(Image credit: @shawnasimonee)
Not that I ever doubted esteemed celebrity hairstylist Jonathan Van Ness, but I was genuinely surprised recently when I gave the hydration line a spin from his namesake brand, JVN. Not because I thought it wouldn’t be good, but mostly because my curly, low-porosity hair hates mostly everything—especially products labeled “for all hair types.”
Over the years, it’s been a challenge to find a good routine that provides the right amount of hydration to my hair that don’t contain silicones or coconut oil—two ingredients that always seem to dry my hair out to no end. I didn’t have any expectations when I decided to try JVN’s Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner because, well, let’s just say I’ve had some disappointing experiences in the past, even with products designed specifically for curls. But this was a huge hit for my hard-to-please strands.
What intrigued me about Van Ness’s line is his use of hemisqualane, a silicone alternative that gets deep into the hair shaft to provide extra strength, hydration, and smoothness without the drawbacks of using a regular silicone, especially on curly hair. What’s also great is that JVN products don’t utilize coconut oil—an ingredient that is in most hair products and might work for some, but I’ve found leaves my low-porosity hair lacking.
I know everyone’s hair is different and finding the right routine for you is super personal and can take time. However, I wanted to write this as somewhat of a PSA for the girlies with a similar hair type who struggle to find something that works for them. This line has improved my hair health in a big way, and I had to take a minute to shout about it. For all my thoughts on JVN’s best products for low-porosity hair, keep scrolling.
JVN
Nurture Hydrating Shampoo
This shampoo is a little sudsier than what I’m used to, but I like that I don’t have to use it as often. This is mostly due to the fact that the hydration line doesn’t leave any buildup in my hair. That was always an issue for me with other shampoos and conditioners. I have to condition my hair every day to keep it from feeling overly brittle and dry, but that means that if the conditioner is heavier, I’d have to wash my hair more often to keep it from weighing down or accumulating buildup. And many shampoos for curls are typically more of a cleansing conditioner type of formula, and those don’t always work as well for removing buildup. Basically, it was a vicious cycle.
With this shampoo, though, I can use it once or twice a week to really deep-clean my hair, and it keeps my strands a lot healthier. It doesn’t leave it feeling stripped but still cleanses well. Not to mention how amazing it smells. I genuinely look forward to washing my hair because it has a crisp, fresh scent that isn’t too strong.
JVN
Nurture Hydrating Conditioner
I love this conditioner because it contains hemisqualane, amino acids instead of straight protein (which isn’t always great for some hair types), and camellia seed oil, a hydrator that adds moisture and shine instantly. It’s really lightweight on the hair and provides just the right amount of hydration. Like I mentioned previously, it hasn’t been easy finding the right balance of moisture for my low porosity 4a curls, but this strikes just the right cord. It isn’t overly heavy, but it’s also not too light to where it isn’t enough for my hair—the usual complaint I have with products labeled “for all hair types.”
With this conditioner, the results also seem to get better over time. The first time I used it, I was slightly on the fence, but I kept using it and noticed my hair became softer, shinier, and more hydrated. After a few weeks, I couldn’t believe the improvements.
JVN
Nurture Intense Hydration Mask
Sadly, I haven’t gotten to try the Intense Hydration Mask just yet because it’s been sold out at most retailers, but after my positive experience with the regular conditioner, I’m itching to give it a go. Usually, I tend to use a deep conditioner at least twice a week and I’d love to incorporate this one into my JVN routine for even more hydration and softness without the extra weight.
JVN
Complete Hydrating Air Dry Hair Styling Cream
I wasn’t sure this product would work very well for me because, again, I was concerned it would do nothing for my curls and leave them dry and underwhelmed like other products. I couldn’t have been more wrong. This Air Dry Cream has fast become a staple in my routine. It smooths all the flyaways and frizz I have around the crown of my head in a flash and actually adds really nice definition to my curls.
It features both squalane and hemisqualane to help improve hair health over time while chia seed extract helps create natural hold and moringa seed oil seals in moisture.
JVN
Complete Instant Recovery Heat Protectant Leave-In Serum
I straightened my hair religiously for years, and it damaged my hair so much that I thought I had a different curl pattern completely (lol). Now that I’ve stepped away from that era of my life, I try to trim my hair often and use products like this leave-in serum. It’s designed specifically to restore split ends and repair chemical or heat damage with ingredients like niacinamide, which supports keratin repair. Other star ingredients like charged lemon protein protect hair from heat styling and environmental stress.
I don’t use it every day, but I add it to my routine a few times a week, and it really enhances the results. I already noticed a big improvement in hair health after just using the shampoo and conditioner, but this is the perfect addition if you also have dry, damaged hair that could use some TLC.
JVN
Complete Leave-In Conditioning Mist
This is another product from the line that I haven’t gotten my hands on, but I’m dying to try. I love using a leave-in conditioning mist in my routine between washdays to help hydrate and refresh my hair. I’ve been so happy with the other products that I know this will be a great addition to my lineup.
More Products I Love for Low-Porosity Hair
Cantu
Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioning Repair
If you’re ballin’ on a budget, this Cantu leave-in conditioning cream works wonders for low-porosity hair. It provides a good enough amount of moisture but is lightweight enough that I can use it every day without causing buildup in my hair
PURA D’OR
Organic Rosehip Seed Oil
I absolutely love Pura d’Or oils because they’re so affordable but so high quality. This rose-hip oil in particular is an amazing hair, body, and face moisturizer in one. My hair always feels so soft and hydrated after I use it.
Taliah Waajid
Apple Aloe Miracle Hold Gel
This gel never lets me down. It smooths and defines my curls without making them overly crunchy, and it rinses out of my hair really easily without leaving any buildup behind.
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