5 Curlsmith Products Worth Your Money

I have a dry scalp that can sometimes lead to quite a bit of itchiness. After a particularly rough bout of scratching, I was nervous to use this shampoo as others have irritated my already sensitive skin. Thankfully, Curlsmith's Fragrance Free Shine Shampoo ($26) was gentle and did not cause a single reaction — not even a tingle. Instead, I was able to comfortably massage the jasmine- and hops-infused formula (hops are the flowers of a plant typically used to add bittering flavor to beer, but also work as a softening agent in shampoo) onto my scalp and rinse with no zero issues. I will say that this is an extremely light foaming shampoo, so if you prefer big suds when washing your hair, you may want to try a different formula.

Rating: ★★★★

For me, conditioners are one of — if not the most — important parts of any hair-care routine. Not only do they need to soften and hydrate, but it should also have enough slip to act as a detangler. The Curlsmith Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash ($25), which doubles as a co-wash, accomplished that and more thanks to its shea butter-infused formula. I used it just as I would a normal conditioner since I don't co-wash anymore. After sectioning my hair, I applied the conditioner to each section, detangled it, and twisted it to keep it out of the way. Doing so allowed my hair to remain detangled and allowed the product to actually soak in for the three minutes that the brand instructed on the label.

I was impressed with how my comb glided through my curls without any painful snarls, and when my hair was fully detangled and ready to be washed again, it felt soft to the touch. This conditioner now sits next to my holy grail detangler, and I am more than comfortable switching between the two of them without a second thought. That's how good it is.

Rating: ★★★★★

I recently got highlights, and the coloring process caused some dryness, especially at the ends of my hair. So during my wash day, I made sure to do a treatment with the Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehab Salve ($29), which features ingredients like prickly pear pulp and pumpkin seed oil, which in combination with the rest of the formula, are meant to strengthen. I used it on damp hair in the shower, making sure to give special attention to the tips of my hair, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Immediately after rinsing it out, I noticed the highlighted sections were softer and more defined, but I knew the true test would be when I blow-dried my hair. Thankfully, when I did, my ends didn't look frayed or extra puffy as they had been for the past few weeks, and my hair textures actually matched for the first time in a while. Needless to say, I will be keeping this product in my weekly wash routine for the foreseeable future.

Rating: ★★★★★

I used the Curlsmith Moisture Memory Reactivator ($24) in a slightly unconventional way: prior to blow-drying and using any heat protectant, I sprayed the formula all over to give my hair some extra moisture. It worked. Not only did my hair look shiny and healthy, but it didn't cause any buildup on the comb attachment that I was using with my blow dryer. So whether or not this is the "right" way to apply the moisture memory reactivator — which is technically to refresh a curly hairstyle, or use as a leave-in conditioner prior to final styling — this step is now cemented into my routine.

Rating: ★★★★★

I finished my blowout with a few pumps of the Curlsmith Hair Bonding Oil ($29). Aside from the subtle peach smell, it also features sea buckthorn oil and a special castor seed blend that gives my hair the kind of shine that rivals the one you have when you leave a professional salon. There is no greasy feeling either — just lightweight, bouncy hair that smells like the best summer day. What's not to love?

Rating: ★★★★★