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Curls Guide
Curl Energising Hydration Serum by Imbue
serum
CG Friendly
Protein Free
Silicone Free
Vegan
Cruelty Free

Imbue

Curl Energising Hydration Serum

"A budget-friendly hydrating serum from a curly-focused brand. Adds moisture and shine without silicones at an accessible price."

Best for:
Adding shine and softness Budget-conscious curlies Those avoiding silicones Finishing styled curls
Avoid if:
You want strong hold (this is purely finishing) Fine hair prone to oiliness Looking for protein benefits

Hair Compatibility

Curl Pattern

2C 3A 3B 3C 4A 4B 4C

Strand Thickness

medium
coarse

Porosity

medium
high

Performance

Definition 2/5
Hold 1/5
Shine 4/5
Crunch Potential 1/5
Buildup Risk 1/5
Hold Level
No Hold
Weight
Light
Finish
Soft, No Cast
Buildup Risk
Low

What's Inside

Coconut Oil

Penetrating moisture and shine

Shea Butter

Rich conditioning and frizz control

Aloe Vera

Lightweight hydration

Glycerin

Humectant for moisture retention

CG Friendly
Protein Free
Silicone Free
Sulfate Free
View Full Ingredients List

Aqua (Water/Eau), Distearyldimonium Chloride, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Glycerin, Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate, Diheptyl Succinate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco-Caprylate, Panthenol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Parfum (Fragrance), Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Silica, Mica, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Benzyl Alcohol, Geraniol, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxides)

Analyze these ingredients with our Ingredient Checker tool.

How to Use

Best as: Finisher

Pairs Well With

Alternatives to Consider

Overview

Imbue Curl Energising Hydration Serum brings silicone-free shine to the high street at a budget price. Part of the Imbue range designed specifically for curly hair, this serum adds moisture and gloss without the buildup concerns of silicone-based alternatives. It’s a straightforward finishing product that does its job well.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Coconut Oil - Penetrates the hair shaft for internal conditioning while adding surface shine.
  • Shea Butter - Provides rich moisture that helps seal the cuticle and combat frizz.
  • Aloe Vera - Lightweight hydration that won’t weigh hair down.
  • Glycerin - Humectant that draws moisture into the hair.

What We Love

  1. Budget-friendly - Accessible pricing
  2. Silicone-free - CGM-approved formula
  3. Protein-free - Safe for all porosities
  4. Widely available - Easy to find on the high street
  5. Lightweight - Doesn’t feel greasy
  6. Curl-focused brand - Designed specifically for textured hair

What Could Be Better

  1. No hold - Purely a finishing product
  2. Can be too rich for fine hair - Shea butter adds weight
  3. Glycerin content - May not suit extreme humidity
  4. 100ml size - Goes quickly with regular use

How to Use

As Finishing Serum

  1. Complete your styling routine
  2. Allow hair to dry fully
  3. Dispense a small amount onto palms
  4. Rub hands together to warm
  5. Scrunch gently through ends and mid-lengths

On Wet Hair

Can be applied before styling for added moisture, though works best as a finisher.

Pro Tip

Start with less than you think you need. It’s easier to add more than to fix over-application.

The Verdict

Imbue Curl Energising Hydration Serum proves that effective curl care doesn’t require a premium price. At the budget level, it delivers shine and moisture without silicones, making it accessible to CGM followers on a budget. It won’t revolutionise your routine, but it does exactly what a finishing serum should.

Our Rating: 4/5