Anyone with curly hair understands that using the appropriate style products may be the difference between having dry, frizzy curls and having soft, bouncy ringlets. Curl cream is a critical tool that will help you get the curls of your dreams.
“A curl cream is a style cream that helps define your natural curls,” says celebrity hairdresser Annagjid “Kee” Taylor, proprietor of Deeper Than Hair in Philadelphia. “Not only will it define your curls, but it will also offer the moisture you need to reduce frizz.”
Curl creams strengthen and stimulate your hair’s natural curl development, according to Irinel de León, celebrity hairdresser and brand ambassador for Ouidad. “Moreover, curl creams are frequently more hydrating and have conditioning ingredients to assist curls in being the greatest version of themselves.”
Of course, the curl cream that works best for you will not necessarily be the greatest solution for someone else’s spirals—it all depends on your curl pattern and the special demands of your individual hair.
We picked together the finest curl creams for a range of types and concerns to help you discover your perfect fit. Here are the top curl creams available right now.
List Best Curl Creams For Shiniest And Bounciest Curly Hairs In 2023
1. Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream is the most affordable option.
Curly hair doesn’t have to be pricey to look good. This low-cost curl product does a good job for the price of a frappucino. Shea butter and aromatic oils are included in the composition to provide intense hydration and frizz control.
All you need is a small quantity to get the right amount of nutrition. Users with type 3 and 4 curl patterns love the recipe since it defines their curls without weighting them down.
What We Like
- Frizz is reduced.
- Increases volume
- Provides a strong grip
What We Don’t Like
- Alcohol is present.
2. Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream is ideal for Type 2 hair.
Type 2 hair has a wide range of waves, from looser to coarser, S-shaped. This curl lotion is great for anybody with type 2 wavy hair because of its lightweight, frizz-fighting ingredients.
It smoothes waves and helps heal broken ends thanks to argan oil and hydrolyzed vegetable protein. Apply to damp hair and allow to air dry for beautiful, defined waves.
What We Like
- Ingredients that hydrate
- A lot of merchandise
- Pump layout
What We Don’t Like
- Strong odour
3. African Pride Moisture Miracle Shea Butter & Flaxseed Oil Curling Cream is ideal for Type 4 hair.
Because type 4 hair, often known as coily hair, is generally exceedingly delicate, moisturizing solutions are an absolute requirement. Taylor enjoys using this curl cream. Shea butter gives type 4 hair the hydration it needs while also strengthening it.
Meanwhile, flaxseed oil provides hold and shine. Users with type 4 hair comment on how soft, lustrous, and defined their curls seem after using this product, emphasizing how it leaves no residue in the hair.
What We Like
- Inexpensive
- The oil-based formula hydrates.
- Defined Curls
What We Don’t Like
- Triethanolamine is present.
4. Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-in Defining Crème is best for dry hair.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play a part in almost all biological processes that occur in our bodies, including skin repair.
Curly hair is frequently dry, so search for style products that are hydrating, such as this curl cream.
The combination of rice amino acids, avocado oil, and Mollis leaf extract hydrates dry hair, smoothes frizz, and adds bounce that lasts all day. Because the curl cream contains no silicones or artificial colors, it is suitable for color- and chemically-treated hair.
What We Like
- Curl definition and hydration
- A securely fitting bottle
- There is no flaking.
What We Don’t Like
- The price may be lower.
5. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie is best for damaged hair.
With this reparative curl treatment designed specifically for thick, curly hair, you can show damaged hair who’s boss. The mixture is incredibly nutritious, with components including shea butter, coconut oil, neem oil, and silk protein. Slather on this lotion to prevent breakage—especially it’s useful for people moving from permed to natural hair.
What We Like
- Ingredients that are organic
- Curls are defined by
- Moisturizes
What We Don’t Like
- It might be a little weighty at times.
6. Oribe Styling Butter Curl Enhancing Creme is the best splurge.
Treat yourself to this exquisite curl product, which is a favorite of Leigh Hargdes, a hairdresser at Maxine Salon in Chicago. “It’s really a lovely stuff,” she says. “Because it’s rich, like crème brulee, it absolutely eliminates frizz.” It crumbles in your hands, making the application process a snap.”
Watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower extracts protect against color fade, murumuru, mango, and cocoa seed butter strengthen hair, and olive and avocado oils nourish profoundly. Hargdes also mentions the “heavenly” aroma, which is found in all of Oribe’s products.
What We Like
- Ingredients that are nourishing
- It smells fantastic.
- Rich, moisturizing sensation
What We Don’t Like
- Alcohol is present.
7. Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard is the best for a long-lasting hold.
This Taylor classic is ideal for individuals looking for a long-lasting grip. The shea butter mixture deeply moisturizes hair while also providing definition and luster. Curls that stay bouncy all day without flakes or buildup are to be expected.
What We Like
- Perfect for coils
- Strong grip
- a big bottle
What We Don’t Like
- Hard to clean
8. Curls Blueberry is ideal for twist-outs. Twist-N-Shout Cream by Bliss
Twist-outs are a popular protective style for natural hair, but they may be difficult to create without the correct ingredients. This is when this curl cream comes in handy.
Its formula provides the ideal balance of definition, moisture, and shine, and it’s free of sulfates, silicones, parabens, synthetic oils, colors, and scents. To style, apply it to clean wet hair, twist your strands, let your hair dry, then remove the twists.
What We Like
- Organic components are used.
- hydrates and shines
- Perfect for coils
What We Don’t Like
- Some people may find it overly hefty.
9. TGIN Twist & Define Cream, runner-up and best for twist-outs
This curl cream is another twist-out fave. It contains coconut and Vitamin E oils, which aid in the styling of smooth, lustrous, and well-defined curls while battling frizz and taming any bothersome flyaways. Furthermore, it is free of parabens, sulfates, petrolatum, lanolin, and artificial colors.
What We Like
- Smoothing agent
- Boosts radiance
- Inexpensive
What We Don’t Like
- Triethanolamine is present.
FAQ
What Should You Look for in a Curl Cream?
Ingredients that hydrate
Look for nutrients like argan, avocado, and coconut oils, as well as aloe vera and mango or shea butter, to help moisturize and nourish your curls.
“It’s critical that the cream have hydrating and moisturizing effects, as well as a hold aspect,” explains Marlisa Sears, artistic director for Marc Anthony hair care. “Without moisture, it’s impossible to get excellent curls since your curls will be both dry and frizzy.”
The Appropriate Consistency
Depending on the porosity of your hair, a thicker or lighter curl cream may be required. Choose a formula based on how well your hair can retain and absorb moisture.
Slip
Slip is simply how slippery your hair feels after applying product. The greater the slip of a product, the simpler it is to spread and disperse throughout your strands. Choose a product that provides slide to make detangling and styling simpler.
What is the purpose of a curl cream?
Curl creams form a protective coating around the hair shaft, smoothing the cuticle and making curls more controllable. Most products contain nourishing elements that can assist increase moisture or provide a lustrous finish.
How should you apply curl cream?
Begin with clean, damp hair. Spread the product evenly over your curls with your hands. Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser attachment to promote uniform heat distribution. Start with a little amount of product and gradually add additional curl cream or water as needed.
Can I mix and match various curl creams?
Most curl creams aren’t supposed to be combined, but they can work well with other leave-in creams and oils. Allow each product to dry completely before applying the next.
