When I tell you that adding a curl cream into my curly hair rituals was life changing- I’m not kidding.

For years, I was using mousse followed by what seemed like a pound of hairspray. And my curls were not a fan. They became hard to manage, were crunchy, dry, and brittle.

That’s why now, I want to scream it from the mountain tops so all my wavy, curly, or coily peeps know that you need a curl cream in your life.

yeah, you really need a curl cream

Still with me? Great.

Now, let’s get into it…

What is A Curl Cream?

First, let’s discuss what exactly a curl cream is.

It’s a creamy, rich, curl-styling product, made with a blend of conditioning agents to nourish, smooth, and soften the hair. Usually, it’s formulated with a unique blend of natural oils, butters, and protein to support waves, curls, or coils.

Sounds like something you need? Just wait until you hear about the many benefits. Scroll a little bit more.

Benefits of A Curl Cream

What I especially love about this type of hair product is that it’s great no matter if your hair is fine, thick or in between. Here’s eight reasons why you should have it in your hair artillery.

fav curl cream ever

1. Promotes Curl Definition

If you’re looking for a product that enhances your natural texture, gives your hair shape and definition, (without the dreaded crunch) you don’t need to look any further.

2. Offers A Light Hold

The lightness of many formulas allow for curls to bounce and flow without feeling weighed down.

3. Protects Strands

Waves, curls, and coils naturally put your strands at risk for dryness. But, with a curl cream you’ll keep the goodness in while protecting against environmental stressors that keep curls in a knotty state.

4. Style Longevity

Your curls may not be as high maintenance as you think.

This type of cream allows your hair to mold into different styles, whether you want structured curls or tousled waves. Plus, it’s light enough to be paired with other curl stylers like leave ins, gels or serums.

Here’s to low maintenance curls- and more time in between wash days!

5. Smoothes Frizz

Thanks to frizz-banishing ingredients that are emollient and humectant, you can expect this product to replenish moisture and hydration.

6. Enhances Natural Luster

Curls looking dull? Not anymore.

They deserve to shine. And luckily for you, that’s exactly what curl cream will help them do.

7. Reduces Tangles

We’ve all experienced the tangled jungle of curls at one point or another.

Thankfully the conditioning agents in the curl cream add slip to your strands, keeping tangles and knots down to a minimum.

8. Increases Hair Vitality

You will start to notice that the look and feel of your curls improves and becomes healthier overall.

WARNING ⛔️ : using a curl cream may also boost your curl confidence to an all time high!

So now you’ve seen the benefits. Ready to learn the application process? Head to the section below.

How To Apply Curl Cream

After you’ve washed your hair with a curl supporting shampoo and conditioner, spritz some leave in conditioner throughout the mid lengths and ends.

This adds some slip to your locks to make the detangling process much smoother.

Start with a grape sized amount of curl cream in your hands. Rub your palms together and evenly distribute through clean, damp hair. *Though some products work better when applied to sopping wet hair. *

If you have lots of hair (medium to high density) it’s beneficial for you to apply the products in smaller sections for better saturation.

You can either scrunch your hair or finger twist to shape the curls how you like them.

Let air dry or diffuse with the blowdryer.

Pro Tip: Continually touching curls as they dry can increase frizz. Do your best to leave them be, until completely dried!

Other Curl Cream Factors To Consider

As your hair guide, there’s a few other things I want you to know when it comes to using this curl styling product:

Avoid using too much. Too much of anything is not a good thing, especially curly hair cream. It’s formulated with butters and oils, so it can weigh down your hair and cause curls to look greasy. Always start with less, and add more as needed.

Wash product from hair thoroughly. If you aren’t washing your hair thoroughly, your curls won’t be able to flourish as they should. But not to worry, I’ve got you covered. Be sure to check out my post on how to wash hair the right way.

Use a clarifying shampoo. Remove excessive oils and product buildup by investing in a clarifying shampoo. Not sure how to use it? You can read more about it here!

