Saturday, December 14, 2024

The 17 Best Curl Creams for Every Hair Texture

Must read

1

Best for a Budget

OGX Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream

Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream

1

Best for a Budget

OGX Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream

Now 25% Off

Credit: Courtesy of Brand

Over 1,900 Amazon reviewers agree that this drugstore favorite gives limp curls life. It works by leveraging the key ingredient (pure Moroccan argan oil) to penetrate the hair shaft and hydrate from within. The result is soft, frizz-free curls with built-in heat and UV protection that works on various hair types and colors.

Reviewers say: “I have tried dozens and dozens of products to help with my curly, frizzy hair…this one makes my natural curls look defined without appearing greasy or making them feel crunchy and stiff.”

Hair Type Curly Textures
Size 6.0 oz
Ingredient Callout Argan Oil
What It Is OGX Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream smooths and defines curls while taming frizz.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

2

Best for Curl Definition

SGX NYC Curl Power Nourishing Curl Cream

Curl Power Nourishing Curl Cream

2

Best for Curl Definition

SGX NYC Curl Power Nourishing Curl Cream

Credit: COURTESY

Perk up lackluster curls with this uber-hydrating and nourishing styling cream formulated with coconut oil and shea butter. Users are obsessed with the lightweight-but-lasting hold and the decadent, sweet vanilla scent enhanced with florals and softwoods. Apply with a few scrunches post-shower.

Reviewers say: It worked really well at hydrating my hair! My curls have finally started to take shape after using this product!”

Hair Type Curly
Size 7.0 oz
Ingredient Callout Shea Butter and Coconut Oil
What It Is SGX NYC Curl Power Nourishing Curl Cream is a nourishing cream styler that provides weightless hydration and defines curls.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

3

Best for Hair Growth

Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Curl Smoothie

Pomegranate & Honey Curl Smoothie

3

Best for Hair Growth

Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Curl Smoothie

Now 23% Off

Credit: COURTESY

Mielle’s Curl Smoothie smells delicious enough to eat (but don’t). This sweet cocktail blends babassu oil, honey, a humectant that helps to retain moisture and shine, and pomegranate extract to strengthen the hair follicles and promote hair growth.

Reviewers say: Everything good I’ve read about this product is true. It’s excellent! I’m sorry I waited so long to buy it.”

Hair Type Thick Coily Hair Textures
Size 12.0 oz
Ingredient Callout Pomegranate Seed Oil and Honey
What It Is Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Curl Smoothie is a curly styling cream that strengthens the hair while eliminating frizz and adding moisture.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

4

Best for Soft Curls

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

4

Best for Soft Curls

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Now 11% Off

Credit: COURTESY

SheaMoisture’s fan-favorite Curl Enhancing Smoothie is the dry hair cure-all. Perfect for those with thick hair, the smoothie is built around its main ingredient, shea butter, to give hair a pillow-soft touch and manageable curls.

Reviewers say: “My fave curl cream. Hydrates and defines my curls like nobody’s business.”

Hair Type Curly Textures
Size 12.0 oz
Ingredient Callout Silk Protein and Neem Oil
What It Is SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie is a curl cream that restores moisture and defines curls for a silky smooth finished look.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

5

Best for Humidity

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream

Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream

5

Best for Humidity

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream

When it comes to curly hair, humid weather can be your worst enemy, which is why this curl cream is such a revelation. This product adds definition and moisture to all curl types, while blocking out frizz-causing humidity so you can style with ease all season long.

Reviewers say: I use this product after I get out of the shower and run it through my wet hair. I have curly hair and this product keeps my hair in check, no frizzies and no stickiness!”

Hair Type All Curly Textures
Size 6.0 oz
Ingredient Callout Meadowfoam Seed Oil and Soybean Oil
What It Is Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream is a styler that fights against humidity for long lasting pillow soft curls.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

6

Best for Curl Control

Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer

Be Curly Curl Enhancer

6

Best for Curl Control

Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer

Credit: COURTESY

Control your curls, don’t let them control you. This wheat protein and organic aloe-infused cream intensify texture for tighter, bouncier curls. It works just as well if you air-dry or diffuse, just make sure to apply to large sections of the hair and twist each strand into coils for a more defined look.

Reviewers say: I will never go without this again. My hair looks great, which makes me feel great.”

Hair Type Wavy and Curly Textures
Size 6.7 oz.
Ingredients Callouts Aloe Vera and Whet Protein Blend
What Is It Aveda’s Be Curly Curl Enhancer is a curl cream that helps revive curls and wave while passing shine and taming frizz.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

7

Best for Hydration and Definition

Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave–In Defining Crème

Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave–In Defining Crème

7

Best for Hydration and Definition

Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave–In Defining Crème

Credit: COURTESY

With Briogeo’s Curl Charisma, you don’t have to choose between hydration and definition—you get the best of both worlds. This cream is packed with avocado oil for extra moisture and Mollis leaf extract to fight off frizz.

