If you were part of the curly hair community between 2019 and 2021, you remember the DevaCurl meltdown. What was once the curly hair brand - the one salons recommended, influencers swore by, and beginners bought first - became the center of the biggest hair care scandal in recent memory.
Thousands of users reported hair loss. Facebook groups with 60,000+ members formed overnight. A class-action lawsuit was filed. And the curly community split into two camps: those who ditched DevaCurl forever and those wondering if the reformulated products are actually fine now.
Here's everything that happened, what's changed, and whether DevaCurl deserves a second chance in 2026.
What Happened: The Full Timeline
- 2002-2018: DevaCurl builds a cult following in the curly hair community. Their "no-poo" philosophy and curl-specific products make them the go-to brand for the Curly Girl Method. DevaCurl salons open nationwide.
- Late 2018: Henkel (the German consumer goods giant behind Schwarzkopf, got2b, and Dial) acquires DevaCurl's parent company. Users later speculate this is when formulations started changing.
- Early 2019: Reports start appearing on Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook. Users notice their DevaCurl products seem "different" - different consistency, different smell, different results.
- Mid 2019: A Facebook group called "DevaCurl Victims" forms. Within months, it has tens of thousands of members sharing photos of hair loss, scalp sores, bald patches, and dramatic thinning.
- January 2020: YouTuber Ayesha Malik publishes a viral video detailing her severe hair loss after years of DevaCurl use. The video gets millions of views and triggers a mass exodus from the brand.
- February 2020: A class-action lawsuit is filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.
- 2020-2022: DevaCurl denies all claims. They commission independent testing and state their products are safe. Meanwhile, their market share plummets as curly hair influencers publicly switch brands.
- 2023: The lawsuit is settled for $5.2 million. DevaCurl does not admit fault.
- 2024-2026: DevaCurl continues to sell reformulated products, but their reputation in the curly community remains deeply damaged.
What Users Actually Reported
The scale of complaints is what made DevaCurl different from a typical product controversy. This wasn't a handful of bad reactions - it was thousands of people reporting the same symptoms:
- Excessive hair shedding and thinning - clumps of hair falling out during wash day, noticeably thinner ponytails
- Scalp sores and irritation - red, itchy, flaking scalps that many had never experienced before
- Bald patches - visible areas of hair loss, particularly at the crown and temples
- Dramatic texture change - curls going limp, losing their pattern, or becoming straw-like
- Breakage - hair snapping off at various lengths, creating uneven, ragged ends
What made these reports credible was the pattern: users who had been loyal DevaCurl customers for years with healthy hair suddenly experienced these issues around the same timeframe (2018-2020). Many reported that symptoms stopped after switching to other brands, and their hair eventually recovered.
Our take: The sheer volume and consistency of reports is hard to dismiss, even without a confirmed scientific cause. Something changed - whether it was the formulation, manufacturing process, or ingredient sourcing. The timing aligns with Henkel's acquisition, though correlation isn't causation.
The Lawsuit & Settlement
The class-action lawsuit (filed February 2020 in the Southern District of New York) alleged that DevaCurl products were "defectively designed" and caused:
- Hair loss and excessive shedding
- Scalp irritation, burns, and sores
- Hair breakage and texture damage
- Emotional distress
The lawsuit specifically targeted several products including No-Poo Original, One Condition Original, SuperCream, and several styling gels.
The settlement: In 2023, DevaCurl agreed to pay $5.2 million to settle the lawsuit. Class members could file claims for reimbursement. Critically, DevaCurl did not admit fault or liability - they maintained their products were safe and the settlement was to "avoid the cost and distraction of ongoing litigation."
Our take: A $5.2 million settlement from a major corporation is relatively small (some class members received as little as $15-25). But the fact that they settled rather than going to trial - when they could have used independent testing to defend themselves - speaks volumes. Whether the products were technically "safe" by regulatory standards and whether they were causing real harm to real people may be two different questions.
What Changed: Henkel & Reformulation
Here's what we know about DevaCurl's products today:
Ownership
DevaCurl is fully owned by Henkel, one of the largest consumer goods companies in the world. Henkel also owns well-regarded brands like Schwarzkopf and has significant R&D resources.
Reformulation
DevaCurl has reformulated their products, though they haven't been fully transparent about exactly what changed. What we know:
- Ingredient lists on current products differ from pre-2020 versions
- Some users report the products smell different and have different textures
- DevaCurl states all products undergo "rigorous testing" and meet safety standards
- The brand has pivoted marketing toward salon professionals and away from the grassroots curly community
What was never identified
Unlike the Olaplex controversy (where lilial was identified as the specific problem ingredient), no single ingredient in DevaCurl was ever pinpointed as the cause. Theories include:
- A preservative change after the Henkel acquisition
- Ingredient sourcing changes (same INCI names, different suppliers)
- Manufacturing process changes
- Contamination in specific production batches
- Buildup from the no-poo/low-poo system over years of use
Our take: The lack of a confirmed root cause is actually more concerning than the Olaplex situation. With Olaplex, we know what was wrong (lilial) and we know it's been fixed. With DevaCurl, we're told it's been reformulated, but we don't know exactly what was causing the problem - which makes it harder to be confident it's been solved.
