15 Best Curl Creams for Every Hair Texture 2024

Table Of Content

• The Alpha The Alpha Curly As Can Be Curl Defining Cream
• Best Curl Cream for Wavy Hair: TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Curl Amplifier
• Best Curl Cream for Damaged Hair: Marc Anthony Coconut Oil Curl Cream
• Curls Blueberry & Coconut Hair Milk
• SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream
• important! How to arrive for your curly hair appointment
• Rahua Control Cream Curl Styler

Like reading the Nutrition Facts on a protein bar, shopping with a close eye on what you’re applying to your curls is recommended. Melanin’s Haircare Twist-Elongating Style Cream is just $20 and is all-natural (and includes shea butter, which is a lovely bonus). Cute packaging aside, Abramite loves this tub for managing super textured hair. Bread Beauty Supply is the brand with the super cute purple packaging that Sewell adores.

The Alpha The Alpha Curly As Can Be Curl Defining Cream

Not only does this product cut down on frizz and define your mass of curls, but there’s a reason that it’s called “silkening” cream, as your hair will literally feel like silk when you’re done. "When buying a curl cream, look for products that contain ingredients that fall under the Curly Girl Method (CGM) guidelines," says Toth. When mixed together it helps reduce frizz and static, resulting in smoother more hydrated strands. And, it can sure be painful to pick and choose the perfect curl-defining cream for your hair type. If your hair leans on the wavy side, you don’t want too heavy of a formula to bog it down.

Best Curl Cream for Wavy Hair: TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Curl Amplifier

Daley Quinn is a freelance writer, specializing in beauty and health, who has contributed to numerous publications, such as Elle, Real Simple, Allure, The Cut, WWD, and more. You can find more of her work on her website or check out her blog, The Daley Dose. You may be surprised to learn that not all alcohols are bad for your hair – cetearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol will moisturize, detangle, and soften your hair. Find your perfect match for every type of wave and curl, from 2A to 4C.

Best Curl Cream for Damaged Hair: Marc Anthony Coconut Oil Curl Cream

Users say this curl cream adds definition to curls without ever making hair look greasy. A cream in a lightweight formula, the Verb Curl Cream is beloved by folks with kinky and curly hair. Its hero ingredient is sunflower seed extract, which works to nourish dry strands and provides detangling benefits, too. You’ll notice softer and more defined curls with every use, and we also love that this pick doesn’t weigh down hair, either. Sure, everyone can benefit from a little moisture infusion in their curls, but this product works magic on previously damaged hair as well.

Product Philosophy

When shopping for products that suit your curly hair, it is important to know your general curl type. Curls are categorized in levels of 2 through 4, with 2 being wavy and 4 being coily, and intensities of A, B, or C, with A being looser curls and C being tight coils. However, you should keep in mind that using a curl cream on straight hair will not make it curly; it will instead make it a little more textured or wavy and easier to curl with heat styling tools. If you have very thin or fine straight hair, a curl cream may be too heavy for your hair and can make it look greasy or dull. Because this product features shea butter and olive oil, it may be a little too heavy for use on thin or fine-textured hair. It also does not fight humidity well and may let hair frizz after prolonged exposure.

While thicker hair requires a little bit more product, and thinner requires less, take care to look for the best formula possible for your hair and curl type. With creams too thick for your hair type, you will be left with the opposite effect that you seek, as the cream will weigh down your curls and prevent the bounce you originally wanted. A little goes a long way, and we see the difference in terms of curl definition and smoothness after using this product.

SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream

We like this formula for folks with wavy to curly hair who prefer to air-dry their strands rather than blow dry them everytime they hop out of the shower. No matter what your curl pattern, the goal of these oil-enriched, hold-inducing concoctions is to assist your natural texture by adding definition, smoothness, and shine. A pro tip when shopping for curl creams is to look for moisture-boosting ingredients, along with additions like film formers which will help stretched-out or limp curls to recoil. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King previously explained to Allure that film formers are polymers (either synthetic- or starch-based) that help to shape each hair strand. Curly hair can be very porous and dry, explains Devin Toth, a stylist at Salon SCK in New York City. "The purpose of curl cream is to nourish your hair—it helps keep it conditioned, smooth, supple, defined, and smooth," he says.

important! How to arrive for your curly hair appointment

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14 Best Anti-Frizz Hair Products (Tested & Reviewed for .

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Perfect for use with naturally coily or zig-zag patterned hair, curl cream can help with styling this typically dry hair type into twist outs and wash and go styles. Curl cream provides enough slip to manipulate hair while delivering moisture into hair strands. We used our decades of expertise, along with input from hair professional and editor recommendations and customer reviews to formulate the list. A curl cream and gel combo, this Garnier formula is top-rated at Walmart.

Rahua Control Cream Curl Styler

Simply make sure to keep in mind your curl type and ingredient preferences and you will be one step closer to obtaining the curls of your dreams. Marc Anthony’s Coconut Oil Curl Cream is a salon-quality professional product that provides your hair with supreme nourishment and hydration. Coconut oil and shea butter work to smooth and moisturize hair, while biotin repairs and strengthens dry or brittle curls. If you regularly heat style or color your hair, this product is a great choice for you. Curl cream works with your hair to coat strands and prevent frizz from happening in the first place. It defines and shapes your curls, giving you softer, bouncier hair that moves naturally.

While the Cantu Shea Butter Curl Activator Cream has a thinner, more hydrating formula, it is also available in a thicker coconut curling cream, if you prefer a heavier consistency. If you’re looking for a super lightweight curl cream, we suggest Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer instead. For instance, if your hair tends to be dry, then “look for serums that contain oils to help hydrate the dry hair shaft,” says Dr. Shaver. When you have color treated hair, protecting and maintaining it is key. Color safe shampoo and conditioners can help with that, and this shampoo from Monday makes for a great first shower step.

The product package is also a little flimsy and can make it hard to get any product out in the first place. For an easier to use curl cream, you may want to look at Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La instead. Unfortunately, this cream can leave a sticky feeling at the roots of your hair once it dries. This can be counteracted by not using as much product near the top of your curls and washing the product out regularly. It is also a more expensive premium product, and might not be the best if you are shopping on a budget – our budget pick is a better fit in this case.

Try the Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Defining Cream if you have fine, thin hair, or the Tgin Twist & Define Cream if you have coarse, thick, dry hair. This won't surprise you, but the best curl cream depends on your own curls. Soooo, obviously, you need to figure out your curl type, but the first—and most important—thing Kayganich wants you to know? "A curl cream shouldn't be picked by just your curl pattern—it actually should be picked by your texture, whether that's fine, medium, or coarse." Ehman recommends the Davines LOVE Curl Controller for anyone with kinky, coily hair—especially if it's "unmanageable and unruly," she says. "It's a little bit more of the moisture [and] a little bit more concentrated, [it] kind of softens the hair." It'll also give your hair volume and calm down any frizz.

For sponsored content, the Shop TODAY editorial team independently chooses, tries and reviews products to recommend that are sold by the advertiser. This conditioner pairs perfectly with the shampoo, maximizing strength and shine. Redway suggests leaving the conditioner in your hair for a few minutes in the shower to provide extra nourishment, much like a mask.

The curl cream is free of silicones and artificial dyes, making it safe for color- and chemically-treated hair. When it comes to caring for thin, curly hair, it’s all about finding products that won’t weigh your hair down. This curl cream, which has the consistency of a lotion rather than a super-thick cream, fits the bill perfectly. Coconut, marula, and olive oils offer lightweight hydration and shine with a sleek finish.