I’m not here to sell you on Curlsmith’s Shake and Shine Bi-Phase Curl Refreshing Mist. Honestly, after trying it myself and digging through reviews, I can’t say it’s a must-have for your curly hair routine. This product promises to revive curls, boost moisture, and tame frizz, but it falls short for many users, including me.

Instead, I’ll share my real experience, break down the pros and cons, compare it to other brands, and offer maintenance tips to help you decide if it’s worth a try—or a pass.

My Experience With Curlsmith Shake And Shine

Let me set the scene: I’m a curly-haired gal with type 3A curls that can go from bouncy to blah by day two. Non-wash days are a struggle, and I was excited to try Shake and Shine, hoping it would bring my curls back to life. The sleek bottle, with its bi-phase water-and-oil formula, looked promising.

I shook it up as instructed, spritzed it sparingly on my dry hair, and used the praying hands method to smooth it through. The mist felt light, and I liked that it didn’t drench my hair like some refreshers do. I scrunched my curls, expecting that “just-washed” bounce.

At first, my curls looked slightly more defined, and there was a subtle shine. But within a couple of hours, things took a turn. My hair felt oddly stiff, like I’d used a cheap hairspray.

The promised 24-hour frizz control? Not happening. My curls started to frizz in the humid air, and by midday, they looked stringy and lackluster. The scent was another issue—it’s a strong, fruity smell that lingers all day.

I’m not super sensitive to fragrances, but this was overpowering, like overripe fruit. I kept catching whiffs of it, and it wasn’t pleasant.

I tried Shake and Shine a few more times, tweaking the amount I used and applying it to slightly damp hair instead of dry. The results were marginally better, but the stiffness and scent issues persisted. I even checked online to see if I was doing something wrong, only to find a mix of reviews—some raving about refreshed curls, others echoing my complaints about greasiness, crunchiness, or the smell.

One reviewer with type 2C/3A hair, like mine, said it flattened their curls completely, which matched my experience. I love other Curlsmith products, like their fragrance-free Shine line, so I was bummed this didn’t live up to the hype. After a week, I shelved it and went back to my trusted refresher.

Also read: My Thoughts on Glowiest Dream Glow Beauty Oil Reviews.

Pros Of Curlsmith Shake And Shine

Lightweight Application: One thing I can’t knock is how light Shake and Shine feels when you spray it. Unlike some curl refreshers that leave your hair soaked or weighed down, this mist is fine and distributes evenly. You don’t need much to cover your strands, which is great if you’re worried about overdoing it. For someone with fine or wavy hair, this could be a plus, as it won’t make your curls feel heavy—at least not initially.

Hydration Boost from Hyaluronic Acid: Curlsmith packs Shake and Shine with seven types of hyaluronic acid, which sounds fancy and, in theory, is awesome for hydration. Hyaluronic acid is known for locking in moisture, and the brand claims it boosts moisturization by up to 41%. I did notice my hair felt softer right after applying it, especially on dry ends. If your curls crave hydration between washes, this ingredient could help, though the effect didn’t last long for me.

No Drying Alcohols: I appreciate that Curlsmith avoids drying alcohols in this formula. Many curl products use alcohols that strip moisture, leaving your hair parched. Shake and Shine is designed to protect your hair from dehydration, and the inclusion of seaweed, rich in vitamins and minerals, adds to its moisturizing claims. For curlies who prioritize clean ingredients, this is a solid pro.

Easy to Use: The application process is straightforward—shake, spray, smooth, and scrunch. You don’t need to be a haircare pro to figure it out. I found it quick to incorporate into my routine, especially on busy mornings when I just needed a curl pick-me-up. If you’re new to curl refreshers, the simplicity is a win.

Works for Some Curl Types: While it didn’t work for me, some users with looser waves or less dense hair seem to love it. Reviews on sites like Ulta mention it reviving curls and adding shine without greasiness for certain hair types. If you have type 2 or low-porosity hair, you might have better luck than I did.

