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52 Comments

  1. I’m glad I read this before trying any of the DevaCurl products I purchased. Thankfully they were only travel sized but going to see if Ulta will let me return them and try something else.

    I’m brand new to the CGM. Learning a lot from you and others. Thank you. 🙂

  2. I believe the Giovanni Eco Chic line does the same. I used the Direct Leave-In and LA Styling Gel (two very popular products recommended for new curly girls), along with their 50/50 Hydrating-Clarifying Shamp/Cond consistently for months and the shedding was awful. It dried out my hair and I lost my curl pattern. When I heard about Deva Curl I compared ingredients and the gels had ingredients in common. I have been using Innersense for a while and my hair is recovering. Thanks for your thorough and helpful post!

    1. There are many products which will have similar/common ingredients. But the quantities are different, as our the formulas. Personally I find the Giovanni 50/50 line very drying.

  3. Hi there! I’ve suffered from a lot of hair loss and balding spots as a result of using Deva Curl, its very stressful and depressing. I’m hoping after stopping using the product and starting to use Biolage it will help replenish moisture back into my hair. I’ve also started taking Biotin supplements in hopes to encourage hair growth in balding spots. I’m terrified to say the least there may be permanent damage. Not entirely sure what shampoo to use, I reverted back to Pantene as that is what I used growing up and before I switched to Deva Curl. Any advice on a good daily shampoo? I’m new to “cleansers” and frankly am a bit overwhelmed and scared at the moment.

    1. Hi Jessica, there are alternative product recommendations throughout this DevaCurl post, and throughout my site on my Reviews and What To Buy tabs and my Favourite Products posts too.

  4. Hi, so i’ve recently started using devacurl as of this past summer, and it began drying out my hair quite fast, but with the help of my devacurl salon, they rejuvenated my hair, and taught me how to use it correctly. However, it still feels quite waxy, like build up of product, though I havebt been using any other product but devacurl. Im not sure if my hair is just low porosity or if this is deva curl. Its not soft at all, it feel squeaky and waxy. But I haven’t lost my curl pattern at all, im a 3c-4a and that hasnt seemed to change. What products would you recommend? Do I need more protein, or moisture?

    1. Gabriella says:

      Not all Devacurl products are CG friendly, and their Build Up Buster for example left my hair feeling like how you’ve described. I suggest doing a deep clarifying shampoo with Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo and reassess the ingredients lists and products you’re using.

      1. Hi Gabriella,

        Do you think kinky curly come clean is a good clarifying shampoo? Thank youu

        1. Gabriella says:

          It’s okay, but there’s better options out there.

  5. Kristi M Weber says:

    Hi Gabriella!
    Omg so informative!! I cant stop. Lol. So based off me obsessively reading your blog, post &comments from you, I believe my hair needs protein? Not sure. .I’ve used the whole Deva Curl line since 2013. Decadence No Poo, One Cond, Supercurl Cream & the Light gel. I inlybwas my hair 2x a week. On wash days my hair has stupidly amount of wet halo frizz. But as my days in between and I would occasionally touch up around my hairline and top with more Supercurl Cream to try and “tame” them bad boys. Unfortunately it was always inconsistent. Sometimes it would help, other times no. But how my hair FEELS in between my wash days is so frustrating!! Not including my lack of density. My curls look dry and frizzy, more relaxed(not as defined) but also they get so dreaded, knotty and SO SO tangley!!! To the point if I try and smooth them down and apply more products it just fizzes up. If I try to detangle the dread I feel like it just breaks off because of how dry it is. I sleep with a satin cap at night to help keep everything together, to “minimize ” my frizzing for my in between days, so I’m just confused. Based off these accusations and just comments from my fellow curly gals, i wanted to ask. Am I experiencing this because my hair is over moisturized and in need of protein and just all around reboot to balance? Also, side note. Since all this I stopped using Deva all together now for about 2 weeks. Trying to find a new products to work for me, as I’ve been out of the “curly game” for 7 years as I was strictly Deva. Sorry for the short story, thanks in advance!!

