Two of the most popular drugstore curly hair brands, but built for different textures. SheaMoisture is the OG natural hair brand - shea butter-based, rich, and made for thicker curls and coils. Not Your Mother's Curl Talk is the newer lightweight line that works for wavies and fine curls who find SheaMoisture too heavy. The right pick depends entirely on your curl type and hair density.
In This Guide
Brand Overview
| SheaMoisture | Not Your Mother's | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1991 | 2007 |
| Approach | Shea butter-based, rich moisture, natural ingredients | Lightweight, affordable, salon-quality at drugstore prices |
| Price Range | ~$10-$14 | ~$7-$10 |
| Best For | Medium to thick, 3A-4C hair | Fine to medium, 2A-3B hair |
| Hero Product | Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie | Curl Talk Defining Cream |
| Available At | Target, Walmart, Amazon, CVS, Walgreens | Target, Walmart, Amazon, CVS, Walgreens |
SheaMoisture: The Highlights
Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie (~$11)
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
SheaMoisture's best seller and a longtime staple for 3A-3C curls. Rich curl cream that defines, moisturizes, and fights frizz with coconut oil, silk protein, and neem oil. Thick consistency that works best on medium-to-thick hair. Too heavy for fine or wavy types. See the full breakdown in the SheaMoisture Smoothie review.
Get It Here →Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo (~$12)
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo
A sulfate-free shampoo that cleanses without stripping moisture. The JBCO formula strengthens strands and reduces breakage - especially good for color-treated or heat-damaged curls. Rich lather for a sulfate-free product.
Get It Here →SheaMoisture Strengths
- Rich moisture for thick/coarse hair
- Natural/organic ingredient focus
- Massive product range covering wash to style
- Longtime trust in the natural hair community
SheaMoisture Weaknesses
- Too heavy for fine or wavy hair
- Some reformulation controversy over the years (P&G acquisition concerns)
- Higher price point than NYM
- Thick textures can cause buildup without clarifying
Not Your Mother's: The Highlights
Curl Talk Kit (~$20)
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Kit
The easiest way to try the full Curl Talk line. Includes shampoo, conditioner, and defining cream in one box. All sulfate-free and lightweight. Great starter kit for wavies and fine curls exploring their texture for the first time.
Get It Here →Curl Talk Leave-In Spray (~$8)
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Leave-In Spray
A lightweight spray leave-in that won't weigh down waves or fine curls. Absorbs fast, detangles well, and adds just enough moisture without the heaviness of cream leave-ins. One of the best budget leave-ins for 2A-2C hair.
Get It Here →Not Your Mother's Strengths
- Lightweight formulas perfect for wavy and fine hair
- Very affordable ($7-10)
- Curl Talk line is mostly CGM-friendly
- Great entry point for curly hair beginners
Not Your Mother's Weaknesses
- Not enough moisture for thick or coily hair (3C+)
- Limited product range compared to SheaMoisture
- Less established reputation in the natural hair community
- Some products outside Curl Talk line contain silicones
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | SheaMoisture | Not Your Mother's | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture Level | Rich, deep hydration | Light, everyday moisture | SheaMoisture |
| Best for Wavy Hair | No (too heavy) | Yes | Not Your Mother's |
| Best for Coily Hair | Yes | No (not enough moisture) | SheaMoisture |
| Price Value | Good (~$10-14) | Excellent (~$7-10) | Not Your Mother's |
| Ingredient Quality | Natural, organic focus | Clean, salon-quality | SheaMoisture |
| Product Range | Huge (20+ lines) | Moderate (Curl Talk is main line) | SheaMoisture |
| Beginner Friendly | Moderate (need to find right line) | Very (Curl Talk is simple) | Not Your Mother's |
| Curl Definition | Strong for 3A-4C | Good for 2A-3A | Tie (depends on curl type) |
The Verdict
Choose SheaMoisture if: you have thick, coarse, or coily hair (3A-4C) that needs rich moisture and definition. The Coconut & Hibiscus line is a proven performer for medium-to-thick curls. Also the better pick if you prioritize natural and organic ingredients. For more on this brand, see SheaMoisture vs Cantu.
Choose Not Your Mother's if: you have fine, thin, or wavy hair (2A-3A) that gets weighed down by heavier products. The Curl Talk line gives you definition and moisture without flatness. Also the better pick if you're new to embracing your texture and want a simple, affordable starter routine. See the full NYM guide.
Not sure which curl type you are? Take the Curl Type Quiz to find out exactly where you fall on the 2A-4C scale. Also compare SheaMoisture against another drugstore brand in Mielle vs SheaMoisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SheaMoisture or Not Your Mother's better for wavy hair?
NYM Curl Talk wins for wavy hair (2A-2C). It's lightweight, won't flatten waves, and the spray leave-in absorbs fast. SheaMoisture's cream-based formulas are too heavy for most wavy types and cause buildup.
Can I use SheaMoisture and Not Your Mother's together?
Yes. A popular combo is NYM Curl Talk Leave-In Spray for lightweight moisture, then SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie on the ends for extra definition. The spray goes on first as your base, the cream seals the ends.
Is Not Your Mother's Curl Talk CGM approved?
Most Curl Talk products are Curly Girl Method friendly - sulfate-free and silicone-free. Check individual labels though, as some products in the broader NYM line contain silicones.