EVOLVh SmartCurl Review for 2C 3A Curly Hair
This post may contain affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Please read the disclosure policy for more details.
Following the curly girl method and looking for a clean curly girl approved line? EVOLVh SmartCurl just might be the answer.
In this post, I share my review of the EVOLVh SmartCurl line and a few other EVOLVh products I use on my thin 2c 3a curly hair. I also share my styling routine at the end.
If you have fine curly hair and are looking for more volume also check out my EVOLVh InstaVolume review.
Want to try EVOLVh? Use my affiliate code HE15 to save on your first order!
Ready to transform your frizz into defined, bouncy curls and waves? Join my free Quick Start Guide To Mastering Your Curls email course below and be on your way to fabulous curls in just a few steps!
About EVOLVh
I first became interested in EVOLVh’s Smart Curl line after trying a trial size of their shampoo and conditioner in a beauty subscription box. I had tried their volumizing leave-in conditioner spray before and while it worked, I wasn’t wowed.
EVOLVh is a natural hair care line that uses clean, high-end ingredients. It’s all curly girl approved, water soluble, and lightweight.
I was excited to try this line because I had seen a few other rave reviews. And let me tell you, this line delivers! My curls are so bouncy, shiny, soft, and defined when I use the shampoo and conditioner. I thought I liked my hair before but after trying this line I am a total convert!
Remember that I have very fine, thin 2b 2c 3a hair that is high porosity and I live in a warm, humid climate.
Tips For Using SmartCurl Line
Before I go over each product, I just want to point out that this line is very concentrated and requires some experimenting to get right.
It took quite a bit of tweaking around with the products as far as how much to apply, what method to use, and in what order to apply them.
So if you do try them out, don’t judge from just the first use. Try them a few times using different amounts and methods before deciding if you like them or not.
EVOLVh SmartCurl Product Reviews
SmartCurl Hydrating Wash (shampoo)
The first thing you notice about these products is the scent. It is nice and fresh which they call “Smart Scent”- you can read about it here. It used to be strong but it’s less intense and now smells more like grapefruit. In fact, they recently reformulated all their products to have this same new scent.
The shampoo lathers nicely and leaves my scalp squeaky clean. It is not as hydrating as other curl lines which I actually prefer for my really thin and fine hair. It reminds me of the conventional shampoos I used to use years ago that left my scalp really clean. If you need something very hydrating, then skip this.
Shop the SmartCurl Hydrating Wash here.
SmartCurl Conditioner
This conditioner has the same scent as the shampoo. Right away you’ll notice that it almost feels like water as your hair instantly absorbs it. The slip is ok for me but it might not be enough for others. I use about 2 squeezes and after squishing it into my hair I wait a few minutes before I detangle with my fingers. I also add water if I feel like I need more product before adding more conditioner. Usually, it just needs water since it’s so concentrated.
It rinses out well and leaves my hair really soft, with minimal frizz, and defined curls that have lots of bounce. Again, this is not as hydrating as other lines but as I said before, this works very well for my hair. The lightness of this line doesn’t weigh my hair down so that I actually have some volume!
Shop the SmartCurl Hydrating Conditioner here
The 2 photos below are my results using only the SmartCurl shampoo and conditioner. I used a gel from a different brand here. But my hair was so light, had more volume than usual, and was so shiny.
The pictures speak for themselves. Every time I use these products my curls turn out amazing.
This wash lasted me 5 days. For all 5 days I could leave my hair down and I needed minimal refreshing. My curls stayed shiny and bouncy, defined, and frizz was minimal. Since then, I have experimented with other brands and products but I always get great results with Evolvh’s Smart Curl line.
SmartCurl Leave-in Conditioner
This spray conditioner makes my hair so incredibly soft and defined, but I think it might be too moisturizing for my hair. If I use too much it weighs my hair down a bit but I really love how it feels. It also has the same scent as their other products.
I think this leave-in is best for thick, dry curly and wavy hair. Since my hair is so fine and thin I have to be careful to only use a small amount. Shop the SmartCurl leave-in conditioner here.
SuperCurl Defining Cream
I was very excited to try this cream because it’s not like a traditional curl cream that’s super moisturizing. It provides medium hold like the Styling Creme but a lot more definition and shine. It has more moisture and that is very tricky for my hair. Although my hair looks great on wash day, if I use too much it weighs it down so it doesn’t last as many days after.
This would be great for most curly hair types, especially thick and dry hair. This has minimal scent. Shop the SuperCurl Defining Cream here.
Total Control Styling Creme
This product is like a gel and cream in one with medium hold. It is thin but not runny as you can see below. It feels it as if you’re not even putting anything in your hair when you apply it because your hair just soaks it in. But don’t be fooled!
