I tried Only Curls for my wavy hair – and now it’s in the Amazon Spring Sale

Is the TikTok-viral brand really worth the hype?

Only-Curls-review

by Samantha Price |
Updated on

You might find it hard to believe when we tell you that the haircare brand Only Curls started out as a small business, where customer orders were packed up at the kitchen table by founder, Lizzie Carter, especially as the brand has amassed a whopping 163K followers (and growing!) on Instagram, but now Only Curls has emerged as one of the best shampoos and conditioners for curly hair. I was given the opportunity to try and test some of their products on my wavy hair, and here's our honest Only Curls review.

From salon endorsements to celebrity recommendations, Only Curls has taken the haircare industry by storm. The brand has a range of cleansing, conditioning and styling products, curly tools and hair accessories galore. The question is, does Only Curls actually work on wavy hair? This is what I have to say about it.

Our favourite Only Curls products at a glance:

Best beginner products for wavy hair: Only Curls Full-Size Bundle, WAS £56.10, NOW £66 on Amazon

Best cleansing bundle for wavy hair: Only Curls Cleansing Bundle, WAS £34, NOW £28.90 on Amazon

Best styling bundle for wavy hair: Only Curls Styling Bundle, WAS £34, NOW £28.90 on Amazon

Best enhancing gel for wavy hair: Enhancing Curl Gel, £18 on Only Curls

Best mousse for wavy hair: Volumising Curl Mousse, £18 on Only Curls

Best towel for wavy hair: Microfibre Hair Towel, £18 on Only Curls

only-curls
©Only Curls

Only Curls review: Here are my honest thoughts...

It was only fairly recently that I realised I had wavy hair. When wet, my hair had no problems holding a defined wave. When dry? Whole different story. Years of straightening it to an inch of its life only contributed to damage, and using every smoothing serum in existence still never made much difference to the texture. Seeing videos of fellow wavy-haired girls finding their waves on TikTok, I started to look into how to wash, style, and care for wavy hair properly.

Learning that moisture can struggle to travel down the curl pattern, leading to drier ends in wavy and curly-haired babes was a game changer. Finding curly hair products that nourish the hair, all while providing moisture is essential. Enter: Only Curls. I can't speak for all hair types as everyone's hair is totally unique, but I can honestly say that I don't think I'll ever turn to another product for my wavy hair again.

Thanks to Only Curls, I finally managed to achieve fully defined waves that were free from frizz. Not only has Only Curls given me the confidence to ditch the curlers, but I've also been able to cut back on the heat damage from all of the straightening and drying. The range is free from harsh ingredients like parabens that strip the hair of that much-needed moisture. Hands down, they've been my ultimate hair saviour.

Only Curls review: Before and after

only-curls-before-and-after
©Samantha Price

Following The Only Curls Method, I had the opportunity to review the All Curl Cleanser and Conditioner, the Hydrating Curl Creme, the Enhancing Curl Gel, the Mega Hold Gel and the Volumising Mousse. All products are cruelty-free, smell unreal and are suitable for all curl types. While the different steps involved can take a little bit of time, you can also scrunch in a bit of product if you're in a rush. Sometimes I'll just use either the Curl Enhancing Gel, Mega Hold Hair Gel or Volumising Mousse after washing to achieve low-maintenance waves.

Fancy shopping the range - here are some of our favourite tried and tested Only Curls products that we love. But don't just take our word for it, why not give it a go yourself?

SHOP: Only Curls

Best beginner products for wavy hair

15% off

Only Curls Full-Size BundleAmazon
Price: $56.10 (WAS £66)

The Only Curls Full-Size Bundle is amazing at getting you started on your curly hair journey. It includes 250ml and 300ml bottles of the All Curls Cleanser, All Curl Conditioner, Hydrating Curl Creme and Enhancing Curl Gel. Plus, it's 15% off in the Amazon Spring Sale right now.

