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What reviewers say
The most consistent advice across the threads is to try Only Curls in small sizes before buying full bottles, because results vary so much with hair type. Those who bought a kit were lukewarm: one found the products pleasant and not too heavy on fine, low-porosity hair but still couldn't justify the price; another found the gel too drying. Fans add that kits sometimes turn up second-hand on Vinted.
Praised for
- A low-cost way to test the routine
- Not too heavy on fine, low-porosity hair
- Some kits include a towel and bonnet
Complaints
- Didn't convince buyers to pay full price
- The gel was too drying for one reviewer
Every review
Mixed
Got the sample pack (shampoo, conditioner, gel, cream) with a towel and bonnet; nice, not-too-heavy products but cannot justify the price. Would still buy if it were closer to Noughty, Shea Moisture and Umberto Giannini pricing.
u/CommonpixelsFine hair, low porosityr/CurlyHairUK, 2026Original comment
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I got the sample pack (shampoo, condish, gel, cream) when I bought their towel and bonnets, I did think it was nice products that wasn't too heavy (fine haired low porosity here), the megahold gel didn't exist then, so while I found the enhanced gel nice to apply I thought it was too soft hold. Overall I simply can't justify their price. I use noughty for most, like some as i am, shea moisture, umberto and camille, and still am trying to find my fav gel or mousse. All of these are cheaper than OC. If OC was closer to these in price I would still get them.
Negative
Tried sample sizes and did not like them; the gel was too drying for their hair.
u/CaveJohnson82r/CurlyHairUK, 2026Original comment
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I had a sample size of their products and didn't like them. The gel was too drying for my hair - I confess I don't recall why I didn't like the rest.
Mixed
Good stuff, tried when 'finding my curls' again.
u/twoexfortyfiver/CurlyHairUK, 2022Original comment
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I tried the starter kit when I was 'finding my curls' again. It's good stuff but I found the shampoo and cream too heavy! Also the scent is really off putting imo.
What reviewers use instead
Umberto Giannini
Range (unspecified) Positive
Uses it; cheaper than Only Curls.
u/CommonpixelsOriginal comment
Range (unspecified) Positive
A fan of it; cheaper than Only Curls with a very similar result and easier to find.
u/Key-Bar-3460Original comment
Range (unspecified) Negative
Used it for about 12 years, but the ingredients changed and it stopped being effective.
u/AutumnLeaves2023Original comment
Curlsmith
Strong Hold Positive
Worked well for them (went for strong hold); one of the other pricier ranges.
u/Key-Bar-3460Original comment
(range, unspecified) Positive
Used either Only Curls or Curlsmith and they are top tier in my opinion.
u/BooeySchmooeyOriginal comment
Noughty
Range (unspecified) Positive
Uses it for most products; cheaper than Only Curls.
u/CommonpixelsOriginal comment
Range (unspecified) Negative
Their hair did not like it.
u/Irishkitty1994Original comment
Shea Moisture
Range (unspecified) Positive
Definitely loves it but finds it a bit pricey.
u/Irishkitty1994Original comment
Range (unspecified) Positive
Uses it; cheaper than Only Curls.
u/CommonpixelsOriginal comment
Aussie
Curl shampoo, conditioner & curl cream Positive
Currently using it, finishing with Only Curls gel.
u/AutumnLeaves2023Original comment
Cantu
Range (unspecified) Positive
Says it is great and affordable.
u/NaturalCollection488Original comment
Davines
Curl range Positive
One of the ranges that delivers for them.
u/oscarmilo70Original comment
Garnier
Method for Curls range Positive
Hair has never been better; the shampoo is quite conditioning too; sometimes 50% off at Boots.
u/DigiDemiiOriginal comment
Oribe
Products (unspecified) Positive
Best results of any brand they have tried, but very expensive.
u/oscarmilo70Original comment
Tootilab
Range (unspecified) Positive
Recently tried it and may be switching allegiance from Only Curls.
u/Prestigious_Fan59Original comment
How we collated these reviews
Our reading of 3 comments in 2 Reddit discussions, not verified customer ratings.
Method and sources
We read every comment in the threads below and logged each product a commenter had an opinion on. The review text on this site is our condensed version of what they said; the full comment is one click away. The verdict is our reading of each comment as positive, mixed or negative. People who said they hadn't used a product are shown, but left out of the counts.
