12 of the very best curl creams for unreal definition
Those among us with curly hair know that if we want even a hint of definition to our mane, a good curl cream is a must-have product essential.
Not only can curl creams enhance your natural curl pattern, but they also help protect those delicate ringlets from damage by moisturising and conditioning fragile strands.
Whether you've experimented with curl creams in the past and are still searching for "the one", or aren't sure you're reaping the full benefits, we've asked the experts all the hard questions, so you can get the best out of your curls.
What's the purpose of a curl cream?
You might be thinking, "why exactly are curl creams better for my hair compared with oils or mousses?". It's a very fair question, and one that Keisha Jo Lawler, founder of Trepadora Curl Therapy, is happy to answer:
"Curl creams are fantastic, not just for curl control, but for locking in moisture, which is super important for naturally curly hair. Curl creams generally have no hold and create more weight than mousses, so if volume is important to you, skip the curl cream. High porosity or colour-treated curls of any pattern will feel a noticeable difference in using a curl cream than normal porosity curls, as it really helps to create a smoother, more silky appearance to your curls," she says.
These creams also play well with others and can happily be slotted in with your other hard-working curl products.
"As curl creams will usually be layered under a styling gel, you want it to be light but super moisturising so that it sinks into your hair shaft. This helps to prevent issues with product buildup. If you have high humidity conditions use your gel first then apply your curl cream on top. For low humidity conditions do the reverse," advises Keisha.
How should I use a curl cream?
Applying a curl cream to wet or damp hair after washing will help to lock in moisture and prevent frizzing as it dries and then, depending on the hold that your cream gives, will help to create soft, bouncy curls.
For extra definition post-wash, you can cocktail your cream with a curl gel – this’ll balance the benefits of both products. You get the hold of a gel (sans the crunch) and the moisture of a cream. Dreamy.
Keisha recommends adding a curl cream "lightly on wet hair for best results. Its job is to bind moisture to your curls".
Which cream is best for curling hair?
Curl creams are not one size fits all though, heavier creams can weigh down fine curls but thicker coils can benefit from a little more richness to rehydrate. And if we are talking in the curl typing system, type 2-3 curls will suit a lighter more fluid-like or whipped cream base where thicker type 3 to afro type 4 hair will need a denser butter-like curl cream.
Take a look are our top picks below for your curl type...
R+Co Turntable Curl Defining Creme
Schwarzkopf Professional Hair and Scalp Care
Trepadora Papaya Slip Taming Potion
Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Coconut Curling Cream
Pattern Beauty Curl Gel
Boucleme Bouclème Curl Cream
Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer
Holy Curls Curl Cream - 100% Vegan - 100% Naturally Derived - No Sulphates
KeraCare Curlessence Moisturizing Curling Cream
Umberto Giannini More than Moisture Twirling and Styling Definition Cream
Flora & Curl Sweet Hibiscus Twist and Braid Cream
As I Am Jamaican Black Castor Oil Curling Crème
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/hair/g33924288/curl-cream/