  • Suitable for all curl types
  • Vegan friendly and cruelty free
  • Fresh citrus and coconut fragrance
  • No parabens, sulphates, silicones, paraffins
  • Bottles made from biodegradable sugarcane

Best cleansing bundle for wavy hair

15% off

Only Curls Cleansing BundleAmazon
Price: $28.90 (WAS £34)

The ultimate cleansing routine, this Cleansing Bundle from Only Curls contains a duo of the All Curls Cleanser and All Curl Conditioner, so you can shampoo your hair to perfection. Both products encourage your natural waves and curls to pop. Your hair really drinks this stuff up.

Best styling bundle for wavy hair

15% off

Only Curls Styling BundleAmazon
Price: $28.90 (WAS £34)

For all of your styling needs, the Only Curls Styling Bundle includes the Hydrating Curl Creme and Enhancing Curl Gel to bring curls back to life. With this 15% off deal in the Amazon Spring Sale, you'll be saving £7.50 as opposed to buying the products alone, much like the bundle above.

Best shampoo for wavy hair

All Curl CleanserOnly Curls

Stand out ingredients: Avocado and Kukui Nut Oil

This All Curl Cleanser is made with a kind to hair formula that gently foams and cleanses without stripping your hair of its natural oils. Bringing the hydration back to hair, this shampoo leaves your hair feeling moisturised. It smells gorgeous, with a coconut scent and a blend of hydrating natural ingredients. This shampoo has definitely brought back my bouncy waves without stripping colour or drying out my hair.

  • Suitable for all curl types
  • Vegan friendly and cruelty free
  • Fresh citrus and coconut fragrance
  • No parabens, sulphates, silicones, paraffins
  • Bottles made from biodegradable sugarcane

Best conditioner for wavy hair

All Curls ConditionerOnly Curls

Stand out ingredients: Jojoba, Coconut, Avocado, Kukui, Argan, Macadamia Oil and Aloe

With a blend of natural oils, the All Curls Conditioner works to penetrate the hair shaft and nourish the hair. It has a fresh, clean scent and the oils add shine to the hair. Extremely hydrating, the All Curls Conditioner reduces any feelings of frizziness or tangles. I've noticed that this conditioner definitely makes my waves pop, all without weighing down my hair or leaving it feeling greasy.

  • Suitable for all curl types
  • Vegan friendly and cruelty free
  • No parabens, sulphates, silicones, paraffins
  • Bottles made from biodegradable sugarcane

Best styling cream for wavy hair

Hydrating Curl CremeOnly Curls

Stand out ingredients: Shea Butter, Marula Oil and Aloe

The Hydrating Curl Creme is a leave-in styling cream that smooths out hair and leaves it free from frizz. Made with nourishing natural oils, this Hydrating Curl Creme distributes moisture evenly throughout the curl pattern. As someone who suffers from dry ends, I use this cream when my ends are in need of a little love.

  • Suitable for all curl types
  • Vegan friendly and cruelty free
  • Fresh citrus and coconut fragrance
  • No parabens, sulphates, silicones, paraffins
  • Bottles made from biodegradable sugarcane

Best enhancing gel for wavy hair

Enhancing Curl GelOnly Curls

Stand out ingredients: Avocado Oil, Kukui Nut Oil and Aloe

If you're really looking to get definition through your waves or curls, the Enhancing Curl Gel is for you. This oil-infused gel locks in moisture and creates lasting curls. I've definitely seen a difference after using this gel, and I'd have to say it might just be one of my faves from the range.

  • Suitable for all curl types
  • Vegan friendly and cruelty free
  • Fresh citrus and coconut fragrance
  • No parabens, sulphates, silicones, paraffins
  • Bottles made from biodegradable sugarcane

Best hold gel for wavy hair

Mega Hold Curl GelOnly Curls

Stand out ingredients: Avocado Oil, Kukui Nut Oil, Flax Seed Oil and Aloe

Team it up with the Mega Hold Curl Gel, perfect for those humid days or when you're wanting your curls to last a little longer. Infused with natural oils, this gel works in a similar way to the Enhancing Curl Gel, but with a stronger hold. The Mega Hold Gel is slightly thicker and contains natural sugar, which helps lift the curls and holds them tighter throughout the drying process.

