Wonder Curl Curl Control Styling Lotion Review

Thanks to the time I spent working on Natural Hair Small Businesses to support parts 1, 2, and 3 last summer (I can't believe that was practically a year ago -- wow!), there are several small businesses that will always have a special place in my heart. Wonder Curl is one of them.

So when Scarlett Rocourt, the genius behind Wonder Curl's amazing products reached out to me about a new Wonder Curl product, I couldn't help but say yes!

I absolutely loved Wonder Curl's Get Set Hair Jelly, I loved how it gave me an amazing transitioner wash and go that lasted for 4 days (and looked darn good every single day without much frizz):



Get Set Hair Jelly wash & go on my transitioning tresses...

The only drawback for me was the fragrance, given that my allergies were acting up during that particular season. How would the new Curl Control Styling Lotion hold up to my wash and go expectations? Keep reading to find out!

Ingredient List:
Organic Aloe Juice, Polyquaternium-7, dl-Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Witch Hazel, Phenoxyethanol, Vegetable Glycerin, Alcohol Denatured, Carbomer, TEA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Fragrance

Top Ingredients 411:

• Aloe Juice: Acts as a natural conditioning agent that restores the hair's sheen, luster, and shine. It not only makes the hair soft, but it also enhances strength and suppleness.
• Polyquaternium-7: Polymeric quaternary ammonium salt used as an antistatic agent and hair fixative (for hold).
• Pro-Vitamin B5: Form of vitamin B that can penetrate the hair, and is known to moisturize and soften.
• Witch Hazel: Natural astringent that provides a light hold, while helping reduce static and flyaways.
• Phenoxyethanol: Preservative and fragrance ingredient.

Availability & Affordability: Curl Control Styling Lotion is available online at www.wondercurl.com. Currently, you can catch it on sale for $8.40 (normally $14) -- that's like 40% off! The bottle size is 8oz.

Product Claim/Description: A unique styling aid that creates soft and fluffy curls without any frizz or crunch, even in humidity.

Performance/Delivery: Yes, yes, yes! This summer (especially since the theme is Wash and Go Fly for the Month of July!), I'm ALL about the touchable curls. Curl Control Styling Lotion definitely delivered. I got a fabulous wash and go using the methods I outlined in this video, with Infusium 23 Pro Vitamin B5 Leave-In Treatment as my leave-in, Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea All Natural Pudding Souffle for moisture, and sealed with a little coconut oil. Then, I worked the Curl Control Styling Lotion through my hair in sections and let it air dry.



Hair completely dry and banded to stretch

As it air dried, I thought it might dry crunchy (especially since I'm heavy handed). WRONG! The end result was well defined hair that was frizz-free, and touchably soft with tons of body, shine, and movement. Once my hair was completely air dried, I banded it all for a few hours (okay, like half a day) to get a more elongated look for date night.

I was sooo in love with my hair! It was everything a summer wash and go should be! And, I was totally able to snuggle with the Mr. at the movies, without a fear of goopy hair, flakes, or residue rubbing off on his shirt!

As far as fragrance goes, I must say it is a bit strong for my taste. It doesn't smell bad AT ALL -- very fresh, clean, and slightly floral. It didn't agitate my allergies like my previous experience with Get Set Hair Jelly, even though the scent is the same. Maybe my allergies were just tripping at that time. The fragrance isn't unpleasant at all, I just prefer scents that are a little more toned down.

The consistency threw me for a second. When I looked at the contents of the bottle, I saw a custard-esque jelly.  But when I pumped it out...it was lotion-y. I don't know how Scarlet does it, although I'm pretty sure it's magic. Even though as a definer it is on the thicker side (when pumped from the bottle, it bears a consistency similar to tgin Twist and Define Cream), it spreads through the hair easily and is able to be raked and smoothed through without drama. No flakes, no funny white goopy balls, no crispy or dry hair.

Drawbacks: The only downside to Curl Control Styling Lotion really isn't a downside at all if you wash your hair once or twice a week.  With this product, you can only expect about 3 day hair before it's time to wash again or get creative with these styles. This is largely due to the fact that it is a lighter hold product -- and products that promise light and touchable hold don't have as much long-term staying power for definition, because they're not designed for that purpose. I personally prefer to wash my hair about every 3-4 days because it helps me cut down on tangles and knots, so that works for me. I just wanted to be clear about performance expectations with this product. If you're looking for something with more long-term hold, definitely give Get Set Hair Jelly a try.



My curls after banding....yes!!!!!

Bonuses: While rocking my Curl Control Styling Lotion wash and go, I had serious hand-in-hair syndrome. My hair was soft, shiny, and felt great, because my hair loooooves aloe! It's also worth noting that Curl Control Styling Lotion is free of silicones, so it is totally curly girl friendly. Interestingly enough, it does not contain any oils, beeswax, or lanolin, which makes it lightweight and perfect for fine hair that is easily weighed down or made stringy or greasy. It is also paraben free, and the fragrance is free of phthalates.

Bottom Line: If you're looking for lightweight, touchable curls that won't feel dry or crunchy, this is your go-to. Performance-wise, this product put up a pretty good numbers next to Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls. If you like the idea of pillow soft hair, but prefer way better ingredients and more affordable prices, Curl Control Styling Lotion is definitely the way to go!

Overall Product Rating: 4.5 stars. I love the performance! I just need a little less fragrance, or perhaps an unscented option.

Best Practices: The best wash and go results come from hair that is soaking wet. This product is no exception. Check out this post for tips on getting your best wash and go yet!


Will you be trying  out the new Curl Control Styling Lotion?

Read More: Wonder Curl Get Set Hair Jelly + Butter Than Love Pudding Review