SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie is a thick, buttery curl cream beloved for lush moisture and soft definition. Here is how it performs on real heads of hair, who it fits best, and how to apply it so you get bounce without buildup.
SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie has lived on bathroom shelves for more than a decade, especially for curls and coils that crave moisture. If you have been considering it but worry about heaviness or flakes, this review breaks down how it actually behaves in day-to-day styling, the hair types it flatters, how to apply it for your best wash days, and the trade-offs to expect.
Overview
The Curl Enhancing Smoothie is a rich, silicone-free curl cream designed to moisturize, reduce frizz, and encourage curl clumping with soft hold. The hero ingredients read like a comfort list for thirsty hair: shea butter, coconut oil, and mango seed butter, supported by hibiscus, neem, aloe, and a touch of silk protein. It is formulated without sulfates, parabens, or mineral oil. The texture is thick and buttery, closer to a dense whipped balm than a lotion. The scent is a sweet coconut-floral that lingers through day two for most users.
In use, this product aims for plush moisture and touchable definition rather than a crunchy cast or firm hold. It excels for twist-outs, braid-outs, and wash-and-go styles where you want soft body, enhanced curl pattern, and a velvety finish. On the other hand, it can be too rich for fine strands, and it sometimes clashes with certain gels, which can create flakes if layered without care.
Who it’s for
This cream shines for medium to coarse strands, dense heads of hair, and curl families from 3B through 4C that respond well to emollient butters. High porosity hair that loses moisture quickly benefits from its thick occlusives and the light protein, which can help with strength and pattern retention. If your hair plumps up after deep conditioning and feels great with a heavier leave-in, you are in the Smoothie’s sweet spot.
If you have low porosity hair or very fine strands, proceed thoughtfully. The butters and oils can sit on the surface if you apply too much or if your hair is not well hydrated at the time of styling. That can mean slow dry times, a coated feel, or flat roots. Some low porosity users enjoy it in tiny amounts on very wet hair, but many prefer lighter creams. If your hair is protein sensitive, note the inclusion of silk protein. It is not a strong dose, but if your hair gets stiff or dry after protein, patch test on a small section first.
Climate and lifestyle also matter. In humid weather, this cream gives cushy moisture but relies on you to add a gel if you need lasting definition. For gym-goers and those who sweat frequently, the occlusive nature can attract more airborne debris, so regular cleansing becomes more important to avoid buildup. Protective style wearers often love it for set styles like twists because it lubricates strands and reduces snagging when you take the style down.
How it feels and performs
Texture: thick, buttery, and a little goes a long way. On damp hands it melts into a rich glide that provides decent slip for smoothing and light detangling. Compared with lighter curl creams, it sits closer to a styling butter than a lotion. If you are used to milks or leave-ins, expect a heftier feel on the strand.
Application behavior: best on very wet or damp hair. When raked through soaking-wet curls, the Smoothie emulsifies with water and spreads evenly. On towel-dried hair, it can feel pasty or spotty, which can lead to patchy definition and longer dry time. It layers well over a simple water-based leave-in, but be cautious when topping it with gel. Results vary by gel chemistry, and some combinations create white film while drying that later turns to flakes when you break the cast.
Definition and hold: the Smoothie itself provides soft hold, enough to clump curls and keep frizz at bay on day one in normal humidity. It does not create a crunchy cast. If you want firmer control or multi-day curl retention, use a compatible gel on top. For twist-outs, the product helps set the twist cleanly, adds shine, and leaves a plush unravel with minimal frizz when you separate carefully.
Finish and feel: satiny, moisturized, and touchable. There is a noticeable weight to the strand that many coarse and high-porosity users find comfortable. Fine hair users may feel coated if they apply more than a dime-size per quadrant. The fragrance is sweet and noticeable during application, then settles. Sensitive noses may find it strong.
Longevity: on its own, day one is usually the best. Day two remains soft and hydrated, though definition softens further. A water mist refresh or a small pea of Smoothie diluted with water can revive clumps. By day three, many users see some root flattening or light frizz if no gel was used. The trade-off for that cloud-soft feel is less structure.
Build-up and washout: despite being silicone-free, the heavy butter base can build up, especially on low porosity hair. If your curls start feeling waxy or dull, clarify with a sulfate-free but strong cleanser weekly or biweekly depending on your routine. The product rinses out cleanly with a good wash, but co-wash alone may not remove it fully for everyone.
How to use for best results
Use less than you think and add water generously. This single habit prevents 90 percent of common complaints. Here is a reliable routine that works for most curl patterns:
- Cleanse and condition thoroughly. Rinse well so your strands are fully hydrated and clean.
- Keep hair soaking wet. Do not rough-dry with a towel. If needed, drape a microfiber towel or T-shirt briefly to stop drips, then rewet before applying product.
- Start small. For shoulder-length hair, begin with a nickel-size amount for the entire head. Warm it between palms until it thins out, then apply using the praying-hands method from ears down. Add a few more pea-size amounts only where needed.