  • Suitable for all curl types
  • Vegan friendly and cruelty free
  • Fresh citrus and coconut fragrance
  • No parabens, sulphates, silicones, paraffins
  • Bottles made from biodegradable sugarcane

Best mousse for wavy hair

Volumising Curl MousseOnly Curls

Stand out ingredients: Rice Water, Rice Protein, Pea Protein and Pro-Vitamin B5

Another holy grail in the range is the Volumising Curl Mousse. Whether you use it in your daily curly hair girl routine or use it the next day to refresh curls or waves, this protein-rich mousse is in high demand. Its ingredients work to restore the hair, strengthen curls, replenish moisture and prevent breakage. Another favourite of ours, it works wonders on my hair to boost volume, smooth frizziness and define waves with a weightless hold.

  • Suitable for all curl types
  • Vegan friendly and cruelty free
  • Fresh citrus and coconut fragrance
  • No parabens, sulphates, silicones, paraffins
  • Bottles made from biodegradable sugarcane

Best towel for wavy hair

Microfibre Hair TowelOnly Curls

We're always told to use an old t-shirt when we're drying waves and curls, but now you won't have to with the Microfibre Hair Towel. Soft against hair and kind to curls, this award-winning microfibre towel is designed to speed up drying time and reduce frizz. Leaving the hair cuticles intact and reducing the amount of damage drying does to your hair, the Microfibre Hair Towel absorbs the right amount of moisture. I can say I've definitely seen a difference when it comes to the smoothness of my hair.

  • Award-winning hair towel
  • Suitable for all curl types
  • Leaves cuticles intact
  • Drastically reduces drying time
  • Enhances curl pattern

Only Curls review: Our top tips

Before trying Only Curls, get to know your hair type. This will help you determine what products are best for your hair. Shorter, thinner hair that's on the wavy side might do better with a lightweight mousse. Applying heavy curl creams on thinner hair might weigh it down, which will mean your curls will drop. Whereas for those with thick curly hair, as well as afro hair, these products are formulated specifically for this hair type to help make curls, coils and kinks pop.

We can't emphasise this enough: scrunch, scrunch, scrunch! When it comes to drying your hair, air drying is usually best along with scrunching in your product. However, hair dryers for curly hair tend to come with diffusers that can help define your curl pattern. But, don't forget the heat protectant spray.

If you're not seeing results straight away - be patient! If you've bleached and straightened your hair for years, it'll take a while for your natural curl pattern to return. In the meantime, avoid using heat as much as possible, allow your hair to air dry and avoid using hair products with parabens, sulphates and silicones. Continue using Only Curls and experiment with the different products to see what works for you. Read the full guide on how to use the products below.

FAQs

Where can I buy Only Curls?

Not only can you find Only Curls on their website, but you can also find their products stocked at curly hair salons. Recently, Only Curls also launched with high-street retailer, Boots, where the range of haircare products is also available to shop in store and online.

How do I use Only Curls?

Only Curls has put together The Only Curls Method for using their products in your curly hair routine. Here's a guide on how to achieve defined waves and curls, and a video tutorial on how to get started with achieving the curly girl look effortlessly.
Step one: Cleanse
Shampoo your hair using the All Curl Cleanser and rinse thoroughly.
Step two: Condition
Gently comb the All Curl Conditioner through the hair, so that curls are detangled whilst wet. Then, rinse thoroughly.
Step three: Hydrate
Apply the Hydrating Curl Creme to soaking wet hair. Apply from root to tip using your hands and scrunch upwards.
Step four: Scrunch
Scrunch dry with the Microfibre Hair Towel. Scrunch upward and then hold each scrunch for three seconds and release.
Step five: Volume
Add volume and a protein boost to your curls by scrunching in a handful of Volumising Curl Mousse.
Step six: Define
Finish by applying the Enhancing Curl Gel or Mega Hold Hair Gel for extra hold and definition. Finer curl types may prefer to end their routine with the Volumising Curl Mousse. On next day hair, scrunch the mousse in to refresh curls.

Samantha Price is a Senior Commercial Content Writer for heat. During her time at Bauer, she has worked on several projects, from championing the heat newsletters to writing expertly crafted buying guides on beauty, fashion and lifestyle.

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