I’ve been getting an increasing amount of questions about DevaCurl. What my thoughts, experience and advice is for people who have been affected by issues allegedly surrounding DevaCurl products. I know there are many of you who are going through lots of emotions, confusion and panic at the moment. I really want this post to focus on solutions to the issues of concern, rather than fan the flames of panic.
The curl community is being rocked right now by what’s going on, everyone’s talking about it. I want use my knowledge and platform to try to help find a solution to fix the issues people are experiencing. What products to use, and how to prevent something like this happening again. I’ve put everything in this blog post, so you can refer back to it, comment on and share it, should you wish to. But most of all, I hope it helps. It’s a long one though, so grab a cuppa!
It’s only by everyone coming out publicly, talking about it and most importantly, showing what their hair looks like. That everyone can identify and trouble shoot. To find out just what is going on, and how big and wide spread the problem really is. And that goes for influencers too. Especially those associated with, who use and/or promote DevaCurl products.
Being a Responsible Influencer
Over the past five days since Spisha’s video, more and more influencers and popular DevaCurl users have been coming out and sharing their experiences – which I commend and applaud. Every person that shares their story and experience, inspires someone else to share their’s. Just look at what’s happening in this Facebook group that everyone’s talking about. I think what was so shocking for everyone watching Ayesha’s video, was seeing her hair! She was one of the most recognizable faces, and curls! And most vocal supporter of the DevaCurl brand.
Coming up against a huge giant in the curl community, in any community, is scary! The thought of being sued by a multi-million dollar company is huge. Even more so if you’ve received free product, been paid to promote their products, have gone on brand trips, or are contractually bound to that company. 100% honesty and transparency is required at all times, for the good hair days, and the bad. The more people who speak out and come forward about the issues they are experiencing with their hair, the more power there is to do something about it.
What’s wrong with DevaCurl?
DevaCurl products are allegedly causing severe hair damage, hair loss, hair thinning, scalp irritation and relaxing people’s natural curl pattern. There are thousands of DevaCurl customers experiencing the same issues, which seem to have started in 2018. I’m not a scientist or a product formulator, so I can’t say which ingredient/s are allegedly causing these problems. What’s happening or why. Or if this is specific to DevaCurl (which so far, it appears to be), or if this could happen with any other brand.
But what I can tell you is this: I don’t think any brand has truly understood and mastered the protein moisture balance within their formulations, and line of products. Nor have they truly understood the importance of clarifying curly hair. This is the golden triangle of hair care that no one brand is fulfilling within their line of products: regular clarifying, with a balance of protein and moisture.
So many issues are simply down to not clarifying hair properly, regularly, or sometimes ever! I can name one, maybe two brands in the curl community who have a decent clarifying shampoo in their product line up: Bounce Curl and MopTop. Clarifying curly hair on a regular basis is essential to a healthy scalp and roots. See this post for more info. You need a balance of protein and moisture, with regular deep cleaning and deep conditioning for healthy, defined, hydrated, frizz-free curly hair and hair growth.
Why Brands Need Balance
Some brands have entire lines and ranges of products that are completely protein-free and focus entirely on moisture. Often containing heavy moisturizing agents, oils and butters. If you only use that brand of products, it will lead, at some point, to over-moisturized hair, and eventually hygral fatigue. Hair will become frizzy, weighed down and lose it’s curl definition. The natural curl pattern will stretch out, appearing “relaxed”, and the hair will feel mushy, like cotton candy. Other brands have lots of protein in them. Which often come with formulas that contain lots of oils, to try and counter-act the drying effects of so much protein. Again, if you only use that brand of products, it can lead to brittle hair with lots of breakage. Dry, straw-like frizz, curls will lose definition and the natural curl pattern will stretch out and appear relaxed. Ultimately, protein overload.
The oils, butters and heavy moisturizing agents, especially if they are cheap and poor quality. Can cause a bizarre variety of issues that appear to be both over-moisturized, and protein overload. This is due to the oils, butters and moisturizing agents weighing down the hair. Suffocating and either over-moisturizing, or dehydrating it. And if/because the hair isn’t being cleansed/clarified properly, these oils etc. create a film-like barrier on the hair. Preventing moisture getting into the curl, and hydrating the hair. Which is why it’s constantly frizzy, no matter how much deep conditioning you do. But deep conditioning isn’t the solution. You need to deeply cleanse, detox and clarify the hair to get those heavy oils, butters and moisturizing agents off the hair. So it can breathe and absorb water to hydrate itself! Read this post for more information on clarifying.
