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Eco-Friendly Hair Products for Curly Hair: Sustainable & Curly Approved Review
- Massiel Valenzuela
- Feb 2, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 5
After more than a decade as a salon owner and professional in the hair industry, I’ve witnessed major changes in both product innovation and consumer awareness. My own journey with haircare has evolved, leading me to embrace eco-friendly hair products for curly hair that deliver incredible results with fewer ingredients and a lighter environmental footprint. Today, I’ve found a simple, sustainable routine that keeps my curls healthy, defined, and aligned with my values.
Curly Hair Doesn’t Mean More Products
After years of experimenting with professional and drugstore brands, I realized that having curly hair doesn’t mean stocking your shelves with dozens of bottles. Yes, curls tend to be frizzy, dry, and high-maintenance—but with a few subtle changes to your routine, you can get better results while spending less.
Use What You Already Have
I’ve been guilty of buying new products before finishing the ones I already own. To cut costs and simplify your curly hair routine, start by creating a consistent system that works with what you already have. Every time I introduce too many new products, I end up with inconsistent results and less curl definition.
Reducing Plastic
During the pandemic, I became more intentional about how much I was spending on beauty products and started exploring low-waste alternatives. That’s when I discovered shampoo bars—and I was hooked. They last much longer than bottled shampoo and are far more eco-friendly, which makes my self-care routine feel even better.
From the Kitchen Cabinet
I now shampoo only twice a month and co-wash the rest of the time. This, along with pre-poo treatments, has reduced frizz and boosted moisture retention. My go-to pre-poo mix includes jojoba and olive oil. I skip coconut oil because it’s protein-rich and tends to stiffen my natural hair over time.
ACV Cleansing
My partner has dreadlocks, so I learned to cleanse hair naturally without heavy oils. A baking soda and apple cider vinegar soak works wonders for removing buildup and soothing the scalp. To offset the vinegar smell, I add a few drops of peppermint essential oil—it leaves the hair fresh and the scalp balanced.
Sleep Care: Silk Scarf or Bonnet
For long-lasting curls, nighttime care is essential. Sleeping with a silk scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase prevents frizz, dryness, and tangling. With proper care, I can easily go two weeks without washing or rewetting my hair.
Refreshing Curls
When I need a quick touch-up, I use As I Am Castor Oil Spray Water. It’s purified, moisturizing, and adds elasticity to my curls—perfect as a prep step before applying leave-in or styling products.
Ingredient Consistency
When my hair loves something, I stick with it. I look for continuity in ingredients from start to finish—cleansing, conditioning, and styling. Here are a few ingredients that consistently deliver great results:
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Castor Oil
Peppermint Oil
Avocado Oil
Rice Water
Jojoba Oil
What’s New
While some of my styling products still come in plastic bottles, all my cleansing products are now in bar form. I love that shampoo and conditioner bars give me a clean, soft finish without over-drying my curls.
If you’ve hesitated to try bar products because of your curl pattern, I highly recommend giving them a chance. There are now more bar options than ever—many designed specifically for curly and textured hair.
REMINDER
must not contain sulfates, silicone, drying alcohol, parabens, and certain waxes and mineral oils
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