Here’s a roundup of my favourite curly girl products of 2019. Pretty much all of them are available world wide, with a 20% discount code and FREE world wide shipping! Each year I continue to try new brands and products, some of them make it onto my favourites list. Others on the list have been favourites of mine for years, and will come as no surprise to you if you’re a regular reader.
This year I’m going to do things a little differently. These Favourite Products posts continue to be one of the most popular on the blog. So I’m going to list what was the favourite product for 2017 and 2018, and what’s made the top spot for 2019. Hopefully this way you can see what products truly stand the test of time, and continue to be the best on the market. And what new products are genuinely worth the hype, and the money. I’ve also got a Stand Out Product of the Year. Find out what that is at the end of the post.
AD | This article is sponsored by LOOKFANTASTIC. However, this hasn’t influenced my opinion or the way I’ve written about the brands or products featured in this article. Use code CURLMAVEN for 20% off at LOOKFANTASTIC.
My Hair Type
Before we get started on my favourite products of 2019. Here’s a little background on my hair, for reference and/or comparison. I have fine hair, but lots of it. I have a mix of 2c – 3b curls. I have medium-high porosity hair, which gets easily weighed down and over-moisturised. So I have to be careful what products I use, and do regular protein treatments.
My hair colour is completely natural, and I’ve been following the curly girl method for almost 3 years. What works for me and my hair, may not work for you. There is no shortcut to finding a product that will work for your hair. It all about trial and error; patience, persistence and consistency.
Where I Shop + Discount Codes
I live in Ireland, and buy almost all of my curly girl products online. Mostly on Look Fantastic, who offer FREE worldwide shipping. I’ve got an exclusive 20% discount code for you! Use code CURLMAVEN on LOOKFANTASTIC! I’ve also got other brand discount codes for you, which I’ll list throughout the post. Simply apply them at checkout on the relevant sites linked in this post. Okay, let’s get started on my favourite products of 2019!
Co Wash
- 2017: As I Am Coconut Co Wash
- 2018: As I Am Coconut Co Wash
- 2019: As I Am Coconut Co Wash
The As I Am Coconut Co-Wash is still my favourite co-wash I’ve found since I started the curly girl method. I’ve tried others, but keep coming back to this and continue to buy countless tubs. It’s not a heavy co-wash, but very lightweight. It leaves your scalp, roots and hair feeling really clean without feeling stripped. It’s also got black castor oil which is great for hair growth! You can get 20% off As I Am at Look Fantastic, using code CURLMAVEN. Valid until 1st February 2020, with FREE worldwide shipping!
Lo Poo
- 2017: MopTop Gentle Shampoo
- 2018: Jessicurl Hair Cleansing Cream
- 2019: Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath
Some categories are going to be really hard to narrow down to just one favourite product of the year. All the lo poos mentioned above are still favourites, and I still use all of them regularly. Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath is the one I’ve used the most this year. I love that it’s moisturizing, but still has enough protein to prevent my hair from becoming over-moisturized. Innersense formulas are very concentrated, so you only need a small amount. If you’re in the USA, you can buy Innersense here. EU & UK curlies, get 10% off Innersense at The Clean Beauty Edit using code CURLMAVEN. It’s also available on Cult Beauty if you prefer to shop there.
Or you can get 10% off MopTop here using code CURLMAVEN.
Top Tip: Curly hair can get easily weighed down, so clarifying regularly is important. Not to mention essential for a healthy scalp and hair growth. If you live in a hard water area, or swim in the pool or ocean, you’ll need a chelating shampoo to clarify your hair. To avoid your hair feeling stripped and straw-like, always do a deep conditioning treatment afterwards!
Clarifying Shampoo:
- 2017: Kinky Curly Come Clean
- 2018: Bounce Curl Clarifying Shampoo
- 2019: Bounce Curl Clarifying Shampoo
My favourite clarifying shampoo is Bounce Curl Enzyme Gentle Clarifying Shampoo. No question, nothing else comes close, hands down my favourite! This is the most moisturising, clarifying shampoo I’ve tried. It could go in the lo poo category too, as it’s gentle enough for regular use. But with the added benefit of clarifying the hair, without being as harsh as a chelating shampoo. It’s also safe to use on colour treated hair. This is my most used lo poo of the last two years. Bounce Curl are another brand with concentrated formulas. So you only need the smallest amount as a little goes a very long way! If I could only use one cleanser for the rest of my life, this would be it!
