Want a list of approved UK products so that you can make easier decisions when finding products to use for the Curly Girl Method? You got it.
Does the UK have many Curly Girl Friendly products to choose from?
Absolutely!
There are many UK products that can be used on the Curly Girl Method. These range from budget conditioners and gels from drugstores such as Boots and Superdrug. You can also buy high-end products from brands such as Umberto Giannini and Cantu.
Choosing The Right Products
When I first started my Curly Girl journey, I found it quite overwhelming to say the least. I didn’t know which products to use or where to buy them. I certainly didn’t understand which ingredients to avoid.
Like many others, I sought help from online communities and began hoarding products that I quite frankly didn’t need.
See, what I didn’t understand at the time, is that just because a product works for one person, there’s no guarantee it will work for me.
I soon found out that it doesn’t have to be expensive to follow the Curly Girl Method. In my personal opinion, your goal should be to only use 2 or 3 products.
Using the wrong products or even too many products can cause your hair to turn dry, frizzy, or even damage it further.
Therefore, before you start hunting for the holy grail of CGM products, I would recommend figuring out your hair type first. This is so that you can buy the products that are just right for you.
Click here to skip straight to the products.
Your Curl Pattern
Firstly, you’d want to figure out your curl pattern. This one should be fairly easy.
Following the Andre Walker system, your is either straight, wavy, curly or kinky:
Using this guide, you can very quickly determine whether you’re a wavy 2b or a curly 3c.
Your Porosity Type
The second thing to figure out is your hair porosity type.
Now hair porosity has to do with how well your hair absorbs moisture. If your hair seems to soak up water and hair products easily, you most likely have high porosity hair.
If your hair seems to repel water, you have low porosity hair:
Your hair porosity type is essentially determined by how raised your hair cuticles are and these could be affected by a number of things.
This includes genetics, chemical treatments or how damaged your hair is.
So which products to choose?
I would recommend that if you have low porosity hair that you go for hydrating and moisturizing products.
If you have high porosity hair, try to add protein products into your routine. Protein is an essential part of the integral structure of hair, and high porosity hair can often be a sign that you have experienced damage from heat appliances or chemical treatments.
Using protein products could help combat further damage to your hair.
Ingredients To Avoid On The Curly Girl Method
The chemicals we want to avoid on the Curly Girl Method are:
- Sulphates (SLS’s)
- Silicone
- Waxes
- Drying alcohols
These chemicals can be found in most shampoos and conditioners and can actively contribute towards damaging your hair.
Sulphate
Sulphate is the lathering agent in shampoo which causes the product to create bubbles and gives you that squeaky clean feel.
Sulphates strip your hair of its essential oils, causing your hair to become dry and frizzy.
Furthermore, the lack of oils encourages your scalp to produce even more oil, contributing to building up and greasy hair.
Silicone
Silicone can be found in some shampoos but mainly in regular conditioners. The silicone acts as a film around each hair strand and embalms the follicles.
This prevents moisture from penetrating your hair, causing dehydrating which in turn causes frizz.
Silicone is also not water-soluble and is only removed with, you guessed it, sulphates!
A regular shampoo and conditioner routine can, therefore, in the long run, prove to be quite damaging to curly hair.
Waxes
Waxes are heavy and will weigh down your hair. Like silicone, they also coat the hair strands and will prevent moisture from entering and thus cause your hair to become dry.
Drying alcohols will dry out your hair. Simple as that.
There are some non-drying alcohols such as aminomethyl propanol, Cetearyl alcohol and benzyl alcohol which are safe to use.
If you are ever in doubt about the ingredients of a specific product, I would recommend you use curlsbot.com to identify them.
Curly Girl Method Approved UK Products
Please remember that Curly Girl ‘approved means the same as Curly Girl ‘friendly’.
All of the products we buy in stores are made by different brands and with different ingredients, but none of them are ‘officially’ approved because the method doesn’t dictate any specific product.
‘Approved’ or ‘Curly Girl friendly’ simply means that these products do not contain any of the ‘bad’ ingredients listed by Lorraine Massey in her book, Curly Girl – The handbook and that they are completely safe to use.
If you need further information on how to follow the Curly Girl Method, I have created an easy-to-follow Curly Girl Method step-by-step guide which will take you through it.
Now, to the Curly Girl approved UK products.
I have divided the products into the following categories:
Conditioners
Deep Conditioners
Cleansers
Gels
Other Styling Products
The Curly Girl Method ‘technically’ doesn’t recommend the use of shampoo. However, many Curly Girls choose to use a clarifying shampoo once every month to get rid of build-up.
These are still silicone, sulphate and alcohol free so won’t harm your hair at all.
For some, co-washing is just not possible due to either work, disabilities or sensitive skin.
