months or so)
- Curl Junkie Repair Me! (Strong PT)
- Curl Junkie Beauticurls Strengthening Conditioner (Light PT)
Cleansing Conditioner
Rinse Outs
- Tresemme Naturals Moisturizing Conditioner (Update)
- Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship
- Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner
- Carol’s Daughter Chocolat Smoothing Conditioner
- Various more expensive condishes that I also leave-in
Leave-in Conditioners
With Glycerin
Without Glycerin
- Curl Junkie Curl Rehab (Strawberry Ice Cream scent)
- Curl Junkie Beauticurls Argan and Olive Oil Daily Conditioner
- Darcy’s Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Conditioner
Hair Milks
- Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk
- Oyin Hair Dew and pt. 2 here.
- Reve Essentials Hair and Body Moisturizer (Strawberry and Cookie Scents)
- Darcy’s Botanicals Sweet Cocoa Bean Curl Smoothing Cream
Stylers
Gels (for Wash and Gos)
- Kiss My Face Upper Management Gel (Ultimate Fave)
- Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel
- Fantasia IC (Clear)
- Blue Eco Styler
- Super Wet Natural Look Gel (if it’s readily available)
Curl Cremes/Puddings/Gellies (Wash and Gos)
Finishers
Twists/Twist Outs
Pomades/Sealants
- HerbNLife Butter Fly Gold
- B.A.S.K. Palm Tapioca Deluxe Hair Cream
- Sarenzo Bath & Body Chocolate Covered Butter (Snickerdoodle)
- ReVe Essentials Hair and Body Butter (Strawberry & Cookie)
- Bee Mine Luscious Balanced Cream Moisturizer
Oils
- Jojoba Oil
- Rice Bran Oil
- Carol’s Daughter Hair Elixir
- Rosemary (EO)
Straightening Products
- Carol’s Daughter Chocolat Smoothing Blow Dry Cream
- Emtage Silktage Oil
- Carol’s Daughter Hair Balm (for blow drying, I’ve never used it to flat iron)
Refresher Sprays
Long Term Staples: I often get asked questions about what products I used on my hair when it was shorter or I first big chopped. I usually answer, “The same products in here,” because I don’t really think that products will behave too differently based on your length – yes, your hair may look different (Donna Marie’s Gelly made my hair look like a jheri curl when wet when I had my mullet, but now it’s awesome), but I haven’t seen much variation. That being said, here’s a list of products that were with me from the beginning. Some, like KCCC, I even used pre-big chop.
- KCCC
- Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle
- Honey and EVOO Treatments
- Cherry Lola Treatments
- Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel
- HerbnLife Coconut Hemp
- HerbnLife Head Sprung
No Wet Cat Hair in 2013!!!!
I cannot STAND looking like a wet cat while my hair dries or having my hair too flat. I don’t like it! Although it is totally normal to lose volume as your hair grows, I refuse to accept this – I WILL have my length and volume too! There are certain products that I am loving still that are hooking me up with a lack of wet cat hair. It still hangs more wet, but that’s a given. Here are the products I use for my main styler that give me the hair I crave!
- Organicals Deep Conditioning Creme (Yep, this is a great conditioner styler)
- Komaza Care Califia Styling Pudding
- Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic (But I have to be careful to not use too much or my hair will be weighed down)
- Kiss My Face Upper Management Gel
- Curly Kinks Twist Whip
A few notes:
- These are all products I consider to be holy grails, and do not include products that I will simply rebuy due to a sale, if I’m bored, etc…I buy lots of things on a whim or if I’m in a bad mood (lol).
- VITAMINS: I do not take vitamins to grow my hair. But, I do like vitamins in general and take hair/skin/nails vitamins for overall health. My fave is Viviscal (this vitamin also contains iron). Also, please remember that no matter what you try to get your hair to grow, it doesn’t mean anything if you aren’t using proper hair care practices to RETAIN length. Check out my playlist on Health/Growth & Retention for more information on vitamins and healthy hair practices.
- What happened to the Moisturizers? Since heavier moisturizers can usually double as sealants, I’ve rolled them into that category.
- FORMULATION CHANGES: If I remove a product from my HG list due to a formulation change, it does not mean that the new formulation is bad. It just means that I have not tried the new formula, and I can’t have something on my list that I haven’t tried. That’s one of the benefits of having several staples – I don’t cry when I have to remove something!