Reviewers say: I absolutely love this! It smells so good and it works so well. I have wavy hair so it can’t define the absolute most…but it does a splendid job doing so in a calm way.”

Hair Type Wavy, Curly, and Coily Textures
Size 5.5 oz
Ingredient Callouts Vegan, Cruelty-Free, and Gluten-Free.
What It Is Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave–In Defining Crème a curl-defining cream to boost hydration, minimize frizz, and provide soft, flexible control for waves and curls.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

8

Best for Frizz-Free Curls

Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream

Curl Defining Cream

8

Best for Frizz-Free Curls

Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream

Now 37% Off

With aloe vera, shea butter, and coconut oil, this curl cream is a multi-benefit product that reduces frizz, adds definition, and increases hydration for all hair types.

Reviewers say: My curls really came to life once I started using Rizos Curls, I haven’t gone back to anything else.”

Hair Type Textured, Curly
Size 10.0 oz
Ingredient Callout Aloe Vera and Shea Butter
What It Is Rizo’s Curl Defining Cream is a that defines and holds curls while enhancing your natural hair texture.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

9

Best for Very Dry Hair

Maui Moisture Curl Quench+Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie

Curl Quench+Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie

9

Best for Very Dry Hair

Maui Moisture Curl Quench+Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie

Now 17% Off

Credit: Courtesy

Maui Moisture’s products smell like a tropical getaway and make you forget you’re on hour two of wash day. This heavenly mixture of coconut oil, papaya, and plumeria extract also quenches the thirstest of curls.

Reviewers say: Defines my curls, moisturizes my hair, and has a soft finish to it. I definitely recommend this product.”

Hair Type Tight Coily Textures
Size 12.0 oz
Ingredient Callout Coconut Oil, Silicone Free
What It Is Maui Moisture Curl Quench+Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie is a hydrating leave in hair treatment that is perfect for braids and twist outs.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

10

Best for the L.O.C. Method

Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter

Almond Jai Twisting Butter

10

Best for the L.O.C. Method

Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter

Credit: COURTESY

This hair butter looks and smells good enough to eat, but know that it’s better for your hair in a one-step routine or a traditional liquid, oil, cream method.

Reviewers say: Perfect for twists. I apply right after shampooing and twist! I love it!”

Hair Type All Hair Types, Textured
Size 8.0 oz
Ingredient Callout Almond Oil Extract Vegan
What It Is Camille Rose’s Almond Jai Twisting Butter is a creamy styler that’s great for moisturizing your hair in twist out and braid out styles.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

11

Best for Stretching Curls

Melanin Haircare Twist Elongating Style Cream

Twist Elongating Style Cream

11

Best for Stretching Curls

Melanin Haircare Twist Elongating Style Cream

Credit: Melanin Haircare

Avocado, almond, and argan oils help detangle and offer the most length for days when you want to elongate your curls.

Reviewers say: “I’ve been using this product for a few years now and I truly enjoy how my hair feels and acts when I use this. No matter how little or how much I use, my hair remains soft, moisturized, and easy to manage.”

Hair Type All Curly Textures
Size 16.0 oz
Ingredient Callout Vegan
What It Is Melanin Haircare’s Twist Elongating Style Cream is a lightweight styler that lengthens curls and reduces knots and tangles.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

12

Best for Lightweight Hold

Pattern Curl Gel

Curl Gel

12

Best for Lightweight Hold

Pattern Curl Gel

Credit: COURTESY

This curl gel does both, just like its name—providing both the hydrating benefits of a cream and the feathery hold of a gel that leaves the crunchy side effects at home.

Reviewers say: I used this product once, but love the definition it gave my curls. I am looking forward to wash day so I can use it again.”

Hair Type Curly, Coily, and Tight Textures
Size 9.8 oz
Ingredient Callout Aloe Vera and Cacay Oil
What It Is Pattern Curl Gel is a smooth, creamy gel that defines curls with a flexible weightless finish.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

13

Best Fragrance-Free Choice

Ouai Curl Crème

Curl Crème

13

Best Fragrance-Free Choice

Ouai Curl Crème

Credit: COURTESY

This fragrance-free option is for you whether you’re sensitive to smells or just want to skip any added perfume from your hair products. A little goes a long way when prepping a twist out or shingling. This styler leaves hair bouncy without stickiness or crunch.

Reviewers say: I put it in my hair when it’s wet and it dries so nice and frizz-free. I am definitely satisfied with this product and will be buying more in the future!”

