I first stumbled across yari hair products while browsing the back corner of a local beauty shop, mostly because the minimalist labels looked way more expensive than they actually were. If you've spent any time in the natural hair community lately, you've probably seen these tubs and bottles popping up on your feed. They've gained a massive following in Europe and are slowly taking over elsewhere, mainly because they promise high-quality ingredients without making your bank account cry.
For a long time, if you wanted "clean" hair care or something that actually worked for curls, you had to shell out a lot of money for boutique brands. But things are changing. I've spent the last few months messing around with different items from their various lines to see if they actually deliver or if it's just clever marketing. Here is the lowdown on what's actually worth your time.
What is the deal with Yari anyway?
If you aren't familiar with them yet, Yari is a brand that really leans into the "natural" side of things. They started out more on the traditional side with oils and basic hair treatments, but they really hit their stride when they launched their specific lines for curls and coils.
What I appreciate most is that they seem to listen to what the community wants. People wanted fewer sulfates, no harsh silicones, and more botanical extracts, and that's exactly what they put out. They've managed to bridge that gap between the super cheap stuff that dries your hair out and the luxury stuff that feels like a guilty pleasure.
The Green Curls line is a game changer
Most people get introduced to yari hair products through the Green Curls range. It's hard to miss with that bright, leafy packaging. The whole line is built around avocado, pomegranate, and blueberry extracts, which sounds more like a smoothie than a hair routine, but it smells incredible.
The moisturizing shampoo
Let's be honest: finding a sulfate-free shampoo that actually cleans your scalp without leaving it feeling like straw is a mission. The Green Curls shampoo is surprisingly sudsy for being sulfate-free. It gets rid of build-up from gels and oils, but it doesn't give you that "squeaky clean" feeling that usually means your hair is stripped of its life.
The leave-in conditioner
If I had to pick just one product from the entire brand to keep on my shelf, it's probably the Green Curls Leave-in Conditioner. It's thick. I mean really thick. But once you rub it between your palms and work it into damp hair, it just melts. It provides a crazy amount of slip, which makes detangling much less of a headache. I've found that a little goes a long way, so don't go overboard or you might end up with a bit of a greasy look once it dries.
Trying out the Fruity Curls range
After the success of the Green Curls, they dropped the Fruity Curls line, and it's a bit more "fun." This line feels a little lighter and is great if your hair gets weighed down easily. It focuses on things like pineapple, papaya, and mango.
The Fruity Curls Co-wash is a standout for me. I don't like washing my hair with actual shampoo more than once a week, so a co-wash is essential for those mid-week "I just went to the gym and my hair is a mess" moments. It feels creamy and refreshing, and the scent stays in your hair for ages. If you're someone who likes their hair to smell like a tropical vacation, this is the one for you.
Don't sleep on their oils and essentials
Before they were famous for their curl creams, yari hair products were known for their pure oils. If you go to the "essentials" section of their catalog, you'll find everything from Jamaican Black Castor Oil to Rosemary oil and 100% pure Coconut oil.
I'm a big fan of their 36-in-1 oil. It's a blend of well, 36 different oils. It sounds like overkill, but it's a fantastic pre-poo treatment. I usually massage it into my scalp on Sunday nights, let it sit while I watch a movie, and then wash it out. It's really helped with my dry scalp issues, especially in the winter when the heater is blasting and ruining my hair's moisture levels.
How to actually use these products in a routine
It's easy to buy a bunch of stuff and then realize you don't know the order to put them in. When I'm using a full yari hair products routine, I usually stick to the "LCO" (Liquid, Cream, Oil) or "LOC" (Liquid, Oil, Cream) method depending on how thirsty my hair is feeling that day.
- Cleanse: Use the Green Curls Shampoo or the Co-wash.
- Condition: I use their deep conditioner for about 15 minutes while I'm in the shower. I use a wide-tooth comb to get the knots out while the product is still in.
- The Base: Apply the leave-in conditioner to soaking wet hair.
- The Hold: This is where the Green Curls Curling Gel comes in. It's got a decent hold but it doesn't make your hair feel like crunchy plastic. I scrunch it in from the bottom up.
- Seal it in: A tiny bit of the Yari hair oil on the ends to lock all that moisture in.
If you do it right, you get these bouncy, defined curls that actually stay defined for three or four days. That's the dream, right?
Are there any downsides?
I'm not going to sit here and tell you everything is perfect. While I love the brand, there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, because they use a lot of natural butters and oils, some of the products are quite heavy. If you have very fine hair or a loose wave pattern, you might find that the Green Curls line is a bit much for you. You'd probably be better off sticking to the Fruity Curls or using the products very sparingly.
Another thing is availability. Depending on where you live, you might have to hunt these down online. They aren't in every supermarket yet, though they are becoming way easier to find in specialized beauty shops and on sites like Amazon or various curl-focused retailers.
The final verdict
At the end of the day, yari hair products offer some of the best value for money in the hair care world right now. You're getting formulas that are comparable to brands twice the price. They've managed to keep things simple, effective, and relatively "clean" without the pretentiousness you sometimes find in the beauty industry.
Whether you're just starting your natural hair journey or you've been at it for years and are just tired of spending $30 on a single bottle of conditioner, Yari is definitely worth a try. Start with the leave-in or the 36-in-1 oil and see how your hair reacts. Chances are, your curls will thank you for the extra moisture and the break from harsh chemicals. Plus, you'll smell like a fruit basket, which is always a nice bonus.