Cons Of Curlsmith Shake And Shine

Overpowering Fragrance: Let’s talk about the smell. It’s a dealbreaker for many, including me. The fruity scent is intense and lingers for hours, and not in a good way. Some reviews compare it to spoiled fruit, and I get it—it’s cloying and distracting. For those with fragrance sensitivities, this is a hard pass, especially since it’s not part of Curlsmith’s fragrance-free Shine line. I was shocked to learn it wasn’t unscented, given the “Shine” in the name.

Stiffness and Crunchiness: Instead of soft, bouncy curls, Shake and Shine left my hair stiff and crunchy, like I’d used an old-school gel. Several reviews echo this, with users saying they had to wash it out by the end of the day. I hoped scrunching would break the cast, but it didn’t help much. If you love touchable curls, this could frustrate you.

Flattens Some Curls: For my 3A curls, this product was a flop—it flattened them, making my hair look stringy and lifeless. A reviewer with similar 2C/3A hair called it a “huge disappointment,” and I feel their pain. It seems to weigh down certain curl types, especially if your hair is fine or prone to losing volume. If you’re after lift and bounce, look elsewhere.

Greasy Residue for Some: While it’s marketed as lightweight, some users report a greasy residue. I didn’t experience this myself, but reviews mention it making hair feel oily or weighed down, especially if you use a tad too much. This inconsistency is a red flag—nobody wants to risk greasy curls on a busy day.

Limited Long-Term Benefits:Curlsmith touts Shake and Shine as a curl-reviving, frizz-fighting hero, but I didn’t see lasting results. The initial shine and definition faded fast, and my frizz came back with a vengeance. Some reviews even claim “zero hair health benefits,” and while I wouldn’t go that far, it didn’t improve my hair’s overall health or structure in any noticeable way.

Comparison with Other Curl Refreshers

When Curlsmith’s Shake and Shine Bi-Phase Curl Refreshing Mist let me down, I didn’t just toss it and sulk—I went back to my curl refresher lineup and explored a few new ones to see how they stack up. As a curly-haired gal with type 3A curls that frizz at the slightest hint of humidity, I need a refresher that revives my day-two (or three) hair without weighing it down, turning it crunchy, or smelling like a fruit basket gone rogue. Shake and Shine promised a lot but didn’t deliver for me, so let’s compare it to four other popular curl refreshers: Bounce Curl Clump and Define Cream, Pattern Beauty Curl Spray, Amika Curl Refreshing Spray, and Innersense Inner Peace Whipped Cream Texturizer. I’ll break down their performance, ingredients, scents, price points, and who they’re best for, so you can decide what’s worth your money.

