Mielle Curl Smoothie is a popular natural hair product designed specifically for curly and kinky hair types. The Curl Smoothie claims to provide intense hydration, define curls, reduce frizz, add shine, and promote healthy hair growth. But does it really deliver on these promises?
As a curl smoothie, Mielle is formulated to provide moisturization and definition for curly hair. The ingredients include shea butter, avocado oil, and quinoa protein which are great for adding moisture. The smoothie texture also coats each strand to smooth the cuticle and promote clumping of curls.
Reviews are generally very positive with most users reporting softer, more defined curls after using the Curl Smoothie. However, all hair is unique so results can vary. To determine if Mielle Curl Smoothie is right for your hair, it is important to look closely at the ingredients and see if they align with your hair needs and goals.
Key Ingredients in Mielle Curl Smoothie
Here is an overview of the key active ingredients in Mielle Curl Smoothie:
Shea Butter
Shea butter is the star ingredient in this curl smoothie. It is an excellent moisturizer for dry, brittle curls as it contains vitamins A and E. Shea butter melts when heated to coat each strand and can help repair damage. It is great for sealing in moisture.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is an antioxidant-rich oil that adds moisture and shine. The fatty acids help to nourish hair and reduce breakage. Avocado oil also has vitamins B, D, and E.
Mango Seed Butter
Mango seed butter is extracted from the seed of the mango fruit. It contains antioxidants and vitamin A, C, and E to moisturize hair.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains lauric and myristic acids that prevent moisture loss. This helps keep curls soft and hydrated.
Quinoa Protein
Quinoa protein helps repair damage and protect hair strands. It also temporarily strengthens and fills in gaps from broken bonds.
Bamboo Water
Bamboo water provides silica to strengthen hair and maintain moisture levels. Silica helps repair split ends over time.
Benefits of Key Ingredients
These key ingredients in Mielle Curl Smoothie provide the following benefits:
Intense Hydration
The shea butter, oils, and butters provide an intense dose of moisture to combat dryness. This hydration helps curls look smooth instead of frizzy.
Reduced Frizz
The emollient ingredients coat the hair to seal in moisture and smooth the cuticle. This defines curls and keeps frizz at bay even in humidity.
Defined Curls
The smoothie texture evenly coats curls so they clump together instead of separate. This allows for bouncy, voluminous curls instead of stringy strands.
Added Shine
Ingredients like avocado oil provide natural shine to dull, dry hair. The hydration also plumps up the strands for luminous hair.
Healthier Hair
Antioxidants, vitamins, and proteins strengthen hair strands, repair damage, and protect against environmental aggressors like UV rays or pollution.
How to Use Mielle Curl Smoothie
Using the Mielle Curl Smoothie properly is key to getting the best results. Here are some tips:
Apply to Damp Hair
Smoothie works best when applied to freshly washed, damp hair. This allows it to penetrate each strand better.
Evenly Distribute
Work the smoothie through sections of hair from roots to ends to ensure even application. Focus on the ends as they tend to be driest.
Use a Wide-Tooth Comb
A wide-tooth comb helps evenly distribute product and define curls in smooth clumps without causing excess frizz.
Let Air Dry
Let hair air dry or diffuse at low heat to set curls. Air drying will give the most defined results.
Refresh Between Washes
Smooth more smoothie on dry hair between washes to renew moisture, reduce frizz, and maintain definition.
Use Once a Week
Using 1-2 times per week is recommended for best results. Overuse can lead to buildup or greasy hair.
Mielle Curl Smoothie Ingredient List
The full ingredient list for Mielle Curl Smoothie is:
Water (Aqua), shea butter*, glycerin, cetyl alcohol, behentrimonium chloride, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter*, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil*, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil*, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, persea gratissima (avocado) oil*, glycine soja (soybean) oil*, mango seed butter, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, cetearyl alcohol, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil*, panthenol, quinoa protein, citric acid, potassium sorbate, cetrimonium chloride, bamboo water, fragrance (parfum, linalool), phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin. *organic ingredient
Mielle Curl Smoothie Pros
Based on the ingredients and reviews, here are some of the key pros for Mielle Curl Smoothie:
Contains Hydrating Ingredients
Packed with shea butter, avocado oil, and more to drench hair in moisture.
Fights Frizz
The smoothie texture helps smooth strands and define curls to reduce frizz.
Long-Lasting Results
Effects can last 3-5 days between washes making styling easier.
Enhances Shine
Ingredients like avocado oil give hair a luminous, glossy look.
Softens Hair
The hydration makes curls feel soft and smooth rather than dry or brittle.
