Finding the right shampoo for my curly hair has always been difficult. For me, striking the balance between a shampoo that lathers abundantly, smells great, is free from alcohol and parabens, whilst sealing in moisture, is hard to find because, believe it or not, all curly hair is not the same.
As a black woman with, I would say, a diverse curl pattern which can differ depending on which part of my hair you’re looking at, having products which enhance my curl pattern is so important when wearing my hair curly. After years of straightening, blow-drying, braiding, and sewing (if you know, you know), my curl pattern is now super tight at the back and a little looser in the front. I would say my curl pattern varies between a 4a and 3c in some areas.
After washing, I usually braid my hair, letting it dry with a leave-in conditioner while braided, then I loosen the curls in the morning to ensure my curl pattern is the same throughout.
When I was much younger, during my teen and hairstyling days, Cantu would have been my go-to product. I loved their conditioner in the original orange bottle. But, over time, I found their shampoo a little too dense for my hair. Fast forward to the new Cantu weightless range, I can not only say that I am indeed pleasantly surprised, but I am slowly becoming a Cantu weightless fan. But before I get into my review, firstly, what is Cantu Weightless?
Cantu Weightless is Cantu’s new product line catered explicitly to curly hair. The weightless element is a nod to the products lightweight hydration, moisture and curl definition it gives without making your hair feel weighed down or greasy with product. The collection is formulated with organic fair trade blue agave – known for moisture retention. Their products also include oils such as shea, coconut, argan and jojoba oil. Not only that, key ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, and even green tea extracts are included, adding an extra boost of antioxidants, shine, and protection to your hair. The result is gentle, clean, lightweight haircare for an otherwise crowded market where more is more and less can sometimes be non-existent.
After trying their shampoo, conditioner and gel for over two months, I am confident in saying Cantu is onto something with this formula. The shampoo smells glorious – it has a fresh, almost floral-based scent that stays in your hair days after washing. It lathers abundantly and is kind to a sensitive scalp, even during harsh scrubbing, and it lathers so well you don’t need to use too much product per wash. My hair felt clean after two washes, and the conditioner was light and hydrating. After a towel-dry, my hair had a natural sheen.
Within two weeks of straightening and blow-drying my hair, the volume remained, which surprised me. I am unsure if this has anything to do with the ingredients, but my hair remained voluminous and hydrated. I haven’t had dry scalp, which is a usual occurrence for me in the winter, but this time, no congestion or dryness.
The product did define my curls, especially after adding the super lightweight gel, which feels water-based, so no stickiness. I would say this line probably won’t work for all curl patterns. I would say for those with thinner hair, this product line may not suit you, but for those with thicker hair, tighter coils and hair that needs extra moisture, this line is for you.
Editor’s Verdict
The Cantu Weightless Shampoo, Conditioner and Gel exceeded my expectations, delivering moisture, sheen, a hydrated scalp and curl definition. From a wellness perspective, it offers a more breathable alternative to heavy curling products and allows the hair to breathe especially with the addition of the gel.
Although I will not say it’s a universal solution for all hair types due to curly hair being so varied, for those seeking a clean, vegan and cruelty-free alternative for their curly 4a-4c hair, I would recommend you give them a try.
You can shop their new haircare line via our iHerb Affiliate link below:
