For curly girls, finding the right hair products that won’t weigh down or dry out your curls can be a challenge. Many popular hair brands are not curly girl approved due to ingredients that can be damaging to curly hair. So what about Colour Wow? Are Colour Wow products curly girl friendly?
What is the Curly Girl Method?
The Curly Girl Method is a haircare regimen developed by hairstylist Lorraine Massey. It focuses on bringing out the healthiest, bounciest curls possible by avoiding certain ingredients that can dry out or damage curly hair. The Curly Girl Method recommends avoiding:
- Sulfates – harsh detergents that strip natural oils
- Silicones – coat hair and prevent moisture from penetrating
- Parabens & phthalates – preservatives that can be irritating
- Artificial colors & fragrances
- Alcohols – can be drying to hair
Instead, the Curly Girl Method focuses on hydrating ingredients like oils, butters, and humectants to nourish curls. Following the Curly Girl Method means reading ingredient lists carefully and selecting products free of the above ingredients.
About Colour Wow
Colour Wow is a haircare brand founded by celebrity hairstylist Michael Shaun Corby. The company focuses on creating products that keep color-treated hair vibrant and healthy. Some of Colour Wow’s most popular products include:
- Dream Filter Pre-Shampoo – removes product buildup
- Color Security Shampoo – gentle, sulfate-free cleanser
- Color Security Conditioner – lightweight, color-safe hydrator
- Dream Coat Supernatural Spray – controls frizz, strengthens hair
- Root Cover Up – instantly hides roots between colorings
While many of Colour Wow’s products are focused on color protection, their formulas also aim to provide hydration and enhance curls. But do they fit into the Curly Girl Method?
Examining Colour Wow Ingredients
To determine if Colour Wow products are curly girl approved, we need to take a close look at the ingredients:
Sulfates
Most Colour Wow shampoos and conditioners are sulfate-free, with a few exceptions. This makes them a good option for curly hair. However, some Colour Wow styling products do contain sulfates so these would not be CG approved.
Silicones
Many Colour Wow products including shampoos, conditioners, and stylers contain silicones like dimethicone. This means they are not curly girl approved.
Parabens & Phthalates
Colour Wow products are free of parabens and phthalates.
Fragrances & Dyes
Most Colour Wow products contain added fragrances and some contain artificial dyes. These extra ingredients are not ideal for the Curly Girl Method.
Alcohols
Some Colour Wow stylers like the Dream Coat Supernatural Spray contain alcohols high up on the ingredients list. This means they don’t align with CG guidelines.
Nourishing Oils & Butters
While many Colour Wow products contain hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil, some of their stylers lack these nourishing elements.
Curly Girl Ingredient Analysis
Here is an analysis of some key Colour Wow products and their top ingredients:
Product | Top Ingredients | Curly Girl Approved? |
---|---|---|
Color Security Shampoo | Water, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Glycerin | Yes – Sulfate-free |
Color Security Conditioner | Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate | No – Contains silicones |
Dream Filter | Water, Polysorbate 20, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil | No – Contains sulfates |
Dream Coat Supernatural Spray | Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, PVP | No – Contains silicones & alcohols |
Overview of Curly Girl Status
Based on an analysis of Colour Wow’s ingredients, most products are not Curly Girl approved due to one or more CG-prohibited ingredients:
- Most shampoos & conditioners contain silicones
- Many stylers contain sulfates, silicones, alcohols, and/or fragrances
- Some products lack hydrating oils and butters
However, a few Colour Wow shampoos like the Color Security Shampoo are silicone and sulfate-free, making them CG friendly. But most Colour Wow products do not follow Curly Girl guidelines.
Curly Girl Alternatives
Here are some all-natural, Curly Girl approved brands that can be alternatives to Colour Wow:
SheaMoisture
SheaMoisture has a wide range of shampoos, conditioners, masks, and stylers specifically formulated for curly hair. Products contain nourishing ingredients like raw shea butter, coconut oil, and marula oil.
DevaCurl
DevaCurl is one of the most popular curly hair brands. Their No-Poo shampoos and One Condition conditioners are great foundation products for the Curly Girl Method. Stylers like the Ultra Defining Gel are also CG friendly.
Cantu
Cantu products contain shea butter, avocado oil, castor oil, and other hair-loving ingredients. Their shampoos, conditioners, curl activators, and gels are affordable drugstore options for curly girls.
As I Am
As I Am is made especially for curly coils. Their Coconut CoWash, Leave-In Conditioner, Curl Jelly, and Twist Defining Cream are packed with hydrating oils and butters.
Jessicurl
Jessicurl makes light, nourishing products free of problematic ingredients. Their shampoos, conditioners, and stylers like Spiralicious Gel are great for wavy and curly hair.
The Takeaway
While Colour Wow products are free of parabens and phthalates, most do not fit into the Curly Girl Method due to ingredients like sulfates, silicones, alcohols, and fragrances. A few shampoos may be CG approved, but most Colour Wow products are best avoided by curly girls. There are plenty of great natural, CG friendly brands that make products specially formulated for curly hair.
Following the Curly Girl Method requires being a savvy ingredient detective! But taking the time to analyze products means achieving healthy, defined curls without damage. For curly girls seeking to enhance their natural texture, Colour Wow may not be the right choice.