10 Curly Girl Approved Hair Products with Amino Acids at Ulta

If you are seeking Curly Girl Method approved hair products with amino acids at Ulta, look no further. I’ve got you covered.

Why use hair products with amino acids

Once you’ve gotten into the Curly Girl Method you start looking at protein in hair products in a new way. This is because too much protein can cause stiffness and even breakage. Too little, though, will cause hair to fall limp and, again, will cause breakage. Finding a balance between protein and moisture that works for you is one of the key challenges you’ll face, particularly if your hair is low porosity and/or doesn’t tolerate protein well.

The solution I’ve found for my low porosity hair is to stick with hair products with amino acids, and no other proteins.

Why does this work for me? The incredibly informative article on Science-y Hair Blog titled, “Mysteries of Hydrolyzed Proteins,” shows us lighter weight proteins affect the hair differently than heavier proteins.

Low-weight hydrolyzed “proteins” are less than 1000 daltons. They’re not whole proteins anymore! Very small molecules (200 to 500 daltons) can penetrate the hair beyond the cuticle. Any and all of these proteins may contain smaller constituents that may penetrate. Penetrating into the hair can help improve elasticity of hair and moisturize deeply.

“Heavy” weights greater than 10,000 (or 80,000 depending on which source you consult) daltons are thought to be good film-formers for shine, body, helping fill in porosities in the cuticle. They are acting at the cuticle, forming a moisture-holding, protective coating and also having the potential to improve hair’s elasticity and strength.

Medium weight protein hydrolysates (1000 to 5000 daltons) are substantive to hair (bond to hair, don’t rinse off readily). This helps reduce friction (tangling, difficulty combing) which ultimately reduces hair breakage.

If you want a maximum protein boost, choose a mixture of proteins.

If your hair reacts badly to, say, hydrolyzed rice or quinoa protein [heavy] but not to keratin [lighter], you may have your answer — the hydrolyzed rice or quinoa is forming a film on your hair, first and foremost whereas some of the keratin is also penetrating the deeper cuticle layers and possibly into the hair fiber.

The lightest, or smallest, protein one can find in hair products is amino acids. Through trial and many, many errors (seriously, so many errors), I’ve learned that my hair will not easily tolerate products with any protein except those with amino acids.

Curly Girl Approved Hair Products with Amino Acids at Ulta

To create this list, I used a site search tool to search the Ulta website for “hair” and “amino acids.”

I then went through each page of the search results to find hair products with amino acids that meet the following criteria:

1. Contain amino acids and no other proteins
2. Do not contain coconut oil (it is not easily tolerated by many who are protein-sensitive)
3. Have been approved as “curly girl-friendly” on both https://www.curlsbot.com/ and http://www.isitcg.com/

Only ten products made the cut. They are:

1. Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk 3-in-1 Conditioner

Cost: $8.49
Size: 12 ounces
Cost per ounce: $0.71

Description:
“Let your curls do the talking. Not Your Mother’s 3-in-1 Conditioner seals in moisture and restore elasticity for hydrated curls your way. Can be used as a leave-in, rinse-out, or co wash. Formulated with Rice Curl Complex-a blend of rice, keratin amino acids, and enzymes to hydrate, condition, protect, and enhance curl retention.”

Ingredients:
Water (Agua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Butyrospermumparkii (Shea) Butter, Quaternium-91, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Stearalkonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Chloride, Myristyl Myristate, Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Keratin Amino acids, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment filtrate, Acyl Coenzyme A Desaturase, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Fragrance (Parfum), Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid.

2. Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel

Cost: $8.49
Size: 6 ounces
Cost per ounce: $1.42

Description:
“Let your curls do the talking with Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel. Keep your look flake-free and locked in place with a firm yet flexible hold. Sculpt and shape your curls to activate a long lasting, frizz-free style that moves with you. Formulated with Rice Curl Complex-a blend of rice, keratin amino acids, and enzymes to hydrate, condition, protect, and enhance curl retention.”

Ingredients:
Water (Agua), Glycerin, Vp/Va Copolymer, Propanediol, Pvp, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Keratin Amino Acids, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Acyl Coenzyme Adesaturase, Acrylates/C10–30 Alkylacrylate Crosspolymer, Fragrance (Parfum) Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide.

3. Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Leave-in Conditioner

Cost: $8.99
Size: 6 ounces
Cost per ounce: $1.50

Description:
Let your curls do the talking.

Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Leave-In Conditioner, formulated with Rice Curl Complex and a superfood oil blend, delivers smooth and hydrated curls with extra slip and heat protection to style without damage. Your curls will drink this up.

• Formulated with Superfood Oil blend: a nutrient dense combination of avocado, buriti, and marula oil; rich in minerals and fatty acids that work in tandem to add moisture deep into the hair shaft
• Helps detangle and amplify softness
• With heat protection
• Free of: sulfates, silicones, dyes, parabens, and phthalates

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Ppg-3 Benzyl Ether Ethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-7, Panthenol, Fibroin, Sericin, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Quaternium-18, Quaternium-80, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil, Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Fruit Oil, Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Keratin Amino Acids, Acyl Coenzyme A Desaturase, Tocopherol, Fragrance (Parfum), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid.

