SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie is a curl defining cream that helps hydrate, define, and smooth waves, curls, and coils. It is made with raw shea butter, coconut oil, passionfruit oil, silk protein, and neem oil to nourish hair and enhance natural curl patterns.
How does SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie work?
The key ingredients in SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie help to moisturize and define curls in the following ways:
- Shea butter – Deeply moisturizes and softens hair while reducing frizz.
- Coconut oil – Seals in moisture and adds shine.
- Passionfruit oil – Smooths and conditions hair.
- Silk protein – Strengthens hair and reduces breakage.
- Neem oil – Nourishes hair and scalp.
Together, these ingredients coat each curl strand to increase definition, reduce frizz, add shine, and deeply hydrate hair. The smoothie texture allows the product to be evenly distributed from roots to ends without weighing hair down.
What hair types and textures can use SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie?
SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie can be used on all curl types and hair textures including:
- Type 2 wavy hair
- Type 3a, 3b, and 3c curly hair
- Type 4a, 4b, and 4c kinky and coily hair
It works well to define loose waves, enhance springy ringlets, and moisturize tight coils. The smoothie is lightweight enough for fine strands yet nourishing enough for thick, coarse hair.
How should you apply and use SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie?
Here are some tips for applying and using SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie:
- Shampoo and condition hair as usual. Rinse out conditioner completely.
- Towel dry hair to dampness then section hair.
- Take a generous amount of smoothie and rub it between palms to warm it up.
- Apply smoothie in sections from roots to ends, raking product through with fingers.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to help distribute smoothie evenly if needed.
- Style as desired – air dry, diffuse, or set in rollers.
- Apply more smoothie as needed for added moisture and frizz control.
Using the smoothie on soaking wet hair can dilute the product. Focus application on damp hair after removing excess moisture for best results.
What hairstyles work well with SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie?
Here are some hairstyle ideas that pair well with SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie:
- Wash and go curls – Apply smoothie then let hair air dry for defined touchable curls.
- Braid outs and twist outs – Use smoothie on damp hair before braiding or twisting hair. Take out braids/twists once dry.
- Bantu knots – Define and moisturize curls with smoothie before creating Bantu knots.
- Rod sets – Apply smoothie and set hair on flexi rods or perm rods for elongated curls.
- Finger coils – Use smoothie to define and separate tight curls into finger coils.
- Top knot buns – Tame frizz and edges then pull hair up into a sleek top knot.
The smoothie helps enhance definition for various curly hairstyles without leaving hair crunchy or flaking.
How often should you use SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie?
Most people use SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie 1-2 times per week, but hair texture and needs can determine frequency. Here are some general guidelines on how often to use it:
- High porosity hair – 2-3 times per week
- Medium porosity hair – 1-2 times per week
- Low porosity hair – 1-2 times per month as needed
- Dry, dehydrated hair – 2-3 times per week
- Daily styling – Use a small amount daily if needed
Monitor your hair’s condition and adjust as needed. Using too much smoothie or overusing can lead to buildup or a greasy look.
Tips for getting the best results from SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie:
- Apply to damp, not soaking wet hair.
- Warm the product between palms before application.
- Start with small amounts and layer on more as needed.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute.
- Let hair air dry or gently diffuse – avoid rough drying.
- Pair it with the SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Gel Souffle.
- Store at room temperature away from excessive heat or light.
- Clarify as needed if product starts to build up.
SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie ingredients
Here is a breakdown of the key ingredients in SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie:
| Ingredient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Shea butter | Hydrates and softens hair, reduces frizz |
| Coconut oil | Seals in moisture, adds shine |
| Passionfruit oil | Smooths and conditions hair |
| Silk protein | Strengthens hair, minimizes breakage |
| Neem oil | Nourishes hair and scalp |
It also contains smaller amounts of sweet almond oil, vitamin E, bayberry wax, castor seed oil, sea buckthorn oil, acacia Senegal gum, amodimethicone, rosemary extract, glycerin, phenoxyethanol, and natural fragrance.