Natural Ingredients
Free of harsh sulfates, parabens, silicones, and dyes making it gentle for hair.
Easy to Apply
Has a smooth, creamy texture that evenly glides onto wet hair.
Pleasant Scent
Has a light, tropical fragrance that isn’t overpowering.
Mielle Curl Smoothie Cons
While the pros outweigh the cons for most, here are a few potential downsides:
Can Cause Buildup
Rich formula requires an occasional deep cleansing shampoo to prevent product buildup.
Not Enjoyable Scent For Some
The tropical fragrance isn’t preferred by everyone.
May Cause Greasiness
Using too much or on fine hair may lead to greasy-looking hair for some.
Not Enough Hold
May not provide enough hold or definition for tighter curl patterns.
Price
Retails for $14.99 for an 8oz jar so not the most budget-friendly.
Hard to Travel With
Bulky jar packaging isn’t ideal for travel or throwing in gym bag.
Best Hair Types For Mielle Curl Smoothie
Mielle Curl Smoothie seems to work best on the following hair types:
Type 3 Curls
Works well for loose spiral curls around 2-3 inches in diameter. Helps hydrate, smooth frizz, and define curls.
Type 4 Coils
Provides intense moisture and frizz control for tight coils. May require additional styling products for hold.
Medium to Thick Density
Thick, dense hair needs the extra moisture and can handle the richer formula without greasiness.
Medium to Coarse Strand
Coarser strands help the product absorb better compared to fine hair. Reduces dryness.
High Porosity
Hair with gaps in the cuticle draws in the nourishing ingredients well.
Dry, Frizzy Hair
Ideal for parched hair in need of hydration and frizz reduction.
Worst Hair Types For Mielle Curl Smoothie
Here are the hair types that may not react as well to the Curl Smoothie:
Type 1 Straight Hair
Won’t provide enough hold or styling benefits for straight hair types. Too heavy.
Type 2 Wavy Hair
Waves may fall flat or get greasy from the heavier creamy formula.
Fine Strand
Too dense for fine hair. Can make it limp or greasy looking without enough texture.
Oily Scalp
Those prone to an oily scalp may experience more greasiness from the hydrating oils.
Low Porosity
The thick formula may be difficult to fully absorb into hair strands with a tightly sealed cuticle.
Product Buildup Prone
All the butters and oils increase risk of buildup on those prone to it.
How Long Does Mielle Curl Smoothie Last?
Depending on hair type and usage, one 8oz jar of Mielle Curl Smoothie will typically last:
2-3 months
For shoulder length medium density hair used 1-2 times per week.
1-2 months
For longer, thicker or higher density hair used 2-3 times a week.
1 month
On very long, dense hair used 3-4 times per week.
Since all hair types require different amounts of product, those with thicker, more porous hair may need to repurchase more frequently than those with shorter, finer hair.
Is Mielle Curl Smoothie CG Approved?
Yes, Mielle Curl Smoothie is considered Curly Girl Method approved and CG safe. It does not contain any ingredients that are prohibited by the Curly Girl Method such as:
Sulfates
Harsh detergents like SLS that strip hair of oils.
Silicones
Prevent moisture absorption and lead to buildup on the hair.
Parabens
Preservatives that can be drying and irritating for the scalp.
All the ingredients in Mielle are water-soluble and wash out with just water so they won’t cause buildup. It’s a moisturizing, CG-friendly option for curly hair.
Mielle Curl Smoothie Alternatives
Here are some other curly hair products with a similar nourishing smoothie texture:
Camille Rose Curl Maker
Contains marshmallow and agave for a lightweight, fluffy hold.
Cantu Coconut Curling Cream
Uses coconut oil and shea butter for intense frizz control.
Kinky Curly Curling Custard
Protein-rich custard that gives strong hold and definition.
Aunt Jackie’s Flaxseed Gel
Flaxseed provides a firm hold and moisture, aloe vera soothes the scalp.
Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Cream
Blend of shea butter, coconut oil, and honey for hydration.
Conclusion
Mielle’s Curl Smoothie is packed with natural oils, butters, proteins, and extracts to provide multiple benefits for curly hair. The nourishing ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and bamboo water provide intense moisture to define curls, fight frizz, add shine, and reduce dryness. For those with looser curls and thick, dense hair prone to dryness and puffiness, the Mielle Curl Smoothie can restore softness, silkiness, and manageability. While not ideal for all hair types, it delivers on its claims for many people with type 3-4 curls. Just be mindful not to overuse to avoid potential buildup or greasiness. Take advantage of the creamy texture to achieve your best curly hair.