I’ve spent years chasing the perfect wash day, wrestling with my 3B curls to find products that deliver hydration, definition, and bounce without the frizz.
That’s why I’m putting TreLuxe and LUS head-to-head, comparing their shampoos and key products from a real user’s perspective.
This article breaks down their pros, cons, and features to help you decide which brand deserves a spot in your curly hair routine. With an analytical lens, I’ll share my experience to guide you toward your best curls yet.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature/Product | TreLuxe | LUS |
| Shampoo Name | Curls Renew & Restore Gentle Cleansing Rinse | Love Ur Curls Shampoo (Wavy, Curly, Kinky/Coily) |
| Price (Approx.) | $19–$22 (12 oz) | $22–$25 (8.5 oz) |
| Key Ingredients | Aloe leaf juice, coconut milk, slippery elm bark | Argan oil, shea butter, moringa oil |
| Sulfate-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Curly Girl Approved | Yes | Yes |
| Scent | Strong, floral/cinnamon | Mild, clean |
| Hair Types | Wavy, curly, coily (2C–4C) | Wavy, curly, coily (2A–4C) |
| Protein Content | Moderate (some products) | Low to none |
| Availability | Whole Foods, Walgreens, Online | Online, select retailers |
| Fragrance-Free Option | Yes (limited products) | No |
| Hold (Styling Products) | Light to medium | Soft to medium |
My Curly Hair Journey And Why This Comparison Matters
I’ve been natural for over a decade, and my curls have seen it all—drugstore disasters, salon splurges, and everything in between. My 3B hair is medium porosity, prone to frizz, and craves moisture without feeling weighed down.
I’ve tried countless brands, but TreLuxe and LUS kept popping up in curly hair communities for their clean ingredients and curl-friendly formulas. Both promise to simplify routines, but which one actually delivers?
I tested their shampoos and styling products over weeks, noting how my curls responded to each. Let’s break it down.
TreLuxe: The Brand and Its Offerings
TreLuxe, a Black-owned brand from Chicago, focuses on curly and wavy hair with a socially conscious mission. They support health and wellness initiatives for at-risk girls, which I love.
Their product line includes the Curls Renew & Restore Gentle Cleansing Rinse, Untie the Knot Leave-In Conditioner, ReFlex Curl Styling Serum, and Hi! Definition Curl Enhancer Styling Gel, among others.
I also tried their Soothe & Restore Collection, which includes a deep conditioner and curl primer.
The shampoo is a low-poo cleanser, meaning it’s sulfate-free with a mild lather. It’s packed with aloe leaf juice, coconut milk, and slippery elm bark, which sounded like a hydration dream.
The brand emphasizes lightweight, protein-rich formulas that work across curl types (2C–4C). They’re available at Whole Foods, select Walgreens, and online, with prices that feel mid-range for curly hair products.
LUS: The Brand and Its Offerings
LUS (Love Ur Curls), a Canadian brand, takes a minimalist approach, claiming their three-step system—shampoo, conditioner, and All-in-One leave-in—is all you need.
Their shampoo comes in one formula for all curl types (2A–4C), with variants of the All-in-One for wavy, curly, or kinky/coily hair.
I used the curly version of the All-in-One with the shampoo and conditioner.
Ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and moringa oil promise moisture and shine without buildup.
LUS is pricier per ounce than TreLuxe, and it’s mostly sold online, though some retailers carry it. The brand’s vibe is all about simplifying curly hair care, which appealed to me as someone tired of juggling ten products per wash day.
Testing Methodology: How I Compared Them?
To keep things fair, I used each brand’s shampoo, conditioner, and styling products for two weeks, alternating between TreLuxe and LUS. I washed my hair twice a week, applied products to sopping wet hair, and styled with a Denman brush for definition.
I air-dried most days but diffused once per brand to test hold. I noted cleansing power, hydration, curl definition, frizz control, and longevity of results. My environment (humid East Coast summers) and medium-porosity hair were constants.
TreLuxe Pros: What I Loved
TreLuxe’s shampoo surprised me with its gentle yet effective cleanse. My scalp felt clean without that stripped, squeaky feeling I dread. The aloe and coconut milk delivered instant hydration, and my curls clumped beautifully after rinsing.
The ReFlex Serum and Hi! Definition Gel gave me shiny, bouncy curls with minimal frizz, lasting three days before needing a refresh.
I appreciated the protein in some products, like the gel, which strengthened my curls without making them brittle. The fragrance-free options (available for the leave-in, serum, and gel) were a win for my sensitive nose.
Plus, knowing TreLuxe gives back to the community made me feel good about my purchase.
TreLuxe Cons: Where It Fell Short?
The scents were a major downside. The shampoo’s cinnamon-floral mix was overpowering and lingered for hours. Even the “clean” scent of the gel felt too strong for me.
If you’re sensitive to fragrance, stick to their unscented line, but it’s limited. The protein content, while great for some, caused slight dryness when I used the gel and styling cream together. I had to balance it with a moisturizing deep conditioner.
The shampoo’s low lather didn’t feel cleansing enough for my liking, especially after a sweaty gym session. I found myself clarifying with a stronger shampoo weekly.
Lastly, while available at Walgreens, TreLuxe’s physical store presence is spotty, so online ordering is often necessary.
LUS Pros: What Stood Out?