It is a little hydrating, doesn’t give you a cast, and imparts some shine and definition. It provides a good amount of volume and I prefer it over the SuperCurl cream for this reason. It can be used alone but I prefer to add the WonderBalm on top for extra softness, definition, and ultimate shine. I get the most volume when using this styling product.
I use about a nickel sized amount of this product. Shop the Total Control Styling Creme here.
WonderBalm
This product is like a hair serum that they call “magic for curls”. Again, it feels like water and you can’t feel it as you apply it. Their styling products really melt right into your hair which can be quite deceiving and lead to using too much product. Start small! This stuff gives incredible shine and softness. I find it doesn’t give me enough hold which is why I like to layer it on top of their styling creme. They recommend it be used under but I prefer my results using it over the creme.
Again, I always stress to experiment with new products to find what works for you. This product is also very expensive, but honestly, I can see this bottle lasting several years.
I add half a pump and scrunch up from the ends. Shop the WonderBalm serum here.
Curls Discovery Kit
I love that they offer this trial kit with 2 ounce bottles of the SmartCurl shampoo and conditioner, SmartCurl leave-in conditioner, and SuperCurl Defining Cream for only $29. It’s such a great way to try out these products at a more affordable price.
Below I washed and styled using only the 4 products in this kit. You can watch the styling tutorial below. Shop the Curls Discovery Kit here.
Other EVOLVh Products
SmartVolume Leave-in Conditioner
This is my favorite leave-in. It instantly softens my hair and adds volume. I like that all their leave-ins are in spray form because it really helps me concentrate the products on the length of my hair. I spray it liberally all over and scrunch up my hair before applying styling products. Shop the SmartVolume leave-in here.
InstaVolume Line
This InstaVolume line is their newest launch and my favorite for when I want volume. It’s a volumizing shampoo and leave-in conditioner duo, so a lot less moisturizing than the SmartCurl line. I did a full review of the InstaVolume line here. Shop the InstaVolume line here.
UltraRepair Reconstructing Masque
This is a protein heavy deep conditioner and it works like any other. It is not as hydrating or thick as other deep conditioners for curly lines but it is perfect for my hair. I like to apply it and use a heat cap to help it penetrate the hair. My hair loves protein so it’s perfect for me as it’s not too moisturizing. Shop the UltraRepair Masque here.
Ultimate Styling Lotion
I have given this product several tries but I do not like it at all. It is a thin lotion that to me does not provide any hold. It does not give my curls any definition and it starts to get frizzy quickly. This is one I’d say to skip if you’re wearing your hair curly. Shop the Ultimate Styling Lotion here.
SmartStart Leave-in Conditioner
This is my second choice leave-in. It softens but doesn’t add volume and it;s not as moisturizing as the SmartCurl so it’s better for my hair. It’s a great choice if you don’t need volume or a lot of moisture. Shop the SmartStart leave-in here.
SmartColor
I have tried the SmartColor shampoo and conditioner a few times. It has the same new scent all their products have and honestly seems to work the same as the UltraShine line does on my hair. It isn’t any more or less moisturizing than UltraShine so I”m guessing it just provides more protection for color-treated hair. I’d say it’s a great option for color-treated hair but if your hair is curly, stick with SmartCurl since it is also color-safe and will provide better moisture and definition.
Shop the SmartColor line here.
UltraShine
I love the UltraShine line almost as much as the SmartCurl. It is such a slight difference in how my hair looks when using it. I only notice a little better definition and softness with SmartCurl.
So if you have straight or wavy hair then this line will work for you. It is also color-safe. Shop the UltraShine line here.
My current curly hair routine using EVOLVh SmartCurl
Wash and condition with the Smart Curl line. Flip my head upside down and spritz liberally with the Smart Volume leave in conditioner. This part is the most important as this is when you want to clump your curls, prior to applying the styling products. So I add water or conditioner as needed and squish and pulse towards my scalp to get the clumps I want.
Once I have nice clumps, then I apply about a nickel size of the styling creme. I scrunch and pulse up from the ends and take my time to ensure it spreads out evenly. Then I apply 1 half pump of the WonderBalm (dime size) in the same way. I keep scrunching and pulsing up to my scalp then I use my t-shirt hair towel to scrunch out the excess water. After a few minutes I diffuse for about 10 minutes
Final Thoughts
The reason I love this brand so much is that it leaves my curls ridiculously soft, without frizz, shiny, and defined without feeling like it has any product. My curls are totally weightless and the style lasts. Below are more pictures of my results using only EVOLVh products.
If you’re interested in trying EVOLVh use code HE15 for 15% off your purchase. They also have a Curls Discovery Kits for only $29 with 4 different products making it a great way to try out the line.
If you want help with embracing your naturally wavy or curly hair, you can join my FREE email course and download my FREE pdf guide, THE QUICK START GUIDE TO MASTERING YOUR CURLS, full of everything you need to know to get started and bring out your beautiful waves and curls.