Get 10% off Bounce Curl using code CURLMAVEN at all of the following distributors/online retailers:
- USA: Bounce Curl
- IRELAND: The Clean Beauty Edit – ships worldwide
- UK: Kiyo Beauty – ships worldwide
- Canada: Curl Warehouse
Chelating Shampoo:
- 2017: Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo
- 2018: Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo
- 2019: Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo
Still top of my chelating shampoo favourites for a third year in row, Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo. It’s not curly girl friendly, as it contains sulfates. But, its necessary for me as I live in a hard water area. Unlike many chelating shampoos, it doesn’t contain silicones – which is why I love it so much.
But it does contain the all-important chelating ingredient: Disodium EDTA which gets rid of hard water and mineral deposits from the hair. Read this post for more info. Valid until 1st February 2020, with FREE worldwide shipping. If you live in the US, you can buy it on Sephora.
Protein-Free Conditioner:
- 2017: Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioner
- 2018: Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioner
- 2019: Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioner
Another favourite for a third year running. I’ve been using this on and off since I started my curly girl journey in May 2017. Matrix Biolage Hydra Source Conditioner, aka GVP Conditioning Balm in the U.S. This product is amazing, especially if your hair is dry, frizzy, knotty, tangled and needs moisture.
Less is more, you only need the tiniest amount! Truly, otherwise you’ll over moisturise your hair. You can also use it as a deep conditioner. I buy the large 1000ml tub which lasts us about a year in a house of three curlies. Such good value for money! Please note, this is the only product from the brand that’s CG friendly.
Protein Conditioner:
- 2017: MopTop Daily Conditioner
- 2018: Hairfinity Balanced Moisture Conditioner
- 2019: Hairfinity Balanced Moisture Conditioner / Innersense Hydrating Cream Conditioner / AG Hair Naturals Boost Conditioner
This is another tricky category to narrow down to just one favourite product. Hairfinity Balanced Moisture Conditioner is a favourite, but it was sold out for ages on Look Fantastic. During that time, I discovered and fell in love with Innersense Hydrating Cream Conditioner. And AG Hair Boost Conditioner from their naturals line.
Currenty Buy 2 get 1 FREE at Ulta! All of these conditioners are a great balance of lightweight moisture and protein.If you live in the USA, click here to shop Innersense. EU and UK curlies, get 10% off Innersense at The Clean Beauty Edit using code CURLMAVEN at checkout. You can also get 10% off MopTop here using code CURLMAVEN.
Leave In Conditioner
- 2017: Giovanni Direct Leave In Weightless Moisture Conditioner
- 2018: Giovanni Direct Leave In Weightless Moisture Conditioner
- 2019: Giovanni Direct Leave In Weightless Moisture Conditioner
Well no surprises here then! Giovanni Direct Leave In Weightless Moisture Conditioner is just the best leave-in conditioner on the market as far as I’m concerned. I only ever stray away from it when I’m testing out other leave in conditioners. And the only one I’ve ever liked as much, is the Flora & Curl Leave In Detangler. But the affordability of Giovanni, and the light weight formula keeps me coming back, bottle after bottle. Get 20% off Giovanni and Flora & Curl at LOOKFANTASTIC using code CURLMAVEN. Giovanni products are great if you’re just starting out the curly girl method, or you’re on a tight budget.
Protein-Free Deep Conditioner:
- 2018: Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment
- 2019: Phyto Joba Moisturizing Mask
I first heard of Phyto from one of my sisters. And then again from YouTuber, Kathleen Lights when she spoke about this Phyto Joba Moisturizing Mask in one of her favourites videos. I’ve since bought 2 tubes of it and it’s become a firm favourite! I love using it as a regular conditioner, a mask on it’s own or mixed with rice water for my modified rice water treatment method. Get 20% off at LOOKFANTASTIC using code CURLMAVEN.
Protein Deep Conditioner:
- 2017: Hairfinity Strengthening Amino Masque
- 2018: Hairfinity Strengthening Amino Masque
- 2019: Hairfinity Strengthening Amino Masque
If you’ve been following me or reading my blog for a while, this will come as no surprise! I have lost count of the amount of tubs I’ve bought of the Hairfinity Strengthening Amino Masque! For me, it’s just the best deep conditioner that contains protein. I use it as a regular conditioner, a deep conditioning mask on it’s own. But I especially love it mixed in with rice water for my modified rice water treatment. This can sell out fast on Look Fantastic, so I always stock up when I see it.
