If you have curly hair, you’ve likely heard of DevaCurl and Curly World. These two brands dominate the curly hair care market, but which one should you choose?
Here’s an in-depth look at the pros, cons, features, and key differences between Curly World and DevaCurl to help you pick the right products for your curls.
A Comparison Table Highlighting The Key Differences Between Curly World And Devacurl:
Feature | Curly World | DevaCurl |
Founder | Lorraine Massey | Lorraine Massey and Michele Bender |
Year Founded | 2020 | 1994 |
Key Features | Clean formulas, moisture-focused | Specialized by curl type, defined curls |
Product Range | Limited, multi-use | Extensive options for each need |
Best For | Beginners, simplicity | Customization, heavy styling |
Price Point | Affordable | Expensive |
Controversy | None | 2020 damage lawsuits |
Overview Of Curly World
Curly World was founded by Lorraine Massey, the creator of the Curly Girl Method and author of the book Curly Girl. After selling DevaCurl in 2007, Lorraine wanted to get back to her curly hair care roots and provide clean, non-toxic products for all curl types.
Curly World launched in 2020 with a small but powerful line of curl care products free of sulfates, silicones, parabens, and other harsh ingredients.
The brand ethos focuses on hair health and enhancing natural texture versus heavy styling. Curly World aims to make curly hair care simple and accessible to all.
Curly World’s Key Features:
- Clean, non-toxic formulas
- Free of sulfates, silicones, parabens, and drying alcohols
- Products for wavy, curly, coily, and tight texture hair
- Lightweight moisture and frizz control
- Affordable pricing compared to DevaCurl
- Created by Lorraine Massey, pioneer of the Curly Girl Method
Overview Of Devacurl
DevaCurl launched in 1994 and was the first brand dedicated solely to curly hair. Founded by hairstylist Lorraine Massey and entrepreneur Michele Bender, DevaCurl took off thanks to its innovative “no-poo” cleansers free of sulfates. The brand name combines “deva” meaning “goddess” in Sanskrit and “curl” for its specialty curly hair care.
DevaCurl offers a wide range of products and formulas for all curl types. The brand has salon heritage and focuses on heavy moisture, defined curls, and hold.
DevaCurl is known for its unique styling creams, gels, and accessories like microfiber towels and styling clips.
DevaCurl’s Key Features:
- Specialized formulas for each curl type
- Proprietary blends like Curl Maker styling gel
- Focus on moisture, frizz control, and definition
- Wide range of styling products beyond shampoo/conditioner
- Developed by Lorraine Massey in 1994
- Higher price point than Curly World
Also Read: Comparison Between Curlsmith Vs. Ouidad
Comparing The Product Lines Of Curly World And Devacurl
Now let’s dive into how Curly World and DevaCurl products actually compare. We’ll look at their hero shampoos, conditioners, styling creams, and more.
Cleansers
For cleansers, Curly World offers just one multitasking shampoo aptly named The Curl Cleanser. It’s sulfate-free and contains glycerin and aloe vera to gently cleanse without stripping oils.
DevaCurl has numerous cleanser options based on curl type, including low-poo, no-poo, and co-wash formulas. The brand uses plant-derived cleansers instead of traditional sulfates. DevaCurl’s Delight Low-Poo Shampoo and One Condition Original are among their most popular products.
Key Differences: Curly World goes for a streamlined, back-to-basics approach with one cleanser while DevaCurl has highly specialized formulas. DevaCurl’s cleansers focus on moisture and contain more ingredients and additives.
Conditioners
The Curly World conditioner is called The Curl Conditioner, intended as a daily use moisturizing formula. It contains ingredients like marula oil, baobab oil, and rambutan extract to hydrate curls.
For conditioners, DevaCurl offers options like Melt into Moisture Mask for deep conditioning. The brand’s signature is the One Condition Original, an all-in-one conditioner meets detangler formula.
It contains citric acid for added moisture and slip.
Key Differences: Again, Curly World sticks with one versatile conditioner while DevaCurl has options based on curl type and hydration needs. DevaCurl conditioners focus more heavily on slip and moisture.
Styling Products
This category shows the biggest differences between the two brands. Curly World has one styler called The Curl Cream. It’s a lightweight curl definer and soft hold gel with marshmallow root and flaxseed.