Comparing Products: I am often asked to compare two products in the same category (for instance KCCC vs. UFD, UFD vs. Pattern Pusha, etc). Truthfully, the best way to compare products is to view the review for each product and make your own comparison – I try to be very thorough in my reviews and go over several objective details in addition to how they performed on my hair. When the initial review is done, the thoughts are fresh in my head, so that is when you will receive the most information. Sometimes, the result is so similar (like with KCCC and UFD) that I may do a video/photo comparing them side by side in my hair, but this will not be a common theme of the blog because there are just too many possible combinations and I often mention some similar products in the reviews.
For additional information and a condensed list of my favorite staples, check out my three year anniversary video:
Honorable Mentions – These are products I rebuy on sale or with free shipping. Most of my HGs I can either buy on the ground or am able to do hauls with multiple products and get a discount and/or free shipping. Mainly, things I can buy from AveYou, Vitacost, Sage, iHerb, etc. These other products are not as readily available and I can live without them (while pouting), but I still like them a lot.
- Cush Cosmetics Curl Extender
- Cush Cosmetics Uncoiled Leave-In
- Cush Cosmetics Buriti Butter
- Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter
- Donna Marie Dream Curling Crème
- Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper
- Keracare Natural Textures Leave-In Conditioner
- Garnier Pure Clean Conditioner
- Herbal Essences Honey I’m Strong Conditioner
- DevaCurl One Condition
- DevaCurl No Poo
- Curl Junkie Pattern Pusha
- Curl Junkie Smoothing Lotion
- Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix
- Donna Marie Miracurl Curling Gelly
- HerbNLife Coconut Hemp
- AG Re: Coil Curl Activator (Love this stuff but it’s hella expensive! I need an Ulta sale. In my review, I didn’t even seem to like it that much, but since that time I’ve learned how to use it to work for me – over a leave-in, with a finisher on top)
- Oyin Whipped Pudding
- Oyin Honey Hemp Conditioner
- Elucence Moisture Balancing Shampoo
- Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner
- Creme of Nature Perfect Edges Hair Gel (as a finisher)
- Herbal Essences Honey I’m Strong Conditioner
- Cush Cosmetics Creme de Palm
- Mixed Chicks Gentle Clarifying Shampoo
- UFD Curly Magic
- Oyin Burnt Sugar Pomade
- Creme of Nature Argan Oil Moisture and Shine Shampoo
Thanks, lovies! xoxo
Advice PLEASE!!! (((((DYE DEBACLE = LIMP/THIN HAIR)))))
Hi Elle, this is a serious “What would Elle do?” plea for help.
Yes, I just very well may have destroyed my hair and I’m gonna try not to bawl on this keyboard.
I don’t know if you answer from the general messages in YouTube but my question is too long to post as a comment under your “Dye Aftercare” video.
I’m really struggling with something and always look to your vids for advice, though our textures are vastly different.
I just subscribed to your blog and learned how you describe your hair. Well, mine is quite different (looking), though yes, curly. I suppose this is how I’d describe my hair, and maybe from this you can help with my issue?
Texture: Medium/Fine, more on the Fine side
Density: Medium/Thin. Definitely not thick
Porosity: Low-normal, but I’m not quite sure on this one
Priorities: Moisture, Frizz Control and full looking hair, length retention (strengthening/non-breaking)
Here’s what’s happened. After using Henna for about 3 years, every six months, I decided I wanted to give it a rest for a little over two months (to have it fade a bit and a little new growth). I did this because I was dying (no pun) to lighten my hair and as you know, close to impossible to do over henna. So, I reluctantly went back to box dye, trying the non-ammonia HerbaShine and Natural Instincts. Both in medium browns. I have done this about 3 times and all seemed fine though I swear, it’s like I woke up one day (about two weeks ago) and I had less hair!!! Not from breakage, just thin, pitiful strands of hair. No bouncy curls – even though my hair is really thin, at least I could create the illusion of full curls before the box dye. I am so discouraged. I use the Curl Junkie repair every 6 weeks, but nothing has helped. I’m don’t know if there is even a quick fix or have I ruined what I’ve beed trying to nurture for years (haven’t had a relaxer since something like 2001). I’ve never, (even with really moisturized, protected hair) grown long hair but I did achieve healthy hair with what I think is a normal amount of breakage/shedding, to my shoulders when dry. I liked what was going on and maybe it was the Henna that was giving me the texture of curly fullness? I know how some people say Henna loosened their curl pattern and that wasn’t the case for me. However, it’s almost completely straight now that I’ve used the non-ammonia dyes.
