Hair • Product Reviews
The Best Natural Hair Products Under $20
Budget-friendly options that actually work for 4C natural hair.
Hair • Product Review
Is Fenty Hair Worth It?
My honest review of Rihanna's haircare line after 6 months of testing
Quick Verdict
Fenty Hair delivers on Rihanna's promise of luxury haircare for all textures, but the premium price point means strategic shopping is essential. The Comeback Kid and Strong Hold Gel are standouts worth the investment, while other products face stiff competition from more affordable alternatives.
Overall Rating
Best For
4C Natural Hair
Price Range
$26–$38
Would Repurchase?
Yes (selectively)
When Rihanna launches a product line, the beauty world stops and pays attention. From Fenty Beauty's revolutionary foundation shade range to Savage X Fenty's inclusive lingerie, she's proven she understands what consumers actually need. So when Fenty Hair launched promising premium quality for all hair types—specifically natural textures—expectations were sky-high.
After six months of testing the full line on 4C natural hair in Chicago's brutal winter and humid summer, here's what actually works, what doesn't, and whether these products justify their premium price tags.
Individual Product Reviews
The Comeback Kid
Instant Damage Repair Treatment
The Experience: This restorative treatment transformed heat-damaged curls after multiple wand sessions. The rich, creamy texture melts into strands without weighing them down. The spa-like scent elevates the experience beyond basic hair treatment.
Results: Immediate bounce and hydration that lasted through the week. Curls felt rejuvenated, not coated. After three uses over two weeks, visible improvement in elasticity and shine.
What Works
- Visible results after first use
- Doesn't weigh down 4C hair
- Works on heat-damaged strands
- Luxurious texture and scent
What Doesn't
- Premium price point ($38)
- Requires consistent use for lasting results
- Small bottle for the cost
Bottom Line: Worth every penny if you regularly heat style. This is the standout product in the line.
Shop The Comeback Kid
The Rich One
Moisture Repair Conditioner
The Experience: Extremely thick consistency that requires effort to distribute through dense 4C hair. The richness lives up to its name—a little goes a long way.
Results: Deep hydration that survives Chicago winters. Best used as a weekly treatment rather than daily conditioner. Hair feels soft without being weighed down, but slip could be better for detangling.
What Works
- Intense moisture for dry winter months
- Long-lasting hydration
- Doesn't weigh down hair
- Small amount needed per use
What Doesn't
- Too thick for daily use
- Limited slip for detangling
- Price comparable to salon brands
Bottom Line: Excellent as a weekly deep conditioner. Not ideal for regular rotation if you prefer lightweight options.
Shop The Rich OneProduct Image Placeholder
Strong Hold Gel
Sculpting Gel for All Styles
The Experience: Perfect consistency—not too thick, not too runny. Slicks down edges and holds buns without the crunch factor that plagues most gels.
Results: All-day hold through Chicago humidity. Edges stay laid, buns remain sleek. No flaking, no white residue. This has become the go-to for quick work buns.
What Works
- Strong hold without crunch
- No flaking or white residue
- Works in high humidity
- Perfect for professional styles
- Best price point in the line
What Doesn't
- Smaller bottle size
- May be too strong for soft hold preferences
Bottom Line: Best value in the Fenty Hair line. Competes with $12 options but delivers superior results.
Shop Strong Hold GelProduct Image Placeholder
Curl Defining Cream
Soft Definition Without Crunch
The Experience: Lightweight cream that distributes easily through dense curls. Provides soft definition without stiffness—exactly what wash-and-go styles need.
Results: Natural-looking curl definition that remains touchably soft. Good for refresh days when you want to spruce up second or third-day hair. Hold isn't strong enough for all-day wear in professional settings.
What Works
- Touchably soft curls
- No crunch or stiffness
- Perfect for wash-and-go styles
- Good for curl refreshing
What Doesn't
- Limited hold for long days
- Not ideal for professional settings
- Better drugstore alternatives exist
Bottom Line: Good product, but not worth the premium over comparable drugstore options unless you're buying the full line.
Shop Curl Defining Cream
The Side Stick
3-in-1 Edge Styling Tool
The Experience: Elevated rat-tail comb with a pointed end for parting and brush for laying edges. The design is thoughtful—combines three tools into one.
Results: The pointed end excels at creating clean parts. The edge brush works well with the Strong Hold Gel. Durable construction feels premium.
What Works
- Multi-functional design
- Perfect for clean parts
- Durable construction
- Affordable entry point
What Doesn't
- Not essential if you have similar tools
- Bristles could be softer
Bottom Line: Nice-to-have but not essential. Good gift or if you're building a styling toolkit.
Shop The Side StickWhere to Buy Fenty Hair
Fenty Hair is available at select retailers. Shop official channels for authentic products and potential bundle deals.
Final Verdict: Is Fenty Hair Worth It?
Buy These:
The Comeback Kid ($38) and Strong Hold Gel ($26) are worth the investment. They deliver results that justify premium pricing and don't have comparable drugstore alternatives.
Consider These:
The Rich One Conditioner ($32) works well as a seasonal deep treatment. The Side Stick ($16) is a nice addition if you're building a styling toolkit.
Skip These:
The Curl Defining Cream ($30) faces stiff competition from more affordable options that deliver similar results.
Strategic Shopping: Start with The Comeback Kid and Strong Hold Gel. These two products deliver the best value and have become staples in my routine six months later. Add The Rich One for winter months when extra moisture is essential.
Fenty Hair delivers on quality, but strategic shopping ensures you get the most value from Rihanna's premium line.