    1. Gabriella says:

      Hi Kristi, so alot to unpack here. First of all, to “tame” frizz etc, you need to do regular deep conditioning – preferably with heat (see my Etsy shop for heat caps), rather than keep adding more product. That’s why your hair feels the way it does in between wash days. Adding more and more product isn’t the answer. From the sounds of it you actually need to do a deep detox and clarify your hair – see this post: https://curlmaven.ie/why-when-you-should-clarify-your-hair/ – do that once a month, and regularly deep condition. Hope that helps x

  6. Hi,i was planning on buying Shea Moisture’s Strengthen and Restore Shampoo and Leave-in Conditioner, but apparently some people get hair loss problems too from the shampoo..It seems like the best shampoo would be one of Bounce Curl’s, but I cant afford the whole line. Do you know if it combines with for example Hair Food Papaya/Banana from Garnier or some other affordable sulfate & silicone free products and with a self made Flaxseed gel?

    1. Gabriella says:

      Hi Amy, I don’t recommend any of the Shea Moisture products. The Bounce Curl cleansers are the best on the market, and although expensive, you only need a little so they last a long time. You can get 10% off Bounce Curl using code CURLYCAILIN10 at checkout. If budget is an issue but you still want good products, check out Giovanni – the white/clear lines such as Smooth as Silk, 50/50 and Tea Tree.

  7. Hi There,

    I currently use DevaCurl. However to my knowledge, I am not experiencing the issues being raised. What would you recommend? If anything, Devacurl has done a lot of good for my curls.
    Do you know people who are still doing well with the product?

    1. Gabriella says:

      Hi Jennifer,the only people I know or have heard of who are not experiencing issues with DevaCurl, are people who don’t exclusively or consistently use DevaCurl products, or don’t use their wash products. I personally do not recommending any DevaCurl products.

    2. Hi Jennifer, I haven’t had any issues with the products either. I’ve been using them exclusively for 10 years or more. I’m going to continue and just stay aware. If I notice any changes, I’ll stop then. Motorcycle weather is coming up and I don’t know what I’d do without the No Poo to detangle the hot mess my hair is when I get off the bike. Plus I love my hair after many years of fighting it. Good luck!!

  8. I’m so confused! I can’t figure out if I need protein or moisture :/ … My hair has been thinning quite a bit over the last few years (wondering if it’s Deva-related), my curls are soft and not well-defined, and I do have plenty of frizz. But I’m not quite sure what you mean by mushy?? So it almost sounds like a combination of both problems. What do I do?! Thanks for this amazing resource!

    1. Gabriella says:

      By the sounds of it your hair needs some protein.

  9. Hi! I’ve been using deva curl for about 10 – 12 years. I use the no poo, one condition, believe in, ultra gel and hairspray regularly. I also use the build up buster occasionally. I’ve had no issues, ever. I love the products and love my hair. I’ve had times of frizz and drier than normal hair but I just call those my curly hair days, it does what it wants days. So you can imagine that I’m so torn right now. I’m 53 years old and it took me many, many years to love my curls and find just the right products. So, I think I’m definitely in the minority right now! Scary to keep using it, scary hair if I stop. Ultimately, I think I’m gonna have to take my chances and continue. After this many years, I have to think the products like me. I hate this for everyone else!

  10. Hi Gabriella,

    I’ve been reading your blog for the last two hours! I love what you are saying about taking care of your hair and knowing what it needs.

    I too suffered from Deva Curl damage as well as not identifying that my hair desperately needed protein. I was/am suffering from a great deal of hair loss as well as loose curl pattern. I’m still so new to this as I grew up with straight hair most of my life and then hormones changed everything!

    My question: I read on another of your posts that you choose to introduce protein to your hair through your cleansing/conditioning methods and not through your styling products. I believe my hair reacts the same way. How would I know how often to balance the moisture/protein? After the damage, I’m terrified of losing more hair as it’s been falling out the last 18 months.

    Your posts are a blessing! Thank you!

    1. Gabriella says:

      Hi Toni, I’m so glad you’re finding my content helpful. I suggest you read my post on protein moisture balance to learn the signs of what your hair needs, so you can then treat it accordingly – either protein or moisture or maintain a balance. Here’s the link: https://curlmaven.ie/protein-moisture-balance/
      And then for the hair loss, follow the suggestions in that part of this Deva Curl post. Hope that helps, so sorry you’ve been experiencing these issues. x

  11. Sorry, I forgot to ask if you think it’s better to use products from the same line for better results or if it doesn’t really matter. Thank you and sorry for all the questions !

    1. Gabriella says:

      I only suggest using all products from one line if they are catering to all your hair’s needs. Which as I stated in the post, I don’t think any one brand has nailed just yet. Depending on the brand, I can use their complete line of products, but so long as I am regularly clarifying with my Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo. Does that make sense?

      1. Zineb Dallahy says:

        Yeah completely clear, thank you very much !!!

