There are now more Curly Girl friendly products on the market than ever before. One of the best is Garnier and this includes the Garnier Fructis range, the Ultimate Blends range, and of course the hair food masks. But is Garnier actually Curly Girl approved?
Yes, many of Garnier’s hair products are curly girl approved. These include conditioners, sprays, styling gels, and of course the very popular hair food masks.
Let’s take a closer look at these products.
This post contains affiliate links and we may earn if you click on them (at no extra cost to you). Please read our full disclosure policy here.
Is Garnier Fructis and Ultimate Blends Good For Curly Hair?
Garnier is a very well-known and affordable brand. Many of their hair products are free from sulfate, silicone, and parabens which make the Garnier Fructis and Ultimate Blends excellent for curly hair.
Fructis and Ultimate Blends both fall within the Garnier family, however, it’s important to note that the two brands are actually very similar.
Garnier Fructis is the brand name in the US and European countries while Ultimate Blends is the brand name in the UK.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider using Garnier Fructis and Ultimate Blends for your curly hair:
Many Products Are Vegan Formulated
Many of Garnier’s hair products are vegan formulated. These products are free from animal-derived ingredients such as honey, milk beeswax, eggs, etc.
Furthermore, Garnier does not test on animals and they are now considered a cruelty-free brand and have been approved by the Cruelty-Free International Leaping Bunny program.
They work with suppliers who are committed to upholding only the highest standards.
Ethically Sourced
All Shea butter used in Garnier products derives from sustainable sourcing in Burkina Faso, sub-Saharan Africa. The sourcing program’s main objectives are:
- To provide a fair direct income, with no middlemen
- To create value locally through training on best practices in collecting and processing
Garnier also has a sustainable sourcing program for the production of Argan oil.
The oil derives from fruit seeds which are picked manually by women in the local communities and also prepared and processed locally.
The program helps women increase their financial autonomy and improves their social status.
Their working conditions have been improved, as well as their access to healthcare and literacy.
Recyclable Packaging
All of Garnier’s bottles and containers are recyclable.
Garnier is also committed to using controlled environments and factories which are energy efficient with limited emissions and low carbon footprints.
Garnier has also partnered with TerraCycle® so that you can recycle your Garnier products for free if you live in the UK and Republic of Ireland.*
*excludes aerosols.
Affordable
Garnier products are easily affordable and can be found in most high-street stores, drugstores, and supermarkets.
Why Choose Garnier Fructis and Ultimate Blends?
It can be difficult finding a Curly Girl approved conditioner that suits your hair and budget, but that’s why I love the Garnier range. I live in the UK so I use Ultimate Blends. If you’re in the US, go for Fructis.
As stated, Fructis and Ultimate Blends products are vegan formulated and many of their conditioners and deep treatment conditioners are Curly Girl approved.
The products vary in creamy consistency and you can really mix and match the products together as you like.
Some products are great for co-washing whilst others work better as a regular conditioner.
But even better, the products are gentle on your hair, contain very few chemicals, and smell amazing.
This is why Garnier Fructis and Ultimate Blends are my favorite Curly Girl approved brands.
Top 5 Curly Girl Approved Garnier Fructis Products
1. Garnier Fructis Strengthening Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask with Banana Extract
This 1-minute hair mask is excellent for dry, damaged hair. It helps to nourish and strengthen your curls and contains 98% naturally derived ingredients.
Use on damp hair to get better control of frizz and can easily be used as both a co-wash as well as a deep treatment conditioner.
2. Garnier Fructis Damage Repairing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask with Papaya Extract
The Garnier Fructis Payaya hydrating hair mask is a great Curly Girl friendly product and can be used regularly both as a co-wash and deep conditioner.
Helps to repair damaged and frizzy hair and the lightweight formula is excellent for those with fine to medium hair types.
A perfect conditioner for curly hair as it nourishes your locks and provides excellent volume.
3. Garnier Hair Care Fructis Color Vibrancy Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask With Goji Extract
An excellent Curly Girl friendly choice for those with collared hair.
This hair mask will help preserve the vibrancy of your color and protect your curls from frizz and split ends.
Can be used as a hair mask, a co-wash, or conditioner. This formula is vegan and contains 94% biodegradable ingredients.
4. Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Gel
This styling gel provides a strong hold for up to 24 hours and so is perfect for those wash-day and next-day curls.
The formula contains 98% naturally derived ingredients and uses Acacia Gum as its natural holding property. This is a clean gel with no flaking.
5. Garnier Fructis Smoothing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask with Avocado Extract
This hair mask is great for those who suffer from split ends.
