DevaCurl Curly Hair Review: My Honest Thoughts on This Cult-Favorite Brand

Hey there, curl friend! If you‘ve been blessed with naturally curly hair like me, you know that finding the right products can be a total game-changer. So today, I want to dive deep into one of the most talked-about brands in the curly community: DevaCurl.

In this super detailed DevaCurl curly hair review, I‘m sharing everything you need to know about the brand—from the story behind it to my personal experience with the products. I‘ll also be spilling the tea on some of the controversies DevaCurl has faced in recent years (and how the brand is bouncing back).

My goal? To help you decide if DevaCurl is worth the hype for YOUR unique curl needs. So grab a cup of coffee and let‘s get into it!

Why I Decided to Try DevaCurl

First, a little background on my curl journey. Like a lot of curly girls, I spent years fighting my natural texture. I straightened, I gelled, I scrunched with mousses that left my hair feeling crunchy and gross. Nothing really gave me the soft, defined curls I wanted.

Then, I discovered the Curly Girl Method (CGM). Created by DevaCurl founder Lorraine Massey, CGM is all about embracing your natural texture and nourishing curls with gentle, sulfate-free products. The before-and-afters spoke for themselves, so I decided to give it a shot.

At the time, DevaCurl was the most accessible CGM-approved brand, so I started with a few of their core products. And let me tell you, the hype is real! My curls have never looked or felt better since making the switch to DevaCurl.

But I know results can vary, and there‘s been some mixed feedback about the brand in recent years. So I‘m here to give you my unfiltered thoughts on all things DevaCurl. Let‘s jump in!

DevaCurl 101: The Brand Behind the Curls

Founded in 1994 by curly hair expert Lorraine Massey, DevaCurl is one of the OG brands for textured hair. Massey started out as a stylist in NYC, where she noticed a huge gap in the market for curly hair products. So she developed her own techniques and formulas to help her clients embrace their natural texture.

The brand really took off after the launch of Massey‘s best-selling book, Curly Girl: The Handbook, in 2001. This curl bible introduced the masses to the Curly Girl Method and put DevaCurl on the map as the go-to brand for curls.

Since then, DevaCurl has expanded to include a full range of products for every step of your routine, from cleansers and conditioners to styling products and tools. The formulas are all sulfate-free, silicone-free, and packed with nourishing, curl-loving ingredients like oils and botanical extracts.

Curl type is a big focus for the brand, and they offer different product lines for waves, curls, and coils. They also have a handy curl quiz on their website to help you find the right products for your specific texture and concerns.

My DevaCurl Favorites

Over the years I‘ve tried almost everything from DevaCurl, so I definitely have some ride-or-die status products. Here are the ones that have earned a permanent spot in my routine:

No-Poo Original

This is the product that started it all for me! It‘s a sulfate-free, non-lathering cleanser that gently removes buildup without stripping moisture. I love the tingly peppermint sensation and how soft and clean my curls feel after using it.

One Condition Original

I pair the No-Poo with this rich and creamy conditioner to detangle and hydrate my curls. It has slip for days and leaves my hair so silky and shiny. I‘ve tried other DevaCurl conditioners but always come back to this one.

Ultra Defining Gel

I‘ve tried a LOT of gels over the years, and this one from DevaCurl is by far my favorite. It gives me incredible definition and hold without any crunch. I apply it in soaking wet hair, dry with the DevaDryer and DevaFuser, and scrunch out the cast for soft, bouncy curls that last for days.

Heaven in Hair

This deep conditioning mask is a total curl savior, especially when my hair is feeling extra dry or damaged. I use it once a week in place of my regular conditioner, and it always brings my curls back to life. It smells amazing too!

Melt Into Moisture

If Heaven in Hair is a little too heavy for you, the new Melt Into Moisture mask is a great option. It‘s packed with matcha butter, beet root extract and sweet almond oil to intensely hydrate without weighing your curls down. I love using this one in the summer when my hair needs a moisture boost but I don‘t want it to feel greasy.

Wave Maker

For my wavy-haired friends, this light lotion is such a gem! It enhances your natural wave pattern, tames frizz and adds the perfect amount of texture and body. It layers really nicely under the Ultra Defining Gel too.