It is completely a personal choice and you’re free to do whatever you want. Remember, at the end of the day, the CG Method should help you, not make things worse.
I’m not going to cover shampoo in this post, but definitely check out my 2020 top recommended Curly Girl friendly shampoos.
Below you will find a few of my personal favourite, as well as a list of all the UK approved Curly Girl Method products I have been able to find.
Please note the list below is not exhaustive as I am constantly adding to it, but this is a great selection of the best and most popular choices.
The list includes cheap supermarket brands as well as high-end products and my aim is to make this product list as comprehensive as possible.
If you’re looking to find products for your hair type specifically, you can check out my ebook ‘The Ultimate Curly Girl products Guide’. It contains over 100 CG-friendly products which I have categorized into lists based on hair porosity and curl pattern.
I wanted to write the book after surveying over 700 women from 32 countries who were willing to share their secrets to their CGM success.
They gave me their best product recommendations and I was then able to determine which products were most successful for each curl type as well as hair porosity.
If you’re just looking for general recommendations, keep reading!
CONDITIONERS – Curly Girl Method UK Products
When choosing a conditioner product to use on the Curly Girl Method, the first thing you want to consider is whether your hair is protein sensitive, balanced or over moisturised:
Protein Overload
If you have protein-sensitive hair, you’ll want to go for products that do not contain protein or coconut.
Coconut is a protein mimic and will, therefore, clog your follicles and prevent moisture from penetrating your hair.
Many brands add protein to their hair products and you can quickly experience protein overload if you are not careful.
Hair needs both protein and water to become balanced and too much of either will damage the structure of your hair.
Protein Overload Symptoms
- Dry and brittle hair
- Hair breaks easily
- Curls don’t stretch
- Hair feels like straw
- Curls won’t clump together
My Top 3 Protein-Free Conditioners
Faith in Nature is a very popular Curly Girl brand as most of their conditioners are CG friendly.
The Faith in Nature Natural Aloe Vera Conditioner contains active organic aloe vera and is suitable for normal to dry hair. Even better, it’s also cruelty-free!
The Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Conditioner is also a fantastic choice.
It is an intense hydration conditioner that aims to rebuild and repair the hair cuticles. This conditioner is also cruelty-free.
Finally, the Yes To Cucumbers Volumising Conditioner is budget-friendly and works for all curl types.
This conditioner is formulated to help leave hair feeling soft, shiny, and manageable and is suitable for everyday use.
If you are suffering from protein overload, I would also highly recommend doing an apple cider vinegar rinse once a month as it has completely transformed my hair.
Balanced Hair
If you have balanced hair, you won’t need to worry too much about protein or moisture overload.
Your hair is healthy and is exposed to the right amount of protein and water.
However, this doesn’t mean that every product will work with your hair and you may need to experiment.
But if you have healthy, bouncy curls, I would try to use products which are very similar to what you are used to.
My Top 3 Balanced Conditioners
Shea Moisture is one of the most popular brands within the Curly Girl community.
Their Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine Conditioner is a bestseller and is perfect for those with thick and curly hair.
The conditioner contains silk protein and neem oil and helps to restore moisture and smooth dry hair cuticles.
The Giovanni 50 50 Balanced Conditioner instantly nourishes and detangles hair. It helps lock in shine and works for dry and normal hair types as well as colored hair.
The Organic Shop Raspberry & Acai Volumising Conditioner is made from 99% natural ingredients and is great for increasing elasticity in your hair.
The conditioner also helps strengthen the roots of your hair, repairing damage from both chemical and heat
Moisture Overload/ Hygral Fatigue
If your hair feels limp, soft, stretchy and your curls have stopped forming, you may be suffering from moisture overload also known as hygral fatigue.
Hygral fatigue happens when the cuticles of your hair become swollen due to water retention and then deflate once water is removed from the hair. This is also more likely to happen to those with high porosity hair.
Your hair then becomes weak and stretches more easily which leads to breakage.
Hygral fatigue or moisture overload can be caused by not using enough protein-rich products or washing your hair every day.
Best Conditioners For Moisture Overload
All of these products contain either protein or coconut and are Curly Girl favourites.
I suggest not washing your hair more than twice a week if you suffer from moisture overload.
