CurlSmith has quickly become a favorite among the curly girl community for their clean, vegan formulas that promise to hydrate thirsty curls. With clever product names like Curl Defining Souffle and Quenching Conditioner, over 200k Instagram followers, and shelf space at popular retailers like Sephora and Ulta, they‘ve developed quite the cult following.
But do the results live up to the clever branding and social media hype? I tested their most popular products on my 3A curls to find out. Keep reading for an honest review of whether these spendy products are actually worth it.
About the Brand
CurlSmith was founded in 2018 by Michal Berski in response to requests for product recommendations from the curly community he built on social media.
Frustrated by the lack of clean, non-toxic options for curls, Michal set out to develop high-performing formulas free from sulfates, silicones, and other nasty ingredients. The brand quickly took off, winning best new styler at the 2018 Marie Claire Hair Awards.
Here are a few things that set them apart:
- Cruelty-free, vegan, clean formulas
- Hair quiz to match products to your curl type
- Generous range of sizes so you can try before committing
- Carbon neutral shipping and eco-friendly packaging
- Payment plans available
While the unique formulas cater predominantly to curly hair, many products can also be used on straight and wavy hair.
Next, let‘s look at the most popular items in their lineup.
Curl Defining Souffle Review
The Curl Defining Souffle took home the top prize at the Marie Claire Awards, so I had high hopes for this raved about curl cream.
The Good
- Lightweight jelly-cream formula isn‘t stiff or crunchy like gels
- Soft, flexible hold that doesn‘t dry out hair
- Babassu oil helps condition and prevent dryness
- Enhanced definition without rigidity or hardness
- Lasted 3 full days before needing to refresh
The Bad
- Left a slight sticky residue on day 1 (not noticeable by day 2)
- Have to scrunch out the cast once dry
This is an excellent curl definer that lives up to its name. It‘s now a staple product I keep on hand.
However, the $29 price tag is steep for only 6 oz. I suggest getting the 2 oz size around $12 to start. A little goes a long way so the smaller bottle ended up lasting me nearly 3 months!
Suggested Use: Style damp hair in sections, scrunch to form cast, then break cast once fully dry. Reapply to refresh.
Lastability: 3+ days
Cost Per Use: Approximately $1
Bonding Oil Review
I‘m always on the hunt for products that boost shine without weighing my fine strands down. The Bonding Oil promises lightweight conditioning and frizz control with ingredients like apricot oil and vegan keratin.
The Good
- Made my curls ultra soft and shiny
- Cut down on frizz without greasiness
- Light tropical scent but not overpowering
- Smoothed flyaways and added definition
The Bad
- Bottle leaked during shipping
- $29 for 2 oz seems excessive
A little goes a very long way with this oil – I only need 2-3 drops for my whole head! It gives me shiny, defined curls without any oil buildup or limpness.
I love using this on dry hair to prep for a night out. However, I wish it came in a bigger bottle for the price. I won‘t be repurchasing once I run out given how long the small bottle lasts.
Suggested Use: Warm between hands then smooth over finished style focusing on ends
Lastability: Used daily or as needed
Cost Per Use: Around $0.30 if used daily
Curl Quenching Conditioner Review
This unique conditioning shampoo aims to cleanse hair without stripping essential oils. The formula includes moisturizing ingredients like sunflower oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and avocado oil.
I typically avoid sulfate-free shampoos since they leave buildup that weighs my hair down over time. But this one provides a thorough cleanse while keeping my curls bouncy.
The Good
- Light lather cleanses effectively without drying
- Leaves hair soft and shiny
- Great slip for easy detangling
- No buildup over time
The Bad
- Took 2 rounds of shampooing to fully cleanse
- Pricey for a basic shampoo
While I enjoyed this gentle shampoo, I found the $18 price tag far too high for what it is. Drugstore brands offer similar cleansers at a fraction of the cost.
Unless you have color-treated or extremely dry hair, I‘d suggest trying something like Kristen Ess The One Shampoo for a more budget-friendly option.
Suggested Use: Work into wet hair, let sit while washing body, then rinse
Lastability: Until next wash
Cost Per Use: Around $0.90 (if used once per week)
Hair Makeup Review
These fun semi-permanent hair colors allow you to test drive a new hue without long term commitment. The formula acts as a styling product while adding vibrant color that washes out in one shampoo.
It‘s ideal for holidays, parties, costumes, or just beating boredom with your natural color. They‘re even safe enough for kids!
I tried the Rose Gold shade to give my dark blonde hair a pastel paint job.
The Good
- Intensely pigmented formula shows up on any shade
- No harsh chemicals – gentle enough for kids!
- No staining on hands, skin or shower
- Lasted 5 full days before fading
- Removed easily in one wash
The Bad
- Brighter and more neon than the website photos
- Can dry hair out if used too frequently
- The 3 oz bottle is small for the $20 price tag
While fun, I found the color payoff to be almost too intense for what I was going for. I expected a soft rose shade but the final effect was neon pink.
I suggest doing a patch test first to ensure you like the actual color result before coating all your hair. At $20 for 3 oz, I can‘t see myself repurchasing given how long the small bottle lasted.
Suggested Use: Smooth onto damp, freshly washed hair. Air dry or diffuse. Scrunch once dry then enjoy 5-7 days of customizable color.
Lastability: 5-7 days
Cost Per Use: Approximately $4 dollars per use
Are CurlSmith Products Worth It?
CurlSmith uses high quality botanical ingredients tailored to curls‘ unique needs. For the most part, their products deliver smooth, frizz-free, touchable curls just as promised.
However, with most items priced over $20 for a few ounces, the cost can add up quickly. Someone with long, thick hair may not find the small bottles worthwhile.
Here‘s my verdict on whether CurlSmith is worth the investment:
Yes if you have fine, color-treated or high maintenance curls. The nourishing ingredients and customized formulas make a visible difference on parched strands. Consider signing up for their payment plan if the prices seem out of reach.
Maybe if you have average thickness, medium-textured curls. I found the basic shampoo and conditioner far too costly compared to salon alternatives that offer similar results. However specialty items like the Souffle and Hair Makeup provide good value.
No if you have easy-to-manage curls or straightened styles. Those with loose waves or who heat style frequently won‘t see enough benefit to justify the premium costs. Stick to more affordable drugstore finds instead.
One thing I applaud CurlSmith for is their commitment to ethical business practices – from eco-friendly shipping materials to becoming a Certified B Corp. So while their products come at luxury price points, you can feel good about where your money goes.
I hope this honest review helps you decide if CurlSmith is a good match for your hair! Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions.
