Best Curling Creams That Really Work For Beautiful, Bouncy Curls image 4
hair care

Best Curling Creams That Really Work For Beautiful, Bouncy Curls

The Best Curl Enhancing Creams for Defined Curls

They say curls have character—and I’d have to agree from my own experience! As someone with stubborn curls that always seem to do their own thing, I know how much of a struggle it can be to find products that work. Over the years, I’ve tried just about every curl cream on the market and hit plenty of frustrating fails. But through trial and mostly error, I’ve learned a thing or two about what really helps enhance and define curls. Here are some of the top curl creams I’ve found, along with a bit of friendly advice on how to use them.

SHEA Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

This is hands down one of the best curl creams out there, in my very biased opinion. It’s super thick and cream-y, kinda feels like frosting between your fingers if I’m being real with y’all! But don’t let that scare you off—it somehow absorbs beautifully into the hair without feeling heavy or greasy. The coconut and hibiscus give amazing moisture that my curls literally drink up. Pro tip: start with a smaller dollop than you think you need since a little goes a long way with this one. Apply to soaking wet hair and scrunch like your life depends on it!

DevaCurl One Condition Decadence Cream

For defined ringlets that last pretty much all week, Decadence Cream is tough to beat. It’s lightweight but packed with hydrating and strengthening ingredients that work overtime to enhance curls without frizz. I like to use it both for styling damp hair and as a refresher throughout the week to revive limp curls. It makes hair super soft too—which as a bonus means your locks will be curling crush material if you’re trying to woo someone, am I right fellas? Only downside is the price, but it lasts forever so it’s totally worth it in my book.

As I Am Curling Jelly

For tighter coils and kinks, As I Am Curling Jelly is the jam, no question about it. Ok maybe that was corny—but it really is good stuff! It has a unique gel-like texture that gives curls an amazing amount of hold without being crunchy or sticky feeling. I use it on soaking wet hair and let air dry for big, bouncy coils. Thetea tree oil also helps fight frizzies that like to pop up. It gives me second day curl power too when I scrunch in a little more jelly. If gels intimidate you, this one is super easy to work with.

Cantu Shea Butter Curl Activator Cream

When I’m in a rush and need instant gratification, Cantu Curl Activator does the trick every time. It has a lightweight milky texture that absorbs so fast you’ll be out the door with bouncy curls in no time. I swear just a tiny bit is all it takes! The shea butter and coconut oil give shine and moisture without weighing hair down. It’s also super affordable which is nice since I tend to go through it pretty quickly when I’ m in a real time crunch. Not the longest lasting hold compared to some others but it definitely Gets. The. Job. Done. in a pinch, you feel me?

Aussie Instant Freeze Gel

Alright, I know gel gets a bad rep but hear me out because Aussie Instant Freeze is low-key clutch for achieving stupid perfect curls. For me, it gives bigger hold than any cream while still leaving hair soft and touchable once dry. I like to apply it to soaking wet hair and gently scrunch until firm. Then plop in a cotton t-shirt for a bit before diffusing if I’m in a hurry. The result is bouncy bombshell curls that last for days, no lie! Yes it can cause flakes if you go overboard, but used sparingly it gives fantastic volume and definition. Sometimes you just gotta take a chance on gel, amirite? Try it, I dare ya!

Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Scrunching Gel

Now for all my frugal curl friends out there—Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Gel is a real steal at just a few bucks. And get this—the hold is just as good as those $20 gels, no cap! It has kind of a unique minty scent you’ll either love or hate but it fades quick. The gel texture is lightweight and smooths over curly knots without crisping up. I like to finger coil smaller sections then scrunch for big, bouncy hair that lasts. Not gonna lie, it can pill up if your hair is on the drier side, so make sure to moisturize well beforehand or it might poof. But for under $5? You literally cannot beat the value, you feel me? Highly recommend if you’re on a budget.

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So in summary, those would have to be my top picks for defined curls that pop. But feel free to experiment too—what works for some doesn’t always work for others. Curls are finicky beasts like that! So don’t get discouraged if one product fails for you—just means it’s time to try something new. Hopefully some of these favorites give you curlies a nice bounce. Holla if you have any other questions!

FAQs about Using Curl Enhancing Creams

When should I apply curl cream?

The general rule of thumb is to apply curl cream to soaking wet or dripping wet hair right after washing or conditioning. This allows the hair to absorb the moisture and nutrients while preventing frizziness. You can also refresh curls throughout the week by applying a small amount to damp hair and scrunching.

How much curl cream should I use?

It really depends on your hair type and thickness, but start with a small dollop about the size of a quarter or half dollar and focus on the ends initially. You can always add more as needed but it’s harder to tone down excess product. A little goes a long way with most curl creams.