Meanwhile, DevaCurl has a huge range of styling products like SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler, Flexible Hold Hairspray, and Ultra Defining Gel. Many contain panthenol and glycerin for moisture plus botanical extracts for hold.
Key Differences: Curly World embraces a less-is-more approach with one multipurpose styler. DevaCurl offers specialty stylers for finishing, elongating curls, diffusing, etc.
Accessories
Both brands offer accessories for curly hair care like microfiber towels, brushes, and styling tools. However, DevaCurl has a much wider range of accessories. They sell unique products like the DevaFuser hair dryer attachment and specialized styling clips.
Key Differences: Curly World accessories are limited while DevaCurl focuses heavily on accessories and tools.
Watch the video to learn more!
Using Curly World and DevaCurl Together
Can you use products from Curly World and DevaCurl together safely? Generally yes, but pay attention to ingredient lists, especially for any protein-moisture balance sensitivities.
For example, Curly World’s lightweight conditioner could pair well with a DevaCurl styler for more hold. Or you could use a DevaCurl cleanser with the Curly World curl cream.
Just avoid doubling up on any proteins or very heavy moisturizers, which can overload your hair. Start by incorporating one product at a time and monitor how your hair responds.
Focus on your individual hair needs versus brand loyalty.
Some folks with looser waves may prefer DevaCurl’s heavy stylers while thick, coily curls suit Curly World’s moisture-based formulas. Find what works best for your hair texture and porosity through experimentation.
Also Read: Comparison Between Bio Ionic and T3
Curly World Vs. Devacurl: Which Should You Choose?
So when comparing these two popular curly hair brands, which comes out on top? Here’s a quick breakdown:
Curly World Pros
- Affordable, clean formulas
- Simpler routines for beginners
- Back-to-basics approach focused on moisture
- Created by Lorraine Massey
DevaCurl Pros
- Specialized products for each curl type
- Wide range of styling products and accessories
- Focus on definition and hold
- Salon heritage brand since 1994
In the end, it depends on your hair’s needs and preferences. Curly World embraces fuss-free moisture for curls while DevaCurl offers greater versatility and heavy styling.
Try sampling products from each line to see which ingredients your hair responds to best.
You may find your perfect curly hair routine uses products from both brands.
Curly World and DevaCurl Controversy
No Curly World vs DevaCurl comparison would be complete without addressing the lawsuits and controversies.
In 2020, DevaCurl was hit by over 200 complaints alleging hair damage and frizz from their products. This led to lawsuits, although none have been proven or successful so far.
Many theorize that formula changes around 2016 led to issues. DevaCurl denies this but did quietly reformulate in late 2020. They now feature “clean” on branding and limit questionable ingredients.
However, the damage was done for many curly consumers. Bad publicity and distrust linger even after improvements. This controversy allowed brands like Curly World to thrive as a new clean, non-toxic option.
Only time will tell if DevaCurl can rebuild consumer confidence and reclaim its status as the leading curly hair brand. For now, many are fleeing to alternates like Curly World to avoid potential issues.
Read More: Comparison Between Prose Vs. Hairstory
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, as of 2023 DevaCurl has not lost any lawsuits related to hair damage claims. Most cases have been dismissed or dropped due to lack of conclusive evidence tying DevaCurl products to injury. However, legal action is still ongoing.
DevaCurl maintains their formulas were not changed to trigger damage. However, in 2020 the brand did make adjustments, likely to increase natural ingredients and remove concerning additives. This coincided with rebranding to emphasize their products as “clean” and non-toxic.
No, Lorraine Massey left DevaCurl in 2007 after selling the company to another business. She went on to found Curly World in 2020 to get back to her curly hair roots.
For the most part yes, DevaCurl products are free of sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohols so they align with curly girl method standards. However, some ingredients like polyquaternium polymers are still debated in the curly community.
Also Read: Comparison Between Jelly Soft Curls and Pillow Soft Curls
The Takeaway
Hopefully this comparison between Curly World and DevaCurl has helped highlight the key differences and what sets these brands apart. Keep in mind your individual hair’s needs and try various products to see what works best.
While DevaCurl offers more versatility and heavy styling, Curly World embraces clean, fuss-free moisture. Shop around within each brand too, as formulas vary.
With some experimentation, you’re sure to find your perfect curly hair match.