My main question is, should I go back to henna? Will that revive my texture and plump up my hair? It’s not appearing dry, just utterly deflated and stringy. Is it only possibly to have the new growth return to the texture I liked and worked so hard to achieve and hopeless for the dyed strands (which is all of my hair, ARGG!!!). Can pathetically limp hair be resuscitated?
Please help me diagnose this disaster. I would be FOREVER grateful!
Thanks and LOVE all that you do.
KMJ
New York City
p.s. if I can figure out how to write to you elsewhere (blog?) I will, in case you don’t read your messages here. Yeah, I’m desperate, have you noticed?
That stinks your hair is acting up, I know how crappy it is to feel like you messed up a ton of progress. Overprocessing your hair can easily allow you to lose your curl pattern and thin out hair significantly. However, unfortunately
, I can’t really answer whether you “should” henna or not, because I have never been in your situation. There are certainly pros and cons – henna coats your strand and may thicken your strands up, but it can also weigh your hair down and won’t give you the bounciness you desire. Also, since henna is permanent, I’m not sure it would be as easy to deal with if it didn’t work like you planned. Another idea would be to explore other ayurvedic herbs to assist with thickness, like cassia or amla. You may also want to increase the frequency of your protein treatments and use more products with strengthening proteins in your everyday routine.
Hi Elle, I am new to your blog and youtube channel but do you still use the Mason Pearson to detangle (either the rake or brush)? I tried to search through the videos and posts so forgive me if I missed it. Thanks and I LOVE your hair!
I still use the comb, not the brush that much though.
Hi Elle ! I found my fave product (so far) thanks to this list…Hair Dew.I’m looking for a finisher that won’t get crunchy or leave a residue.Just picked up the Original Moxie Mane Tame ….hope I like it.
I hope you like it too!
Hi Elle, I went to Ricky’s in NYC today with the plan to get a few things on your list. It turns out they don’t sell Herb n Life and Curl Junkie
so sad 
Where do you usually get these products? Tried to order online on Herb n Life and shipping is $9 YIKES. Please advise.
I believe I go over where I bought the products in the reviews. Curl Junkie has a retailer listing on their site as well.
Hi Elle – Can you tell me what a hair milk is? It seems like they could all be used as leave-ins or even moisturizers. So, I’m confused by that category. Hope you can help!
Hi Ellle, I am just stopping by to tell you I really love your blog I have been following your journey for quite some time and I find all of your information very useful. I love your honesty and because of you I learned to listen to MY hair needs and not do what the next natural does thanks so much for your videos they have truly helped me on my journey & I just realized we have the same wash n go regimen lol i am also a wash n go girl with length retention, thanks again for providing honest information.
Have you ever used 100% all natural olive oil? If so do you think its effect on hair is different than the evoo or the same
Hi Elle, I searched you blog and videos for reviews on Giovanni products. Are these products any good?
I can’t really say, I haven’t used them in years. I know I used the direct leave in when I did the week test without glycerin though.
Thanks so much for answering!
Hi Elle, I checked your questions policy and I frequently watch your videos. However, I have not come across an answer to this question. If you don’t mind my asking, I was wondering if the shampoos you use are able to remove silicones used after straightening the hair. I ask bc most shampoos tangle my hair but the Creme of Nature from what I remember from my relaxed days is very moisturizing, but the new one is Sulfate Free. Can this still remove silicones or do you have another shampoo not listed that you use to remove silicones after straightening? Thank You!
Most shampoos with true cleansing surfactants (like coco betaine) will remove silicones, even if it is not a sulfate. I use CON a lot when I go back to curly, I just don’t use my shampoos with more natural ingredients, like the HnL Royal Rinse.