YOU CAN ALSO READ MY OTHER POPULAR POSTS ON CURLY HAIR:
- A Basic Guide to the Curly Girl Method for Wavy & Curly Hair
- What Products You Really Need To Start The Curly Girl Method
- Curly Girl Method Routine for 2B 2C 3A Hair
- 50+ Curly Girl Method Approved Products
- Curly Girl Night Routine To Protect Your Curls At Night
- How To Refresh Curly Hair
- Tips For Fine & Low Density Curly Hair
- How To Clarify Curly Hair
- Rice Water Rinse Guide
- 14 Hacks For Curly and Wavy Hair
- How To Repair Damaged Curly Hair
- Curly Girl Method Before and After – 1 Year Progress Update
- Ultimate Guide to Hair Porosity for Curly Hair
- My Favorite Products for Fine Curly Hair
- 11 Surprising Reasons You Have Frizz + Tips to Beat Frizz
- Common Causes of Limp Curls & Their Fixes
- Guide to Humidity & Weather Styling
- EVOLVh Review
Also, you can follow me on Instagram or Facebook and subscribe to my blog.
Want to remember this? Save EVOLVh Review for 2C 3A Curly Hair to your favorite Pinterest board!
Love your hair! I live in Florida too and have trouble with frizzy curly silver hair (I’m 55). Are the products you mentioned (specially the shampoo) Curly Method Girl friendly?
Thanks! Yes, these products are CG friendly. If your hair is more on the dry side I suggest you try the Ultra Shine as the Smart Curl will probably not be moisturizing enough. Or you can try both, they sell the mini samples for only $3 a bottle. I recently tried these out and I think I prefer them and will update my post after some time to make sure.
How long does a bottle last for you?
I only have the 2 oz and the shampoo and conditioner last about 2 months, depending on how often and how much I use. The 2 oz gel is just now running out, and I’ve had it for 3 months.
These products sound wonderful but they are soooo expensive and don’t really sit with your living on a budget . That is unless you need to only use tiny amounts.
Hi Alison. You’re right these are a bit pricey but they do last because you use much less. However, I have a whole post on affordable options here https://holisticenchilada.com/affordable-clean-curly-hair-product/
Hello! I am interested in products for wavy/curly hair that are truly “clean” Every time I find a good product they change the formula – generally because they’ve been purchased by a huge corporation (Burts Bees, Aubrey Organics, Shea Moisture). I need super clean non toxic shampoo, conditioner and styling. Thank you!
Hi Molly! I love Evolvh and Raw Curls which I write about all the time but if you want something more affordable try Acure or Giovanni.
Hi, this post is super helpful. thanks! But I just want to clarify which Evolvh products you currently would recommend for someone with very fine curly hair (I definitely want to add volume, but also don’t want to dry out my hair, and where I live is currently very dry though it is humid in the summer). Would you recommend the Smart Curl or the Ultrashine line? And the volumizing leave-in? Thanks so much!
Hi Julie. I would recommend the SmartCurl and SmartVolume products. These are what I use and love and my hair is fine and low density.
Do you use the Evolvh Total Control and Wonderbalm on soaking wet hair or toweled dried damp hair, per their instructions. I normally put all my products for curly hair on soaking wet hair, but the instructions say damp toweled dried.
If I use them on wet hair, I apply to soaking wet hair the Total Control creme first then a dab of Wonderbalm and after I dry. Lately I’ve preferred to leave the Wonderbalm for after my hair has completely dried to scrunch in and add some more definition and softness.
Do you prefer to use a T-shirt or microfiber towel or the flour sack that Raw Curls offers and why?
T-shirt is best, followed by the Raw Curls towel, and microfiber last. I just find a lot less frizz with the t-shirt material since it doesn’t absorb as much as microfiber.
First I love EvolVh Smart Curl shampoo and conditioner and alternate with the Ultrashine. I. Thought to also try the Instavolume mousse and Dreamgel strong hold styler. I did try these on separate wash days as they are new to me. First I have wavy 2A-2B, low density very fine white and silver natural colored hair. It is also high porosity. So I use even less product than you do. However, the mousse left my hair feeling chalky, producty dull and loss of definition. It did give me a huge hair look but ugly feeling and feeling hair. My wide tooth comb had powder on it! Next time I used the Dreamgel strong hold styler. My hair is soft and shiny but the waves fell flat before the washday was done. It doesn’t have a caste which is okay with me however, today is only day two and my roots are greasy. So I did buy the normal size of each and will try again to make sure I am using correctly. But right now I am not thrilled with these products. Have you tried them as yet?
You should layer the mousse under the gel. A tiny bit of mousse, focus on the areas where you need volume, then apply a small amount of gel to the length of your hair, avoiding the roots. The mousse alone won’t work and the gel can be too much for the root area. I do have a video routine on these and a review of each of these products as well.