It contains avocado which helps to provide a smooth finish to even the most unruly locks.
The formula is lightweight and therefore doesn’t weigh down hair or leave unwanted residue. Helps to defrizz hair and moisturize dry, damaged hair.
Full List of Curly Girl Approved Garnier Fructis products
- Garnier Fructis Aloe Air-Dry Cream
- Garnier Fructis Color Vibrancy Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask with Goji Extract
- Garnier Fructis Damage Repairing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask with Papaya Extract
- Garnier Fructis Damage Repairing Treat Conditioner
- Garnier Fructis Hair Food Banana 3-in-1 Damaged Hair Mask Treatment
- Garnier Fructis Hydrating Aloe Vera Hair Food
- Garnier Fructis Hydrating Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask + Aloe Extract
- Garnier Fructis Hydrating Treat Conditioner with Aloe Extract
- Garnier Fructis Nourishing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask with Coconut Extract
- Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Detangler + Air Dry
- Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Gel
- Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Mousse
- Garnier Fructis Root Amp Root Lifting Spray Mousse
- Garnier Fructis Smoothing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask with Avocado Extract
- Garnier Fructis Smoothing Treat Conditioner with Avocado Extract
- Garnier Fructis Spike Fix & Freeze Spiking Gel
- Garnier Fructis Strengthening Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask with Banana Extract
- Garnier Fructis Style Curl Treat Curl Shaping Jelly
- Garnier Fructis Style Deconstructed Beach Chic Texturizing Spray
- Garnier Fructis Style Hard Cement / Cemento Gel
- Garnier Fructis Style Wonder Waves Wave-Enhancing Spray
- Garnier Fructis Ultra Dolce Oliva Mitica Balsamo
List accurate as of 7 November 2021
Top 5 Curly Girl Approved Garnier Ultimate Blends Products
1. Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Banana 3-in-1 Damaged Hair Mask Treatment
The Banana Hair Food Mask is probably the most popular Ultimate Blends product. It smells amazing and it’s really lightweight for a mask.
You can use it as both a conditioner as well as a leave-in and it will make your hair feel smooth and soft.
What’s even greater is that this hair food contains coconut oil which can be beneficial if you’re lacking protein.
Coconut is a protein mimicker and according to the NCBI, a study has shown that the only oil that is capable of penetrating hair is coconut oil.
Benefits:
- Blended with Banana and Shea
- Can be used as a Conditioner, Mask or Leave-in
- 98% Natural Origin ingredients
- 98% Biodegradable Formula
- Vegan Formula
- Dermatologically Tested
- Contains Plant Oils
How to use:
1. As a conditioner: on wet hair, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle any knots from your hair. Rinse well and follow your regular Curly Girl routine.
2. As a mask: on wet hair, leave to work for up to 30 minutes. I like to use a deep conditioning heat cap for extra effect. The heat really enables the product to work and penetrate the hair cuticles.
Rinse out to leave hair feeling intensely nourished, as if restored.
3. As a leave-in: You can use a bit of the product towards the end of your wash routine.
Rub a small amount between your palms and scrunch through your curls with your hair flipped upside down.
As the curls begin to form, use an approved Curly Girl gel or mousse to finish the wash.
The Ultimate Blends Almond Crush Nourishing Conditioner is great to use for co-washing and it’s also super cheap.
It has a creamier texture so if you have high porosity hair, this one is for you. It’s super moisturizing and gently cleanses your hair.
I like to pair this with the Banana Hair Food for an Ultimate Blends wash day.
Benefits:
- Lightweight formula
- 98% Natural Origin Ingredients
- Contains Organic Almond Milk from Spain
- Contains Organic Agave Sap from Mexico
- Vegan Formula
- 100% recyclable bottles
How to use:
You can use this conditioner for co-washing or conditioning. Simply apply the product to soaking wet hair and massage it into the scalp. Squish to condish and let your curls form.
3. Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Papaya 3-in-1 Damaged Hair Mask Treatment
The Papaya Hair Food Mask is our second go-to conditioner. Again, super lightweight and has a fantastic smell.
I use this mask when the Banana Hair Mask is not working at its full capacity.
Like many other things, our hair can adapt to specific products, and sometimes it’s just really good to mix it up.
I particularly like this mask because it really penetrates the hair, which is great for low porosity hair.