Elle, I just want to say thank you. I’m a medium/coarse-haired, low porosity natural who has been suffering for years…That is, until I happened upon you on YouTube and the video you did on hair porosity. It completely opened my eyes. I found the link to your blog and was thrilled that you make things so easy (with your Staple product list and links to product reviews). I’ve tried several of the products/mixtures you have mentioned above and your techniques and they have made a complete difference in the feel of my hair. It is now soft and moisturized. I could not be happier. Also, by the way, Mixed Chicks Kids Shampoo is a great shampoo too. In my opinion, it works like the Creme of Nature. I found both in a local BSS
)
Love the new disclaimer! You would think that would go without saying, but I guess it makes too much sense.
No I haven’t but I will definitely check it out. I feel like I’ve learned so much from you already so it should be very informative. Thanks!
I just subscribed to your YouTube channel & my last perm was this year February so I’m a transitioning newbie
I really like your videos and it has given me the courage to stick through this very long long journey! I think since I’m a newbie I’m addicted to new products and videos talking about natural hair so I was kinda glad to hear that it’s okay to have a lot of products to match my different moods. Anyway this list and your videos are really helpful so thankssss ! 
Hey! Welcome! Have you checked out transitioningmovement.com? I write for them, so obviously I’m biased,
but I think it’s a great site with info for transitioners.
thanks to you I have learned how to care for my natural hair. I was about to give up and start to flat iron my hair until i took the porosity test and learned that my hair was low porosity. Now I am using the right products and using steam on my hair. It looks great and is easy to manage. thanks to you now I can be a happy natural lady.
Good Morning! Thanks for the posts Elle! I have a question…I just cut off a whole lot of my natural hair because it is severely dry and damaged…I can’t seem to keep it moist. I am trying the curly girl method and things are a little bit better but my hair is still dry and still keeps breaking at the ends. I live in the Midwest and the humidity changes daily; Right now the dewpoint is 40…I have 4b hair in the front and 4c hair in the back. I am not willing to go to a hairstylist because I do not like how I am treated when I go. I would like to go to a salon and be treated as if I am “special” and typically I am treated like “cattle” lol…anywho…just wanted to get your opinion on possible solutions to my problem. I have provided a link so that you can see my head of hair…and since my April photo, I have cut my hair down to half the size because it is just soooo damaged…I want to retain length and right now it seems like I am stuck rocking a TWA!
Have you browsed the blog? There are several posts about dryness and breakage…I don’t know your routine so I cannot diagnose why your hair is breaking.
Hey Elle,
I had a quick question for you. I usually use ufd’s curly magic and a leave in (curl junkie beauticurls or oyin dew) for my wash and go, but lately I’ve noticed that I’ve been getting white flakes/lint on my hair after my hair dries. Do you ever have this problem and if so, how do you fix it?
Hey, do you use any types of grease or something to hydrate your scalp if so which products
No, grease does not hydrate your scalp. There are multiple posts about sealing vs. moisture on the blog.
i noticed you never did a review on the UFD curly magic…what are your thoughts on it? would u say it works similar to the CJ pattern pusha?
Hey Elle,
What’s your favorite detanlgler, as far as products go? Like Tresseme Naturals verses Ingredients to die for. I’m just looking for a good product with “slip for days.” I don’t detangle in the shower currently ( if that helps answer the question/ see where I’m coming from).
I just wanted to see what works on other Natural’s hair, to get a place to start. Thanks,
I can detangle with all of my conditioners, but the favorites are in the favorites video on this page.
Hi Elle! I’d like to ask, have you ever tried the Wen Hair care system? It’s basically a sulfate free shampoo (which they call a “cleansing conditioner’) and a deep conditioning treatment and then a whole bunch of styling products. I’ve been using it for a few months and it’s great for a wash and go! Since there are no sulfates, it doesn’t suds up and my hair doesn’t feel all brittle afterwards. Also, I have eczema in my scalp which makes my hair quite thin and this stuff is really helping my scalp! Normally I’d have to use some prescription ointment after shampooing to keep from getting all rashy (gross I know). But since I’ve been using Wen i haven’t had to use the prescription stuff at all…I take this as a good sign…if it’s good for my scalp, it’s probs good for my hair too?
If you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear your thoughts and any advice you might have!
Thanks!
AT
There’s a review of it on the blog!
Hey Elle,
I had a quick question for you. I usually use ufd’s curly magic and a leave in (curl junkie beauticurls or oyin dew) for my wash and go, but lately I’ve noticed that I’ve been getting white flakes/lint on my hair after my hair dries. Do you ever have this problem and if so, how do you fix it?