4. Living Proof Color Care Conditioner

Cost: $29.00
Size: 8 ounces
Cost per ounce: $3.63

Description:
“Living Proof Color Care Conditioner is a conditioner that forms a protective layer to help lock in color and helps replenish the outer layer often damaged during the coloring process. This formula is designed to care, fortify and protect your hair.

Key Benefits:

• Lightweight base: Silicone-free conditioning, adds slip to the hair to prevent future damage
• Emollient blend: Enhances natural shine
• Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA): Helps hair stay cleaner, longer
• Fortify: Locking Molecule (CPULA): Forms a hydrophobic layer on hair, even after it’s rinsed, to help lock in your color
• Emollient amino acid blend: Replenishes damaged hydrophobic layer, smoothes the hair cuticle and enhances shine
• Protect: UV filter: Stays on your hair after rinsing to protect against UV rays that damage hair and fade color
• Cuticle sealing agent: Seals the hair cuticle to reduce porosity and help protect against color loss
• Ideal for all color-treated hair types
• It is sulfate-free, silicone-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free and cruelty-free
• Color safe and safe for chemically treated hair”

Ingredients:
Water/Eau/Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Chloride, Octafluoropentyl Methacrylate (OFPMA), Polyurethane-91, Methoxycinnamidopropyl Behendimonium Chloride, Sodium PCA, Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Linoleic Acid, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Valine, Isoleucine, PCA, Arginine, Alanine, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Ethylhexanoate, Serine, Proline, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Lactate, Glycine, Linoleamidopropyl Dimethylamine Dimer Dilinoleate, Threonine, PPG-2 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Steareth-10, Steareth-2, Fragrance/Parfum, Glycolic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Limonene.

5. Ouidad Bye-Bye Dry! Soothing + Moisturizing Serum

Cost: $30.00
Size: 2 ounces
Cost per ounce: $15.00

Description:
Give your scalp the TLC it needs with Ouidad’s ultra-moisturizing Bye-Bye! Soothing + Moisturizing Serum which soothes, rebalances and restores. The lightweight formula is infused with scalp soothing ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid and cotton seed extract, that help sooth dry or irritated scalps while infusing essential moisture and nutrients back into the scalp, helping to reduce dryness, irritation and flaking. Amino-acid rich plant collagen and a proprietary botanical moisturizing complex (geranium oil, dandelion, elder flower, hibiscus flower, marigold extract) deeply hydrate and form a protective barrier to keep moisture locked in; curls stay smooth, supple and frizz-free. Eco-safe microbeads infused with concentrated doses of vitamins A, C and E (pink bead) and abyssinian oil (white bead) instantly dissolve, delivering a burst of nutrients that moisturize and rejuvenate the scalp and strands.

Ingredients:
Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Acetamide Mea, Hexylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Propanediol, Arginine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Germ Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract, Cleome Gynandra Leaf Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Leaf Extract, Sambucus Nigra (Elder Leaf) Flower Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis (Marigold) Flower Extract, Fructose, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Hydrolyzed Cottonseed Extract, Glucose, Inositol, Sucrose, Trehalose, Potassium Sorbate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Glycine Max (Soybean) Seed Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Tocopherol, Ppg-26-Buteth-26, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Carbomer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cellulose, Mannitol, Lactose, Lactic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Benzoate, Gluconolactone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Citrate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Calcium Gluconate, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta, Fragrance/Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, CI 16035 (Red 40), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide).

6. Sunset Rituals Signature Conditioner

Cost: $28.00
Size: 8.4 ounces
Cost per ounce: $3.33

Description:
Fall in love with a sunset state of mind. Infused with hydrating botanicals and an active blend of hyaluronic and lactic acids, Voir Haircare’s creamy Signature Conditioner nourishes each strand to smooth frizz, boost moisture and restore shine.

Key Benefits:

• Deeply nourishes and hydrates without weighing hair down
• Reduces the appearance of frizz and flyaways
• Boosts body, bounce and volume
• Creates touchable softness
• Leaves hair looking glossy and smooth
• Helps strengthen damaged hair and control split ends
• Shields against pollution and environmental stressors
• Suitable for daily use
• Does not contain: silicones, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, TEA, artificial colors
• For all hair types; not tested on animals
• Vegan and gluten free
• Made in Canada

Fragrance: Fresh citrus top notes of pomelo and mandarin blend beautifully with hints of green tea, freesia, and jasmine, rounded out with a romantic sandalwood and musk base.

Key Ingredients:

• Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid: deeply moisturizes your hair and scalp while plumping hair follicles for shiny, thicker-looking locks.
• Annatto seed extract: this vitamin-packed antioxidant contains natural sunscreens and shields against pollutants to help enhance and protect your colour.
• Arginine: this follicle-strengthening amino acid deeply conditions your strands while stimulating hair growth.