List of UK Curly Girl Method Conditioner Products
Alberto Balsam Sun-Kissed Raspberry Conditioner - Silicone-Free | ASDA Apple Conditioner | Camille Rose Naturals Clean Rinse Conditioner |
ASDA Apple Conditioner | Bouclème Curl Conditioner | Faith In Nature Aloe Vera Conditioner |
Camille Rose Naturals Jansyn's Moisture Max Conditioner | Camille Rose Rose Cleansing Milk | Camille Rose White Orchid Cleansing Milk |
CurlMix Pure Grape Seed Conditioner with Ultra Slip, Fragrance-Free | CurlMix Pure Grape Seed Conditioner with Ultra Slip, Lavender Fragrance | CurlMix Pure Grape Seed Conditioner with Ultra Slip, Lemon Creme Fragrance |
CurlMix Pure Grape Seed Conditioner with Ultra Slip, Vanilla Berry Fragrance | CurlMix Pure Grape Seed Conditioner with Ultra Slip, Watermelon Fragrance | CurlyWorld Terms & Conditions Conditioner |
Eden BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Revitalizing Conditioner | Eden BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Natural Conditioner | Faith in Nature Aloe Vera Conditioner |
Faith in Nature Fragrance Free Conditioner | Faith in Nature Hemp and Meadowfoam Conditioner | Faith In Nature Jojoba Conditioner |
Faith in Nature Lavender & Geranium Conditioner | Faith In Nature Lemon & Tea Tree Conditioner | Faith in Nature Watermelon Conditioner |
Faith in Nature Wild Rose Conditioner | Garnier Ultimate Blends Argan Oil & Cranberry Illuminating Conditioner | Garnier Ultimate Blends Nourishing Hair Food Banana + Coconut Conditioner |
Garnier Ultimate Blends Smoothing Hair Food Coconut & Macadamia Conditioner for Frizzy Hair | Garnier Whole Blends Vanilla Milk & Papaya Extracts Moisturizing Conditioner | Giovanni 2chic Frizz Be Gone Conditioner |
Giovanni 2chic Ultra-Moist Conditioner | Giovanni 2chic Ultra-Revive Conditioner | Giovanni Root 66 Max Volume Conditioner |
Giovanni Root 66 Max Volume Conditioner | Johnson's No More Tangles Conditioner | Noughty Rise & Shine Hydrate & Shine Conditioner |
Noughty Wave Hello Curl Defining Conditioner | Novex Mystic Black Conditioner | Only Curls All Curl Conditioner |
Organic Shop Coconut & Shea Conditioner | Organic Shop Raspberry & Acai Conditioner | Ouidad Curl Immersion Low-Lather Coconut Cleansing Conditioner |
Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Foaming Conditioner | SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Conditioner | SheaMoisture Baobab & Tea Tree Oils Low Porosity Protein-Free Conditioner |
SheaMoisture Purifying & Hydrating Lite Conditioner | SheaMoisture Red Palm Oil and Cocoa Butter Leave-In Or Rinse-Out Conditioner | Superdrug Extracts Conditioner Raspberry and Macadamia Nut |
The Body Shop Banana Truly Nourishing Conditioner | The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Conditioner | The Body Shop Shea Butter Richly Replenishing Conditioner |
Tresemme Botanique Nourish + Replenish Conditioner | Tresemme Botanique Restore & Shine Conditioner | Tresemme Perfectly Undone Weightless Moisturizing Conditioner |
Tresemme Pro Pure Damage Conditioner | Tresemme Pro Pure Light Moisture Conditioner | Txtr by Cantu Leave-in + Rinse Out Hydrating Conditioner |
Yes To Blueberries Smooth & Shine Conditioner | Yes To Cucumbers Volumising Conditioner | Yes To Tea Tree and Sage Oil Scalp Relief Conditioner |
Deep Conditioners – Curly Girl Method UK Products
Deep conditioners are important when your hair needs a bit of extra care.
Personally, I like to deep condition once a week for a good half hour and then I carry on with my regular routine.
You can essentially use any conditioner as a deep conditioning product, but if you require significant moisture or protein boost, I suggest you choose wisely.
My Top 3 Protein-Free Deep Conditioners
The Garnier Ultimate Blends Almond Crush Yogurt Mask is a weightless deep conditioner that nourishes and softens normal hair.
It gently cleanses for healthier, stronger hair and is made from 98 percent natural ingredients.
It’s important to protect processed and damaged hair and the Eden BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner does just that.
Helps restore your hair’s natural beauty and provide optimal hydration for all curl types.
The As I Am Hydration Elation Intensive is a great moisturizing deep conditioner that restores strength and nourishment to your hair.
It works great on hair that easily tangles and makes curls very easy to style.
