The big Cantu Guide:
Experience, application & the best products for curls
1. what is Cantu - and why is the brand so popular?
Cantu is an American hair care brand with almost 20 years of experience in texturized hair. The product line has been specially developed for curly, wavy and coily hair - and at a price that makes Cantu the ideal starting point for many curly-haired people.
At the heart of all Cantu products is pure shea butter, combined with natural oils such as coconut oil, jojoba oil and avocado oil. All Cantu products that we stock at lockenkopf are 100% CG-safe - free from mineral oil, sulphates, parabens and silicones.
2 Who is Cantu suitable for? The hair type check
Cantu is a rich brand. This is its biggest advantage - and also the most important thing you should know before buying.
Particularly suitable for
- Curly (3a-3c) and Coily/Kinky (4a-4c)
- High porosity hair
- Dry, damaged hair
- Curl beginners
Less suitable for
- Fine, thin hair - can weigh it down
- Low porosity hair - risk of build-up
- Wavy (2a-2b) - usually too heavy
- Bleached hair - can be unevenly absorbed
- Henna-dyed hair - test beforehand
3 The Cantu product world - an overview
Cantu has a wide range of products. Each tile leads directly to the available products in our store - filtered by category, always up-to-date.
Cleaning
Shampoo
Sulfate-free shampoos with a shea butter base for gentle, moisturizing cleansing - for everyday washing. Suitable for curly to coily hair types.
View all Cantu shampoos →Deep Cleansing
Deep cleansing for anyone who has accumulated product residue. Not for daily use - once a month or after an intensive styling phase.
View all Cantu Deep Cleansing →Co-wash
Gently cleanses without a classic shampoo and moisturizes at the same time. Ideal for anyone who wants to take care of their curls - especially for high porosity and chemically treated hair. Only for very coily kinky curls as co-wash can weigh them down.
View all Cantu co-washes →Care
Conditioner
Deeply moisturizing conditioner after washing - work in, leave on briefly, comb the curls (detangling), rinse out.
View all Cantu conditioners →Mask
Intensive deep care for very dry or damaged hair. Use once a week for noticeably more suppleness and bounce. Ideal for curls that long for moisture.
View all Cantu masks →Leave in & Detangler
Creamy leave-in formulas based on shea butter - work into damp lengths after washing, do not rinse out. Stops hair breakage, loosens knots and leaves curls soft and defined. Contains proteins - good for high porosity, with caution for protein sensitivity.
View all Cantu leave-ins →Styling & Finish
Styling
From light definition to strong hold - creams, gels and curl activators for all curl types. The Coconut Curling Cream is the brand's flagship product: defines, conditions and gives hold without weighing down. Best for curly and coily types.
View all Cantu styling products →Finish
Gels and sealants as the last step in the routine - seal the curls, give extra hold and protect against frizz and moisture. Ideal for anyone who wants their style to last longer.
View all Cantu Finish products →Refresh
For refreshing curls between wash days. Restores bounce, tames frizz and gives new life - without having to wash again.
View all Cantu Refresh products →4 How to use Cantu correctly?
The complete Curly Girl routine with Cantu
- Cleanse with the co-wash or shampoo - apply to damp hair, massage in and rinse.
- Work inconditioner, leave on briefly (2-5 minutes), comb/tangle curls with a comb or brush, then rinse out. For very dry hair, the conditioner can also be used as a short deep conditioning mask.
- Applyleave-in conditioning cream to towel-dried (not dripping wet) hair - from the roots to the ends.
- Styling with curling cream, gel or mousse - comb in and scrunch the curls into shape.
- Finish optionally with the styling gel for extra hold and definition.
- Finish - rub 2 drops of oil on the palms and scrunch again for extra shine and protection. (Can also be done after drying to break the cast).
- Dry with the diffuser or allow to air dry.
Curling methods - which one suits you?
Depending on the hair porosity, there are different methods to optimally lock in moisture. Cantu is suitable for all three.
Methods according to: Lorraine Massey - Curly Girl: The Handbook (Workman Publishing, 2011)
Cantu in the LOC method (for high porosity hair)
Those with high porosity curls will particularly benefit from the LOC method for high porosity curls. Cantu is ideal for use here:
5 Cantu & the Curly Girl Method - is Cantu CG-safe?
Most Cantu products are CG-compatible - free from silicones, sulphates and parabens. However, not every product from the brand is automatically CG-safe, as Cantu offers a very wide range.
At lockenkopf, we label products that have crept into the range and are not CG-safe directly under the product description - so that you know at a glance where you stand. Most of the products we stock are CG-compatible. Just look at the labeling in the store.
6. our recommendations according to hair type
| Hair type | Recommended Cantu products |
|---|---|
| Wavy (2b-2c), thicker hair | Curl Activator Cream, Co-Wash |
| Curly (3a-3c) | Coconut Curling Cream, Leave-in Cream, Shampoo |
| Coily / Kinky (4a-4c) | Leave-in Cream, Curling Cream, Twist & Lock Gel |
| High porosity | Leave-in + curling cream (LOC method) |
| Low porosity | Curl Activator Cream in small quantities, co-wash |
| Fine hair | Rather not recommended - prefer lighter brands |
7. why is Cantu not working for me?
Cantu is a great brand - but like every care product, it reacts differently to every hair type. Here are the most common problems and what's behind them.
Too much product. Cantu is rich - start with small amounts and only use more if necessary.
Product build-up due to shea butter deposits. Solution: cleanse regularly with a deep cleansing shampoo.
Wrong product combination. A leave-in alone is often not enough - use an additional defining styling product.
Protein-moisture imbalance. Some Cantu products contain protein - switch to protein-free alternatives if you are protein sensitive.
8. when you should rather not use Cantu
Cantu is not the right choice for every hair type. If you recognize yourself here, a lighter alternative is worthwhile.
The rich formulas are too heavy for fine hair - the curls lose volume and sag. Light, water-based products are more suitable.
The hair cuticles are closed - rich butter is hardly absorbed and is deposited. The result: heavy, dull hair with build-up.
The shea butter base can put additional strain on the scalp. Gel-based products are the better choice here.
9. frequently asked questions about Cantu (FAQ)
10. what our customers say
Real experiences of lockenkopf customers with Cantu products - verified and 5 stars.
11 Conclusion: Is Cantu worth it for your curls?
Cantu is one of the most reliable, affordable brands for curly hair. The Leave-in Conditioning Cream and Coconut Curling Cream in particular are a staple in many curly hair routines - and not without reason.
Those with thick, dry or high porosity hair will most likely be happy with Cantu. Those with fine or low porosity hair should use sparingly or opt for lighter alternatives.
All Cantu products at lockenkopf
Not sure which Cantu products are best for your curls? We'll create your personal routine free of charge.
To the Cantu collection → Request a curl consultation →