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua/Eau), Brassica Alcohol, Glycerin, Brassicyl Isoleucinate Esylate, Distearoylethyl Dimonium Chloride, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Diheptyl Succinate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract (Annatto), Betula Alba Juice (Birch Sap), Polyquaternium-7, Panthenol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Arginine, Fragrance (Parfum), Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid.

7. AG Hair Curl Trigger Curl Defining Spray

Cost: $22.00
Size: 5 ounces
Cost per ounce: $4.40

Description:
Ideal for fine hair, AG Curl Trigger Curl Defining Spray instantly creates moisture-rich curls and waves. Formulated with AG’s exclusive Curl Creating Complex (C3) and fortified with sea vegetable extract, this curl defining spray encourages soft, loose texture. Alcohol-free, so it won’t dry out your hair.

- Instantly creates moisture-rich curls and waves
- Helps to create definition and soft, loose texture
- Alcohol-free
- Thermal protection up to 140 °C / 284°F
- Rich in AG’s exclusive Curl Creating Complex (C3) infused with tomato extract and rice amino acids to enhance curls with bounce and definition while providing intense moisture and frizz-controlling nutrients

No salt. No PABA. No parabens. No gluten. No DEA. No animal testing.

Ingredients:
Aqua, Magnesium Sulfate, Polyquaternium-10, Polysorbate 20, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Acyl Coenzyme A Desaturase, Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract, Keratin Amino Acids, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Dianthus Caryophyllus Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, PG-Hydroxyethylcellulose Cocodimonium Chloride, Panthenol, Lactamide MEA, Acetamide MEA, Polyquaternium-70, Dipropylene Glycol, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Sodium PCA, Benzophenone-4, Fragrance (Parfum), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

8. AG Hair Volume Spray Body Soft-Hold Volumizer

Cost: $22.00
Size: 5 ounces
Cost per ounce: $4.40

Description:
Packed with volumizing and body building panthenol, Volume Spray Body Soft-Hold Volumizer not only volumizes but is also an effective style refresher throughout the day. Enhanced with AG’s Regenerative Pea Sprout Complex, coupled with ginseng and ginger extract to help create and maintain an optimal environment for healthy hair growth and fuller looking hair.

• Alcohol-free, soft-hold volumizer
• Vegan
• Volumizes and refreshes hair style throughout the day
• Thermal protection up to 160°C / 320°F
• Enhanced with AG’s exclusive Regenerative Complex, containing clinically-proven pea sprout extract coupled with ginseng and ginger to help create and maintain an optimal environment for healthy hair growth and fuller looking hair

No salt. No PABA. No parabens. No gluten. No DEA. No animal testing.

Ingredients:
Aqua (Water/Eau), PVP/VA Copolymer, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Sprout Extract, Glycerin, Tilia Tomentosa Bud Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Bark Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Peptide, Polysorbate 20, Tetrasodium EDTA, Panthenol, Silk Amino Acids, Benzophenone-4, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

9. AG Hair Smooth Set It Straight Argan Straightening Lotion

Cost: $20.00
Size: 5 ounces
Cost per ounce: $4.00

Description:
AG’s argan-infused Smooth Frizzproof Argan Anti-Humidity Finishing Spray wastes no time getting to work, tackling waves head-on, while you smooth and straighten effortlessly. This humidity-resistant straightening lotion keeps hair smooth and frizz-free all day and is also an effective thermal protector.

• Humidity-resistant straightening lotion
• Vegan
• Effective thermal protector that helps smooth and straighten hair effortlessly
• Thermal protection up to 140 °C / 284°F
• Keeps hair smooth and frizz-free all day
• Enhanced with sustainably sourced fair-trade Organic Moroccan argan oil, rich in antioxidants and vitamin E

No salt. No PABA. No parabens. No gluten. No DEA. No animal testing.

Ingredients:
Aqua (Water/Eau), PVP/VA Copolymer, Cetrimonium Chloride, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Hydroxyethylcellulose, PEG-8 Amodimethicone, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Bark Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Silk Amino Acids, Polyquaternium-10, Panthenol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

10. Keranique Thickening and Texturizing Mousse

Cost: $20.00
Size: 3.4 ounces
Cost per ounce: $5.88

Description:
Keranique’s Thickening & Texturizing Mousse provides thermal protection from curling irons/ blow dryers and creates a smooth after feel. Hair is smoother to the touch, easier to brush and springs back with slight resistance to create body, fullness and volume. Keranique’s Thickening & Texturizing Mousse is scientifically blended to maintain body without adding stiffness and is a great detangler that helps restore the hair’s optimum moisture balance for less breakage when brushing.

Ingredients:
Water, Propylene Glycol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine Lactate, Glycerin, PVP/VA Copolymer, Polyquaternium-55, Polysorbate 20, TEA-Lauroyl Keratin Amino Acids, Silk Amino Acids, Keratin Amino Acids, Collagen Amino Acids, Fragrance, Menthol, Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) Oil, Phenoxyethanol.