Top 3 Balanced Deep Conditioners
List of UK Curly Girl Method Deep Conditioner Products
As I Am Hydration Elation | As I Am Restore & Repair Jamaican Black Castor Oil Moisturizing Masque | Aunt Jackie's Rescued Thirst Quenching Recovery Conditioner |
Boucleme Curls Redefined Intensive Moisture Treatment | Bumble & Bumble Bb Curl Butter Masque | Camille Rose Buritti Nectar Repair Cholesterol Treatment |
Camille Rose Nangai & Tsubaki Strength Restore Protein Treatment | Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioner | Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Penetrating Hair Treatment |
Camille Rose Naturals Moroccan Pear Conditioning Custard | Camille Rose Oud Rich Infusion Moisture Treatment | CURLSMITH Double Cream Deep Quencher |
Eden BodyWorks Almond Marshmallow Split End Repair Masque | Eden BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner | Garnier Ultimate Blends Almond Cream & Moroccan Argan Oil Enriching Hair Mask |
Garnier Ultimate Blends Almond Crush The Yoghurt Mask | Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Coconut and Macadamia 3-in-1 Frizzy Hair Mask Treatment | Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Papaya 3-in-1 Damaged Hair Mask Treatment |
Garnier Ultimate Blends Moisturizing Hair Food Aloe Vera & Coconut Hair Mask | Garnier Whole Blends Almond & Argan Riches Rinse-Out Mask | Giovanni 2chic Frizz Be Gone Hot Oil Hair Treatment |
Giovanni 2chic Frizz Be Gone Smoothing Hair Mask | Giovanni 2chic Repairing Hot Oil Treatment | Giovanni 2chic Ultra-Revive Intensive Hair Mask |
Giovanni NutraFix Hair Reconstructor | Giovanni VitaPro Fusion Protective Moisture Treatment | Innersense Hydrating Hair Masque |
Miche STRENGTHEN Protein Deep Conditioner | Mielle Moisture RX Hawaiian Ginger Moisturizing Overnight Conditioner | Mielle Organics Babassu Oil and Mint Deep Conditioner |
Mielle Organics Rice Water Clay Masque | Noughty To The Rescue Intense Moisture Treatment | Novex My Curls Movie Star Hair Mask |
Novex Mystic Black Hair Mask | Organic Shop Coconut & Shea Hair Mask | Sashapure Restorative Conditioning Masque |
SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Overnight Perfecting Treatment Oil | SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Rehydration Treatment Masque | SheaMoisture Coconut & Cactus Water Pick Me Up Lite Masque |
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Hair Masque | SheaMoisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless Masque | SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Edge Treatment |
SheaMoisture Mongongo Hemp Seed High Porosity Moisture Correct/Seal Masque | SheaMoisture Power Greens Reconstructor with Moringa & Avocado | SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Strength + Color Care Masque |
SheaMoisture Resilient Length Protein Masque | SheaMoisture Sacha Inchi Oil Omega 3, 6, 9 Rescue + Repair Hair Masque | Txtr by Cantu Strengthen + Restore Moisture Mask |
Cleansers – Curly Girl Method UK Products
If you follow the Curl Girl Method, you’ll know that the use of shampoo is not recommended.
This is because most shampoos contain sulphates which strip your hair of its essential oils.
To get around this, a lot of brands promote sulphate-free shampoos, otherwise known as low poo shampoos.
These are also not recommended as manufacturers add additional chemicals, some which may be even more harmful to your hair.
I wrote an article about why you shouldn’t use low poo shampoo if you’re following the Curly Girl Method. Instead, use these CG friendly shampoos.
The best way to clean your hair from build-up and pollution is to use a sulphate free cleanser which doesn’t lather, meaning it doesn’t create bubbles.
Most cleansers will work for any hair type, but if you are protein sensitive I would recommend that you choose a cleanser without coconut or coconut oil.
My Top 3 Protein Free Cleansers:
The As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner is a real favourite amongst Curly Girls.
It leaves my hair clean and washes out all oil and product-build up which normally is very difficult to do. My hair also feels moisturised afterwards, even after colouring!
A great co-wash that really does the job without leaving hair greasy or heavy.
The Mixed Chicks Conditioning Cleansing Co-Wash is super cleansing and is able to do just as good of a job as shampoo. It leaves hair soft and manageable and smells amazing!
I really like that it helps separate the curls and my hair always feels soft after a wash.
The CURLSMITH Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash is a vegan co-wash for wavy, curly and coily hair and definitely lives up to the hype.
Curls look less frizzy and feel softer and defined and this is a great alternative to harsh shampoos.
If you’re looking for a co-wash that restores damaged, limp curls and leaves hair feeling strong and healthy, this is it.
