You have sworn off heat styling tools, tossed out our your terry cloth towel, and decided to banish silicones and sulfates from your life. You’ve taken your “before” photo and you’re ready to let the Curly Girl Method totally transform the way your hair looks and feels.
You fill your online cart with the silicone-free and sulfate-free products your favorite YouTuber listed in her curly hair favorites video and then…you slowly back away. Are people really spending a small mortgage payment on their hair every month? Judging by the handfuls of conditioner your hair needs to stay moisturized, you’re going to need to spend wisely.
Luckily there are plenty of Curly Girl-friendly products in your local drugstores that will give you the moisture and hold you need, at a fraction of the price of salon products.
The products on this list are widely available in stores such as Walgreens, Target, CVS and Walmart. Availability may vary depending on your local store.
Read more: How to Follow the Curly Girl Method
1. Taliah Waajid Black Earth Stimulating Herbal Cleanser
If you’re a strict follower of the Curly Girl Method you may not have a shampoo in your regimen at all, but some curly girls still use a shampoo occasionally. The Taliah Waajid formula won’t leave your hair dry or straw-like and can help with itching or irritated scalps.
Price: $7.35
2. Curls Creme Brule Whipped Curl Cream
This curl cream provides soft hold and plays well when cocktailed with gels or leave-ins and works on a variety of textures. Before purchasing just note that this product does smell like sweet creme brulee, which may or may not be your thing – scent is so personal!
Price: $10.99
3. Maui Moisture Nourish & Moisture + Coconut Milk Conditioner
Maui Moisture is perfect for it’s blend of aloe vera and coconut water that can help improve the health of your hair. The hydrating combination of sheer guava oil and mango butter help create a lightweight blend that won’t create build-up and let’s your hair shine.
Price: $8.99
4. Cantu SulfateFree Cleansing Cream Shampoo
Cantu has been a fan favorite for years because of it the hydrating ingredients that provide optimal definition and curl without breaking your bank. This sulfate-free shampoo help add moisture and manageability to dull and dry strands.
Price: $5.99
5. Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner
This is one of the most expensive product on the list at about $10.99 for 13 fl oz, but its ingredients list full of natural and certified organic ingredients justifies the price. SheaMoisture was voted the Best Overall Brand of 2016 by thousands of NaturallyCurly readers, and its products consistently make the Holy Grail lists of our writers and Editors.
Price: $10.99
6. Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner
Another favorite of our devoted CurlTalkers, this a great product that can help restore moisture and replenish protein in your curls. As a deep conditioner the natural sources like amino acids and babassu work to help restore dry and damaged hair.
Price: $13.99
7. KinkyCurly Knot Today
Who doesn’t love a great KinkyCurly product? This leave-in conditioner and detangler can help smooth the cuticle and remove knots from any hair texture. It can be used to remove braids, extensions, and is found in most popular drugstores.
Price: $11.99
8. Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Don’t Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel
Let’s give those curls and coils a nice stretch with this formulated blend of flaxseed, shea butter, and extra virgin olive oil. This can be used regularly and won’t cause any frizzing or crunch when creating your perfect styles.
Price: $8.49
9. Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner
Alikay Naturals has been a NaturallyCurly award winner for years and it’s because of this tantalizing leave-in conditioner. The lemongrass works to penetrate the hair cortex and lock in moisture to help strengthen and condition each hair strand.
Price: $13.99
10. OBIA Naturals Curl Hydration Spray
We could all use a refresh and this curly girl drugstore friendly product is perfect for giving your hair and scalp the refresh it needs. The pH balanced formula works to condition, add shine, and detangle hair without buildup or residue.
Price: $9.99
Did we leave out your Holy Grail product? Share your drugstore finds below!
*Editor’s note: At the time this article was written there were no silicones or sulfates in these product formulas, however formulas do change so it is always best to check the ingredients list of any product before purchasing.
This article was originally published in 2014 and has been updated due to discontinued products and changes in formula.
