The Best Protein-Free Products for Low Porosity

Curl Reset Detox Shampoo

Curlsmith

This shampoo was recently reformulated to remove not just product buildup, but also mineral buildup from hard water.

Water Works Clarifying Shampoo

Ouidad

Astrong, sulfate-based cleanser designed to deep-clean the scalp and hair, removing product buildup, oils, and residues.

Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo

Curlsmith

Big Energy Conditioner

Curl Keeper

An ultra-lightweight conditione to keep hair big, bouncy, and full of life

Behentrimonium Chloride 2% Conditioner

The Ordinary

With only 7 ingredients and no oils, this conditioner is ideal for those with low porosity hair.

Detangling Conditioner

Tootilab

A detangling conditioner with lots of slip.

Gelebration Spray

Jessicurl

Technically not a custard, but serves the same purpose

Rockin' Ringlets Styling Potion

Jessicurl

A unique liquid gel that moisturizes with natural film-forming humectants and helps enhance and define curls

Curling Jelly Coil and Curl Definer

As I Am

Curling Custard

Kinky Curly

Tough Love Intense Bonding Treatment

Not Your Mothers

Strengthens hair, reduces breakage by 56% after one use, and leaves it softer, smoother, and bouncier

Curl Boosting Hair Mousse

Herbal Essences

Curl Keeper Original Liquid Styler

Curl Keeper

A water-based formula that reactivates with water for frizz control and curl refresh without buildup

Spray Gel

Curl Keeper

Spray gel that delivers the hold of a gel with added definition, volume, and shine—made with gentle, natural ingredients

Orange Marmalade Flaxseed and Aloe Curl Definer

Ecoslay

CurlsBot note: This is the main styling product I use on my own hair- Melissa

Pamper My Curls Curl Sculpting Glaze Strong Hold Gel

Inahsi

A protein-free strong-hold glaze that defines curls, fights frizz, adds shine, and holds styles without white residue

All Weather Styling Gel

Tootilab

An all-purpose gel that will hold your curls/waves even in humid weather.

Jello Shot Curl Defining Gel

Ecoslay

I Create Hold

Innersense

Spiralicious

Jessicurl

Curl Jelly Scrunching Jelly

Umberto Giannini

No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum

Olaplex

Shields hair from pollution and protects against heat damage while adding satin shine and reducing static and tangles

Soft Leave-In Cream

Tootilab

A lightweight leave-in that prevents your hair from getting dry

Rice Pudding Leave-In Conditioner and Moisturizer

Ecoslay

Bonding Primer

bondbar

Instantly helps repair hair, smooth strands and reduce breakage after just one use. Designed to be used with Bonding Pre-Shampoo.

No. 3 Hair Perfector

Olaplex

A pre-shampoo treatment to repair and strengthen hair from the inside out

Chai Latte Hair Cleanser

Ecoslay

This gentle, botanical-rich shampoo is handmade in Georgia and has a delicious chai latte scent.

Cleansing Shampoo

Fix My Curls

A mild shampoo that rids your scalp of buildup without stripping it of any natural oils

Smooth As Silk™ Deep Moisture Shampoo

Giovanni

An excellent low-pH (~5 protects against frizz) shampoo at a great price.

Outta My Hair Gentle Daily Shampoo

Hairitage

This shampoo cleanses impurities and excess oils without stripping hair

Cleansed Moisturizing Shampoo

Miche

A sulfate-free, pH-balanced shampoo that moisturizes, restores dry hair, and stimulates the scalp

Gentle Shampoo

Tootilab

A gentle shampoo with lots of slip and a low pH (which helps prevent frizz).

Sunrise Rituals: Signature Shampoo

Voir

A daily go-to shampoo infused with hyaluronic and lactic acids that gently cleanses while boosting smoothness and shine

Full Body Weightless Cleanser

Curlsmith

VitalCurl+ Clear & Gentle Shampoo

Ouidad

Sulphate 4% Cleanser for Body and Hair

The Ordinary

Swim Spritz Crystals

Malibu C

A post-swim essential with activated vitamin C that removes chlorine and its byproducts from hair to prevent damage

Hard Water Wellness Remedy

Malibu C

Remove hard water buildup to restore shine and softness to hair with this chelating treatment

Ginger and Moringa Tea Rinse

Ecoslay