Mousse/Foam:
- 2017: Pantene Defined Curls Mousse
- 2018: Pantene Defined Curls Mousse
- 2019: Pantene Defined Curls Mousse / Innersense I Create Lift Volumizing Foam
For me, mousse and foam are two different products. But I’ve put them in the same category, as I know many people class them as the same thing. Pantene Defined Curls Mousse. What can I say? I’ve been using this mousse for 20 years! Yes, twenty years. I have tried pretty much every other mousse on the market, and I can still say, even after all this time. It’s still the best mousse out there, and it’s the most affordable product I use!
Check out this post on how I style my hair using The LMG Method.
It’s lightweight, and doesn’t cause white flakes. Gives great curl definition and hold, as well as reducing frizz. It creates a strong cast, and soft, shiny, bouncy curls once scrunched out. If I could only use one styling product for the rest of my life, it would be this mousse.
For almost 17 years it was the only styling product I used! It has never let me down and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Irish & UK curlies you can find it in supermarkets. But no matter where you live, you can usually find this mousse in grocery stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, drug stores, chemists – even the little corner shops!
I’ve been doing a lot of experimenting with foams this year, and after trying several of them, Innersense I Create Lift Volumising Foam is my favourite. It’s lightweight, great for creating clumps. Gives good, long lasting definition and frizz control. But it definitely needs to be paired with a gel. If you’re in the USA, you can buy Innersense here. EU & UK curlies, get 10% off at The Clean Beauty Edit using code CURLMAVEN. It’s available on Cult Beauty
Curl Cream:
- 2017: Devacurl Styling Cream
- 2018: Devacurl Styling Cream
- 2019: Devacurl Styling Cream / Bounce Curl Clump & Define Cream
Curl creams work much better on my daughter’s hair than they do mine. However I no longer use or recommend Devacurl – you can read why in this post.
Personally, I prefer the Bounce Curl Clump & Define Cream. One of the best new product launches of 2019! I cannot stress enough how little you need of this product! Check out my Bounce Curl Review and What to Buy post for more info, tips and tricks.
Get 10% off Bounce Curl using code CURLMAVEN at all of the following distributors/online retailers:
- USA: Bounce Curl
- IRELAND: The Clean Beauty Edit – ships worldwide
- UK: Kiyo Beauty – ships worldwide
- Canada: Curl Warehouse
Custard:
- 2017: MopTop Curly Hair Custard
- 2018: MopTop Curly Hair Custard
- 2019: Boucleme Super Hold Styler
I discovered MopTop Curly Hair Custard in 2017 and have continued to purchase tub after tub ever since. My only issue with it, is that it can cause white flakes on the hair if you use too much. Then came along Bouclème’s Super Hold Styler – another great launch this year! Originally marketed as a strong hold gel, to me this is 100% a strong hold custard! Use code CURLMAVEN for 20% off at Look Fantastic, who ship worldwide.
I adore Bouclème’s Super Hold Styler, it’s so versatile. I can use it paired with a leave in conditioner, mousse and/or gel. It’s also great for refreshing, and as a one-and-done styling product too! It’s got the hold that the MopTop Curly Hair Custard doesn’t, and it doesn’t cause white flakes – no matter how much I apply.
Gel:
- 2017: Aussie Instant Freeze / Bouclème Curl Defining Gel
- 2018: Aussie Instant Freeze / Bouclème Curl Defining Gel / Jessicurl Spiralicious Gel
- 2019: Aussie Instant Freeze / Bouclème Curl Defining Gel / Jessicurl Spiralicious Gel
This is probably my toughest category to pick one favourite product. Mainly because Aussie Instant Freeze Gel continues to be my favourite and most used gel, for the third year in a row. But it’s the old formula. As soon as I heard they were discontinuing it, I stocked up! I’ve still got about 3 tubes left. I don’t know why on earth they changed the formula, especially so much! The new formula is completely different!
So apart from Aussie Instant Freeze Gel, the others I continue to use and love are Jessicurl Spiralicious Gel, which is a creamy gel with strong hold. And Bouclème Curl Defining Gel, which is super light weight creamy, almost watery gel. Get 20% off at Look Fantastic using code CURLMAVEN. You can buy Jessicurl directly from their website, or on my Amazon Shop. For EU/UK curlies, you can purchase Jessicurl at Naturalistic Products.