My Experience with DevaCurl Products
I started my curly journey in May 2017. The first conditioner I purchased was DevaCurl Original One Condition. I was underwhelmed, didn’t experience any issues or side effects, and didn’t repurchase. At that time, I also purchased Wave Maker and Styling Cream. I got amazing results on my daughter’s hair using the Styling Cream, and have continued to use it on her hair for almost 3 years. Since then, her curl pattern has completely changed from tight 3b-c ringlets, to barely a 2a-b wave!
I’d noticed that her curl pattern was changing. But thought it’s just her hair changing as she gets older, and maybe her curls would come back when she’s older. It wasn’t until I started writing this post, and speaking to a friend about it, when she said, “Don’t you always use DevaCurl on her hair? Haven’t you been saying for a while now that she’s losing her curls?” Then it hit me.
In July 2018, DevaCurl sent me a selection of their products. After the first wash, I experienced an itchy scalp. I also noticed I was losing more hair than usual on wash days. This carried on for about 3-4 washes, then I stopped using the products. I felt sure they were causing the itchy, irritated scalp. The hair loss was alarming. But at the time, I put it down to stress and figured DevaCurl just didn’t work for me. I’ve tried various different DevaCurl products since then, and noticed the itchy scalp immediately. But I haven’t used it consistently, or for more than one wash day at a time since then, to notice any hair loss again – thank goodness!
My Relationship with DevaCurl
When DevaCurl sent me a range of products to try in 2018, it was with the view of creating content on the blog, should I like the products. That post/content never happened. I continued to be on the DevaCurl PR list. However, I didn’t share any of the products, launches or run any giveaways. Because I wasn’t a fan of the products being sent/launched at that time. And therefore wasn’t happy to promote, or recommend them to my followers.
Towards the end of 2019, I asked to speak with someone from head office regarding the issues and growing concern around their products. I received the same statement that everyone else has been seeing and receiving. Which for me, considering the size of the brand and the seriousness of the issue, doesn’t cut it. DevaCurl need to acknowledge and address the issue openly, and fully transparently. Not give vague statements that could come from any company, about any product. You can read their latest statement here.
The Think Dirty App
Regarding the Think Dirty app, I think it’s a good, informative app to be used as a guide. As consumers and residents of this planet, we should all make a conscious effort to be more mindful of the ingredients and products we use, put in and on our body, and end up in our environment. The Think Dirty app, Is It CG? and Curlsbot websites are all there as guides. Not hard and fast rules to be abided by at all other costs. Eg: that cost being the health of your hair.
We still need to use our own judgement, intelligence and intuition. Just because something is organic or clean, or curly girl friendly, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for your hair. All these apps are a great starting point, to give you confidence in purchasing products. But after that, it’s up to you to discern if that product – no matter how clean, organic or curly girl friendly it may be – is working for your hair.
How to tell if a product is working for your hair
Ultimately, the best way to gauge if a product is working for your hair, is not through some app. It’s by looking in the mirror. Look at the your hair, what is it telling you? What does it feel like? Take regular pictures of your hair, from various angles. Not only on wash days, but on the days in between, the good days, and the bad days. Keep a note of what products you used and when, and link it up with the dates on your pictures. For everyone that’s experiencing hair damage, hair thinning and hair loss, loss of curl definition and/or relaxed pattern. The steady decline and damage in the pictures, from thousands of people at this stage, is evident and clear to see. It also makes it easier to pin point when the damage started, and therefore what may be causing it.
What to do if you are experiencing any of these issues?
First of all, whatever products you’re using, stop using them immediately! I’ve seen some crazy advice online, saying dimethicone is water-soluble (it isn’t), and the only way to fix the damage is to use products containing silicones and polyquats (it’s not). Please don’t do that! I’m going to link various products below, that I recommend, and regularly use myself, and have been for quite some time.
