The Ultimate CURLSMITH Guide:
Gourmet Curl Care for Every Curl Type
CURLSMITH was the first European brand to focus entirely on curls—inspired by generations of homemade curl recipes. Food-inspired formulas featuring avocado, rosemary, and sunflower seed oil combine with scientific expertise that precisely distinguishes between moisture and protein. Whether your hair is wavy, curly, coily, or kinky—this guide shows you how to find the perfect balance for your curls with CURLSMITH.
1. What makes CURLSMITH special?
CURLSMITH is considered the first “gourmet curl care” brand—born out of a community of people with curly hair who shared their care tips, home remedies, and frustrations with products that weren’t designed for their needs. From this exchange, a brand was born with the goal of giving everyone with curly hair the confidence to embrace their natural hair.
What sets CURLSMITH apart from other brands:
- Food-inspired formulas —avocado, rosemary, sunflower seed oil, and other ingredients from the "Kitchen meets Curl Lab" philosophy.
- Focus on protein-moisture balance —product lines are clearly distinguished by moisture or protein content.
- Highly concentrated formulas —a little goes a long way and doesn't build up unnecessarily in the hair.
- Vegan & PETA-certified – consistently developed to be cruelty-free.
- Designed for all types of curls —from fine waves to tight, kinky coils.
2. Who is CURLSMITH suitable for?
Wavy
Curly
Coily
KinkyCURLSMITH is suitable for all curl types—from wavy to kinky. It’s not so much the curl type that matters as the hair’s individual protein-moisture balance.
Particularly well suited for
- All hair types: wavy, curly, coily, and kinky
- Anyone looking for clarity about their own protein or hydration needs
- Fine to thick hair, thanks to clearly defined weight categories
- For those who prefer concentrated formulas that don't build up in the hair
- Teens and Adults
Please note
- Not all CURLSMITH products are 100% CG-safe—individual items in the overall product line may vary.
- If you have a protein sensitivity, use the Core Strength and Feather-Light lines sparingly
- Concentrated formulas: Even with CURLSMITH, using too much product can lead to buildup
3. An Overview of the CURLSMITH Product Line
Shampoo
Essential Moisture Cleanser
A gentle, moisturizing cleansing gel that thoroughly cleanses curls without drying them out. Ideal for dry to normal hair that needs to regain moisture right away after washing. Gently cleanses the scalp and optimally prepares the curls for subsequent care. Directions: Massage into wet curls, focusing on the scalp, then rinse thoroughly.
View the Essential Moisture Cleanser →Core Strength Shampoo
Strengthening shampoo from the Protein line for hair that needs extra strength and structure. Thoroughly cleanses and prepares the hair for protein-rich conditioning products. Particularly suitable for hair that quickly looks limp or no longer holds its shape well when styled. Directions: Apply to wet hair, massage in gently, and rinse thoroughly.
View Core Strength Shampoo →Full-Body Weightless Shampoo
A lightweight shampoo that adds volume without weighing down your curls. Ideal for fine hair or curls that tend to go flat quickly. Cleanses thoroughly and provides a light, volumizing finish right from the wash. Directions: Apply to wet hair, massage in thoroughly, and rinse—focusing especially on the roots for extra volume.
View Full Body Weightless Shampoo →Care
Feather-Light Protein Cream
A feather-light leave-in cream that provides a low dose of protein without weighing down curls. Ideal for finer hair that benefits from a little extra strength but can’t tolerate heavy creams. Strengthens the hair structure and provides more elasticity without feeling greasy or heavy. Directions: Apply section by section to damp hair, comb through, and style as desired.
View Feather-Light Protein Cream →Weightless Air Dry Cream
CURLSMITH’s most beloved leave-in conditioner—with a super-light formula that still provides hair with ample moisture without leaving residue or clogging the scalp. A rich blend of nutrients that hydrates every single strand, leaving it silky soft and easy to manage. Directions: Apply to wet curls after showering, comb through, and let air dry. For best results, use with Hydro Style Flexi Jelly.
View Weightless Air Dry Cream →Multi-Tasking Conditioner
A 3-in-1 moisturizing treatment that hydrates the hair while making it look stronger and more elastic. Can be used as a rinse-out conditioner, deep treatment, or leave-in treatment, depending on your hair’s individual needs. Enriched with a low dose of protein, it can be used frequently without the risk of protein overload. Ideal for anyone who isn’t yet sure exactly how much protein their hair needs. Directions: After shampooing, work into the lengths of the hair; rinse out as desired or leave in the hair as a leave-in treatment.
View Multi-Tasking Conditioner →Styling
Hydro Style Flexi Jelly
A medium-hold styling gel that’s so lightweight it gives your curls the definition you want without weighing them down or leaving residue. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, known as a moisturizing miracle ingredient—one gram of it can bind up to six liters of water. Forms a light cast as it dries, which can be easily scrunched out once dry (“Scrunch out the Crunch”). Directions: Work into wet curls, scrunch, and let air dry. For best results, use in combination with the Weightless Air Dry Cream.
View Hydro Style Flexi Jelly →Bouncy Strength Volume Foam
Styling mousse from the Strength line for added volume and bounce at the roots. Gives fine or flat hair extra texture and hold without leaving it sticky. Ideal as the first step in styling before applying gel or balm when extra volume is desired. Directions: Dispense into the palms of your hands, work into a light lather, and work into damp hair, starting at the roots.
