Design Essentials.
Design Essentials is the salon-rooted US textured-hair specialist, making professional-grade products for type 3 and 4 hair since 1990. Their curl creams, mousses and edge gels are mainstays in textured-hair salons across America.
Brand 0
Product Type 0
Concern 0
About Design Essentials UK
Design Essentials is the salon-rooted US textured-hair specialist, making professional-grade products for type 3 and 4 hair since 1990. Founded in Atlanta, Georgia by Cornell McBride Sr., Design Essentials is one of the longest-operating Black-owned haircare brands and a daily fixture in textured-hair salons across the US.
Brand heritage
Cornell McBride Sr. founded Design Essentials in 1990 after years as a salon owner serving primarily Black clientele. The brand's mission was professional-grade products formulated specifically for textured hair — not adapted from straight-hair lines. Design Essentials trains stylists through the Design Essentials Salon Academy and has shaped textured-hair salon technique for 30+ years.
The brand splits into two main lines: Natural (sulphate-free, curly-girl-method compatible) and Classic (original line with stronger cleansers, popular with relaxed and chemically-treated hair). Both lines work for type 3-4 textures but suit different routines.
The Design Essentials range at Zenvy
Natural line: Natural Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse — cult-classic styling mousse. Moisturizing & Detangling Sulphate-Free Shampoo. Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner. Detangling Leave-In Conditioner. Honey Curl Forming Custard. Wash Day Deep Moisture Masque. Daily Moisturizing Lotion.
Classic line: Classic Honey Creme Moisture Retention Shampoo. Classic Oat Protein & Henna Deep Cleansing Shampoo. Classic Peppermint & Aloe Soothing Scalp Tonic. Classic Bamboo & Silk HCO Leave-In Conditioner. Classic Rosemary & Mint Stimulating Super Moisturizing Conditioner.
Who Design Essentials is for
Type 3 and 4 curls seeking salon-grade performance at accessible price points. UK Black-British curlies looking for the same product lines they'd find in US textured-hair salons. Anyone wanting CGM-compatible (Natural line) or richer conditioning (Classic line) options.
The Natural Curl Enhancing Mousse is the entry-point hero — works across type 3-4 for defined wash-and-go styling. The Almond & Avocado Wash Day Masque is the most-loved weekly mask in the range.
All Design Essentials products at Zenvy ship from UK warehouses. Free UK delivery over £25.
Why Design Essentials is foundational
Design Essentials has 30+ years of Black hair-care expertise — one of the longest-established curly and coily hair brands. UK retail availability has expanded significantly in 2024-2025. Almond & Avocado moisturising shampoo and the Honey & Shea Soufflé are the two UK-bestselling products.
Honey & Shea Curl Forming Custard is the brand's heritage product — designed in the 1990s for type 3-4 hair, formula refined over 30 years. Heavy butter + honey humectant. Best for 3C-4C in autumn-winter UK conditions (low indoor humidity).
Design Essentials sulphate-free range
The Honey Curl Forming Sulphate-Free Shampoo and Almond & Avocado Naturally Conditioning Shampoo are the gentlest options in the Design Essentials line. Both safe for weekly use on type 3-4 hair. Lather isn't as foamy as sulphate versions, but cleansing is gentle and curl-pattern-safe.
Related collections
Explore related collections: curl creams, type 4 coily products and 4B hair products.