Thanks!
Hi Elle! You are my 2012 hair guru…no pressure lol. I LOVE your YT channel and the blog. Anywho, I just purchased a few items from the SheScentit sale (Jojoba Shampoo, Avocado Condish, Marshmallow Cream **<–I seriously only bought that for the smell, could care less about performance**, and the Coconut Condish in case you were curious). So I was going nuts over reviews to figure out which ones to buy and I was so distraught to see that my hair guru didn't have anything posted on this line. Is SheScentit something you don't eff with? Or have you just not tried their stuff? Thoughts? Thanks!!
k thanx
Elle how do you use fruit of the earth? For smoothing or as a styler? (or maybe both) just wondering
I use it just like I would use any other gel – I added the link to my AV gel post on the list.
Elle, you mentioned Flaxseed gel in one of your videos, do you make this or buy it ? If you make it do you have a video?Do you like it as well as Aloe Vera Gel?
I made it, but don’t have a video or post because I can’t get my recipe and consistency right. I was trying to perfect it so I could do a post, but I just can’t get it – it’s always too watery or too snotty. I like it’s performance better than AV gel but I have to use a ton if it’s too watery – AV gel is more consistent so I’d rather use that.
Hey Elle,
I just noticed that KCCC isn’t under your HG stylers anymore. This may very well be something I over looked before. But why was it removed, if you don’t mind me asking? I’ve never used it but then again I’ve never used a lot of gels.
It didn’t get removed, it’s on the Honorable Mention part now…I just have too many gels and KCCC is generally more expensive and I can get a lot of the other more natural gels on sale a lot.
My hair is to yours, long thick, colored and low porosity. What do you recommend for acheiving the best twist-outs? And which products?
Hey! I have a few twist out tutorials on the site that should be helpful to you.
Thanks! I will check that out, and you can delete my other post, i didnt realize this one went through
Hey Elle! Quick question, I have high porosity hair and nothing I’m doing is working. After about 2 hrs my hair looks like the sahara desert. I have tried moisturizing it when it wet and damp with a butter, leave in, or products with emulsions but none have worked and my curls end up frizzy and not very curly.
Have you tried doing acidic rinses after conditioning (like green tea or ACV) in order to close your cuticle? Also, frizzy hair does not necessarily mean dry hair…does your hair feel dry or you just don’t like the look of it?
Both, my hair feel dry and the root of my hair will not curl like my ends unless it is soak and wet
I’d try an ACV rinse (I have a blog on it), but generally, your ends get drier, not your roots. I would stop concentrating on the curl for a bit and get your hair feeling better first.
Ok thanks a bunch
Hi, I just bought the IC gel and blue eco styler and Shea Moisture Black treatment, and I just tried the IC… love it.. I will be buying everything on your list, my hair is just like yours… and I am a new subscriber, I will big chop soon and tried the IC on test patches as I am so scared that I will look like runaway slave… lord jesus.. thanks you so muck… please tell Marsha from Curl Junkie to send you products and make you a spokesmodel.. Love your videos.. Thanks
PLEASE don’t buy everything on my list!! I am glad you like the videos, but make sure you know your hair’s porosity and texture – even if a gel works for you, other products may not (IC actually works for a variety of hair textures). Your hair may also look and act different once you big chop. And no one with natural hair looks like a runaway slave…I know that was a joke but…
thanks for this list! is there a reason why JBCO shampoo was removed? I tried to do a search on your blog, but nothing came up. thanks!
No, there was nothing wrong with it – I just have staples I can buy on the ground and when it was removed I did not have the HM list.
Hi Elle,
I may have missed this post, but do you list the products on the Holy Grail list in any particular order. Like: do you like CJ Rehab better than CJ Beauticurls Argan and Olive Oil Conditioner as a leave-in? I’m ordering from CJ for the first time and want to see the best leave in to pair with AV gel or the KMF Upper Management Gel ( to get soft curls with hold). Thanks,
No, there is no particular order. I like to rotate products and they are all great choices (for me).
