Elf · Reviewed by Niara Alexis · Published 2026-06-28
Based on a review by Niara Alexis (accessed 2026-06-28).
Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about highly effective conditioner for detangling kinky curly hair — just accept shampoo is not exceptionally moisturizing.
The reviewer found the Elf Haircare line "pretty decent" overall. She highlighted the conditioner as a "standout product" for its excellent detangling abilities and curl definition, especially given its $9 price. The shampoo was deemed "whatever"—not bad, but not exceptional, while the Gloss Mode Treatment Oil was difficult to fully assess but provided shine without weighing hair down, though its heat protection capabilities are unquantified.
This video reviews the new Elf Haircare line, specifically focusing on the Never Thirsty Moisturizing Shampoo, Moisturizing Conditioner, and Gloss Mode Treatment Oil. The reviewer tests these products on her kinky curly hair to assess their performance, including detangling, cleansing, and moisturizing properties, as well as discussing their affordability.
This affordable shampoo and conditioner duo from Elf performs surprisingly well, especially for kinky curly hair, making it a good budget option. The conditioner particularly impressed by allowing a comb to glide through hair effortlessly, a result usually only achieved with deep conditioners, and it worked with minimal product and short application time. While the shampoo effectively cleaned and didn't strip hair, it wasn't exceptionally moisturizing compared to other options. If you have dense, thick, curly, coily hair and are looking for an affordable, effective detangling solution, this duo is definitely worth considering. However, if you require intense moisture from your shampoo, you might need to supplement with other products.
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The shampoo and conditioners are $9 each, the treatment oil is $10, the styling cream is $9, the cream wand is $6, and the Humidity Hero spray is $9, making the line very affordable.
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The shampoo packaging claims it is a gentle moisturizing shampoo that cleanses and lathers luxuriously to remove oil and product build-up for soft, smooth hair with a fruity scent.
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The conditioner packaging states it hydrates hair without weighing it down, instantly detangles for silky, soft, shiny locks.
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The oil packaging claims it strengthens hair and helps protect it from heat for soft, silky strands with a vanilla and peony scent.
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Based on her beauty industry experience, the reviewer explains that "helps protect it from heat" likely means ingredients are present, but the product was not tested for a specific degree of heat protection, unlike those stating "up to 450 degrees."
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The shampoo was not the best or worst; it did its job, made hair feel clean, smelled good, and helped detangle a little bit, but not extensively.
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Immediately after washing, the reviewer's curls looked great and defined, and her hair felt good.
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The reviewer demonstrated her comb gliding effortlessly through her hair after using the conditioner, noting it felt like after a deep conditioning mask, with no snagging, pulling, or knots, despite brief leave-in time.
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After blow-drying, the reviewer observed a great natural shine on her hair, which she considers a significant indicator of product effectiveness and hair cleanliness.
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The shampoo was "like whatever," not making hair super clean but also not stripped. The conditioner was "great" for detangling with little product and short leave-in time.
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The Elf Gloss Mode Treatment Oil has a thicker, heavier, serum-like texture compared to the more watery Olaplex oil.
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The reviewer noted that the oil does not come out easily like typical dropper bottles; users must tap the bottle against their palm to dispense the product.
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After applying the Elf Gloss Mode Treatment Oil, the reviewer's hair did not feel heavy or weighed down.
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The reviewer considers the conditioner a "standout product" due to its $9 price, minimal product usage, short leave-in time, and how it left her curls defined and easy to detangle.
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The reviewer would not use the oil for a silk press because it does not state a specific degree of heat protection, opting to use it only as a styling product.
The reviewer confirms that the Elf Haircare line is very affordable, with the shampoo and conditioner both priced at $9, the gloss treatment oil at $10, and other styling products like cream, cream wand, and anti-frizz spray ranging from $6 to $9.
The Elf Moisturizing Shampoo was described as 'whatever,' meaning it wasn't the best or worst. It made the reviewer's hair feel clean without stripping it and helped detangle a little, but not significantly. It also had a pleasant smell.
The reviewer was highly impressed with the Elf Moisturizing Conditioner's detangling ability. Even with a small amount of product left on for only a second, her comb glided through her kinky curly hair with no snagging or knots, a performance she usually only sees after a deep conditioning mask.
After using the Elf Moisturizing Conditioner, the reviewer noted that her curls looked great and felt very defined, contributing to a good hair state post-wash.
The Elf Gloss Mode Treatment Oil claims to 'help protect from heat,' but the reviewer, based on her beauty industry experience, infers that it contains protective ingredients but has not been tested for specific temperature protection (e.g., up to 450 degrees). Due to this, she would not use it for high-heat styling like a silk press.
The Elf Gloss Mode Treatment Oil has a thicker, more serum-like texture compared to Olaplex oil. However, after application, the reviewer noted that her hair did not feel heavy or weighed down.
75/100 source quality
Niara Alexis reviews Elf's new affordable haircare line, testing the moisturizing shampoo, conditioner, and gloss treatment oil on her kinky curly hair. She evaluates their effectiveness in cleansing, detangling, and providing moisture. The conditioner stands out for its impressive detangling capabilities and curl definition, while the shampoo offers a decent clean without stripping. The gloss oil, though thicker than some alternatives, adds shine without heaviness, but its heat protection isn't quantified.
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This page converts Niara Alexis's review of the Elf Elf Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.
Brand relationship disclosed as: gifted