Top 3 Regular/Protein-Rich Cleansers
List of UK Curly Girl Method Cleanser Products
Alikay Naturals CoWash Me Cleansing Conditioner | As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner | As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Olive & Tea Tree Oil CoWash |
As I Am Olive & Tea Tree Oil Co Wash | Aunt Jackie's Purify Me Moisturizing Co-Wash Cleanser | Aveda Be Curly Co-Wash |
Cantu Complete Conditioning CoWash | CURLSMITH Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash | DevaCurl No-Poo Original Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser |
Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Cleansing Co-Wash | Hairitage Double Down Conditioning Wash Shampoo | Inahsi Naturals Tropical Escape CoWash |
Keracare Curlessence Moisturizing Co-Wash | Living Proof Curl Conditioning Wash | Mielle Organics Detangling Cowash |
Mixed Chicks Conditioning Cleansing Wash | Mo Knows Hair Curl Co-Wash & Conditioner | MopTop Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner |
Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp Vegan Co-Wash | Oyin Handmade Ginger Mint Co-Wash Invigorating Cleansing Cream | SheaMoisture Mongongo & Hemp Seed Oils High Porosity Moisture-Seal Co-Wash |
SheaMoisture Sacha Inchi CoWash | SoCozy Kids Conditioner Based Cleanser Co-Wash | True By Made Beautiful CoWash |
GELS – Curly Girl Method UK Products
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Finding the right gel on the Curly Girl Method is like finding the holy grail. It is the product which will decide the fate of your day/night/refresh/curls aka basically life.
I can really only give a few recommendations as I haven’t tried every gel on this list. It’s a long list!
I don’t think you need to worry too much about protein and imbalance when it comes to gels but you can get protein-free gels.
Start out by finding the right one for you depending on your budget and how strong a hold you want and remember, you’ll always need more than you think.
Here Are Some Personal Favourites:
One of my favorite gels is the Umberto Giannini Scrunching Jelly. It is Umberto’s best selling product and is recommended over and over again for its quality, hold, and texture.
If you’re having issues with your current gel or simply fancy trying out a more high-end brand, this one is for you.
Do be careful to not purchase other Umberto Giannini products as only a handful of them are actually Curly Girl friendly.
The first gel I ever used on the Curly Girl Method was the Eco Style Olive Oil Gel. This worked really well for me and provided a strong hold for my curls.
The only reason I started experimenting with other gels was to see if there was a cheaper brand that would work just as well.
And there was! The Boots Essentials Extra Firm Hold Gel worked just as well and I would highly recommend this gel if you’re on a budget or if your method includes double gelling.
By double gelling I’m referring to the method of adding gel on soaking wet hair, then dry with a t-shirt or microfiber towel, and then add gel again.
Doing the method this way can be a bit wasteful if you’re not careful as a lot of the gel will rub off on the towel.
I use a good handful of gel at every wash so I want something cheap and durable.
Finally, the Twisted Sista Amazing Dream Curl Gel is another popular gel and is great for tight curl patterns. It offers a lightweight feel with a strong hold.
I like to layer this gel with other products or even another gel as it doesn’t go flaky.
List Of UK Curly Girl Method Gel Products
As I Am Smoothing Hair Gel | Aunt Jackie's Don't Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel | Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Recipes Tame My Edges Smoothing Gel |
Aussie Headstrong / Aussome Volume Gel | Aussie Headstrong / Aussome Volume Spray Gel | Aussie Instant Freeze Gel |
Aussie Mega Gel | Aussie Miracle Curls Refresher Spray Gel | Aveda Brilliant Retexturing Gel |
Boots Essentials Extra Firm Hold Gel | Boucleme Curls Redefined Curl Defining Gel | Bounce Curl Light Creme Gel |
Bumble & Bumble Bb Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil | Camille Rose Lavender Crush Defining Gel - Extra Hold | Camille Rose Naturals Aloe Whipped Butter Gel |
Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker Gel | Cantu Avocado Hydrating Styling Gel | Cantu Dry Deny Moisture Seal Gel Oil |
Cantu Flaxseed Smoothing Cream Gel | Cantu Mega Hold Mixer Stay Glue Gel | Cantu Moisturizing Twist & Lock Gel |
Cantu Shea Butter Maximum Hold Anti-Shedding Styling Gel | Cantu Shea Butter Maximum Hold Moisture Retention Styling Gel | Cantu Shea Butter Maximum Hold Strengthening Styling Gel |
Eco Style Argan Oil Gel | Eco Style Black Castor Oil & Flaxseed Gel | Eco Style Coconut Oil Gel |
Eco Style Colored Hair Gel | Eco Style Curl & Wave Gel | Eco Style Gold Gel |
Eco Style Krystal Gel | Eco Style Olive Oil Gel | Eco Style Protein Gel |
Eco Style Sport Gel | Eco Style Super Olive 10x Moisturizing Styling Gel | Eco Style Super Protein Gel |
Eden BodyWorks Kids CocoShea Berry Natural Smoothing Gel | Flora & Curl Style Me Sweet Hibiscus Curl Defining Gel | SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Styling Gel |
SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curling Gel Souffle | SheaMoisture Coconut Custard Make It Last Wash 'n' Go Defining Gel Oil | SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Max Hold Gel |
SheaMoisture Mongongo & Hemp Seed High Porosity Styling Gel | Shea Moisture Raw Shea & Cupuacu Frizz Defense Styling Gel-Cream | SheaMoisture Sacha Inchi Twist & Lock Gel |
SheaMoisture Superfruit Multi-Vitamin 10-in-1 Renewal Soft Curl Gel | Tesco Essentials Gel | The Curl Company Anti-Humidity Curl Gel |
The Curl Company Shape & Define Styling Creme-Gel | Twisted Sista Amazing Dream Curls Cream Gel | Txtr by Cantu Curls + Waves Defining Gel |
Other UK Curly Girl Method Approved Styling Products
There’s plenty of Curly Girl Styling products you can buy in the UK and they range from mousses to sprays and creams.
