Summer hair calls for a routine that can handle humidity, heat, and everything in between — and Camille Rose Founder, Janell Stephens, is breaking down exactly what that routine should look like. From curl-defining foams to a deep conditioner years in the making, Stephens walked us through the products she considers non-negotiable for summer, and the thinking behind them.
Stephens’ summer essentials cover every step of the routine, starting with the Curl Love Shampoo and Curl Love Conditioner as a base, followed by Curl Maker as a botanical gel foundation. From there, Spiked Honey Mousse steps in as a curl definer with movable hold, Algae Renew Deep Conditioner works to keep bonds sealed and moisture locked in, and Camille Rose Edge Freeze handles taming flyaways for a polished finish.
Keep reading to catch our full conversation with Stephens about the details of these products, plus what makes them a standout addition to a *fire* curly routine.
The Tease: Is there a product on this list that required particularly extensive development or formulation work to get just right?
Janell Stephens: Algae Renew Deep Conditioner, by far. Algae is one of the most nutrient-dense ingredients on the planet. It holds moisture the way nothing else does, and it nourishes the hair at the same time with vitamins, minerals, amino acids that rebuild elasticity and strength from the inside out. I knew if we could get it right, we’d have something truly restorative. Getting there took round after round. We kept refining until the algae could deliver its full concentration of nutrients while the formula stayed rich, silky, and easy to work through the hair, which is why you see real blue-green algae specks in the product. My rule is that I have to want it on my own hair and my kids’ hair before it leaves the lab. Algae Renew took the most passes to get to that yes and it’s one of the products I’m proudest of.
Are there any standout ingredients or ingredient combinations in these products that you’re especially proud of?
Stephens: What I’m most proud of is how intentionally all of our ingredients and formulas work together. I’ve always wanted Camille Rose to give you the freedom to listen to your hair and choose what it needs. You can mix and match our shampoos, conditioners, deep treatments, and stylers across collections to create a routine that’s completely your own. Whether you need more moisture, strength, definition, or hold, our products are designed to complement one another so you can build the perfect regimen for your hair.
How would you describe the scent experience of these products, and what role does fragrance play in Camille Rose?
Stephens: Fragrance has always been such an important part of the Camille Rose experience. Our roots are in the gourmet kitchen, so I’ve always wanted our products to smell just as beautiful and indulgent as the ingredients they’re inspired by. From sweet and fruity to warm and decadent, scent makes your wash day feel like a true self-care experience. I want you to open a Camille Rose product and immediately think, ‘Oh, this smells amazing!’
What makes these products your summer essentials versus products you might reach for during other seasons?
Stephens: For summer, I’m all about our stylers, especially our foams. They’re lightweight, easy to layer, and give you beautiful definition and hold without weighing the hair down. Whether you’re creating a wash-and-go, twist-out, braid-out, or refreshing a style, our foams make it easy to keep your hair looking polished while still feeling soft and touchable. Summer is about effortless hair, and Guava Extreme Hold mousse, Spiked Honey Mousse, and Batana ‘Fro Mousse are products I reach for to make styling quick, easy, and versatile.
Summer hair doesn’t have to be a battle — with the right lineup, it can be as easy as layering a foam and letting your curls do the rest. Shop Stephen’s full Camille Rose summer lineup at camillerose.com and tag @readthetease on Instagram and TikTok if you give it a try!