Should You Use DevaCurl in 2026?
This one is harder than Olaplex. Here's our honest assessment:
The case for giving DevaCurl another chance:
- The products have been reformulated under Henkel's R&D team
- No widespread complaints about the current formulations
- Henkel is a reputable company with strong safety testing protocols
- The SuperCream remains a well-performing curl styler by most accounts
- The lawsuit is settled - the worst period is over
The case for staying away:
- The root cause was never publicly identified - we can't confirm it's been fixed
- The scale of complaints (thousands of users) was unprecedented in the curly hair space
- DevaCurl never acknowledged that their products may have been the cause
- There are excellent alternatives that don't carry the same baggage
- Trust, once broken this badly, is hard to rebuild
Bottom line: The reformulated DevaCurl products are probably fine. But "probably fine" is a hard sell when there are proven alternatives with clean track records. If you loved DevaCurl and want to try the new formula, start with one product, patch test, and monitor closely. But if you're choosing a brand for the first time? We'd steer you toward alternatives with no controversy attached.
Best DevaCurl Alternatives for Curly Hair
These brands deliver the same curl definition and moisture that made DevaCurl popular - without the baggage. Every product below is one we actively recommend on CurlRoutine.
1. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie - Best Overall Replacement
The most direct replacement for DevaCurl SuperCream. Thick, creamy, defines curls, and controls frizz. SheaMoisture has been around since 1991 with a clean safety record. It's also less than half the price.
Why choose this over DevaCurl: Proven track record, more affordable, widely available, and beloved by the curly community for over a decade. If you want curl cream definition without the risk, this is it.
2. Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Curl Smoothie - Best for Type 3-4 Hair
A rich curl definer that smooths frizz and creates bouncy, soft curls. Mielle has become one of the most trusted names in textured hair care. The Pomegranate & Honey line is designed for thicker, coilier patterns that need more moisture and hold.
Why choose this over DevaCurl: Better formulated for type 3B+ hair. Mielle started as a Black-owned brand focused specifically on textured hair - this isn't a brand that pivoted to curly hair for market share.
3. Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner - Best Budget Option
If you were using DevaCurl One Condition as your daily conditioner, Cantu's leave-in is the budget king replacement. Under $6 for a 16oz tub, it softens, detangles, and adds moisture without weighing curls down.
Why choose this over DevaCurl: A fraction of the price with years of community trust behind it. When you can get a leave-in this good for $6, paying $29 for a brand with a controversial history just doesn't make sense.
4. Eco Style Olive Oil Gel - Best Gel Replacement
If you were using DevaCurl's styling gels (Arc Angel, Ultra Defining Gel), Eco Style is the classic replacement. Strong hold, no flaking, great cast for wash-and-go styling - at a price that makes DevaCurl gels look absurd.
Why choose this over DevaCurl: $4 vs $26. The hold is comparable. And Eco Style has been a staple in textured hair communities for decades with zero controversy.
| DevaCurl Product | Best Alternative | Price | Why It's Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| SuperCream (~$29) | SheaMoisture Smoothie | ~$11 | Same curl definition, half the price |
| SuperCream (~$29) | Mielle Curl Smoothie | ~$16 | Better for type 3B+ hair |
| One Condition (~$28) | Cantu Leave-In | ~$6 | Budget-friendly, proven formula |
| Arc Angel Gel (~$26) | Eco Style Gel | ~$4 | Same hold, no controversy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DevaCurl safe to use in 2026?
DevaCurl's current products have been reformulated under Henkel and no widespread complaints have emerged about the new formulations. They are likely safe for most people. However, the root cause of the original issues was never publicly identified, so we recommend patch testing and starting with one product at a time if you choose to try them.
Did DevaCurl cause hair loss?
Thousands of users reported hair loss, scalp sores, and thinning between 2018-2020 after using DevaCurl products. A class-action lawsuit was filed and settled for $5.2 million. DevaCurl never admitted fault, and no independent study confirmed a direct causal link. However, the volume and consistency of reports - and the fact that symptoms stopped when users switched brands - is difficult to ignore.
What happened with the DevaCurl lawsuit?
A class-action lawsuit was filed in February 2020 in the Southern District of New York, alleging DevaCurl products caused hair loss, scalp damage, and breakage. The case was settled in 2023 for $5.2 million. DevaCurl denied all claims and did not admit liability.
Has DevaCurl changed their formula?
Yes. Under Henkel ownership, DevaCurl has reformulated their product line. Current ingredient lists differ from pre-2020 versions. However, DevaCurl has not been transparent about exactly what changed or why, which is part of the reason many users remain skeptical.
What are the best alternatives to DevaCurl?
For curl cream/styling: SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie (~$11) or Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Curl Smoothie (~$16). For conditioner: Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In (~$6). For gel: Eco Style Olive Oil Gel (~$4).
We independently research and recommend these products. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you are experiencing hair loss, consult a dermatologist.
