Not Your Mother's is one of those drugstore brands that punches way above its weight. You can grab their products at Target, Walmart, CVS, or Amazon for under $10 - and the Curl Talk line, their curly-specific collection, is genuinely one of the best affordable options for wavy and fine curly hair on the market right now.
The Curl Talk line keeps things simple: lightweight formulas, no heavy butters, and clean ingredient lists. If you have wavy or fine curly hair that gets weighed down by richer brands like SheaMoisture or Cantu, this is the line to try. We break down every product, who it's for, and how to build a full routine.
| Product | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Curl Talk Leave-In Spray | Type 2A-2C | ~$8 |
| Curl Talk Defining Cream | Type 2C-3B | ~$9 |
| Curl Talk Sculpting Gel | Type 2B-3C | ~$8 |
| Curl Talk Mousse | Type 2A-2B | ~$9 |
| Curl Talk Shampoo | All wavy/curly | ~$8 |
1. Curl Talk Leave-In Conditioner Spray - ~$8
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Leave-In Conditioner Spray
Best for: Type 2A-2C wavy hair • ~$8
Get It Here →This is the hero product of the entire Curl Talk line. It's an ultra-lightweight spray that adds moisture without any weight - the kind of leave-in that wavy hair has been begging for. No greasy residue, no weighed-down waves. Just soft, hydrated hair that still has movement and bounce.
How to use it: Spray generously on wet hair after washing, focusing on mid-lengths and ends. Scrunch upward and either air dry or diffuse. That's it - no complicated routine needed.
Who it's for: Type 2A-2C wavy hair and fine hair that gets weighed down easily. If heavier leave-in conditioners flatten your waves, this is the one to try. It's widely considered one of the best drugstore leave-ins for wavy hair, period.
2. Curl Talk Defining Cream - ~$9
A step up in moisture from the spray. The Defining Cream has a creamy texture that defines curls without crunchiness - it's the sweet spot between a leave-in and a gel. You get curl clumping and frizz control without the stiff, crunchy feel that a lot of drugstore creams leave behind.
How to use it: Apply a quarter-sized amount to soaking wet hair. Use praying hands to distribute through sections, then scrunch upward. Layer a gel on top if you want stronger hold.
Who it's for: Type 2C-3B curls that need more moisture than a spray but less than a heavy butter. It's a good middle ground product for people who find leave-in sprays too light but curl creams too heavy.
3. Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel - ~$8
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel
Best for: Type 2B-3C curls • ~$8
Get It Here →A strong hold gel that actually scrunches out soft. No flaking, no white residue, no sticky feeling. It forms a nice gel cast that you can scrunch out for soft, defined curls. For under $8, it genuinely competes with gels twice its price like the Eco Style Olive Oil Gel.
How to use it: Apply to soaking wet hair after your leave-in or cream. Use praying hands or scrunching to distribute. Don't touch your hair until it's fully dry, then scrunch out the crunch.
Who it's for: Type 2B-3C curls that want hold and definition without the crunchy, stiff feeling. Great for anyone who's tried drugstore gels and been disappointed by flaking or residue.
4. Curl Talk Activating Mousse - ~$9
A lightweight mousse that adds volume and soft hold to waves. One of the few mousses on the market that doesn't dry hair out or leave it crunchy and straw-like. It gives waves that effortless, bouncy, "I woke up like this" look without any stiffness.
How to use it: Dispense a palm-sized amount and scrunch into damp hair from ends to roots. Flip your head upside down while scrunching for extra volume. Air dry or diffuse on low heat.
Who it's for: Type 2A-2B waves that want volume without weight. If you love beachy, voluminous waves but hate the crunchiness of most mousses, this one is worth trying.
5. Curl Talk Gentle Shampoo - ~$8
Sulfate-free, gentle, and effective. Nothing groundbreaking here, but it's a solid everyday cleanser for the price. It doesn't strip moisture like some drugstore shampoos do, and it rinses clean without leaving buildup behind. A reliable workhorse shampoo.
How to use it: Focus on the scalp and roots - let the suds run down through your lengths as you rinse. Shampoo 2-3 times per week for wavy hair, 1-2 times per week for curlier types.
Who it's for: All wavy and curly types as a regular wash day shampoo. It pairs perfectly with any of the Curl Talk styling products above.
NYM Curl Talk Routines by Hair Type
Wavy Hair (2A-2C)
- Curl Talk Gentle Shampoo - focus on scalp
- Curl Talk Leave-In Spray - mist on wet hair, scrunch
- Curl Talk Activating Mousse - scrunch in for volume
- Air dry or diffuse on low
Curly Hair (2C-3B)
- Curl Talk Gentle Shampoo - focus on scalp
- Curl Talk Defining Cream - praying hands on wet hair
- Curl Talk Sculpting Gel - scrunch over cream for hold
- Diffuse until dry, then scrunch out the crunch
Who Is NYM Curl Talk Best For?
The Curl Talk line works best for a specific group of people. Here's who should try it - and who should look elsewhere:
Great for:
- Wavy hair (type 2A-2C) that gets weighed down by heavier products
- Fine curly hair (type 2-3A) that needs lightweight options
- Budget-conscious curlies who want quality products under $10
- People who want simple, no-fuss routines that actually work
Not ideal for:
- Thick 3C-4C hair that needs heavy moisture - you'll want something richer like SheaMoisture or Cantu instead
- Very dry, damaged hair that needs intense repair treatments
- Anyone looking for deep conditioning or protein treatments (NYM doesn't offer those in this line)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Not Your Mother's Curl Talk good for curly hair?
Yes, especially for wavy and fine curly hair (type 2A-3B). The Curl Talk line is lightweight and won't weigh down your pattern. For thicker, coilier hair (3C-4C), you'll want something richer like SheaMoisture or Cantu.
Is Not Your Mother's Curl Talk sulfate-free?
The Curl Talk Gentle Shampoo is sulfate-free. However, some other NYM shampoos outside the Curl Talk line may contain sulfates, so always check the label.
What is the best Not Your Mother's product for wavy hair?
The Curl Talk Leave-In Conditioner Spray is the standout product. It's ultra-lightweight, adds moisture without weight, and is widely considered one of the best drugstore leave-ins for wavy hair.
Can I use Not Your Mother's Curl Talk with other brands?
Absolutely. Many people use NYM Curl Talk leave-in spray as their moisture step, then layer a gel from another brand (like Eco Style or Aunt Jackie's) on top for hold. Mix and match based on what works for your hair.
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