Mousse
For a while, I experimented with cleanser, conditioner and mousse only but my curls did not hold. I now switch between mousse and gel and find this to be a winning combo.
Mousse can help firm your curls and give them bounce but it won’t seal in moisture the same way as gel will.
I also found it to dry out my curls a bit, but with gel, it seems to work. I also found it beneficial for combating frizz.
Recommended products:
Sprays
There are a couple of CGM approved sprays which can help you style and moisturise your curls at the same time.
The As I Am CocoShea Spray helps separate your curls after you have washed your hair.
A few sprays on wet hair before you scrunch your hair with gel will give you much smoother curls and help detangle any stubborn clumps.
If you suffer from frizz, the Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Curl Refreshing Spray can help you manage it.
Best used on damp hair and applied using the praying method (rub the product between your palms and coat each curly as you move down from scalp to ends).
This is great to use on a refresh day as well.
Creams
If you want to use a curl cream for additional definition you have a couple of options.
The Cantu Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream is hugely popular within the Curly Girl community, especially since you only need to use a pea-sized amount.
For best use, rub between hands with a little bit of water after co-washing and scrunch your curls. Then gel and diffuse as per usual.
One thing to note is that this curl activator cream does contain coconut oil so if you’re protein sensitive, I would stay clear as it could cause your hair to go dry and become frizzy.
For a nurturing and moisturising cream, try the AS I AM Twist Defining Cream. It contains many natural oils as well as organic extracts.
Rub a small amount between your palms before applying gel or use as a refresh product on next day curls.
UK Curly Girl Method Styling Products
As I Am CocoShea Spray | As I Am Coil Defining Jelly | As I Am Curling Jelly Coil and Curl Definer |
As I Am So Much Moisture Hydrating Lotion | As I Am Twist Defining Cream | Aunt Jackie's Frizz Patrol Anti-Poof Twist & Curl Setting Mousse |
Aunt Jackie's Ice Curls Glossy Curling Jelly | Aunt Jackie's Slicked Flexible Styling Glue | Aussie Aussome / Headstrong Volume Styling Mousse |
Aussie Instant Freeze Mousse | Boucleme Curls Redefined Super Hold Styler | Bounce Curl Avocado & Rose Oil Clump and Define Cream |
Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter | Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Style Setter | Camille Rose Naturals Fresh Curl Revitalizing Hair Smoother |
Cantu Avocado Hydrating Curl Activator Cream | Cantu Coil Calm Detangler | Cantu Comeback Curl Revitalizer |
Cantu Curl Activator Cream | Cantu Define and Shine Custard | Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Milk Shine & Hold Mist |
Cantu Wave Whip Curling Mousse | Curls Blueberry Bliss Control Jelly | CURLSMITH Hold Me Softly Style Balm |
CURLSMITH Hydro Style Flexi-Jelly | CURLSMITH Weightless Air Dry Cream | Eden BodyWorks Citrus Fusion Nourish & Style Mousse |
EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Control Edge Glaze | Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Cream | Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Curling Jelly |
Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Styling Elixir | Eden BodyWorks Kids CocoShea Berry Curly Cream | Flora & Curl Style Me Sweet Hibiscus Curl Activating Lotion |
Garnier Fructis Style Curl Treat Curl Shaping Jelly | Garnier Fructis Style Deconstructed Beach Chic Texturizing Spray | Giovanni 2chic Ultra-Sleek Hair Styling Wax |
Giovanni 2chic Ultra-Volume Foam Styling Mousse | Giovanni Magnetic Force Styling Wax | Giovanni Mousse Air-Turbo Charged Hair Styling Foam |
SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Finishing Serum | SheaMoisture Argan Oil & Almond Milk Smooth & Tame Blow Out Creme | SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil On-The-Go Conditioning Hair Fragrance |
SheaMoisture Mongongo Hemp Seed High Porosity Finishing Elixir | SheaMoisture Red Palm Oil & Cocoa Butter Curl Stretch Pudding | SheaMoisture Sacha Inchi Oil Rescue + Repair Curl Defining Smoothie |
SheaMoisture Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Thermal Protection Serum | The Body Shop Cottonseed Curl Boost | Txtr by Cantu Shine + Sculpt Control Paste |
Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Scrunching Jelly | Umberto Giannini Flowerology Orange + Rosemary Foaming Volume Mousse | Wella EIMI Boost Bounce Curl Enhancing Mousse |
And that’s it!