How do I apply curl cream?

You’ll want to start by sectioning damp or wet hair and working the cream in using a raking motion with your fingertips from root to tip. Then scrunch curls upwards to define them and help them form spirals and ringlets. Keep scrunching as hair dries for bigger, bouncier curls.

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Can I use a diffuser with curl creams?

Absolutely! Many people find diffusing is the fastest way to get defined curls when using cream since it helps speed up the drying process. Look for a low heat setting as high heat can cause frizz. Diffuse by cupping your curls upwards and scrunching occasionally as they dry.

How long do curls last with cream?

Curl patterns enhanced by cream typically last 2-4 days depending on hair type and hold of the specific product. Using lightweight silicones, avoiding sulfates in washes, and refreshing with water or cream can help extend that timeframe. Curls may weaken on day 4 or 5 as natural oils build up.

Can I combine different curl products?

There’s no harm in experimenting to find your perfect curl cocktail! Many people layer a thin curl cream with a gel or mousse for extra hold and definition. Apply cream first while soaking wet and follow with a stronger gel or foam along with scrunching. Play around to see what works best for your hair needs.

Well there you have it folks—my informative-yet-casual take on the top curl enhancing creams out there and how to use them for defined curls! Hopefully this gave you everything you need to start taming those coils and curls. Let me know if any other questions come up as you experiment. Wishing you tons of luxurious curls!

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Top Curl Enhancing Creams

Product Ingredients Price Benefits
Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Repair Cream Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Biotin, Keratin $7.99 Hydrates, Defines Curls, Reduces Frizz
DevaCurl One Condition Decadence Conditioner Aloe Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein $26.00 Conditions, Defines, Adds Shine
As I Am Curling Jelly Water, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein, Carrageenan $9.99 Forms Curls, Hydrates, Light Hold
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie Coconut Oil, Hibiscus Extract, African Black Soap, Abyssinian Oil $12.49 Defines, Softens, Reduces Frizz
Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Curl Scrunch Gel-Cream Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein $5.99 Hydrates, Defines Without Crunch

FAQ

  1. What is the best curl enhancing cream?

    There are a number of products available that can help define your curls. Some popular options are mousses, serums, gels and creams containing ingredients like glycerin and shea butter that hydrate and fight frizz without leaving hair feeling sticky or crunchy. However, the “best” choice depends on your hair type and goals.

  2. How often should I use a curl cream?

    The frequency of using a curl cream basically depends on your hair type. Kinda generally, those with drier or more damaged curls may want to apply it daily or every other day. For normal texture hair, two to three times a week could possibly do the trick. Nevertheless, experiment and see what works best for your mane.

  3. Can curl cream make hair greasy?

    Curl creams are generally not as heavy as oils or really thick butters so they won’t usually weigh hair down or cause greasiness on their own. At the same time, using too much or not washing it out properly could perhaps lead to buildup over time. To stay on the safe side, only apply to damp hair and focus on strands rather than the roots.

  4. How do I apply curl cream?

    The key is to start with damp hair straight out of the shower after applying a lightweight leave-in conditioner. Then rake or finger comb a dime-sized amount of cream through your strands, avoiding the roots. You can also “praying hands” sections for even distribution. Finally, scrunch your curls to define them without disturbing the pattern. Air drying or diffusing is best. Amazingly, this method leaves hair shiny, frizz-free and super cute!

  5. Can I use other products with curl cream?

    Yes, you can totally mix and match products for your curls. Some popular combos involve using a gel over cream for extra hold or scrunching in a mousse before applying cream. You can also layer several serums or oils beneath your cream. However, be careful not to overload hair which could weigh it down. Less is more when it comes to curly styles.

  6. How long does curl cream last?

    Cream formulas have a decent lifespan before expiring – usually 6 months to a year if unopened. Obviously, the texture and effectiveness may gradually diminish over time though. To tell if it’s still good, give it a quick sniff test – it should not smell rancid or “off” in any way. But if curl cream appears to lose its ability to define your locks, then it’s probably time to get a fresh jar.

  7. Is curl cream safe to use every day?

    Using curl cream every single day is probably not necessary for most hair types. It could potentially build up product residue if overapplied. But on the other hand, those with dry, color treated or overprocessed hair may find their curls really need daily moisture. So if your hair feels healthier and looks shiny with regular use, it’s likely fine to continue the routine. Just listen to what your mane prefers!

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  8. Can I air dry with curl cream?

    Yes, air drying is absolutely a great option after using curl cream! The product will keep frizz away and define your natural pattern as it dries. You may get even bigger, more stunning curls than with diffusing since there’s no heat involved. It just takes longer to fully dry compared to a hair dryer. So either way works well – follow your mood and what fits your schedule.