If you have naturally curly, coily, or wavy hair, you know the struggle of finding hair care products that will keep your locks looking healthy, defined, and frizz-free. With so many brands and products on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones for your unique hair needs. One popular brand that has gained a loyal following in the curly hair community is Cantu.
In this comprehensive review, we‘ll take a deep dive into Cantu‘s product line, examining the ingredients, effectiveness, and customer feedback to help you determine if their products are right for you. We‘ll also share expert tips on how to get the most out of Cantu products and achieve your best curls yet. So, let‘s get started!
About Cantu
Cantu is a haircare brand that was founded in 2003 by Rick Cantu with the mission of embracing and celebrating natural hair. The company has since grown into a global brand, offering a wide range of affordable products specifically formulated for curly, coily, and wavy hair textures.
What sets Cantu apart is their use of nourishing, natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and honey to hydrate and strengthen hair without harsh chemicals. Their products are also free of sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, and silicones which can be drying or damaging to textured hair.
With their commitment to enhancing natural beauty and promoting healthy hair, Cantu has earned recognition from major publications like Allure, Essence, and Naturally Curly and has amassed a large social media following. The brand is now owned by PDC Wellness & Personal Care but remains true to its original mission.
Cantu Product Lines
Cantu offers several product lines tailored to different hair needs and preferences:
Shea Butter – This is Cantu‘s original and most extensive collection which features shea butter as the star ingredient. Shea butter is rich in vitamins and fatty acids that moisturize, soften, and protect hair.
Coconut Curling Cream – Designed to define and enhance curls, this line contains coconut oil to nourish and reduce frizz without crunchiness.
Flaxseed – The flaxseed collection aims to elongate curls and add shine with the help of omega-3 fatty acids. It‘s great for looser curl types.
Kids Care – Cantu also offers a line of gentle products for kids with curly or coily hair. These include tear-free shampoos, detanglers, and styling creams.
Mens – The mens collection features hair and beard products that hydrate and strengthen textured hair.
Top Cantu Product Reviews
Now let‘s get into the nitty gritty and review some of Cantu‘s most popular products:
Cantu Shea Butter Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream Review
This rich cream is a bestseller for a reason – it creates soft, defined curls that last all day without any crunch or stiffness. The shea butter and coconut oil intensely hydrate each strand while fighting frizz.
To use, simply apply a small amount to damp hair, focusing on the ends. Then style as desired, either with finger coiling, twisting, or using a diffuser. The result is shiny, bouncy curls that smell amazing.
Over 10,000 Amazon reviewers gave this product a 4.4 out of 5 star rating. Customers rave about how it makes their curls pop and keeps hair moisturized for days. Even those with thick, dense curls found that this cream gave great definition without weighing them down.
The only cons were that some people experienced flaking if they applied too much product or didn‘t fully emulsify it in their hands before applying. A few customers with protein sensitivities also found it made their hair a bit dry over time.
Cantu Shea Butter Hydrating Cream Conditioner
If your curls are feeling parched, this ultra-moisturizing conditioner will bring them back to life. It contains shea butter, coconut oil, and honey to deeply condition high porosity strands.
After shampooing, apply a generous amount and let it sit for 3-5 minutes before rinsing. Your hair will feel so soft and manageable with less tangles and breakage over time. You can also use it as a leave-in for extra moisture.
This conditioner has earned a 4.7 out of 5 star rating on Amazon with over 8,000 reviews. Users say it leaves their hair silky smooth, defined, and helps with detangling. A little goes a long way so the bottle lasts a while.
Some reviewers with finer hair textures mentioned it was too heavy for frequent use. But the majority of people, especially those with dry, thick curls found it worked wonders to combat dryness and breakage.
Cantu Moisturizing Twist & Lock Gel
For a stronger hold on twist-outs, braid-outs, and wash-and-gos reach for this moisturizing gel. It contains shea butter, coconut oil, and nourishing oils to lock in moisture while keeping your style sleek and defined.
Work the product through damp hair, section by section, then style as desired. The gel dries without any crunchiness or flakiness and keeps the frizzies at bay. You can also cocktail it with the Curl Activator Cream for extra moisture.
Reviewers praise this gel for creating long-lasting styles that stay defined for days, even in humid weather. It provides a light to medium hold and leaves hair shiny and soft to the touch. The main complaint was that the lid tends to break easily.
Ingredients
Let‘s take a closer look at some of the key ingredients found in Cantu products and how they benefit curly hair:
Shea Butter – A rich nut butter full of essential fatty acids and vitamins that penetrate the hair shaft to moisturize and protect. Helps keep curls soft and fights breakage.
