A friend of ours, Jamie, recently shared a hair dilemma that we hadn’t really thought about before. She’s always been proud of her curly hair, but her usual products left her scalp itchy and her curls dry and lifeless.
After some digging, we realized the problem wasn’t just the products themselves, it was the fragrance! Turns out, this is a common issue for many people with curly hair. Strong scents in hair products can irritate the scalp, worsen dryness, or even trigger allergic reactions, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Curly hair is naturally prone to dryness, and adding harsh chemicals like synthetic fragrances can make things even worse. We looked deeper into this and found countless stories of curly-haired folks dealing with the same struggles.
We found ourselves curious about the growing attention toward fragrance-free hair care. If this sounds like your experience, don’t worry, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a guide to the best fragrance free hair products for curly hair. Let’s dive in!
(All products are carefully chosen and reviewed independently by our editorial team.)
Top 7 Fragrance Free Hair Products For Curly Hair
Here is the list of 7 best unscented hair products for curly hair:
1. Love Ur Curls Fragrance Free Shampoo
This shampoo was a relief for my curls. I was worried it might dry out my hair like others, but it cleaned gently without taking away moisture. My hair felt light and fresh, and my curls stayed soft and bouncy after washing.
What I appreciated most is that it’s completely fragrance-free. Strong scents usually give me headaches, so this was a perfect match. My hair also looked shinier and felt more hydrated, probably because of the shea butter and moringa oil.
The only small issue was squeezing the bottle as it’s a bit firm. But that didn’t bother me much. It’s a good choice if you want a gentle and effective shampoo that’s kind to sensitive skin. – By Rihana
Ingredients:
Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Cocamide MEA, PEG-150 Distearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA
2. Jessicurl, Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner For Curly Hair
This conditioner quickly became my favorite for keeping my curls healthy. After just one use, I could feel the difference, my hair was softer and much easier to detangle. It didn’t weigh down my curls or make them greasy, which is always a plus.
What I love is how multi-purpose it is. I’ve used it as a rinse-out conditioner when I’m in a rush, a leave-in for extra moisture, and even as a deep treatment when my hair feels really dry. The minimal fragrance, a faint hint of shea butter (actually it is fragrance-free but rarely you can feel a little bit), was perfect for those sensitive to scents.
However, it may feel a bit heavy on finer hair types. But for thicker or more absorbent hair, this product works pretty well, leaving curls well-moisturized and defined. I also found that a small amount goes a long way, making it cost-effective. Despite its richness, it didn’t leave any greasy residue, which is a common issue with many conditioners. It’s gentle enough for color-treated hair too, which was a bonus. – By Jessica
Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder, Lecithin, Hydrolyzed Oat Flour, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Laurus Nobilis (Bay Laurel) Leaf Extract, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root Extract, Althea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract, Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf Extract, Cymbopogon Flexuosus (Lemongrass) Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Cinnamal, Citral, Eugenol, Geraniol, Citronellol, Limonene, Linalool, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phenoxyethanol
3. Jessicurl, Deep Conditioning Treatment
This is the product I turn to when my hair feels beyond repair. There’s something about the thick, creamy texture that makes it feel like a treat for my curls. After just one use, my hair felt softer, less frizzy, and much easier to manage. The instructions recommend leaving it on for 30-60 minutes.
I’ve noticed it works even better when I wrap my hair in a warm towel while it soaks in, it’s like a mini spa treatment for my hair. My curls looked more defined and less thirsty afterward.
Since my hair is fine, I make sure to rinse it out completely; otherwise, it can feel a bit heavy. But for thicker or coarser curls, it might even work as a leave-in. It’s safe for color-treated hair also. If you’re dealing with dryness or dullness, this treatment is worth keeping on hand. – By Kerry
Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Laurus Nobilis (Bay Laurel) Leaf Extract, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root Extract, Althea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract, Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf Extract, Cymbopogon Flexuosus (Lemongrass) Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Lecithin, Cinnamal, Citral, Eugenol, Geraniol, Citronellol, Limonene, Linalool, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phenoxyethanol
4. Jessicurl Spiralicious Hair Gel
I’ve tried many gels over the years, but Jessicurl Spiralicious Gel is now my favorite for wash days. At first, I almost gave up on it because I wasn’t using it the right way. The trick is applying it to soaking wet hair. When I used it on damp hair, it left my curls frizzy and a little crunchy.
Once I started applying it to dripping wet hair, the results were pretty good. It spread easily through my curls, gave me definition, and controlled frizz without leaving any crunch after I scrunched out the cast.
The hold is just right for curly hair, strong enough to keep my style all day but still soft to the touch. One good thing is that it’s fragrance-free, which is suitable for those sensitive to strong smells. However, I did notice a faint scent, though it wasn’t bothersome. It’s still something I’d mention as a minor drawback.
If you want a gel that controls frizz, enhances curl definition, and doesn’t feel heavy, I highly recommend this one. It’s definitely worth trying if you’re looking for a reliable product for curly hair. – By Monica
Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Polyquaternium-69, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Panthenol, Polyquaternium-11, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Alcohol
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5. Inahsi Moisture Supreme Fragrance Free Hair Masque
As a curly-haired person, I know how difficult it can be to find the right deep conditioning treatment, especially when I’m trying to stick with fragrance-free products due to my sensitive scalp.