View Bouncy Strength Volume Foam →Hold Me Softly Style Balm
A creamy styling balm that combines gentle hold with intensive care. Ideal for anyone looking for a softer, more natural look without a hard cast. Defines curls without making them feel stiff or sticky, and also works well as a complement to Hydro Style Flexi Jelly for extra care. Directions: Rub between your palms and work into damp curls, then scrunch.
View Hold Me Softly Style Balm →4. How do you use CURLSMITH?
The Wash Day Routine
- Cleansing – Essential Moisture Cleanser for dry hair, Core Strength Shampoo for added strength, or Full Body Weightless Shampoo for added volume. Apply to wet hair, massage in, then rinse.
- Conditioner – Apply the multi-tasking conditioner after shampooing. Depending on your needs, rinse it out (rinse-out) or leave it in your hair (leave-in).
- ApplyLeave-In – Weightless Air Dry Cream or Feather-Light Protein Cream section by section to damp hair.
- Volume (optional) – Work Bouncy Strength Volume Foam into the roots for more bounce.
- Styling – Hydro Style Flexi Jelly for definition with medium hold, or Hold Me Softly Style Balm for a softer, more natural hold. Work it into your curls and scrunch.
- Drying – Use a diffuser or let your hair air dry. Avoid touching your hair too much while it’s drying to prevent frizz.
- SOTC – Once the gel has dried completely, gently work out the light cast with a little oil or serum to create soft, bouncy curls.
5. CURLSMITH & the Curly Girl Method
Many CURLSMITH products are CG-safe—free of sulfates, silicones, parabens, and mineral oils. Since CURLSMITH offers a very wide range of products, not every single product is automatically CG-safe; it’s worth checking the ingredient list on the respective product page before purchasing, especially for newer lines.
Particularly helpful for the CGM community: The clear protein- and moisture-based labeling of the product lines makes it easier to put together a balanced routine without accidentally overloading on protein or moisture.
6. Recommendations by Hair Type
| Hair Type / Need | Recommended CURLSMITH Products |
|---|---|
| Wavy (2a–2c) | Full Body Weightless Shampoo, Feather-Light Protein Cream, Hydro Style Flexi Jelly—use sparingly |
| Curly (3a–3c) | Essential Moisture Cleanser, Multi-Tasking Conditioner, Weightless Air Dry Cream, Hydro Style Flexi Jelly |
| Coily (3c–4a) | Essential Moisture Cleanser, Weightless Air Dry Cream, Hold Me Softly Style Balm for a softer hold |
| Kinky (4b–4c) | Multi-Tasking Conditioner (Generous Size), Weightless Air Dry Cream, Hold Me Softly Style Balm |
| Fine Hair | Full Body Weightless Shampoo, Bouncy Strength Volume Foam, Feather-Light Protein Cream |
| Hair needs more protein | Core Strength Shampoo, Feather-Light Protein Cream, Bouncy Strength Volume Foam |
| Hair needs more moisture | Essential Moisture Cleanser, Weightless Air Dry Cream, Multi-Tasking Conditioner for deep conditioning |
| Lack of volume at the roots | Full Body Weightless Shampoo + Bouncy Strength Volume Foam at the Roots |
| Looking for a soft, natural hold | Hold Me Softly Style Balm instead of gel, optionally combined with a little Flexi Jelly |
7. Common Problems & Solutions with CURLSMITH
If you have fine hair, you may be using too much Hold Me Softly Style Balm or Weightless Air Dry Cream. Switch to the Feather-Light line or use a smaller amount.
Signs of excess protein. Take a break from using Core Strength Shampoo and Bouncy Strength Foam; instead, use more moisturizing products from the Essential Moisture line.
Your hair probably needs more protein. Incorporate Core Strength Shampoo and Feather-Light Protein Cream into your routine instead of using only moisturizing products.
Only after it has dried completely, gently work it out with a little oil or serum (SOTC). If you work it out too soon, the hair will remain damp and the cast will be harder to remove.
Use Full Body Weightless Shampoo instead of a richer shampoo, and work Bouncy Strength Volume Foam into the roots.
Start by using a multi-tasking conditioner with a low protein concentration as a safe foundation, and monitor how the hair responds over several washes before adding products with higher protein or moisture content.
8. Frequently Asked Questions About CURLSMITH (FAQ)
What hair types is CURLSMITH suitable for?
What does "Gourmet Curl Care" mean at CURLSMITH?
How much protein does my hair need?
What is the difference between Hydro Style Flexi Jelly and Hold Me Softly Style Balm?
Is CURLSMITH vegan and cruelty-free?
How often should I wash my hair with CURLSMITH?
9. What Our Customers Say
Real experiences from lockenkopf customers with CURLSMITH—verified and rated.
10. Conclusion: Is CURLSMITH worth it for your curls?
CURLSMITH is one of the most scientifically sound brands at lockenkopf when it comes to the protein-moisture balance. Anyone who has tried several products that just didn't work will find a system here that helps them understand what their curls really need.
The Weightless Air Dry Cream and Hydro Style Flexi Jelly are a tried-and-true duo for most curl types, while the Strength line —featuring Core Strength Shampoo and Feather-Light Protein Cream—is specifically designed to provide more strength and definition.
All CURLSMITH products at lockenkopf
Gourmet curl care, backed by science. We'll help you build your CURLSMITH routine.
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