- Rake and smooth. Rake through sections to distribute, then smooth the outer layer to encourage clumping. If your curls lose definition, add more water rather than more cream.
- Optional gel. If you want extra hold, layer a compatible gel on top while hair is still very wet. Do a quick compatibility check on your palm first by mixing a dab of Smoothie with a dab of gel. If it turns chunky or gritty, pick another gel.
- Set your part and dry. Plop for 5 minutes or move straight to diffusing on low to medium heat. Air-dry if you prefer, but expect a longer dry time with this cream.
- Finish. Once fully dry, scrunch lightly to soften any gel cast. Fluff the roots with a pick for volume if desired.
For twist-outs and braid-outs: apply a pea to dime-size amount per section, comb through for even coverage, then twist or braid with steady tension. Let dry completely before takedown to avoid frizz. Coat fingertips with a drop of lightweight oil when unraveling to preserve shine.
For low porosity users: apply to very wet hair in tiny amounts, work it in with extra water, then sit under gentle heat or a hooded dryer for 5 to 10 minutes to help absorption before you finish drying. If the hair still feels coated, reduce the amount next time or reserve the Smoothie for set styles only.
To avoid flakes: do not layer with gels that turn gummy in your palm test. Give the Smoothie 5 to 10 minutes to settle before applying gel, especially if you used a leave-in. Avoid brushing once the cream is in place, which can create product strands that dry white.
Refresh tips: on day two or three, mist hair with warm water and smooth a pea of product between wet hands until milky, then glaze over frizzy areas. If hair feels coated rather than dry, skip product and just use water or a light leave-in spray.
Pros and cons
- Pros: plush moisture that quenches dry curls and coils, soft definition without crunch, great slip for smoothing and set styles, affordable per ounce in a large jar, silicone-free formula with nourishing butters that many high porosity users love.
- Cons: heavy texture can weigh down fine or low porosity hair, slow dry time if overapplied, fragrance is sweet and noticeable, may flake with some gels, soft hold requires an additional styler if you want long-lasting definition.
Final verdict
SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie earns its cult status by delivering deep moisture, easy curl clumping, and a soft, plush finish that feels great in the hand and on the strand. If your hair is medium to coarse, tends toward dryness or high porosity, and you prefer touchable definition over crunchy hold, this cream is an excellent value that can anchor twist-outs, braid-outs, and gentle wash-and-go styles. Pair it with a compatible gel if you want more staying power.
If your hair is very fine, easily weighed down, or often struggles with product buildup, you can still make it work by using tiny amounts on very wet hair, focusing mid-lengths to ends, and diffusing to help it set. That said, many fine or low-porosity heads will find a lighter cream or milk easier to manage day to day. As with all curl creams, the magic is in the dose and the water you add while applying. Start small, emulsify in your hands, and let your curls tell you if they want a touch more.
See also
If you love the definition from curl creams, you might also appreciate how the CHI Spin N Curl curling iron shapes curls without excessive heat damage.
– Support your beauty sleep and bedtime routine with the smart features in the Hatch Restore 3.
– If you are into DIY labels for your hair products, check out our hands-on look at the Cricut Maker 4.
– For enhancing your lashes to match your defined curls, see the results from the Obagi Nu-Cil Eyelash Enhancing Serum.
– If you like supporting hair health from the inside out with nutrient-packed smoothies, read our Vitamix A3300 review.
FAQ
Does SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie contain protein or silicones?
It includes silk protein along with shea butter, coconut oil, and other botanicals. The protein content is moderate and helps some hair types with strength and curl retention. The formula is silicone-free, and it is also made without sulfates, parabens, or mineral oil.
Will the Smoothie weigh down fine or low porosity hair?
It can if you apply too much. Use tiny amounts on very wet hair, focus mid-lengths to ends, and add water as you smooth so it thins out on the strand. Diffusing helps it set without sitting on the surface. If your hair still feels coated or flat, choose a lighter cream for daily use and reserve the Smoothie for twist-outs or dry winter days.
How do I prevent flaking when layering with gel?
Do a quick palm test by mixing a dab of Smoothie and a dab of your gel. If the mixture gets chunky or stringy, pick another gel. Apply the Smoothie first on very wet hair, let it settle for 5 to 10 minutes, then layer gel while hair is still damp. Avoid brushing after applying products, which can create product strands that dry white.
Is it good for twist-outs and braid-outs?
Yes. The Smoothie’s rich slip and soft hold make it excellent for set styles. Use a pea to dime-size amount per section, comb it through for even coverage, and twist with steady tension. Allow to dry fully before takedown and coat fingertips with a drop of oil to reduce frizz when separating.
How often should I use it and how do I avoid buildup?
Use it as needed on wash days and refresh with water between washes. If hair feels coated, dull, or lifeless, clarify with a stronger but sulfate-free shampoo every 1 to 2 weeks depending on your product load and environment. Rotate in lighter stylers periodically if you are low porosity or have fine strands.
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