Pros and cons of SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of using SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie:
Pros:
- Hydrates and defines curls
- Smooths frizz and flyaways
- Leaves hair soft without greasy feel
- Contains shea butter, coconut oil, and other nourishing ingredients
- No parabens, silicones, mineral oil, or dyes
- Works for all curl types and textures
- Can be used to enhance various styles and techniques
- Affordable price point for a natural brand
Cons:
- Can cause buildup if overused
- May feel/look too heavy on finer hair types
- Has a strong, lingering scent
- Not ideal for straight or wavy hair types
- Need to use a clarifying shampoo 1-2 times a month
SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie vs. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
SheaMoisture offers two versions of their popular curl enhancing smoothie: the original and the Coconut & Hibiscus formula. Here is a comparison:
| SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie | SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie |
|---|---|
| Thicker, creamier texture | Lighter smoothie texture |
| Stronger fragrance | Coconut and hibiscus scent |
| Higher shea butter content | Contains coconut oil, neem oil, silk protein |
| Better for thicker hair | Works well for fine hair too |
While both provide curl definition and moisture, the original has a thicker formula that may work better for coarser or high porosity hair. The Coconut & Hibiscus option is lighter weight and has a tropical, sweeter scent.
SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie alternatives
Here are some alternatives to SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie to consider:
- Camille Rose Curl Maker – More lightweight, better for wavy hair
- Cantu Coconut Curling Cream – Budget-friendly option
- Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Cream – Contains protein and humectants
- Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel – Defines curls, fights frizz
- Kinky Curly Curling Custard – Similar nourishing ingredients
- Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic – Rake and shake styler
Look for creams and stylers free of parabens, silicones, and mineral oil if you want something as clean as SheaMoisture. Check reviews to find the right curl enhancer for your hair type and texture.
Is SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie CG (curly girl) approved?
SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie is CG or curly girl method approved. Key factors that make it curly girl friendly:
- No sulfates, parabens, or silicones
- Contains moisturizing oils and natural extracts
- Free of drying alcohols
- Works well for co-washing and cleansing conditioners
- Hydrates without weighing hair down
It meets the ingredient requirements to be considered CG safe. Just be mindful of potential buildup with overuse. Also clarify periodically to remove residue when following the curly girl method.
Tips for minimizing buildup from SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Here are some tips to prevent or minimize buildup when using SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie:
- Use only the recommended amount – start small
- Rinse thoroughly and avoid applying to roots
- Alternate with other styling products
- Shampoo every 3-4 uses – avoid co-washing only
- Clarify monthly with a sulfate shampoo
- Brush curls while dry to loosen residue
- Use an apple cider vinegar rinse as needed
- Look for flakes or stringiness which can signal buildup
Keeping use to 1-2 times a week and actively removing buildup can allow you to enjoy the smoothie without unwanted residue accumulation.
SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie reviews
SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie is a cult favorite curl cream with overwhelmingly positive reviews. On Influenster, it has 4.8 out of 5 stars based on over 2400 reviews. 86% give it a full 5 stars. Positive reviews focus on:
- Soft, defined curls without crunchiness
- Incredible slip that makes detangling easy
- Reduced frizz and elongated curls
- A little goes a long way
- Pleasant scent
Critical reviews mention the smoothie being too heavy for finer hair leading to greasiness or limp curls. Others note difficulty washing out the product completely. Paying attention to amount used and regularly clarifying can help minimize these issues.
Conclusion
SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie is an outstanding natural curl cream that leaves hair touchably soft and defined. It moisturizes dry curls without weighing them down or feeling crunchy. The smoothie texture allows for customizable application – from a little to define waves to a lot to bring very tight curls to life.
While it works for all curl types, it really shines for type 3 and type 4 curls that need extra moisture and frizz control. It can enhance wash and goes, braid outs, rod sets, and more. Just keep buildup in check by following usage tips and clarifying regularly.
Overall, SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie is a top curly hair product for hydrating and defining textured hair of all kinds thanks to quality ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and silk protein.