I hope you have found this post informational. If you have found any additional UK products which are Curly Girl friendly, then please do leave a comment below or email me via the contact form.
Disclaimer: This site is not intended to provide professional or medical advice. All of the content on LovedByCurls.com is for informational purposes only. All advice should be followed at your own discretion. Ingredients may change at any time so always check the product label before using.
This list has now been bookmarked and is really helpful. I have been a big fan of the UG curl Jelly for definition but it does make my hair feel greasy. I have just started the As I am Co-wash and that is the first time my hair has felt properly clean without Shampoo so I would definitely recommend that.
My big problem is my curls fall out quite fast and I just get wavy frizz, not sure how to combat that.
What I struggle with is trying to do CG but also trying to go as zero waste as possible. Pre CG I was shampoo and conditioner bars only but now I feel I am using so much plastic! I wish Lush’ co-wash was GC compliant!
Thank you so much! You have been super helpful – I ordered some of the products you recommended today and I can’t wait to start my own curly hair journey!
Hi, thank you for this list. I tried curly girl method a couple of years ago on my long dyed very damaged hair and gave up because it was so time consuming.
Since then, I’ve had chemo and a stem cell transplant. One of the benefits of this, apart from saving my life, is that after losing my hair, it’s growing back thicker and healthier than it was before. No, I don’t recommend it lol, but, I have the opportunity to try it again on my “ virgin” hair. My hair is very short atm, just looking like very short waves. I’ve been using the organic shop avocado and honey mask to wash my hair with. Do you have any more advice to train my hair without looking like sonic the hedgehog whilst it is growing. I still wear a hat when I’m out as it’s so short but hope to stop that in a couple of months. I’m tempted to leave it grey/ white now as apart from the chemicals putting me off, I got fed up of touching up the roots every few weeks…… unless there is a natural wash in/ wash out colour about that I don’t know about.
Many thanks for your hard work devising this list.
Hi Julia,
So sorry for just responding. I’ve had to take some time out due to Covid 19 but now back on it.
First of all, thank you for your kind comments. Secondly, from your story I honestly don’t think there’s anything I can teach you that you’re not bossing already! 🙂 I’m so glad the stem cell transplant was successful and that you’re doing well!
I have no experience with starting ‘fresh’ but if your hair is very short, I don’t think there’s much else you can do but take care of it the way you are. I really admire you for even committing to the CGM after what you have been through so I would recommend you take it slow and just use the products which you feel are doing you good. I don’t know if you are using styling products such as gel or mousse, but perhaps mousse would help settle your hair a bit whilst growing.
I personally have always just coloured my hair with a box hair dye from Boots or Superdrug so don’t have any advice on that part. But rock your greys and whites I say! 🙂
Thank you again for your kind comments. I am sorry I can’t be of more help but don’t overthink it, keep it simple and all the best of luck to you! Dee x
Thank you Dee. I hope you’re feeling better, I hear it can really take it out of you.
Thanks for the advice, I tried gel, whoa! I head of very tight little curls lol. I think I’m just going to need to be patient although I’m dying to see how it turns out when it’s longer.
Thanks again. Keep up the good work and take care of yourself.
Julia x
Lovely finding your experience here! I believe my hair is protein overloaded and I am looking for solutions! Thank you for sharing!
I am confused about the organic avocado and honey deep conditions you recommend as protein free.. I just got it ordered and one of the top ingredient is “Hydrolyzed wheat protein”… isn’t that going to build up even more a protein sensitive hair? I’m new here, trying to understand these terms!
Thank youuuuuu:)
Hi Nina,
Thanks for reading the blog 🙂 So, this is actually quite odd. I checked the ingredients on the Organic Shop website and this product definitely doesn’t contain hydrolyzed wheat protein. But I then Googled it and can see that there is an express version of this product which does. However, it seems to only be available from shops outside the UK. Can I ask where you bought it from? The link I provided in this article definitely takes you to the right product on Amazon.co.uk BUT I can see that I have used the wrong image, showing the Express hair mask and for this I am very sorry! I have changed the image now to reflect the correct hair mask. Does your hair mask say Express on it? It should be the Lavish Avocado and Honey hair mask. I am so sorry, I didn’t realise there were, in fact, two different kinds of Organic Shop Avocado and Honey hair masks! The express one doesn’t seem to be available on the UK Organic Shop website.