Disclaimer: They are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission on any purchase you make through my links, or using my discount codes. But I am not trying to profit off of this situation. The links are to US sites, and most products are available on my Amazon Shop. However, I’ll provide links to all products mentioned and available in the UK/EU/ rest of the world at the end of each step. Most of them are available on my Amazon UK Shop.
Step 1: Deeply Cleanse
My advice is to thoroughly and deeply cleanse your hair to get rid of any build up, and whatever gunk and/or chemicals are on the hair. This will also remove a build up of oils, butters and moisturizing agents from the hair. Which can cause frizz and a “relaxed” or loosened curl pattern over time. To do this, I recommend Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo. It contains sulfates and a chelating ingredient, and therefore isn’t curly girl friendly, but it’s necessary. You may need to do this for more than one wash day. If your hair is really bad, use it for 2-3 consecutive wash days, then gradually reduce it to once a week. Then every 2 weeks, and then once every 4-6 weeks going forward.
On the washes in between, I recommend using Bounce Curl Clarifying Shampoo. It’s gentle enough for regular use, and on colour-treated hair. Use code CURLMAVEN for 10% off. Use Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo for deep cleanses, and Bounce Curl Clarifying Shampoo for gentle cleanses in between. Not only will these products cleanse the hair, but by removing all the gunk and build up. It also allows your hair to be able to absorb the moisture, hydration and protein it needs. In order to be healthy, grow and curl properly again.
Bounce Curl Clarifying Shampoo is available at The Clean Beauty Edit – use code CURLMAVEN for 10% off.
Step 2: Deep Condition
Regularly deep condition after each deep cleansing, clarifying wash detailed above. Using good quality products, containing good quality ingredients. Read this post on protein moisture balance, which also has a corresponding YouTube video. But here’s the condensed version: If your hair feels very soft, too soft. If you have a lot of wet frizz, even after conditioning. You have frizzy hair when it’s dry, but the frizz feels smooth. Or if your curls are dropping and losing definition – use a deep conditioner that contains protein. I recommend Hairfinity Strengthening Amino Masque, Aphogee Two Step Protein Treatment – not CG friendly, Curl Junkie Repair Me, or my modified rice water rinse.
If your hair appears dull, feels rough, brittle, dry with straw-like, angry-looking frizz and it’s breaking – use a deep conditioner that focuses more on moisture. Protein can still be on the ingredients list, but further down near the bottom – which means there’s smaller quantities of it. I recommend Innersense Hydrating Hair Masque and Phyto Joba Moisturizing Mask, which both contain small amounts of protein. Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment or Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioning Balm aka GVP Conditioning Balm are both protein-free.
Leave your deep conditioner on for at least 20 minutes, and no more than an hour. Using a Curl Maven Thermal Heat Cap can help maximize the benefits of these deep conditioners. Depending on how damaged your hair is, and how soon you’ve caught the symptoms. You may need to do this consistently for a few weeks, or even a few months, before you see positive results. Giving you healthy hair and restoring your natural curl pattern. This damage didn’t occur over night, or in one wash day. It’s not going to be fixed over night, or in one wash day either.
When you’re not deep conditioning, you can use the same deep conditioner. Just don’t use as much, leave it on for as long, or use heat. If you’d prefer a regular conditioner instead, I recommend Innersense Hydrating Cream Conditioner, Hairfinity Balanced Moisture Conditioner, AG Hair Natural Boost Conditioner, MopTop Daily Conditioner. Or Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioning Balm aka GVP Conditioning Balm, which is a conditioner that can double up as a DC.
UK/EU shop here by clicking on the product names: Hairfinity Strengthening Amino Masque and Balanced Moisture Conditioner, use code CURLMAVEN for 20% off. Aphogee Two Step Protein Treatment. Curl Junkie, MopTop and AG Hair aren’t available outside the USA. Innersense Hydrating Hair Masque and Hydrating Cream Conditioner – use code CURLMAVEN for 10% off. Phyto Joba Moisturizing Mask – use code CURLMAVEN for 20% off. Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment available from Naturalistic Products. Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioner – currently 25% off on Look Fantastic, I get the 1000ml tub.