Bounce Curl Clump and Define Cream: First up, Bounce Curl Clump and Define Cream, a holy grail for many curlies, including me. Unlike Shake and Shine’s misty spray, this is a creamy, hands-on product that you work into your hair with the praying hands or raking method. It retails for about $26 for 6 oz, which is slightly pricier than Shake and Shine’s $24 for 5 oz, but a little goes a long way. The formula is packed with aloe vera, black seed oil, and pequi oil, which hydrate and define curls without a hint of stiffness. When I use it, my 3A curls clump beautifully, and the definition lasts through a humid day. The tropical scent—think coconut and citrus—is light and fades quickly, unlike Shake and Shine’s overpowering fruity odor that lingers like an unwelcome guest.I tried Bounce Curl after my Shake and Shine disappointment, and the difference was night and day. Where Shake and Shine flattened my curls and left them stringy, Bounce Curl gave me bouncy, defined spirals that looked freshly washed. It’s not a mist, so it takes a bit more effort to apply, but the results are worth it. I smooth a dime-sized amount through damp or dry hair, scrunch, and let it air dry. No crunch, no frizz, just curls that pop. Some reviews on Sephora mention it feeling heavy for fine hair, so if your strands are super delicate, you’ll want to use it sparingly. For me, it’s a clear winner over Shake and Shine, especially for high-porosity curls that need lasting moisture.
Pattern Beauty Curl Spray: Next, let’s talk about Pattern Beauty Curl Spray, from Tracee Ellis Ross’s curl-centric line. This mist-style refresher, priced at $25 for 8 oz, is a direct competitor to Shake and Shine. Its blend of aloe vera, coconut oil, and cacay oil aims to hydrate, define, and tame frizz. I spritzed it on my day-two curls, and right away, I noticed better definition than with Shake and Shine. My curls looked revived, with a soft, touchable finish—no stiffness or crunch here. The scent is a fresh, herbal mix with a hint of lavender, which I found soothing and way less intrusive than Shake and Shine’s cloying fruitiness. It fades within an hour, so you’re not stuck smelling it all day.Pattern’s spray is lightweight, making it great for fine or wavy hair, but it can feel slightly sticky if you overapply. I learned this the hard way when I got spritz-happy and ended up with tacky strands. Still, it outperformed Shake and Shine in frizz control—my curls stayed smooth even in muggy weather. Reviews on Pattern’s website praise its ability to refresh curls without buildup, though some users with coily (type 4) hair say it’s not moisturizing enough. Compared to Shake and Shine, Pattern delivers more consistent results across curl types, and the larger bottle size gives you more bang for your buck. If you’re torn between the two, I’d pick Pattern for its softer finish and better scent.
Amika Curl Refreshing Spray: Amika’s Curl Refreshing Spray, at $25 for 6.7 oz, is another mist I’ve leaned on when Shake and Shine flopped. This alcohol-free formula uses aloe vera, mango seed butter, and hydrolyzed keratin to hydrate and strengthen curls. When I tried it, my curls perked up with a subtle shine and decent definition, though not as much “pop” as Bounce Curl. The finish was soft and natural, never crunchy, which was a huge relief after Shake and Shine’s hairspray-like stiffness. The scent—a mix of vanilla, citrus, and amber—is warm and pleasant, fading within a couple of hours. It’s a crowd-pleaser without being overpowering. Amika’s spray is forgiving for beginners since it’s hard to overapply. I spritzed it on dry hair, scrunched, and got a quick refresh that lasted most of the day. It’s not as hydrating as Pattern or Bounce Curl, so if your hair is super dry, you might need a leave-in underneath. Ulta reviews mention it working well for wavy and curly hair but falling short for tight coils, similar to Shake and Shine’s mixed results. Price-wise, it’s comparable to Curlsmith, but I found it more reliable for keeping frizz at bay without flattening my curls. If you want a budget-friendly, low-effort option, Amika’s a safer bet than Shake and Shine.

Innersense Inner Peace Whipped Cream Texturizer: Finally, let’s throw Innersense Inner Peace Whipped Cream Texturizer into the mix, a lesser-known but underrated refresher. Priced at $22 for 3.4 oz, it’s a bit more expensive per ounce than Shake and Shine, but the unique whipped texture makes it stand out. Infused with shea butter, tamanu oil, and orange flower water, it’s designed to hydrate, define, and add lightweight hold. I was skeptical about a cream-based refresher, but when I smoothed a small amount through my dry curls, I was pleasantly surprised. My 3A curls looked defined and shiny, with a soft, flexible hold that didn’t turn crunchy. The scent is a delicate citrus-floral blend that’s refreshing and fades fast—nothing like Shake and Shine’s lingering fruit bomb.

Innersense is versatile—you can use it on damp or dry hair, and it works for both refreshing and styling. I found it less flattening than Shake and Shine, especially for my fine curls, and it didn’t leave any greasy residue. Reviews on Innersense’s site rave about its clean ingredients and performance for wavy to curly hair, though some type 4 users say it’s too light for their needs. Compared to Shake and Shine, Innersense feels more luxurious and delivers better curl revival without the drawbacks of stiffness or overpowering fragrance. The smaller bottle size is a downside, but I’d rather pay a bit more for a product that actually works.

Tips for Using Curlsmith Shake and Shine

If you decide to give Shake and Shine a shot despite the mixed reviews, here’s how to make the most of it. These tips come from my trial and error, plus advice from Curlsmith’s site and other curly-haired folks online.