  12. Hi!! First of all thank you for this post, it was very informing and so clear. I personally don’t have very damaged hair after using devacurl, but I have been considerably losing my curl pattern, so would it still be fine to use the products that you mentioned for cleansing and conditioning or are they better suited for really damaged hair! I have very fine hair so I am worried of products that might weigh it down.

    1. Gabriella says:

      Hi, if you have considerable curl pattern loss, I would call that damage. That’s what’s happened to my daugther’s hair. She hasn’t lost her hair, but she has lost her curl pattern. All the products I mentioned I have been using regularly for at least 6 months, but most of them almost 3 years now. They are all fine to use for healthy hair too, to maintain healthy hair. Just use the guidelines I suggested for if your hair is damaged.

  13. After light DevaCurl damage, I tried this regimen out today after feeling frustrated for months and it truly WORKED. I have my shiny curls back. Still thin and elongated but I will be doing my best to encourage curl and growth. I did take all my protein products out of rotation and will slowly introduce products back in, using the one-in rule of only changing or adding one product at a time. Thanks again for providing a concrete regimen, will be following the clarify/deep condtione/rice water plan paying close attn to protein/moisture balance going forward. Thanks!!!

    1. Gabriella says:

      YAy! Thank you so so much for sharing that and letting me know my tips and advice worked! That’s always so wonderful to hear. x

  14. Hi Cailin,
    Would you recommend Shea Moistures Jamaican black castor oil shampoo as a clarifying shampoo? I’m hesitant to use this product, but it contains protein and apple cider vinegar, both which my hair currently need.

  15. Samantha Whelan says:

    So should I be using the Sunday shampoo everyday for a couple of days? Use it, then wait 2-3 days, and then use it again?

    Do I deep condition every time I use the Sunday shampoo? Or should I be deep conditioning with the Bounce Curl clarifying shampoo too?

    I want to follow your recommendations, just want to make sure I’m understanding it clearly.

    1. Gabriella says:

      No, as stated in the post, however often you wash your hair. If you are experiencing a lot of damage and what I described, then use the Sunday Shampoo for the first 2-3 consecutive washes. Not 2-3 washes in one week, that would dry out your hair too much. I don’t recommend washing your hair more than twice a week anyway, and using that shampoo every day would trash it within a week. Deep condition after you use Sunday Shampoo, use regular conditioner after Bounce Curl Clarifying Shampoo.

  16. Hi Gabrielle, would the Boucleme cleansers, either the blue one or the green one be suitable to clarify my hair? I live in a soft water area and my hair is normal porosity so I’m only concerned with possible product build up. Thanks

    1. Gabriella says:

      HI Kerry, no. Neither of the Boucleme cleansers are clarifying, you need to use something like Bounce Curl Clarifying Shampoo, Kinky Curly Come Clean etc. See my post on Clarifying for more info and product recommendations.

  17. Benedicte says:

    I am also an ex deva user … unfortunately. I stopped with devacurl in early November. Hair loss, curl pattern disappeared …
    I felt that I could not find the moisture / protection balance.
    No matter how much protein I use, it seems to disappear in my hair. My hair eats all protein. I used aphogee, used natural protein fillers …
    A deepco with protein also seems to give extra moisture.
    I now use everything from Innersense, hair bath, conditioner, mask (natural protein fillers) and styling.
    Can I also use innersense pure hair bath as a Clarifying shampoo?
    Or better the bounce curl?
    I do everything to get my hair healthy again !!!

    1. Gabriella says:

      Hi Benedicte, so sorry you’ve experienced that, and are continuing to experience the effects. Innersense Pure line isn’t sufficient as a clarifying shampoo, in my opinion. Bounce Curl and Bumble & Bumble are better, or the MopTop detox shampoo. Remember it’s going to take time for your hair to recover.

      1. Benedicte says:

        Thank you . I just ordered the hairfinity masque en the bumble and bumble Sunday shampoo. luckily I haven’t used deva very intensively and for a long time. But enough to see the damage.
        I hope it will be okay with the right care.

  18. Thank you so much for this post. I have heard many people talking. But you are the only one I have read that gives those of us with damage a plan to care for our hair and recover from this. The information on your blog is so informative. I have hope that my hair will recover and due to your recommendations for protein/moisture balance be even better than I have ever experienced in the past. Thank you for this labor of love.

  19. Thank you so much for this post! This information is so helpful, especially your points on clarifying. It’s too easy to forget to clarify and deep condition when life gets busy! Thanks for being a reliable resource in the curl community! I just started taking care of my curls in early 2019 and your blog has been so helpful 🙂 Thank you!