Coconut Oil – Contains fatty acids that penetrate and nourish hair while preventing protein loss. Adds shine and aids in moisture retention.
Glycerin – A humectant that attracts moisture to the hair. Combats dryness and creates softness and shine.
Olive Oil – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, olive oil is a nutrient-dense oil that moisturizes and strengthens hair while promoting growth.
Aloe Vera – Contains vitamins and minerals that nourish the scalp and hair follicles. Has a gentle cleansing effect that removes product build-up.
Silk Protein – A moisturizing protein that improves hair‘s resilience and elasticity. Reduces breakage and split ends.
Are Cantu Products Good or Bad for Your Hair?
One common question that comes up about Cantu is whether their products are actually good for curly hair or if they cause damage over time. The answer depends on your hair‘s porosity, thickness, and current health.
Cantu products are very moisturizing, which is great for dry, high porosity curls that drink up moisture. But if your hair is fine or low porosity, the rich butters and oils may cause build-up and weigh your hair down over time.
Some customers have reported experiencing hair loss and breakage from using Cantu, especially the Shea Butter Curl Activator Cream. However, this is likely due to using too much product, not washing frequently enough, or an undiagnosed protein sensitivity.
When using Cantu, be sure to apply products to very wet hair and work in small sections. A nickel to quarter size amount is usually enough for each section. You may also want to alternate with a protein-free conditioner if your hair starts feeling dry or brittle.
Overall, Cantu products can be great for maintaining healthy, moisturized curls when used in moderation and as part of a balanced hair care routine. It‘s all about listening to your hair and adjusting your regimen as needed.
Customer Reviews
Cantu has earned thousands of glowing reviews online from customers with all curl types and textures. Here are a few highlights:
"Cantu is my holy grail product line! I have 4b/4c hair and live in a very humid climate. These products keep my hair moisturized and defined without any frizz. The curl cream is my favorite for wash and gos." – Destiny, Amazon Review
"I was a bit skeptical to try Cantu since I have fine, low porosity curls but I‘m so glad I did! The hydrating cream shampoo and conditioner make my hair feel clean and moisturized without being weighed down. I also love cocktailing the curl activator with their flaxseed gel." – Jenna, Ulta Review
"As a hairstylist, I often recommend Cantu products to my clients with textured hair. They are affordable, smell amazing, and give reliable results. The leave-in conditioning cream is great for adding moisture and definition to all curl types." – Myisha, Sally Beauty Review
Of course, not everyone will have the same results and some reviewers had less positive experiences. Those with finer hair textures sometimes found the products too heavy. A handful of customers experienced allergic reactions to an ingredient.
Reading a wide range of reviews can give you a better sense of how Cantu may work for your specific hair type and concerns. It may also take some trial and error to find the right combination of products for you.
Cantu vs. Other Curly Hair Brands
There are several other popular brands that cater to curly hair, so how does Cantu stack up? Here‘s a quick comparison:
Shea Moisture – Cantu and Shea Moisture are often compared since they are both affordable, natural brands. Shea Moisture products tend to be slightly lighter and less greasy than Cantu. They also have a wider variety of collections for different hair needs.
Mielle Organics – Another natural brand with nourishing, curl-friendly ingredients. Mielle has pricier products that are very concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Some find Mielle more moisturizing than Cantu.
DevaCurl – A high-end line of curly hair products that is exclusively sulfate and silicone-free. DevaCurl tends to have lighter formulas ideal for finer, wavier textures. But the products are significantly more expensive than Cantu.
Ultimately, the best brand and products for you will depend on your unique hair, budget, and ingredient preferences. Don‘t be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect match!
Where to Buy
Cantu products are widely available at most major retailers, drugstores, and beauty supply stores. You can find them at:
- Target
- Walmart
- Walgreens
- CVS
- Rite Aid
- Sally Beauty
- Ulta
- Amazon
Prices are very affordable, with most products ranging from $5 – $10. Cantu frequently goes on sale and you can find coupons and promotional offers.
Conclusion
Cantu is a beloved brand for curly hair, offering effective, affordable products made with nourishing, natural ingredients. While experiences can vary based on hair type and porosity, thousands of customers have seen great results using Cantu to achieve defined, moisturized, healthy curls.
When using Cantu products, remember that a little goes a long way and you may need to adjust frequency of use based on your hair‘s needs. Be sure to read the ingredient lists to check for any sensitivities or allergies.
With the right routine and products, Cantu can help you love your natural texture and put your best curls forward. We hope this comprehensive review gave you all the info you need to determine if Cantu is right for you!