LUS’s shampoo was a game-changer for simplicity. A small amount lathered generously, cleaning my scalp and hair without drying it out. The mild, clean scent was refreshing and didn’t linger, which I loved.
The conditioner had decent slip for detangling, though not as much as I expected from shea butter. The All-in-One leave-in (curly formula) was the star—my curls felt soft, hydrated, and defined with a lightweight hold that lasted two days.
The brand’s focus on minimalism worked for me. I used just three products and got results comparable to more complex routines. LUS also excels at reducing frizz, even in 80% humidity.
Their online tutorials helped me nail the application technique, which is key for best results.
LUS Cons: The Drawbacks
LUS’s price tag stung. At $22–$25 for 8.5 ounces, the shampoo is pricier than TreLuxe’s 12-ounce bottle. I went through it faster because of the generous lather, making it less cost-effective.
The conditioner was a letdown—it felt like it rinsed out too easily, leaving my hair craving more moisture. I had to use extra leave-in to compensate.
Some users, including me, noticed dryness after a week of consistent use. My friend Cynthia, who has 3C curls, had similar issues, with her hair feeling parched by day four.
The All-in-One’s hold was too soft for my tighter curls, so I layered a gel for longer-lasting definition, defeating the “all-in-one” promise.
Head-to-Head Comparison of TreLuxe And LUS
- Cleansing Power: TreLuxe’s low-poo is gentler, ideal for frequent washers or those with dry scalps. It removes light buildup but struggles with heavy oils or sweat. LUS’s shampoo cleans more thoroughly, tackling product buildup and grime with ease. If you clarify weekly, TreLuxe works fine; for deeper cleansing, LUS wins.
- Hydration and Moisture: TreLuxe edges out slightly here. The aloe and coconut milk in the shampoo, paired with the leave-in, kept my curls hydrated for days. LUS’s argan and moringa oils are moisturizing, but the conditioner’s lack of slip and quick rinse-out left my hair wanting more. TreLuxe feels more nourishing overall.
- Curl Definition and Hold: Both brands deliver defined curls, but TreLuxe’s serum and gel combo offers better hold and tighter clumps, especially for 3B–4C hair. LUS’s All-in-One gives soft, touchable curls but lacks staying power for tighter textures. If you prefer a stronger hold, TreLuxe is the better bet.
- Frizz Control: LUS shines in humid conditions. My curls stayed sleek even during a muggy East Coast summer. TreLuxe performed well but showed some frizz by day two, especially at my roots. For frizz-prone hair, LUS has the upper hand.
- Scent and Sensitivity: LUS’s mild scent is a clear winner for fragrance-sensitive folks like me. TreLuxe’s strong fragrances were a dealbreaker unless I used the unscented options. If scent matters to you, LUS feels less intrusive.
- Price and Value: TreLuxe offers better value with larger bottles at a similar or lower price point. LUS’s smaller sizes and faster usage make it feel like a splurge. For budget-conscious curlies, TreLuxe stretches your dollar further.
My Experience And Community Feedback
My wash days with TreLuxe felt luxurious. The products glided through my hair, and the serum-gel duo gave me ringlets that turned heads.
But the scent and occasional dryness meant I had to tweak my routine. LUS was simpler, and the frizz control was unmatched, but the conditioner’s weak performance and high cost left me hesitant to repurchase.
Online, curlies have mixed feelings. On Reddit, some 3A/B users swore by TreLuxe’s serum and gel for lightweight definition, while others called it overrated for fine hair.
LUS gets praise for its simplicity but criticism for drying out tighter curls over time. Both brands have loyal fans, but your hair type and preferences dictate the outcome.
Which Brand Suits You?
If you have wavy to curly hair (2C–3C) and prioritize simplicity and frizz control, LUS is your match. Its three-step system is beginner-friendly, and the All-in-One reduces styling time.
However, tighter curls (3C–4C) or protein-loving hair may thrive with TreLuxe. The protein-infused gel and serum provide strength and hold, and the brand’s versatility suits complex routines.
For budget shoppers, TreLuxe’s larger sizes and retail availability (Walgreens, Whole Foods) make it more accessible. If you’re sensitive to scents or live in a humid climate, LUS’s mild formula and frizz-fighting power are worth considering, despite the cost.
Tips For Maximizing Results
With TreLuxe, apply products to soaking wet hair and use less gel to avoid protein overload. Pair with a moisturizing deep conditioner weekly. For LUS, experiment with the All-in-One amount—too much weighs down curls, too little leaves them undefined.
Use a microfiber towel to plop and enhance definition with either brand.
FAQ: Quick Answers To Common Questions
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo is similar, with sulfate-free cleansing and moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil.
Yes, TreLuxe’s products are Curly Girl Method-approved, free of sulfates, silicones, and parabens.
Absolutely, TreLuxe works well for wavy to coily hair (2C–4C), especially for definition and hydration.
Yes, select TreLuxe products are available at certain Walgreens locations and online.
Conclusion: Your Curls, Your Choice
I’ve laid out the highs and lows of TreLuxe and LUS, and now it’s up to you to decide what fits your curls and lifestyle. TreLuxe won me over with its hydration and hold, despite the scent issues, while LUS impressed with its simplicity and frizz control.
Test them out, play with the application, and find what makes your curls pop. Your perfect wash day is out there—go chase it!