About Maui Moisture
Maui Moisture is a popular hair care brand catering specifically to people with curly, coily and wavy hair textures. Founded in 1996 by hairstylist Todd Christopher, the brand draws inspiration from the lush, natural ingredients found on the Hawaiian islands to formulate their products.
Based in New Jersey but with a relaxed Hawaiian vibe, Maui Moisture aims to provide effective yet affordable hair solutions made from ingredients like aloe vera, coconut and macadamia oils. Their collection includes shampoos, conditioners, hair masks and styling products sold online and at major retailers.
I decided to test out and review several Maui Moisture products over the last few months. Keep reading for my complete brand review including a deep dive on ingredients, analysis of best selling items, how their products performed on my 3B curly hair and tips for using them.
A Review of Key Maui Moisture Ingredients
What sets Maui Moisture apart is their use of botanical, naturally-derived ingredients. Here‘s an overview of some key components and why they‘re beneficial for curly and coily textures:
Aloe Vera: Found in shampoos and masks. Contains enzymes and polysaccharides that enhance moisture retention in hair. Also has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe scalp issues.
Coconut Oil: Deeply moisturizing fatty acids that protect hair protein structure. Shown in studies to reduce protein loss leading to stronger strands.
Shea Butter: Rich in vitamins A and E. Excellent emollient improves hair elasticity and hydration levels.
Hibiscus Flower Extract: Powerful antioxidant promotes thicker, faster hair growth and scalp circulation.
Bamboo Fiber: Plant-derived volumizer creates fuller looking curls without heaviness or residue.
By relying on botanical ingredients, Maui ensures their products nourish hair without parabens, sulfates, silicones and other harsh additives. Now let‘s explore my experience using their top sellers firsthand.
Testing Maui‘s Best Selling Formulas On My Hair
I tried four of Maui‘s most popular items suited for curly and coily hair types like mine. Here‘s how each fared:
Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Shampoo
Key Features: Aloe vera, macadamia oil, shea butter. For very dry, brittle hair.
This ultra-rich cream cleanser gave my parched curls new life. The lush lather felt gentle yet my strands emerged touchably soft, detangled and defined instead of frizzy. Leaves hair bouncy without residue or heaviness. Love the light tropical scent too.
My Rating: 5/5
Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Conditioner
Key Features: Coconut oil, plumeria flower, silk protein. For extra dry curly hair.
True to its name, the thick conditioning cream provides major quenching power. I piled it on my ends after shampooing and my ringlets turned buttery soft and smooth. Cuts frizz, adds shine and makes styling easier without weighing down my fine strands.
My Rating: 5/5
Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum
Key Features: Coconut oil, macadamia oil, bamboo extract. For split ends and breakage.
I‘ll admit I was skeptical a serum could help strengthen my snap-prone ends but this impressed me. A little goes a long way to mend splits while softening and untangling the entire length without greasiness. Less breakage already and coils have more elasticity.
My Rating: 4.5/5
Curl Smoothie Curl Defining Cream
Key Features: Papaya extract, coconut oil, neem oil. For frizz control and definition.
My wash-and-go‘s don‘t usually turn out so defined and frizz-free. But smoothing a bit of this nourishing cream enhanced my coils without crunchy gel hardness. Dries soft with a touchable feel. The lightweight tropical scent is heavenly too!
My Rating: 5/5
How to Use Maui Moisture for Best Results
Like any hair products, proper usage is key! Here are my tips:
- Start by clarifying buildup then washing with their shampoo for your hair type
- Apply conditioner mid-lengths to ends, detangle gently and leave on for 3-5 mins
- Rinse then follow with targeted treatments like masks or serums as needed
- Emulsify a small amount of styler cream in hands then scrunch into damp hair
- Air dry or diffuse gently – don‘t touch until completely dry!
- Pineapple curls at night; clarify weekly for optimal results
Have patience adjusting to any new routine but stick with it. You should notice a real difference in moisture, shine and texture within 4-6 weeks.
Who Should Use Maui Moisture?
If you have:
- Dry, brittle curls or coils
- Thick, dense hair that needs lightweight moisture
- Frizz prone waves and curls
- Heat or chemical damage in need of repair
- Slow growing hair needing a boost
Then Maui Moisture offers effective, affordable solutions made for your texture‘s needs.
