We’re excited to announce Curl Basics, a new line from Original Moxie created for those who need gentle, fragrance-free hair care without sacrificing performance. Designed specifically for folks with allergies, sensitivities, or medical conditions that require a more minimalist routine, Curl Basics offers salon-quality care that’s safe, simple, and curl-friendly.
Why We Created Curl Basics
Over the years, we’ve heard from many customers who love our products but struggle with sensitivities to essential oils, nut-derived ingredients, and botanicals. Some experience skin reactions – others experience headaches. For individuals with sensitive skin and allergies, finding clean, effective products that don’t cause flare-ups can be challenging.
So when a national hospital system reached out looking for a curl-friendly option for long-term patients, we knew it was time. We took everything we’ve learned about textured hair care and reformulated it with the most sensitive users in mind. After 18 months of research and testing, Curl Basics was born.
What Makes This Line Hypoallergenic?
Unlike our other natural products, Curl Basics is free from essential oils and contains no added fragrance. It's also free of many common allergens, including soy, nut butters, aloe vera, and most common plant-based allergens. And of course, all our products are always free from parabens, artificial dyes, formaldehyde, and other synthetic triggers often found in mainstream beauty products.
But Curl Basics isn’t just about what’s left out – it’s about what’s inside.
Thoughtfully Chosen Ingredients That Work
Each product in the Curl Basics line is powered by a few key ingredients that offer serious benefits without causing irritation:
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Rice Bran Oil is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and packed with essential fatty acids. It helps nourish the scalp, protect the hair from UV damage, and promote growth.
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Beet Sugar Extract is one of our all-time favorite ingredients. It has been the subject of numerous scientific studies, which demonstrate its unparalleled ability to hydrate hair from the inside out, creating long-lasting moisture retention, increased strength, sheen, and manageability.
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Conditioning Guar, a naturally derived and biodegradable polymer, bonds to damaged areas of the hair to reduce frizz and add slip, without buildup or residue.
These ingredients work together to create soft, hydrated, defined curls across a wide range of textures.
Who It's For
Curl Basics is designed to perform well on all curl types, from fine waves to dense coils. It’s gentle enough for kids and babies with textured hair, and safe to use on color-treated or chemically processed strands. If you wear protective styles or locs, you can also use Curl Basics, though we recommend checking with your loctician to ensure the products suit your specific style and maintenance routine.
Whether you have known allergies or prefer a more neutral, scent-free routine, this line was made with you in mind.
How It Performs
Just like every Original Moxie product, the Curl Basics line was developed with performance and inclusivity at the core. Each formula is pH-balanced, non-toxic, and created to nourish your hair and scalp. The shampoo delivers a gentle yet effective cleanse without irritation, thanks to ultra-mild surfactants like Sulfosuccinate and Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate – both commonly used in baby shampoos. We also avoided Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a common surfactant that, while mild, can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.
The conditioner offers excellent slip and moisture without heaviness, making it ideal for regular use. The leave-in hydrates and detangles while offering flexibility. Those with finer hair can dilute it, and those needing more moisture can layer it with one of our other stylers or moisturizers.
Layering two leave-ins should always be approached on an as-needed basis, but the Curl Basics Leave-In has excellent slip and balanced humectants, making it easy to pair with our other moisturizers when additional hydration or hold is desired.
If you're used to our original line, you'll notice that Curl Basics offers comparable results in terms of softness, definition, and hydration. As always, we recommend trying a 2-oz sample to see how your unique curls respond.
Developed with Care and Community
From the beginning, this line was informed by real-world feedback and real-world needs. We began by testing with our team and sensitive-skinned salon clients. Once the formulas were dialed in, we extended testing to individuals with known allergies and a wide range of textures. Finally, the products were trialed in a hospital setting, ensuring their safety, gentleness, and effectiveness in clinical care.
Our collaboration with a local hospital system reflects a larger goal: to bring inclusive, curl-conscious products into spaces where they're often overlooked.
Hospitals typically provide generic hair care that fails to meet the needs of textured hair. We’re proud to partner with a health network that sought out a local, sustainable, woman-owned brand to fill that gap.
A Natural Fit with Our Mission
Sustainability and simplicity have always been part of Original Moxie’s DNA. With Curl Basics, we've taken those values even further. By using a streamlined palette of ingredients, we’ve created some of our most sustainable products yet, without compromising on quality.
These formulas are not intended to treat medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis, but their gentle nature and microbiome-supportive ingredients may help minimize reactions and support overall scalp health.
If you have a history of allergies or sensitivities, we strongly encourage patch testing each product before use and checking ingredient lists carefully. For those with severe allergies, consult a dermatologist before introducing new products.
Looking Ahead
Curl Basics launches with three foundational products: shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in moisturizer, each available in 2 and 8-ounce sizes. If demand is strong, we’ll expand the line to include larger sizes – and yes, a hypoallergenic gel is already in the works.
We also designed these products to be fully compatible with the rest of the Original Moxie line. You can pair them with your favorite stylers, treatments, or moisturizers for a routine that fits your needs.
Who We Hope to Serve
There are very few curl-friendly options for those navigating topical allergies, sensitivities, or scent aversions. Curl Basics was created for that community and for anyone looking for an honest, minimalist approach to curl care. Whether you’re here for health reasons, lifestyle choices, or just a simpler hair routine, we see you!
Curl Basics is now available online and in our salon. Shop the collection or visit the Original Moxie Salon for a free hair assessment to find out if it's right for you.