Hair Type All Curly Types
Size 8.0 oz.
Ingredient Callout Fragrance-Free
What It Is Ouai Curl Crème is a universal curl defining cream that helps so reduce frizz add shine.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

14

Best for Brittle Hair

Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Curl Shaping Cream Gel

Coco Creme Curl Shaping Cream Gel

14

Best for Brittle Hair

Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Curl Shaping Cream Gel

Credit: COURTESY

If moisture is what you’re lacking, then this cream gel is what you need. It might seem strange for a styler to be both a cream and a gel, but this Coco Creme product strengthens and moisturizes dry hair while defining your natural curl.

Reviewers say: It is an excellent product. You will be happy you bought it!!!”

Hair Type Curly Textures, Dry Hair
Size 16.0 oz.
Ingredient Callout Coconut Milk and Coconut Oil, Paraben Free and Mineral Oil Free
What It Is Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Curl Shaping Cream Gel is curl defining cream that adds shape and hold and is perfect for wash and go’s.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

15

Best for Flake-Free Hold

Afro Sheen Texture Setting Cream Gel

Texture Setting Cream Gel

15

Best for Flake-Free Hold

Afro Sheen Texture Setting Cream Gel

Credit: COURTESY

This unique cream-gel hybrid is formulated with moisturizing shea butter, conditioning coconut oil, and flaxseed oil for hold. Plus, you’ll go all day without a single flake.

Reviewers say: This product works great on my short natural hair!”

Hair Type Curly and Coily Textures
Size 12.0 oz
Ingredients Callouts Coconut Oil and Flaxseed Oil
What Is It Afro SheenTexture Setting Cream Gel is a two in one styler that offers definition and hold without compromising moisture.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

16

Best for Damaged Hair

Cantu Coconut Curling Cream

Coconut Curling Cream

16

Best for Damaged Hair

Cantu Coconut Curling Cream

Credit: COURTESY

Dry, brittle hair doesn’t stand a chance against Cantu’s Coconut Curling Cream. You’re likely already a fan of the brand’s cult-favorite Leave-In Conditioner—up the ante and coat your hair in this cream for deeply moisturized strands and defined coils.

Reviewers say: I love my natural hair; I love it even more using this product.”

Hair Type Way, Curly, and Coily textures
Size 12.0 oz
Ingredient Callouts Shea Butter
What It Is Cantu’s Coconut Curling Cream is styler that helps to lengthen and define curls.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

17

tgin Miracle RepaiRx Curl Food

Miracle RepaiRx Curl Food

17

tgin Miracle RepaiRx Curl Food

Credit: Courtesy of Brand

This multi-use curl cream is ultra hydrating with ingredients to help repair dry, damaged hair. Use it as a leave-in daily moisturizer or styling cream to help manage frizz, add moisture, and restore your hair to it healthiest state.

Reviewers say: I use this product on my hair after it has been washed to style and hydrate my naturally curly hair. It feels and smells amazing!”

Hair Type Curly and Coily Textures
Size 12.0 oz
Ingredient Callouts Black Honey and Coconut Oil
What It Is tgin’s Miracle RepaiRx Curl Food is an all-in-one cream that helps hydrate and nourishes strands to treat dryness and damage.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

Meet the Experts

line

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

What do curl creams do?

elle linebreak

“A curl cream helps with creating definition and hold without leaving the hair crunchy, creating defined, bouncy, shiny curls,” says Prado. “Curls are prone to dryness, so every step of your regimen is a chance to add needed moisture from the shower to your styling routine,” adds Cantrell. “That’s why an extra boost of intense hydration in the form of a curl cream is so essential. Curl creams wrap each strand with moisture, creating a soft, naturally defined curl. Plus, a great curl cream works to restore curls’ internal weight, encouraging optimal formation and a more uniform curl pattern.”

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

Can all curly textures benefit from using a curl cream?

This is an image

“100 percent,” says Cantrell. “For example, thicker curls can benefit from using it to elongate and moisturize the curls. For finer curls, curl creams can add definition and volume.” Prado adds, “All textures can benefit from a curl cream, as curl creams tend to be very hydrating and moisturizing.”

Headshot of Nerisha Penrose

Nerisha Penrose

Beauty Commerce Editor

Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.

Headshot of Alexis Gaskin

Alexis Gaskin is the Freelance Beauty Assistant for Elle Mag. A proud fat gal, she works to amplify fat voices everywhere and wants to see everyone embrace their inner and outer beauty. She is easily distracted by all things that sparkle, her curly hair and Harry Styles content!

Headshot of Tatjana Freund

Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor

Tatjana Freund is Hearst’s Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She’s a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made. 

More articles

Latest article