My curly hair journey hasn’t been all sunshine and defined curls. From frizzy wash days to products that left my hair crunchy or greasy, I’ve tried it all. Curlsmith and Innersense kept popping up in curly hair communities, praised for their clean ingredients and curl-loving formulas.
But with Curlsmith’s bold marketing and Innersense’s salon-grade reputation, I needed to know: which one actually works better for my medium-porosity, medium-density curls? I tested both brands for months, and I’m spilling the tea on what worked, what didn’t, and what you need to consider for your own hair.
Curlsmith: My Experience
Curlsmith caught my eye with its vibrant purple packaging and promises of “recipes” tailored to curly hair needs. Founded by a curly-haired woman, it’s marketed as a one-stop shop for waves, curls, and coils.
I tried their Strength Line (shampoo, conditioner, and Shape Up Aqua Gel) and Essential Moisture Line (leave-in conditioner and styling cream) to see if they lived up to the hype.
Pros Of Curlsmith
First off, Curlsmith’s accessibility is a win. I grabbed their products at Sephora during a sale, and the $20–$30 price tag felt reasonable for high-end curly haircare.
The Strength Line, with its protein-packed formulas, gave my curls a noticeable bounce. The Shape Up Aqua Gel was a standout—its medium hold created defined clumps without that dreaded crunchy cast.
I loved how it played well with my fine hair, adding grit without weighing it down.
The brand’s focus on versatility impressed me. Whether I was diffusing for volume or air-drying for a natural look, Curlsmith’s products adapted.
Their ingredient lists, featuring chia seed and flaxseed, felt nourishing, and the vegan, cruelty-free ethos aligned with my values. Plus, most products are Curly Girl Method (CGM) approved, meaning no sulfates, silicones, or drying alcohols—a must for my routine.
Cons Of Curlsmith
Not everything was perfect. The synthetic fragrance was overwhelming. Even though Curlsmith claims it’s phthalate-free, the strong scent lingered for days, which wasn’t my vibe. I also noticed buildup after a few weeks of using the Strength Line. My hair felt weighed down, and I had to clarify more often than usual. This might be due to the polymers in their gels, which can accumulate on medium-porosity hair like mine.
Another downside? The protein-heavy formulas aren’t for everyone. If your hair is protein-sensitive, the Strength Line could leave your curls brittle. I had to balance it with their Essential Moisture Line to avoid over-proteinizing. Lastly, while Curlsmith’s range is broad, it felt like they were trying to do too much. With so many “recipes,” choosing the right products for my hair was confusing at first.
Innersense: My Experience
Innersense, with its earthy aesthetic and organic focus, felt like a luxury splurge. Founded by hairstylists Greg and Joanne Starkman, it’s a salon-grade brand emphasizing clean, concentrated formulas.
I tested their Hydrating Line (Cream Hairbath, Cream Conditioner, and Quiet Calm Curl Control) and the I Create Hold Styling Gel to see if the hype matched the price.
Pros Of Innersense
Innersense’s ingredients are a dream. Shea butter, aloe vera, and rice bran oil left my curls hydrated and shiny without feeling greasy.
The Hydrating Cream Conditioner was a game-changer—its slip made detangling a breeze, and my curls felt soft for days.
The Quiet Calm Curl Control cream gave me lightweight definition, perfect for low-humidity days when I didn’t need heavy hold.
The concentrated formulas blew me away. A nickel-sized amount of shampoo lathered like crazy, and a tiny dab of gel went a long way.
This made the $26–$80 price range feel slightly less painful, as the bottles lasted months.
Innersense’s natural scents, derived from essential oils like neroli and lotus flower, were subtle and soothing—no headache-inducing fragrances here. Their commitment to sustainability, with certified organic ingredients and cruelty-free practices, also earned major points.
Cons Of Innersense
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the price. Dropping $80 on a styling foam felt like a personal attack on my wallet. Even with the concentrated formulas, justifying the cost was tough, especially when drugstore brands can deliver decent results. Innersense’s hold strength also disappointed me. The I Create Hold Gel gave a light cast that didn’t last in humid weather, leaving my curls frizzy by midday. For high-porosity or coily hair needing strong hold, this might not cut it.
I also experienced a detox phase when switching to Innersense. My hair felt stripped and frizzy for the first two weeks as it adjusted to the silicone-free formulas. This wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something to prepare for if you’re transitioning from mainstream products. Lastly, Innersense’s availability is limited. I had to order online or hunt down a salon, which wasn’t as convenient as grabbing Curlsmith at Ulta.
Breaking Down Key Features
To help you choose, let’s compare the standout features of each brand based on my experience and research.
- Ingredients
Curlsmith leans on protein-rich ingredients like chia seed, flaxseed, and hydrolyzed proteins to strengthen curls. Their Strength Line is ideal for damaged or high-porosity hair but can overwhelm protein-sensitive strands. Innersense prioritizes moisture with shea butter, aloe vera, and plant extracts like rooibos and tamanu oil. Their Hydrating Line suits most curly hair types, especially those needing lightweight hydration.