Step 3: Style
Be mindful of what styling products you use. Try to maintain a good protein moisture balance throughout your product line up, and the order you use them. See this post for more details on how to do that. Keep it simple, I prefer, and always get the best results when I follow The LMG Method, linked here. But the focus is going to be on cleansing and conditioning your hair – that’s where the health and growth comes from. Avoid excess heat and heat styling tools. I know the temptation is to straighten your hair, but you’re only creating more problems for yourself in the long run.
Step 4: Re-Grow
Hair loss and thinning can be down to a variety of reasons, but my advice is still the same. In addition to step 1 and 2 listed above, regular rice water rinses will help with hair growth, along with hair vitamins. I’ve been taking hair growth supplements for almost a year, and seen several inches of growth. If that’s something you’re considering, you can get 10% off Hair369 or Bounce Curl Hair Vitamins using my code CURLMAVEN.
Many people recommend daily/regular scalp massages and using oils for hair growth. Scalp massages will definitely stimulate the scalp and hair follicle, even without the use of oils, and just using your natural sebum and oils. But unless you’re clarifying your hair regularly, you won’t see much hair growth. If using oils is something you want to try, I’d only recommend the Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil. UK/EU click here. It’s the only one I’ve tried that’s light enough not to cause any issues. You only need the smallest amount: 2-3 drops max!
Being Curly Girl Friendly Isn’t Enough
So how do you tell if a product is good? Being curly girl friendly isn’t enough, price isn’t always the best indicator of quality. Apps can’t indicate what will work for your hair, neither can influencers. I’ve recommended some brands and products I use throughout this post. But ultimately, you have to do the work. You need to take the time, do your research. But most of all, try the products out and see if they work for your hair. Use the tips and signs I’ve mentioned to see what’s working, what isn’t and what may need to be tweaked. Be patient, it’s going to take time for your hair to recover from damage and loss, whatever the cause.
Should you cut your hair and start again?
I can’t answer that for you. But if it were me, I would do as much as I can with good products and techniques, following the steps I’ve outlined above. I would do that consistently for 2-3 months. If at that point, I still don’t see an improvement in the health of my hair, and the restoration of my curl pattern. Then I would go to a hair stylist and get my hair cut. As short as necessary to regain hair health and curl pattern. Then I’d continue everything I’ve outlined above, to promote maximum hair health and growth, and prevent anything like that happening again.
I really hope this post has been helpful. I’ve tried to cover all the questions and concerns I’ve been getting from people over the last few days, weeks and months. Although I haven’t worked with DevaCurl in the past, or featured their products much on my blog or social media platforms. I do not recommending using DevaCurl. And I will be removing any mention of their products, or affiliate links from this blog. This will take a few days, so please be patient with me if you see something DevaCurl-related in any of the previous posts I’ve written.
Feeling overwhelmed?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the tips, advice and product recommendations. Click here for more information on my Curl Clinics™. A completely bespoke curl consultation service tailored to suit you and your hair. Designed to help get your waves and curls back and achieve your healthy hair goals.
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*This post may contain some gifted items and affiliate links. Which means I get paid (a very small) commission on any products you purchase through my links. This in no way affects you, the price you pay or the way in which I write about products featured on this site. My content and opinion is not influenced by advertisers, sponsorships, affiliate partnerships, brands or PRs.
Did your daughters curl pattern return when you stopped using Deva products on her?
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.
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.
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?
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…
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!
It’s a well known fact within experienced curlies in the curl commmunity and hair stylists too.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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!
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.
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 !!!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nope, I don’t recommend ANY Shea Moisture products at all, and wouldn’t advise anyone using them. It’s also not a clarifying shampoo, I’ve got a post on clarifying which you can read here: https://curlmaven.ie/why-when-you-should-clarify-your-hair/
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!!!
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
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.
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.
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 !
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?
Yeah completely clear, thank you very much !!!
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!
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
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!
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!
By the sounds of it your hair needs some protein.
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?
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.
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!!
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?
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.
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!!
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
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?
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.
Hi Gabriella,
Do you think kinky curly come clean is a good clarifying shampoo? Thank youu
It’s okay, but there’s better options out there.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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. 🙂