Other DevaCurl Products to Try

While I have my core favorites, DevaCurl is always coming out with innovative new products to help you get your best curls ever. Here are a few other standouts worth checking out:

• No-Poo Decadence: A super rich, moisturizing cleanser ideal for dry, super curly hair
• Wash Day Wonder: A pre-cleanse mask that gently removes product buildup
• B‘Leave-In Miracle Curl Plumper: A volumizing leave-in that adds body and definition
• Flexible Hold Hairspray: A non-drying, flake-free hairspray that leaves curls soft and touchable

The brand also makes a handful of styling tools, like their Microfiber Towel, DevaFuser attachment, and new Double-Ended Curl Definer wand.

What‘s Your Curl Type?

One thing I love about DevaCurl is how they cater to all different curl types. But with so many options, it can be tricky to know where to start. That‘s where your curl type comes in!

Curl types are categorized on a scale from 2-4, with 2 being waviest and 4 being curliest/coiliest:

• 2A: Fine, thin waves
• 2B: Medium, defined waves
• 2C: Thick, coarse waves
• 3A: Loose, springy curls
• 3B: Medium, spiral curls
• 3C: Tight, corkscrew curls
• 4A: Dense, kinky coils
• 4B: Tightly coiled, less defined curls
• 4C: Tightly coiled, fragile curls

To find your curl type, look at your hair when it‘s wet and product-free. You can also refer to the countless curl type charts and quizzes online. Once you know your curl type, you can start to narrow down which DevaCurl products will work best for you!

DevaCurl Tips From a Long-Time Fan

I‘ve been using DevaCurl for years now, so I‘ve picked up some tips and tricks along the way. Here are my top suggestions for getting the most out of these products:

• Always detangle wet hair with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. This helps prevent breakage and preserves your curl clumps.

• Apply your products to soaking wet hair. This helps distribute them evenly and really lock in moisture. I like to use a spray bottle to keep my hair damp as I style.

• Don‘t be afraid to experiment with different application methods. Some people prefer raking, others like to prayer hands or scrunch. Try out different techniques to see what gives you the best results!

• Clarify your hair regularly. Product and hard water buildup can make your curls look dull and weighed down over time. Use a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo (DevaCurl makes a great one called Buildup Buster) every few weeks to remove excess gunk and restore bounce.

• Sleep on a satin pillowcase or with a satin bonnet. Cotton pillowcases can rough up the cuticle and cause frizz, especially if you have damaged or color-treated curls. Switching to a satin pillowcase makes a huge difference in maintaining smooth, defined curls between washes.

• Only detangle and style your hair when it‘s wet. Manipulating dry curls can lead to frizz and breakage, so avoid touching your hair too much once it‘s dry. If you need to refresh, use a spray bottle to dampen your curls before applying more product.

Addressing the DevaCurl Controversy

In early 2020, DevaCurl came under fire after a number of people claimed the products caused scalp irritation and hair loss. The brand has vehemently denied these allegations and says extensive testing on their products has shown no evidence of them causing harm.

It‘s important to note that everyone‘s skin and hair reacts differently to products, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you experience a bad reaction to DevaCurl (or any hair product), stop use immediately.

Personally, I‘ve never had any issues with DevaCurl in all the years I‘ve been using the products. I actually credit them with helping me achieve my healthiest curls ever! But I know that‘s not the case for everyone.

At the end of the day, you have to do what‘s best for your own hair. If you‘re new to DevaCurl or have had issues with the products in the past, I recommend doing a patch test before applying anything to your whole head. You can also start with just one product at a time to see how your scalp and hair responds.

The Bottom Line

DevaCurl isn‘t perfect. No brand is! But I truly believe they offer some of the best products out there for curly hair. The No-Poo Original and Ultra Defining Gel are holy grail status for me, and I know I‘m not alone in that.

Of course, what works for my 3A curls may not be right for your waves or coils. But that‘s the beauty of DevaCurl—they have options for everyone! It may take some trial and error to find your perfect routine, but the results are so worth it.

So if you‘re a curly girl who‘s ready to embrace your natural texture, I can‘t recommend DevaCurl enough. With the right products and techniques, you‘ll be on your way to the bouncy, healthy, defined curls of your dreams. Trust me, your hair will thank you!