- Product Range
Curlsmith’s “recipes” cover every step of a curly routine—shampoos, conditioners, leave-ins, gels, and masks. They cater to a wide range of textures (2A–4C), making them versatile for diverse curl patterns. Innersense offers a similar range but focuses on salon-quality performance. Their styling foams and volume lotions are unique, but their products are better suited for wavy to curly hair (2A–3C) rather than coily textures.
- Hold and Definition
Curlsmith’s gels, like the Shape Up Aqua Gel, deliver medium to strong hold with a firm cast that scrunches out soft. They’re great for defined, long-lasting curls, even in humidity. Innersense’s stylers, like Quiet Calm Curl Control and I Create Hold, offer light to medium hold. They’re better for natural, flowy curls but struggle in high-humidity environments.
- Sustainability and Ethics
Both brands are vegan and cruelty-free, but Innersense edges out with its certified organic ingredients and zero rating on the Think Dirty App. Curlsmith is working toward B-Corp certification, but their synthetic fragrances and polymers raise questions about “clean” claims. If eco-consciousness is your priority, Innersense feels more authentic.
- Price and Value
Curlsmith’s $20–$30 range is more budget-friendly, especially for the product sizes. Innersense’s $26–$80 price tag is steep, but the concentrated formulas stretch further. For me, Curlsmith offered better value for frequent use, while Innersense felt like a treat for special wash days.
- Curlsmith Routine
I started with the Strength Shampoo, which lathered well and left my scalp clean but not stripped. Next, I applied the Strength Conditioner, focusing from mid-lengths to ends to avoid flat roots. After rinsing, I used the Essential Moisture Leave-In to hydrate my curls, followed by the Shape Up Aqua Gel for definition. I scrunched, plopped for 20 minutes, and diffused on low heat. The result? Bouncy, defined curls with a slight cast that scrunched out soft. Day two refresh was easy with a spritz of water and more leave-in.
- Innersense Routine
I began with the Hydrating Cream Hairbath, using a dime-sized amount that foamed surprisingly well. The Hydrating Cream Conditioner came next, detangling my curls effortlessly. I applied the Quiet Calm Curl Control cream to wet hair, followed by a pump of I Create Hold Gel. I scrunched and air-dried, as diffusing sometimes caused frizz with Innersense. My curls were soft and shiny but lost definition by day two in humid weather. Refreshing required more product, which felt wasteful given the price.
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Which Brand Wins For Me?
Choosing between Curlsmith and Innersense depends on your hair type, budget, and priorities. For my 3B, medium-porosity curls, Curlsmith was the winner. Its affordability, strong hold, and versatility made it a staple in my routine. The Shape Up Aqua Gel gave me the definition I craved, and the price didn’t make me wince. However, the fragrance and buildup were drawbacks I had to manage with regular clarifying.
Innersense, while luxurious, didn’t fully deliver for my needs. The Hydrating Line was hydrating and gentle, but the weak hold and high cost made it less practical for daily use. That said, if you have wavy or low-porosity hair and prioritize organic ingredients, Innersense could be your holy grail. Their concentrated formulas and natural scents are hard to beat for a spa-like experience.
What You Should Consider
Your curls are unique, so here’s what to think about when choosing between these brands:
- Hair Type and Porosity: High-porosity or damaged hair might love Curlsmith’s protein-rich formulas. Low-porosity or fine hair may prefer Innersense’s lightweight moisture.
- Budget: If you’re balling on a budget, Curlsmith’s prices are more forgiving. If you’re ready to splurge, Innersense’s quality might justify the cost.
- Hold Needs: Need all-day definition in humidity? Curlsmith’s gels have you covered. Want soft, natural curls? Innersense is your pick.
- Scent Sensitivity: If strong fragrances bother you, Innersense’s essential oils are gentler. Curlsmith’s scents might be too much.
- Sustainability: Eco-warriors will appreciate Innersense’s organic cred. Curlsmith’s still a solid choice but less pure in its “clean” claims.
Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)
Innersense uses certified organic, salon-grade ingredients and highly concentrated formulas, which drive up costs. The brand’s focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing also contributes to the premium price.
Yes, Curlsmith is excellent for curly hair, especially for wavy to coily textures (2A–4C). Its protein-rich and moisturizing products cater to various curl needs, though protein-sensitive hair should use sparingly.
Most Innersense products are Curly Girl Method approved, free of sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohols. However, some stylers like the Inner Peace Whipped Creme Texturizer contain beeswax, which isn’t CG-friendly.
Curlsmith is an independent brand founded by a curly-haired entrepreneur. It’s not owned by a larger corporation, though it’s distributed through major retailers like Sephora and Ulta.
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Conclusion: Your Curls, Your Choice
After months of testing Curlsmith and Innersense, I’ve learned there’s no one-size-fits-all for curly hair. Curlsmith’s affordability and strong hold won me over for my 3B curls, but Innersense’s luxurious hydration and eco-friendly ethos might be your vibe.
Your hair’s unique needs—porosity, texture, and budget—will guide you to the right brand. Try a travel-sized kit from either to see what clicks before committing. Whichever you choose, embrace your curls and enjoy the journey to your best hair days yet.