Curly hair requires special care and attention to look its best. Finding the right products to enhance natural curls without causing damage can be a challenge. Two popular curly hair brands – DevaCurl and LUS – have developed product lines specifically for curly locks.
But which one is better for your unique texture and needs? Here’s an in-depth look at what each brand offers.
Comparison Table Highlighting The Key Differences Between Devacurl And LUS:
| Feature | DevaCurl | LUS |
| Ingredients | Sulfate/silicone-free but contains synthetic fragrances | All-natural, no sulfates, silicones, parabens, dyes or fragrances |
| Product Range | Extensive – over 30 products | Streamlined – about 10 products |
| Results | Can be hit or miss, some users report damage | Consistently great results, no damage reports |
| Price Point | Mid-range, $10-$30 per product | Budget-friendly, $8-$20 per product |
| Curly Girl Approved | Not 100%, contains some non-CGM ingredients | 100% CGM approved |
| Controversy | 2020 complaints of hair loss and damage | No controversy |
Overview Of Devacurl
DevaCurl exploded onto the curly hair scene in the 1990s with their innovative “no-poo” cleansing creams. The sulfate-free formulas promised to cleanse curls without stripping natural oils. Since then, the brand has expanded into a full curly haircare system.
Key products in the DevaCurl line include:
- No-Poo Original – Creamy curl cleanser
- One Condition Original – Hydrating conditioner
- Styling Cream – Frizz-fighting styler
- SuperCream – Moisturizing curl styler
- Ultra Defining Gel – Strong hold gel
- Melt into Moisture – Deep conditioning mask
- Light Defining Gel – Light hold gel
- B’Leave-in – Curly hair primer
The brand aims to embrace curls in their natural state, without heavy products. They were one of the first to focus on curly hair health.
However, DevaCurl faced controversy in 2020 when some customers reported hair damage and loss after using their products. This led to lawsuits and mistrust of the brand.
DevaCurl maintains their formulas are safe, but many natural curlies remain skeptical.
Overview Of LUS
Founded in 2014, LUS (Love Ur Curls) is a newer curly brand. But it has quickly become popular for its all-natural ingredient lists.
Key LUS products include:
- All-Natural Conditioner – Slippery hydrating conditioner
- All-Natural Shampoo – Sulfate-free cleansing shampoo
- All-Natural Curly Cream – Defining curl cream
- All-Natural Curl Activator – Frizz-fighting activator spray
- All-Natural Leave-In Detangler – Lightweight detangling spray
- All-Natural Styling Gel – Botanical-infused styling gel
- All-Natural Curl Enhancer – Curl boosting & elongating gel-cream
LUS products contain no silicones, sulfates, parabens or dyes. They’re gluten-free and vegan. The brand focuses on moisture retention and definition for easy styling.
Also Read: Comparison Between Amika and OUAI
Comparing Key Features Between Devacurl And LUS
Now that we’ve overviewed both brands, let’s compare some key features:
Ingredients
- DevaCurl – Formulas are free of sulfates, silicones, parabens and dyes. But they do contain synthetic fragrances and aren’t as natural as some brands.
- LUS – Uses all-natural botanical ingredients like aloe vera, sea kelp, chamomile and lemon peel. Completely free of sulfates, silicones, parabens, dyes and synthetic fragrances.
Verdict: LUS wins for its all-natural formulations. Those avoiding synthetics or with sensitivities may prefer these pure ingredients.
Product Range
- DevaCurl – With over 30 products, DevaCurl offers a wide range of curl cleansers, conditioners, stylers, treatments and accessories. Extensive line for creating multiple looks.
- LUS – Carries only around 10 core products. The compact line is easy to navigate for haircare minimalists. But less variety than DevaCurl.
Verdict: DevaCurl takes the win with its vast product selection for styling flexibility. LUS coils stick to the curly hair basics.
Results
- DevaCurl – Defines curls and reduces frizz for bouncy, shiny locks. But some users report limp, stringy hair or dryness. Results can be hit or miss.
- LUS – Boosts moisture, softness and manageability. Minimizes frizz for defined curls that feel touchably soft. Most users rave about results.
Verdict: LUS products tend to deliver more consistent results without damage. But DevaCurl can work well for some curl types.
Price
- DevaCurl – Mid-range prices, from $10-$30 per standard product. Line is considered a prestige, salon-quality brand.
- LUS – Budget-friendly prices, between $8-$20 per standard product. Great value for the all-natural ingredient quality.
Verdict: LUS offers similar results as DevaCurl for lower prices. The better value for money.
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Which Brand Is Curly Girl Method Approved?
The Curly Girl Method (CGM) is a popular curly haircare technique. It emphasizes sulfate/silicone-free products and gentle styling without heat or brushes. Which brand aligns better with CGM?
- DevaCurl – Originally designed for the CGM. But some ingredients like polyquaternium-11 don’t strictly follow CGM rules.
- LUS – Free of all CGM banned ingredients like sulfates, silicones, alcohols, and parabens. Completely CGM approved and recommended.
Verdict: LUS is the clear CGM winner. It adheres to all method guidelines with pure formulations.
Read More: Comparison Between Curly World Vs. Devacurl
Devacurl Controversy And Safety Concerns
In early 2020, waves of social media complaints alleged the DevaCurl line was causing hair damage. Users reported issues like:
- Hair loss/thinning
- Scalp irritation
- Uncharacteristic curl pattern changes
- Dry, brittle, frizzy hair
This sparked confusion about whether DevaCurl products were safe. The brand denied changing any formulas and cited lack of evidence connecting their products to hair loss.
Nonetheless, the controversy eroded consumer trust. Many fans swore off the brand entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
DevaCurl has not been discontinued or gone out of business. However, some users chose to stop purchasing the products after allegations that they caused hair damage.
The brand claims their products are safe when used as directed. But proceed cautiously, especially if you’ve had an adverse reaction before.
No, DevaCurl denies any issues with their formulas and maintains they are safe. No recalls have occurred.
Most products are free of CGM banned ingredients like sulfates and silicones. But some contain non-CGM approved synthetic ingredients, so check labels carefully. LUS is a safer CGM choice.
Also Read: Is Redken Color Extend Better Than Magnetics?
Devacurl Vs. LUS: The Verdict
For those wary of DevaCurl, LUS provides a safer alternative with similar results.
Key Advantages of LUS:
- All-natural ingredients
- Gentle for sensitive skin
- Consistently great reviews
- Closely follows Curly Girl Method
- More affordable price point
DevaCurl offers more product variety and hype. But ingredient questions linger.
We crown LUS as the overall winner between these two curly hair brands. LUS nourishes curls without harsh synthetics. For defined, frizz-free hair with serious bounce, LUS is a top contender.