Ok, no problemo on the list, like I said earlier–it’s your list lol. I actually called my friend who is a biochemist to check before I posted my last comment so that’s my “source” if you want to call her that. She also said that if needed one can email Tonya, the NC Curl Chemist because she specializes in polymeric chemistry. She might have an answer for you as to why it is listed the way it is. Take care.
I did look at these ingredients before I originally commented, and you are correct. My reference to butylene glycol (also a humectant) was an error (was rushing to do something else and flipping between here and the HR site), but glyceryl polymethacrylate (polymethacrylic acid) and glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer are the same things. Humectants and the polymers are regularly merged together to control the viscosity of the product, so even though they may have made some mild adjustments, it’s likely not enough to notice it in performance. In reading what Jess reported, their change was to remove phthalates and replace with alternatives. In commenting I just hoped to point out the possibility that the changes wouldn’t warrant complete removal from your HG list (though of course that is your choice lol) if the overall product worked the exact same. Although it ideally shouldn’t be the case, I can see a lot of people coming to your list and ditching the product just because of the parenthetical notation you put next to it. I do look forward to hearing about your results if you do indeed try the new one. Regards.
The product has been taken off of the list simply because I haven’t tried the new formula, and I can’t have a product on there that I have not tried. If I tried it, and it worked the same, I would put it back on there (well, I actually might not, because I do still think they added glycerin on its own and I’m not really looking for anymore stylers with glycerin). Like I said previously, they did also move the BG, which yes, is a humectant, and that may also affect performance. When I initially purchased the product, I knew that glyceryl polymethacrylate was derived from glycerin, but since had been altered, it may also affect hair differently than using straight glycerin (similar to how hydrolyzed proteins are different than non-hydrolyzed). I am also not so sure that the other two ingredients are the same either – I can’t find anything placing them together and in the ingredients directories I use, they list them for different uses. Furthermore, the ingredients lists I found list both of them several times…if they are the same thing, why would a company list them both? I’m not a chemist (and never claimed to be), but that doesn’t make any sense to me. Do you have a source? Either way, a glycerin-derived ingredient is still in the list, so why would they then list glycerin as well when the all-inclusive ingredient is in there? That also makes no sense.
Elle, I don’t think Hair Rules Curly Whip was re-formulated. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed but a lot of companies have had to modify their ingredients lists recently to comply with government regulations (Oyin is one company I can think of off the top of my head), and had to break down any compounded solutions in their product listing. So all that to say, I think CW always had glycerin in it but it was “cross-polymerized” (my word!) with the glyceral acetate and butylene glycol, and they just had to spell out (so to speak) for the feds what “glyceral polymethylacrylate” is. I am still on an old bottle so I haven’t tried it for myself, but I seriously doubt Dickey would re-formulate his star product like that and not say anything. Take care.
Hmmm…I did a bit more research but I actually don’t think they are the same thing. Yes, I’ve seen several companies have to use INCI names but glyceryl polymethacrylate is an INCI ingredient already – also, it’s glycerin + polymethacrylic acid. Butylene glycol was also formerly lower on the ingredients list, and now it’s fourth. A lot of bigger companies change ingredients all the time and don’t alert customers about it, so I’m not disappointed in Hair Rules or anything like that – I just think that my review is no longer accurate. Check out the ingredients below – there are certainly a few things with the same names that have switched positions in the listing as well (not just adding ingredients in between which I agree with you in that those kind of switches can be the result of expanding to INCI). However, you do make me curious to see how similar they are in performance. I have a full bottle of the old one – maybe I will get another bottle and compare.
Old Ingredients:
Ingredients: water, glyceryl polymethacrylate, crambe abyssinica seed oil, honey, hedychium, coronarium root extract, cymbopogon shoenanthus extract, humulus lupulus extract, coix lacryma-jobi seed extract, PEG-12 dimethicone, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, triethanolamine, carbomer, benzophenone-4, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, fragrance, disodium EDTA, DMDM hydantonin, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate
New Ingredients:
water (aqua), glycerin, glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, butylene glycol, crambe abyssinica seed oil, honey (mel), hedychium coronarium root (hawaiian ginger) extract, cymbopogon schoenanthus (lemongrass) extract, humulus lupulus (hops) extract, coix lacryma-jobi (job’s tears) seed extract, PEG-12 dimethicone, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, benzophenone-4, carbomer, disodium EDTA, triethanolamine, DMDM hydantoin, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, phenoxyethanol, fragrance (parfum)
After writing all of this (lol), I realized that Jess contacted the company and they did confirm that they changed some things. I may still try the new one though.