Curl Towel:
- 2017: Bouclème Curl Towel
- 2018: Trepadora Curl Towel
- 2019: Aquis Lisse Luxe Hair Towel
I have reached for the Aquis Lisse Luxe Towel the most in 2019 – CURLMAVEN for 20% off,. I’ve never been a fan of microfibre towels, which is why they’re not on the list. Renowned curl stylist Evan Joseph, has just switched out all of his microfibre towels for Aquis ones. The Aquis Lisse Luxe Towel is the perfect towel for curly hair as it’s gentle on the hair, doesn’t cause frizz, is large enough for long, thick hair, lightweight and it soaks up just the right amount of water.
Hairdryer + Diffuser:
I wasn’t going to put this section in at all, as my hairdryer is only available in the UK & Ireland. And the diffuser is out of stock until some time in 2020. But I get asked all the time what I use. I use a Diva Professional Dynamica 4000 Pro Hair Dryer, available in my Amazon UK Shop. And the Diva Professional XL Diffuser. I’ve used a lot of diffusers over the years and this is my favourite, because it’s HUGE! Which cuts down my diffusing time and thanks to the little grips, I can lift my roots while I’m diffusing, for extra volume.
Sleep Protection:
- 2018: Coorie Curls Satin Scrunchie & Buff
- 2019: Puff Cuff, Silke London Hair Wrap & Silkskin pillowcase
Protecting your hair at night, is as important as what styling products and techniques you use. It makes such a difference to long-lasting curl definition and frizz control.
I use a mini Puff Cuff to put my hair up in a pineapple – not just at night, all the time! PuffCuffs are worth every penny! Get 15% off PuffCuff using my code CURLMAVEN. Once my hair is in a pineapple, I put on my Silke London hair turban and lay on my Slip Silk pillowcase. – CURLMAVEN for 20% off both Silke London and Slip. But it’s better value for money if you get the pack of 2, with my discount code CURLMAVEN at Look Fantastic, who ship worldwide.
Brushes:
- 2017: Denman Large Paddle Brush
- 2018: Denman Large Paddle Brush / Tangle Teezer (as a scalp brush)
- 2019: Denman Large Paddle Brush / Bouclème Scalp Brush
I’ve been using a Denman Large Paddle Brush for as long as I can remember. Even as a child! It’s the best out there. I’ve tried many others over the years, even other brushes from Denman. But this is the best for curly hair and thick hair. Especially if you have children with knotty, tangled hair! It’s the only brush/comb we use in the house and I only ever use it when our hair is wet and full of conditioner or styling products.
This year, I started using a proper scalp brush. It’s so much better than the Tangle Teezer substitute I’d previously been using. Much more gentle on the scalp, and also more like a massage than a scrub. It’s not necessary, but it’s nice to use. My one is from Bouclème, which is currently sold out individually, but still available as part of this set. But Puff Cuff have an identical one.
Thermal Heat Cap:
And my final favourite of 2019: my Curl Maven Thermal Heat Cap. I first made one and started using it almost two years ago. It continues to make a huge difference to my hair’s health, shine, definition and frizz control. I use it every time I deep condition, to maximise the benefits of my deep conditioner.
You heat it up in the microwave and the heat opens up the hair’s cuticle, so products can penetrate deeper into the hair shaft. It’s especially great for low porosity hair! Handmade using 100% Cotton and 100% organic flaxseeds. Eco-friendly, microwaveable, reusable, reversible, stylish and easy to use. I ship worldwide, and new limited edition collections are available here.
Stand Out Product of 2019: Silke London Hair Wrap
The stand out product of the year for 2019 was an easy choice for me. It’s such a good investment, and worth every penny! Silke London’s hair wrap (turban) is the first one I’ve tried that’s big enough to hold all of my hair without flattening my curls, falling off during the night or being too tight and causing a headache. I’ve got The Poppy one. It’s 100% pure 22 momme grade silk, and made to such a high quality. Which also means they’re pretty pricey, but you can get 20% off at Look Fantastic using my code CURLMAVEN. Valid until 1st February 2020 and FREE worldwide shipping. Silke London also do beautiful silk hair ties made from 100% mulberry silk, exclusive to Look Fantastic.
So that completes this Favourite Products of 2019 post, and my last post of the year. What did you think? Do we have any of the same favourite products? Have I introduced you to any new products you want to try for yourself? Are there any products I haven’t mentioned, which you think I should try. Or have I listed some products that just don’t work for you? Let me know in the comments below.
I just want to say a very special thank you to everyone who has read my posts, commented, followed me on social media and shared my content over this past year. 2019 has been truly amazing, and I can’t wait to show you what I’ve got planned for 2020! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and holiday season, and wish you all the very best of luck in the New Year!
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