The Inahsi Moisture Supreme Fragrance-Free Hair Masque quickly became a staple in my hair care routine. Its rich, hydrating formula works beautiful, and I immediately noticed how soft and manageable my curls felt after just one use.
This masque doesn’t just hydrate; it restores balance and protects my hair from the constant wear and tear it faces daily. After applying it, my hair feels replenished and noticeably shinier, with reduced breakage.
The fact that it’s free from fragrances makes it even more appealing for my sensitive scalp. To use the masque, start by sectioning clean, wet hair. Apply a generous amount from root to tip, using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to detangle.
Let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. For deeper conditioning, cover your hair with a plastic cap and apply moderate heat for up to 30 minutes before rinsing. If using a steamer, leave your hair uncovered and let the steam work to add extra moisture.
If you’re looking for fragrance-free hair products for frizzy hair, this masque will be something your hair actually needs. It’s perfect for those of us who need a little extra moisture and protection without the added scent. – By Jessy
Ingredients:
Aqua (Distilled Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera Juice), Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Vegetable Glycerin, Mangifera indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Persea gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Cetrimonium Chloride, Panthenol-DL (Pro Vitamin B5), Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Hyaluronic Acid, Urtica dioica (Nettle) Extract, Equisetum hyemale (Horsetail) Extract, Capryl Gycol, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic acid
6. Jessicurl, Awe Inspiraling Curl Refresher Spray
If you’re like me, refreshing second-day curls can feel impossible, often leaving hair flat and dull. You should try Jessicurl Awe Inspiraling Curl Refresher Spray. I wasn’t sure it would work, how could something so light actually bring curls back to life? But I was surprised!
A few sprays and a quick scrunch, and my curls looked freshly styled again. It doesn’t make my hair feel heavy or leave any sticky residue, which I’ve experienced with other products. Instead, it restores bounce and shine without needing heavy creams. Plus, it’s fragrance-free but still has a very light smell. – By Kenny
Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Magnesium Sulfate, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl ButylcarbamateAqua (Water), Glycerin, Magnesium Sulfate, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
7. Curlsmith Shine Hair Oil
When I first decided to try out Curlsmith Shine Hair Oil, I wasn’t sure if it could live up to the hype. After all, my curly hair tends to get weighed down by oils, and I didn’t want anything that would leave me looking greasy.
But this product proved me wrong. It’s a lightweight, nourishing oil that provides moisture without being too heavy. I apply just a few drops, and it works good in breaking up the crunchy gel cast while leaving my curls soft, bouncy, and shiny.
It’s one of the best fragrance-free hair products for curly hair I’ve tried, and I won’t be going without it anytime soon. – By Liza
Ingredients:
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon) Seed Oil, Orbignya Speciosa (Babassu) Kernel Oil, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Oil, Tocopherol
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Tips For Choosing The Right Fragrance Free Curly Hair Products
Here are the tips for choosing curly hair products fragrance free:
1. Check the Label: Look for “fragrance-free” or “unscented” to ensure no hidden perfumes or masking agents.
2. Focus on Hydrating Ingredients: Curly hair needs moisture to stay defined and healthy. Look for ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, coconut oil, or glycerin, which nourish and hydrate curls without weighing them down.
3. Choose Curl-Specific Formulas: Choose products specifically designed for curly hair to deliver optimal moisture, enhanced definition, effective frizz control, and soft, bouncy curls.
4. Patch Test: Always test new products on a small area of your scalp to ensure they don’t cause irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Are fragrance-free hair products better?
A1. Fragrance-free hair products can be beneficial, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies. These products help avoid irritation caused by synthetic fragrances, which are common triggers for conditions like scalp inflammation or dryness
Q2. What hair products should I use if I have curly hair?
A2. If you have curly hair, look for products that hydrate and define without weighing hair down. Choose sulfate-free shampoos, creamy conditioners with ingredients like shea butter, and styling gels or creams that provide moisture, such as those with coconut or avocado oils
Q3. How can I make my curly hair curly without products?
A3. To make your curly hair curly without products, you can try methods like braiding, twisting, or using velcro rollers. These techniques help enhance your natural curls without relying on styling products.
Q4. Should you use sulfate free shampoo on curly hair?
A4. Yes, using sulfate-free shampoo on curly hair is highly recommended. It helps maintain moisture, reduces frizz, and keeps your curls defined, as sulfates can strip away natural oils, making curly hair dry and brittle.
Q5. Can you use curly hair shampoo on non curly hair?
A5. Yes, you can use curly hair shampoo on non-curly hair, especially if you want extra hydration, detangling, or frizz control. However, curly shampoos are often heavier and more moisturizing, which may weigh down fine or flat hair, so it’s best to use them in moderation.
Conclusion
Switching to fragrance-free hair products is a simple yet impactful step for curly-haired individuals looking for gentle, effective care. These 7 best fragrance free curly hair products are not only kind to sensitive scalps but also enhance curl health and definition.
Which fragrance free hair products for curly hair will you try first? Share your favorites in the comments, and stay tuned for more tips on caring for curly hair!
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