Have you ever tried the Bee Mine dc?
Hey Elle,
Have you ever tried UFD’s good hair? I love their curly magic, but wanted to read some reviews about it before I tried it.
I have, it was okay…funnily enough, I didn’t like it paired with the Curly Magic.
I just want to say thank you very much for all your reviews and this holy grail list. Of the products I’ve tried so far on the list, you have not steered me wrong especially now that I’m taking into consideration dew points (no glycerin for me in humid, high dew point S FL). I finally feel as if I’m mastering the washngo style @ 15 months natural. Thank you for helping me to feel excited about my hair again.
Hey Elle,
While I was at target I saw this product and thought about you, its Curly Q’s Red Velvet moisturizing curl cream…I opened it and it smells like a red velvet cake (yum), have you heard of this product? I know you are on a no buy right now but are you on a no gift too?
I’ve used it and have a review of it! It was only okay.
Where can I buy Nature’s Organic Care Dry Shampoo. I went on the website but it didn’t provide details for purchasing its products in the US.
I don’t know what that is.
The site says only in Australia
so if you know someone down under they could get it for you
Where can I purchase the Shea Moisture original leave-in?
The link for purchase is provided in the review.
Hi, I bought the Ingredients To Die For 7lb deep conditioner. I was wondering if storage under my sink is sufficient or do you recommend putting it in the fridge?
I always put my “reserves” in the fridge, but it’s a personal preference. It would be best to contact the company with questions on storing.
I copied and pasted the response, but I assumed she meant phthalates when I read it.
I should add that I want to hear or read your comments on it. You obviously like it if it’s on your HG list.
Is UFD Curly Magic review still coming? I’ve seen other reviews on YouTube, but I’m most interested in your opinion before I buy.
Hi Elle,
Have you purchased Hair Rules Curly Whip recently? I really like it and have been using the same 16 oz bottle for the past 4 months or so. I went to the Hair Rules website to purchase a back up and noticed the online ingredients lists glycerin as the second ingredient. On my bottle, glycerin is not in the ingredients list at all. Glyceryl polymethacrylate is the second ingredient (looked it up on a couple cosmetic websites an still not sure what this stuff is lol). All this to say, I’m a little scared to repurchase the Curly Whip now because if they’ve added glycerin to their formula that’ll will extremely problematic for my hair considering that I live in a really humid climate. Any feedback will help! Happy Friday!
Wow! No, I haven’t bought it since I last bought multiple 16oz bottles, I still have one left. I would contact them about it. I see the glycerin on their site and I don’t believe that was there before, because the main reason I liked it was b/c it didn’t have glycerin.
Yea that’s the main reason I like it too. I’m always looking for glycerin free stylers, so I will definitely contact them before I repurchase. Thx for the feedback.
Update on the Curly Whip:
I contacted the company, asking them if they had made any recent changes the product formulation for the Curly Whip, and here is their response in full:
“We made some slight changes recently to eliminate Phtlates. Since we have a blended inventory, the website listing reflects the latest listing from our lab.”
So with that said, I won’t be repurchasing the Curly Whip…glycerin is way to high on that ingredients list for my hair/climate.
Whoaaaa…meaning phthalates?? Those were in the formula before? If so, those can be harmful. Welp, thanks for letting me know. I def need to remove it from the HM list now. I love it when my readers keep me in the know.
Elle dear you are better then me –tho you are probably nagged more– I just have no desire to keep updating my HG list. I was just telling myself I need to get back on it. I do want to thank you {i know I said it before} because although our hair isn’t similar in it’s properties your reviews are thorough and help me make educated decisions on what products to use on my hair that I will get the best results with. You are appreciated.
Hah! Updating the list isn’t the issue, it doesn’t even change that much. The issue comes when people continuously ask me what my favorite shampoo/condish/gel/etc is….when I’ve spent all the time listing them out here and linking their reviews. No ma’am, Elle doesn’t play that.
I know you said you won’t be doing videos for a while, but when you do please review the donna marie hair whip!!
It’s definitely on my list of products to review. Keep in mind, that list is rather long, lol, so please be patient.
Haha, yes Elle