Who Shouldn‘t Use Maui Moisture?
Those with:
- Very fine or limp hair that needs volume
- Oily hair or scalp prone to buildup
- Synthetic color treated hair; not clarifying enough
- Severely damaged hair better served by professional products
- Straight hair textures with little porosity
May find the products too heavy and moisturizing for their needs.
What the Experts Say
Hairstylists praise the brand‘s smart ingredient formulations catered specifically for curly types. The use of natural oils and butters to provide real hydration without silicones or waxes is favorable.
Many also recommend Maui‘s formulas for protective styling needs like braids or weaves. The amino acid rich elements nourish the scalp and lengths to counter dryness from extended wearing.
In an industry crowded with "curly hair solutions" the experts agree Maui lives up to providing affordable, effective options for these textures. Products avoid overt protein or unsuitable oils that may further dry out certain hair types.
Top 3 Maui Moisture Alternatives
Maui Moisture touts impressive Amazon reviews but isn‘t for everyone. Here are my top three curly hair recommendations if their products don‘t work for you:
1. Design Essentials
Salon brand with lines addressing hydration, curl definition, volume and more for all textures. Higher price point but very effective.
2. Camille Rose Naturals
Specializes in moisture-rich formulas free of toxic additives. Great for type 4 hair and afro textures.
3. SheaMoisture
Another drugstore natural brand with ranges catering to specific needs like retention and growth. Affordable prices.
No two heads of hair are alike. But hopefully exploring specialty brands designed with curly folks in mind helps you find what works best!
Thousands of Rave Maui Moisture Reviews
People clearly love Maui‘s effective affordable formulas. Their shampoos and stylers average a glowing five star rating across major retailers like Ulta and Amazon.
Specific praise calls out the brand‘s ability to deliver real hydration and nourishment without silicones, parabens and sulfates. Many state they finally achieved consistently defined, frizz-free curls after trying the products.
Others dealing with damage from years of chemical straightening or heat styling credit the formulas for restoring their hair. Common descriptions include "miracle formulas" and "holy grail products" amongst five star reviews.
Critical feedback seems relatively minor. Some feel the portion sizes could be larger for the cost. Others warn trying too many products simultaneously may cause buildup on fine or oil prone hair.
But the vast majority of satisfied customers have found their ride or die regimen among the Maui collections. Consistent satisfaction across the board indicates products live up to their claims for most.
Is Maui Moisture Worth the Cost?
For under $10 per standard size bottle, Maui delivers. Ingredients like shea butter, coconut and aloe would cost far more from prestige brands. And they perform beautifully to heal, soften and define thirsty curls.
The brand also doesn‘t indulge fad ingredients without evidence. Formulas specifically target needs like hydration, growth and curl enhancement. This focus results in regimens that truly work for curly types.
If you‘ve paid more for drugstore brands with lots of unhelpful fillers, Maui is worth a try. The smaller company attention to texture-specific needs shines through. Satisfied converts would argue the reasonable cost yields outsized impact.
Where You Can Purchase
Maui Moisture sells through major beauty retailers online or in store including:
- Ulta
- Target
- Walmart
- Sally Beauty
- Walgreens
Occasional sales do pop up so search around! But standard pricing stays affordable for most budgets year round.
Common Maui Moisture Questions
Still have questions about the brand or their products? See the answers to these frequently asked questions below:
What company owns Maui Moisture?
Beauty giant Unilever acquired the brand in 2018 though it still operates as a stand alone company.
Are the products actually free of bad stuff like sulfates and silicones?
Yes – all items clearly list formulas on packaging and online. None contain harsh additives.
Can the products be used on kids?
Yes the gentle ingredients and fragrances make the brand suitable and safe for children.
Do the formulas contain protein or bond builders?
Some do for strengthening but they specify when protein has been added.
Can straight haired or relaxed folks use the products?
Yes anyone can benefit from the nourishing botanical ingredients. But those with curly hair textures will benefit most.
Are the products vegan and cruelty free?
Yes, Maui never tests on animals and no formulas contain animal derived ingredients.
Is there a subscription model for regular orders?
No auto-delivery model currently but some retailers offer Subscribe & Save options for periodic orders.
I hope this comprehensive Maui Moisture review gave you all the details needed to decide if it‘s a good match for your curls! Have you tried the brand too? Share your thoughts in comments.