Shake It Well: The bi-phase formula separates into water and oil layers, so shaking the bottle thoroughly is non-negotiable. I skipped this once, and the mist came out uneven, leaving some strands greasy. Shake for at least 10 seconds to ensure the hyaluronic acid and seaweed blend properly for even application.

Use Sparingly: Less is more with this mist. I found that 3-4 spritzes were enough for my shoulder-length hair. Overdo it, and you risk that stiff, crunchy feel or greasy residue. Start with a light mist, smooth it through with the praying hands method, and add more only if needed. Focus on mid-lengths and ends to avoid weighing down your roots.

Apply to Slightly Damp Hair: While Curlsmith says to use it on dry hair, I got better results spritzing it on slightly damp strands. Mist your hair with plain water first, then apply Shake and Shine. This helps the product distribute evenly and reduces the stiff finish. Scrunch gently and let it air dry—don’t diffuse, as Curlsmith advises against it.

Pair with a Leave-In: If your curls feel flat or the mist doesn’t deliver enough moisture, layer it over a lightweight leave-in conditioner. I used Curlsmith’s Moisture Memory Reactivator underneath, which added hydration without heaviness. This combo helped my curls pop a bit more, though the fragrance was still a problem.

Refresh Midday: Since the frizz control didn’t last all day for me, keep the bottle handy for touch-ups. A quick spritz on frizzy sections can help, but don’t overapply, or you’ll end up with that crunchy texture. Scrunch lightly to revive your curls without disturbing the style.

Store Properly: To maintain the formula’s integrity, store the bottle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. I noticed the scent got stronger when I left it in my humid bathroom, so keep it in a drawer or cabinet. Shake it before each use to ensure the bi-phase layers haven’t separated too much.

Test for Your Hair Type: Shake and Shine seems to work better for looser waves or low-porosity hair, based on reviews. If you have fine, high-porosity curls like mine, test it on a small section first. If it flattens or stiffens your hair, try diluting it with water in a separate spray bottle to reduce the intensity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to use Curlsmith Shake and Shine?

Shake the bottle well for 10 seconds to mix the water and oil phases. Spray sparingly (3-4 spritzes for medium-length hair) on dry or slightly damp hair, focusing on mid-lengths and ends. Smooth it through using the praying hands method, then scrunch or finger-curl to revive your curls. Let it air dry—don’t diffuse. Use sparingly to avoid stiffness or greasiness.

What type of hair is Curlsmith good for?

Curlsmith’s Shake and Shine is marketed for all curl types and textures, but it seems to work best for wavy and curly hair (types 2 and 3). Some users with coily (type 4) hair report mixed results, and fine or high-porosity hair may find it flattening. Test it to see if it suits your specific curl pattern.

Is Curlsmith for fine hair?

It can work for fine hair since it’s lightweight, but proceed with caution. Some fine-haired users, like me, found it weighed down curls or made them stringy. Use a minimal amount and apply to damp hair to avoid flattening. If you prefer volume, you might want to try a volumizing refresher instead.

Can you use Curlsmith on dry hair?

Yes, Curlsmith recommends applying Shake and Shine to dry hair to refresh curls on non-wash days. However, I found it worked better on slightly damp hair to reduce stiffness and improve curl definition. Experiment with both to see what gives you the best results.

Final Thoughts

After my experience and digging into reviews, I can’t recommend Curlsmith Shake and Shine as a go-to curl refresher. The lightweight mist, hydration from hyaluronic acid, and alcohol-free formula are appealing, but the overpowering fragrance, stiff texture, and tendency to flatten curls outweigh the benefits for me and many others. Compared to Bounce Curl, Pattern, or Amika, it doesn’t deliver the same definition or frizz control. If you’re curious, test it on your hair with the maintenance tips I shared, but don’t expect miracles. For now, I’m sticking with my tried-and-true refreshers that keep my curls bouncing.

Curlsmith Shake And Shine Reviews: Is It Worth It?