Pretty Curly Girl Reset Shampoo Review – A Must for Buildup
Sulfates mixed with curly? Let’s chat about it!
If you’ve been following the Curly Girl Method, you probably already know how important it is to avoid heavy sulfates in your routine. But here’s the thing—sometimes your curls need a little extra deep cleanse to truly reset. That’s where the Pretty Curly Girl Reset Shampoo comes in. This product is unlike the rest of the Pretty Curly Girl lineup because it’s the only one that contains sulfates. And for good reason—it’s specifically designed to deeply cleanse your hair and scalp, removing stubborn buildup from products, hard water, and excess oils.
The Reset Shampoo isn’t your everyday wash product. It’s a powerful clarifying shampoo that should only be used every 2–3 weeks to avoid stripping your curls too much. Think of it as a “fresh start” for your hair, prepping it to better absorb moisture from your treatments and stylers.
Why You Need a Reset in Your Routine
Over time, even with sulfate-free products, your hair can develop buildup from gels, creams, oils, and even natural minerals in your shower water. This buildup creates a barrier that stops moisture from entering your hair shaft, leaving curls looking dull, weighed down, and less defined. The Pretty Curly Girl Reset Shampoo cuts through that layer, giving your hair a squeaky-clean slate—without completely sacrificing care.
Star Ingredients and Their Benefits
One thing we love about the Reset Shampoo is that even though it’s a strong cleanser, it’s still packed with nourishing ingredients to balance out its cleansing power. Let’s look at the key ingredients:
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Papaya Extract – Papaya is rich in vitamins A and C, which help promote healthy hair growth and give your strands a natural shine. It also contains natural enzymes that help gently break down residue on the hair and scalp.
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Avocado Extract – Known for its deep moisturizing properties, avocado is full of essential fatty acids and antioxidants. This helps protect your curls from dryness and brittleness, even after a deep cleanse.
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Acerola (Tropical Fruit) Extract – Acerola cherries are packed with vitamin C, which supports scalp health and strengthens the hair shaft. A healthy scalp means better hair growth and stronger strands.
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Radish Root Extract – This is a natural antimicrobial ingredient that helps keep your scalp clean and balanced, preventing issues like flakiness or itchiness after washing.
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Vitamin E – A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E helps repair and protect the hair from damage caused by free radicals, heat, and environmental stressors.
How to Use Pretty Curly Girl Reset Shampoo
Since this shampoo is stronger than your typical cleanser, it’s best to use it sparingly—every 2–3 weeks (dependant on lifestyle factors) is perfect. Here’s how to get the best results:
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Wet your hair thoroughly with warm water to loosen up dirt and oils.
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Apply a small amount of Reset Shampoo to your scalp and gently massage it in.
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Work the lather through your lengths—this ensures all buildup is removed.
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Rinse thoroughly and follow with a deep conditioner to restore hydration.
Pro tip: Always pair a clarifying wash with a moisture-rich treatment to keep curls bouncy and hydrated.
Final Thoughts
The Pretty Curly Girl Reset Shampoo is a game-changer for anyone dealing with product buildup, hard water residue, or just wanting to give their curls a fresh start. While it does contain sulfates, it’s used intentionally and sparingly—making it a valuable part of a healthy curl care routine. With its blend of tropical fruit extracts, vitamins, and natural moisturisers, it’s not just a cleanser—it’s a total curl refresh.
At Curly Life, we love stocking this shampoo because it strikes the perfect balance between powerful cleansing and nourishing care. If you want your curls to stay defined, light, and ready to soak up all the goodness from your other products, a reset every few weeks with this shampoo is the way to go.
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