I was lucky enough to attend the product launch event for Buildup Buster by DevaCurl earlier in February, and in that article I promised you a thorough review of the Buildup Buster as well as the new Devachan Salon treatment, Bounce Back.

Buildup Buster: a few quick notes

Buildup Buster is a micellar water cleansing serum. You may have heard of this ingredient before as it is used in popular skincare products, but DevaCurl is the first to bring this technology to hair care. According to the brand, their product “gently removes buildup from products, hard water, or environmental stressors, while the rejuvenating cleansing serum will bring all curl types back to life!” This is a cleansing product meant to be used once weekly or as needed, replacing your regular shampoo or co-wash for a deeper clean.

Key ingredients

  • Micellar water: gently removes buildup without harsh, stripping effects

  • Abyssinian seed oil: boosts shine and provides added moisture

  • Jojoba esters: moisturizes and soothes the scalp

Like all DevaCurl products, Buildup Buster is sulfate-free, silicone-free, and paraben-free.

Buildup Buster is made for all hair types; wavy, curly, super curly, coily, and even straight hair can benefit from it. Not only is the product designed to remove buildup from styling products, but also meant to remove it all and refresh the hair that has accumulated dirt from the environment and our water (gross, I know”>. It is almost like a “reset that allows the hair to regain moisture,” says Devachan stylist, LaToya. So even if you use all DevaCurl or Curly Girl Method ‘clean’ hair products, you may find that your hair benefits from a more thorough cleansing once in awhile. The Buildup Buster is essentially a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo that thoroughly cleanses without stripping the hair of much needed moisture. The bottle says to use it once a week, but based on your personal situation, products used, etc., you could us it less if you wanted.

The consistency of Buildup Buster feels like a thin gel, with a nice, clean scent to it. It is a bit slippery and easy to distribute. The nozzle made it convenient to target the product on my scalp. I massage it into my scalp and down the lengths of my hair, and I actually noticed I was able to detangle a bit with it, which was surprising. Buildup Buster is meant to be used in place of, not in addition to, your usual shampoo or co-wash. I left it in during the duration of my shower, then rinsed. My hair felt slippery, soft and clean. Once rinsed I applied my conditioner, left it in for a half-hour, rinsed, and styled as usual. After I got out of the shower–and prior to applying my styling products–my hair actually had a nice shine to it! Even after applying styling products and drying my hair, my hair felt so light with great bounce; overall, my waves looked healthier and more manageable. Days later, my hair felt super soft, too. I am excited to see how using this product on a regular basis affects my hair down the road.

I was fortunate enough to go to the Devachan Salon in SoHo (NYC”> to experience the Buildup Buster Bounce Back In Salon Treatment!

Not only was I taught exactly how and why to use this product (which I mentioned above”> to ensure achieving my best results at home, my wonderful stylist, LaToya, styled my hair the signature DevaCurl way and was very patient and kind in explaining everything to me, including what she was doing and why. I made sure to let LaToya know during styling I personally do not like too much volume in my curls, and she gave me the perfect amount!

I loved the way my hair turned out after the In-Salon Treatment and Deva Styling. My hair felt super silky, there was absolutely minimal frizz and my curls were really defined! I also noticed my hair color (which has not been dyed in 2 years”> looked a bit more vibrant. My style lasted for days after, without me needing to do a whole lot to refresh it!

Aside from Buildup Buster, the following DevaCurl products were used in my hair at the salon: One Condition Decadence (this is the best choice if you have really dry hair, like me”>, Supercream, ArcAngel and Flexible Hold Hair Spray.

Latoya’s styling tips

  • When applying conditioner, start at the ends and work your way up since the ends get drier faster than the roots. Leave in more of the conditioner for maximum hydration, rinsing it just a bit.
  • Use lukewarm water when applying conditioner. The warmth of the water–don’t use scorching hot–will help open the hair cuticle so the conditioner penetrates deeper into the hair shaft. Rake the conditioner through, and when it feels silky, scrunch to encourage curl formation.
  • Use cold water when rinsing. This helps add shine to the hair.
  • It is best to apply styling products in the shower to soaking wet hair. She applied all the products on my hair with my head flipped over and then I sat under the hooded dryer for a while, followed by diffusing.
  • Use a microfiber towel to help remove excess water from the hair. Not a terrycloth.
  • After applying styling products, once your hair is dry, gently rub your scalp to release the gel cast. Don’t run your hands through the length, as this will disrupt the curl pattern. Instead, scrunch at the bottom to loosen the cast.

To sum it up

I really have been enjoying the Buildup Buster by DevaCurl. If you are looking for something to refresh your hair, leaving it clean and silky and help bring out definition in your curls you may not even have known you had, I definitely suggest giving it a try!

Have you tried the DevaCurl Buildup Buster yet?

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Read I Went to the DevaCurl Buildup Buster Launch Event!

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