Hold up! Make sure you Pin 📌 this post for later. Scroll down to explore the best curl creams…

in search of the best curl cream

Your Hair Analysis

Before you join me in this quest of finding the best curl cream, there’s a few key things you should know about your tresses:

  • Hair Texture & Density. How thick are your individual hair strands? Do you have lots of hair?
  • Hair Porosity. How much moisture does your hair absorb and retain?
  • Wave Pattern. Are you sporting loose waves, ringlet curls or corkscrew coils?

If you’re new to these terms, or just need a quick refresh, you can read more about them in my post, here.

The Best Curl Cream For You

This varies based on your personal hair analysis. It also depends on what results you’re looking for. Curl definition? Smoothness? Scent? Strong hold?

To help you find the best curl cream, I’ve narrowed my list below down to my top 10 in no particular order. Are you ready?

1. Briogeo Curl Charisma

Why I Love It: Key ingredients include avocado oil, soybean oil, and rice extract. Great for any natural hair beauty as it holds shape and promotes definition. Good price point and a great curl cream for beginners.

The Cons: A lot make comments about the scent.

2. SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Smoothie

Why I Love It: This was the first curl cream I had ever used about a decade ago. It uses neem oil and shea butter to add amazing shine and definition to medium/coarse curls. It smells amazing and keeps the hair smooth.

The Cons: Not the best option for fine hair as its formula is too rich. It can also leave a lot of build up if not washed out properly.

3. Amika Curl Corps

Why I Love It: It uses key ingredients like oat peptide, tapioca starch and sea buckthorn. Plus, it does a good job at fighting frizz.

The Cons: I get inconsistent results if my hair is not completely saturated before applying. It can dry sticky. Would not recommend for finer curls.

4. Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

the best curl cream

Why I Love It: Uses key ingredients like argan oil and hydrolyzed veggies protein. Super moisturizing, has heat memory activation for long lasting styles and produces consistent curl results.

The Cons: Some are not a fan of the scent. Me, personally, I could go either way with it. Others comment that it doesn’t have a strong enough hold.

5. Loma Curvy Crème

Why I Love It: Supports curl activation, defines curls while reducing frizz and promoting shine. Protects and repairs from UV damage with its signature Cranberry and Pear Aromatherapy.

The Cons: Some do not like the scent. Others have commented about the texture along with the stickiness it may leave on the curls.

6. JVN Air Dry Cream

Why I Love It: Uses squalane, moringa seed oil and chia seed extract. This works best applied immediately out of the shower. Helps to define the natural wave pattern no matter how loose or coiled.

The Cons: Hair should be super wet for best results.

7. Innersense Quiet Calm

Why I Love It: It uses key ingredients like shea butter, rice brand and oat kernel extract, rooibos tea and orange flower oil to hydrate and define shape and texture.

The Cons: The value for the price

8. Solutions ( by Great Clips) Curl Taming Cream

Why I Love It: Lightweight and smells like coconut. Uses coconut oil and shea butter to tame and polish curls, locking in hydration and enhance natural texture.

The Cons: Wish it had a better hold. Mix with the complimenting curl souffle for the perfect hair care cocktail and amazing results.

9. Surface Curl Cream

Why I Love It: Made with organic bassu oil, the brand speaks to those who love beauty but with a conscious effort to take care of the planet. The curl cream smooths and softens the hair, provides consistent results and smells luxurious.

The Cons: Not for those looking to create volume with their curls.

10. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream

Why I Love It: Has Anti-frizz nano technology to defend against environmental stressors like humidity, heat, and UV rays. Supports a touchable hold style without the frizz.

The Cons: The weight of the product makes it better for coils or medium to coarse curls.


Using a curl cream is by far one of my favorite products due to its versatility, ease of use, and many other benefits like frizz reduction and curl health.

If you’re looking for a conditioning product that enhances your curls without the weight, your search is officially over.