Benefits:
- Blended with papaya
- Formulated for damaged hair
- Can be used as a Conditioner, Mask or Leave-in
- 98% Natural Origin ingredients
- Vegan Formula
- 96% Biodegradable Formula
- Dermatologically Tested
- Plant Oils
How to use:
1. As a conditioner: on wet hair, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle any knots from your hair. Rinse well and follow your regular Curly Girl routine.
2. As a mask: on wet hair, leave to work for up to 30 minutes. I like to use a deep conditioning heat cap for extra effect. The heat really enables the product to work and penetrate the hair cuticles.
Rinse out to leave hair feeling intensely nourished, as if restored.
3. As a leave-in: You can use a bit of the product towards the end of your wash routine.
Rub a small amount between your palms and scrunch through your curls with your hair flipped upside down. As the curls begin to form, use gel or mousse to finish the wash.
4. Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Coconut and Macadamia 3-in-1 Frizzy Hair Mask Treatment
If you’re looking for a conditioner with a protein boost, give the Ultimate Blends Hair Food Coconut and Macadamia a try. Like the other hair masks, this product contains coconut oil which functions as a protein mimicker.
When hair becomes damaged through either heat styling or through chemicals, the outer layer of the hair cuticle is broken and exposes the inner part of the hair, the cortex.
This is where most of your hair protein is stored and if damaged, you’ll experience frizz and split ends.
This coconut mask works great to restore damaged hair fibres whilst also hydrating your curly locks.
Benefits:
- Coconut and Macadamia extract.
- Can be used as a Conditioner, Mask or Leave-In
- 98% Natural Origin ingredients
- Vegan Formula
- 98% Biodegradable Formula
- Dermatologically Tested
- Plant Oils
How to use:
1. As a conditioner: on wet hair, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle any knots from your hair. Rinse well and follow your regular Curly Girl routine.
2. As a mask: on wet hair, leave to work for up to 30 minutes. I like to use a deep conditioning heat cap for extra effect. The heat really enables the product to work and penetrate the hair cuticles.
Rinse out to leave hair feeling intensely nourished, as if restored.
3. As a leave-in: You can use a bit of the product towards the end of your wash routine.
Rub a small amount between your palms and scrunch through your curls with your hair flipped upside down.
As the curls begin to form, use gel or mousse to finish the wash.
If you have colored your hair in the past or even whilst on your Curly Girl journey, the Garnier Ultimate Blends Argan Oil & Cranberry Illuminating Conditioner can help restore shine and vibrancy to your hair.
The conditioner helps protect your colored hair and is infused with Moroccan Argan oil as well as Cranberry oil.
I color my hair once every 4-6 months and can easily lose that glossy tone.
This conditioner helps preserve the color while moisturizing every single hair strand.
Benefits:
- Naturally derived ingredients
- Moroccan Argan Oil and Cranberry Extracts
- Keep coloured hair soft and shiny wash after wash
- Rich in omega 6 and vitamin E
How to use:
You can use this conditioner for co-washing or conditioning. Simply apply the product to soaking wet hair and massage it into the scalp. Squish to condish and let your curls form!
Full List of Curly Girl Approved Garnier Ultimate Blends products
- Garnier Ultimate Blends Almond Cream & Moroccan Argan Oil Enriching Hair Mask
- Garnier Ultimate Blends Almond Crush Leave-In Taming Milk
- Garnier Ultimate Blends Almond Crush The Yoghurt Mask
- Garnier Ultimate Blends Argan Oil & Cranberry Illuminating Conditioner
- 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 Hair Food Papaya & Amla 3-in-1 Hair Mask Treatment for Damaged Hair
- Garnier Ultimate Blends Moisturizing Hair Food Aloe Vera & Coconut Hair Mask
- Garnier Ultimate Blends Nourishing Hair Food Banana + Coconut Conditioner
- Garnier Ultimate Blends Smoothing Hair Food Coconut & Macadamia Conditioner for Frizzy Hair
List accurate as of 7 November 2021
Garnier Whole Blends
Garnier also have a range called Whole Blends and so far, I’ve been able to identify three products that are Curly Girl approved:
- Garnier Whole Blends Almond & Argan Riches Rinse-Out Mask
- Garnier Whole Blends Sulfate Free Remedy Royal Hibiscus & Shea Butter Shampoo
- Garnier Whole Blends Vanilla Milk & Papaya Extracts Moisturizing Conditioner
These three Whole Blends products are therefore good to use for curly hair as they are silicone, sulfate, and paraben-free.
Also Read: Top 10 UK Curly Girl Approved Styling Products
So there you have it. A full list of all the Curly Girl approved Garnier Ultimate Blends products. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
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. Check our full disclaimer policy here.