Does this product pass the curly girl test? We investigate.
If you look up any list that’s some iteration of “Best Products for Curly Hair,” Mielle consistently makes the list. Mielle Organics, founded in 2014 by entrepreneur Monique Rodriguez, is a lush line of hair care products that are all natural — and affordable, too.
I’ve wanted to get my hands on the Mielle Babassu Oil shampoo for months now, but since I live in Canada, it’s a little bit harder to come by. The entire line is sold at Target in the States, but in the great white North you can grab a few select items at Sally Beauty Supply for around $18.
It’s pure oil?
First impression: this product is super liquid-y. Because it’s all natural, there are no parabens, silicones, or any other type of thickeners that you’d usually associate with sticky, soapy shampoo. The texture and viscosity is similar to that of L’Occitane’s Almond Oil body wash, so watch how fast you pour it or else you could be sending $5 down the drain.
Secondly: it doesn’t smell great. It’s not horrible smelling, but a touch medicinal. Definitely minty, which is super refreshing and tingly on the scalp.
The shampoo itself lathers up a little, but not a whole lot, which makes it hard to gauge if you’re actually using enough to clean your scalp. I probably used too little, so my hair doesn’t quite have that squeaky clean feeling I like when I come out of the shower.
But dang, what it lacks in washing power it makes up for in curling sensation! My curls are on day three and still have so much bounce and shine.
Look at those curls!
The verdict
This isn’t a shampoo I’d use for my everyday washing needs because I’d be too worried about follicle impaction. It’s really a very gentle cleanser, which means that it’s probably ideal for colour damaged hair, but not so much for oily-normal scalps, like mine. The tingling sensation is delightful, though.
But all of those tiny criticisms aside, I can safely say that nothing has made my curls look this incredible in weeks.