I would give this hair mask a try since you’ve bought it. You will be able to tell after one or two washes if it works or not. Sometimes products surprise you. I have favourites which work for me one week but then the next week I need to change it up.
Again, I am so sorry if the image was confusing! I genuinely didn’t know that there were two very similar products. I’m just glad it wasn’t a £20 product!
Thanks again for reading the blog and all the best with your curly journey x
I ordered it from Amazon UK as well, from the Organic Shop (Organic Shop Honey Avocado Hair Mask, 250 ml https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N096MYU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4dy2EbEVHY7SA). I understand that you got mistaken, but It’s a bit disappointing…I waited for weeks to find some guidance for my issue, then I found your blog and still waited couple more weeks to receive the product… because it was sold out. It’s not about the price, for sure, but anyway.. thanks for replying.
Hello,
I’ve cowashed twice now and I think its going to change my life so thank you for your really informative website! I colour my hair too (well my hair dresser does!) And I wondered what i should do about that? She will colour it (red) then shampoo twice and then condition. I have protein overload hair. She does it at my house so should Iask her to use other products? I’ve got the johnsons baby shampoo for my kids. Been using the faith in nature conditioner as you recommended it, and I love the smell!
Thanks
Helen
Hi Helen,
Thanks so much for your kind comments!
I personally use a box colour every now and then and I just use the shampoo that comes with the box. In my book, one wash won’t hurt the progress I’ve made and so far it hasn’t. However, I don’t colour my hair very often, once every 4 months or so. So what I would recommend is to let your hairdresser do her thing and use her own shampoo (seeing as your hair colour probably contains silicone) and so you’ll need a sulphate shampoo anyway to rinse this out. Then use your own CG friendly conditioner and style as per normal.
This way I don’t think you’re doing very much harm to your hair. Many curly girls use shampoo once a month or every 6 weeks anyway because they don’t get along with co-washing only. So you could consider your colour session your clarifying session as well 🙂 Perhaps use a deep conditioner after colouring?
Hope this makes sense and I’m so pleased you’re seeing results!
Dee x
Hi,
You mentioned colouring hair. How do you wash the dye out (especially at the hairdressers), without using Shampoo?
Thnaks
Emma
Hi Emma,
I would let the hairdresser use their own shampoo. Most hair dye contains silicone so you’d need a sulphate shampoo to wash this out. I would just bring your own silicone-free conditioner and ask them to use this 🙂 I do not think your hair will become damaged by using shampoo once every 4-6 weeks, many curly girls already do this when clarifying.
Hope this helps!
Dee x
Hi! Just wanted to say thank for this awesome resource & your CGM for wavy hair post! Very excited to try and figure out the right routine for my hair, and you’ve helped me start with products that won’t break the bank. I have processed hair (bleached & coloured with semi-permanent dye) so I think I might need a leave-in conditioner to add moisture? I normally use Olaplex 3 to repair my hair after it’s been bleached and I was really excited to find that it’s CGM approved, but now I am paranoid about overdoing the protein and not having enough moisture! Thank you so much 🙂
Hi Claire,
Thanks so much for your lovely comments. It’s such a tricky one because damaged hair tends to lack protein but the signs of too much protein look very similar. If you are regularly bleaching and colouring your hair then I don’t think you should worry about your hair lacking protein. Protein loss is the first thing that happens when your hair is being chemically treated. However, you need a healthy balance of both protein and moisture so as much as it’s not groundbreaking advice, I suggest you follow up any bleached/colour session with Olaplex 3 and weekly deep conditioners with a protein-rich product. Then use protein-free conditioners for your regular washes and see how you get along.
Hope this helps!
Dee x
Hiya,
So glad I came across your site! Everything I’ve found has been US based and SO helpful to have. a list of UK products and using this to try and identify why I have so much frizz!!
Just wondering I currently use the AS I AM coconut cowash and noticed it’s listed as protein free in one section, and protein rich in another?
Many thanks
Ellie
Hi Ellie,
Thanks so much for your kind comments! I’m so sorry for the mistake, the As I Am Coconut Co-wash is a protein free co-wash. I’ve tried looking for where it was listed as protein-rich but I haven’t been able to find it. Do you by any chance remember if it was another post? I’ll have a thorough look through all my posts!
Thanks so much for bringing this to my attention!
Dee x
It’s listed as a protein rich conditioner in the “best UK protein rich conditioners” section, I just saw this as well and was very confused. Thanks for clarifying it is protein free, phew!
So sorry about that! I’ve just checked and the table had been duplicated with the wrong heading. All of these cleansers are protein-free which is listed correctly further down below. Thanks so much for bringing this to my attention!
Dee x