  20. Honestly you are a hairsaver! All the recommendations about re-incorporating silicones seems so counterintuitive to me. I have been referring other members of the group to your blog/IG (privately) because clarifying/nailing down moisture/protein balance makes so much sense!

    And! It is working for me! I had a great wash today where I saw my old curl pattern again (still a long way to go as it doesn’t hold the curl for very long).

    When did you stop using Deva on your daughter’s hair? Will you follow your recommendation for her?

    Deva formulation *must* have changed. I was a dedicated Deva user for a loooong time. The protein/moisture balance in the original stuff worked for me for over 5 years. I would say it happened after Lorraine Massey left (my hair turned to shit late 2017/early 2018).

    1. Gabriella says:

      I’m so glad this post has helped you. It was only as I was writing this post this week that I realised the connection with the DevaCurl Styling Cream and that I’ve been using it for almost every wash day on my daughter’s hair that I realised THAT connection! I will of course no longer be using it on her hair, or my hair and will start these same steps of recovery on her. Thankfully my hair isn’t suffering any long term damage. I agree, something has definitely changed at DevaCurl.

  21. Thank you for the post. I used Devacurl for years and loved it. I Chaulked up the hair loss and dryness to getting older, hormones, bad diet, etc. once I realized that it could be Devacurl I stopped using it. I stopped using Devacurl almost 5 months ago and my hair is so much better. It’s still no where near where it was but today I barely lost hair in the shower, that is a good start.

    1. Gabriella says:

      That’s great. I think people need to be aware that there is always going to be hair loss in the shower. The longer you go between wash days, the more hair loss there is going to be. We shed 100+ strands of hair a day, as curly girls who don’t brush and detangle every day, that’s going to build up. So there’s always going to be hair loss, you just need to monitor and measure what’s normal for you.

  22. Thank you my curl friend! So much I’ve read here is just good common sense. My one question: If DevaCurl is “bad” because it’s classified as dirty on the Think Dirty app, should I be alarmed at the other products I use that are “dirty?” Can they cause damage too?

    1. Gabriella says:

      Again, I refer back to my point I made about the Think Dirty app. Shea Moisture for example scores well on that app, yet is well known to cause horrendous damage to the hair in the long term. Think about the brand, the quality and the price your paying. Products are also given a bad rating if they contain fragrance, or aren’t organic. Anything can and will cause damage if not used correctly, and use your own judgement, intelligence and intuition as to what effects it’s having on your hair and if that’s good, or causing damage. The reason DevaCurl is “bad” is not because it’s got a low rating on Think Dirty. The reason it’s “bad” is because it’s allegedly causing such drastic and damaging effects on the hair. I think you’ve missed the point in my blog post…

      1. I have never seen anything about Shea Moisture causing damage to hair in the long term and I can’t find anything about it by Googling. Could you give me some more information?

        Thanks!

        1. Gabriella says:

          It’s a well known fact within experienced curlies in the curl commmunity and hair stylists too.

          1. Well, I’m relatively new to the curly community, but I’ve done a lot of reading and research about products and I’ve only ever seen good stuff about Shea Moisture, which is why I was asking for more information. As someone who is new to the community, I’m always looking for new information about stuff, and most experienced curlies are happy to share what they know. I wasn’t questioning your knowledge, just looking to further my own.

      2. Karen Olsen says:

        I think I understood your blog post. Like I said, a lot of good common sense.
        Spisha’s post made me feel like the dirty products on Think Dirty, like DevaCurl, contributed to her hairs condition. She said her hair dresser told her “why do you use them? They’re dirty.”
        I’m sorry
        Sorry, didn’t mean to put you on the defense.

  23. Did your daughters curl pattern return when you stopped using Deva products on her?

    1. Gabriella says:

      I’ve only just realised DevaCurl Styling Cream is most likely the cause of the loss of her curl pattern over the last 2-3 years. I will now be following all the same steps on her hair, as I have done on mine, and recommended in this post. I’m hoping her curls will come back, as she still has a few ringlets along the very underneath layer of her hair. It’s the top and outer layers which are almost completely straight now.

      1. My sister had really curly when she was little. They have turned into looser curls now that she is older. She has never used devacurl products. Her hair has always been beautiful whether ringlets or loose curls. So don’t fret too much if her hair changes as she gets older. I’m sure like my sister she will be beautiful however her curls change.