The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (2024)

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (1)

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Choosing the right products for your natural curls can be an overwhelming process. When many start their curly hair journeys, they spend ample time in YouTube rabbit holes and beauty supply store aisles looking for the right products and techniques that’ll make curls pop, which often means spending a lot of money, too. Maybe you’ve cut, dyed, and fried your hair every which way. If there’s one thing to know about the process, it’s that every head of hair is unique. While some curls thrive with the use of butters and gels, a lightweight mousse or oil may be better for others. What remains a staple in the routine is undoubtedly curl cream.

The best curl creams hydrate and revive dry and limp hair while adding definition and shine for a long lasting style. It’s a product that can act as both a leave-in conditioner and styler to detangle your curls without weighing them down. We know what you’re thinking, how can one product do all of that? How do I find the right one for me? Luckily, we’ve got an answer that will save you a lot of time (trust us, we’ve done the research). So whether you’re starting your own natural journey or are just looking to try something new, here’s a list of the 17 best curl creams for your waves, curls, or coils.

1

Best for a Budget

OGX Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (9)

Pros
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (10)Affordable
Cons
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (11)May cause buildup

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 TypeCurly Textures
Size 6.0 oz
Ingredient CalloutArgan Oil
What It IsOGX Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream smooths and defines curls while taming frizz.

2

Best for Curl Definition

SGX NYC Curl Power Nourishing Curl Cream

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (12)

Pros
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (13)Affordable
Cons
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (14)Some may dislike the scent

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 TypeCurly
Size7.0 oz
Ingredient CalloutShea Butter and Coconut Oil
What It IsSGX NYC Curl Power Nourishing Curl Cream is a nourishing cream styler that provides weightless hydration and defines curls.

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3

Best For Intense Moisture

The Alpha The Alpha Curly As Can Be Curl Defining Cream

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (15)

Pros
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (16)Tames frizz
Cons
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (17)Not best for fine/thin hair

Textured hair loves moisture and hydration, but combining too many products can weigh down the hair, or even worse, delay the drying time for your twist-out. The Alpha Curly As Can Be Cream from The Mane Choice allows you to cut through the multi-step routine with its super nourishing formula that enriches the hair—vitamin E, biotin, avocado oil, and agave nectar are packed into the tube—while also defining curls.

Reviewers say: “I love everything about this new Alpha Curl defining cream product. I often use alpha line and this is definitely my go to. I will definitely be ordering more.”

Hair typeCoily/kinky, curly, wavy
Size12 oz
Ingredient calloutAgave nectar, avocado oil, biotin and vitamin E
What It IsThe Mane Choice Alpha Curly As Can Be Curl Defining Cream is rich cream that offers hydration and frizz control while also defining curls and softening strands.

4

Best for Humidity

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (18)

Pros
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (19)Anti-frizz
Cons
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (20)Pricey

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 TypeAll Curly Textures
Size6.0 oz
Ingredient CalloutMeadowfoam Seed Oil and Soybean Oil
What It IsOuidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream is a styler that fights against humidity for long lasting pillow soft curls.

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5

Best for Hair Growth

Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Curl Smoothie

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (21)

Pros
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (22)Helps with hair growth
Cons
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (23)Some may dislike the scent

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 TypeThick Coily Hair Textures
Size12.0 oz
Ingredient CalloutPomegranate Seed Oil and Honey
What It IsMielle Pomegranate & Honey Curl Smoothie is a curly styling cream that strengthens the hair while eliminating frizz and adding moisture.

6

Best for Hydration and Definition

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

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (24)

Pros
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (25)Multiple benefits
Cons
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (26)Pricey

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 TypeWavy, Curly, and Coily Textures
Size5.5 oz
Ingredient CalloutsVegan, Cruelty-Free, and Gluten-Free.
What It IsBriogeo 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.

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7

Best for Soft Curls

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (27)

Pros
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (28)Hydrating
Cons
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (29)May not be suited for fine hair

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 TypeCurly Textures
Size 12.0 oz
Ingredient CalloutSilk Protein and Neem Oil
What It IsSheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie is a curl cream that restores moisture and defines curls for a silky smooth finished look.

8

Best for Frizz-Free Curls

Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (30)

Pros
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (31)Adds definition
Cons
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (32)Some may dislike the scent

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 TypeTextured, Curly
Size10.0 oz
Ingredient CalloutAloe Vera and Shea Butter
What It IsRizo's Curl Defining Cream is a that defines and holds curls while enhancing your natural hair texture.

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9

Best for Very Dry Hair

Maui Moisture Curl Quench+Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (33)

Pros
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (34)Extremely hydrating
Cons
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (35)May not be suited for fine hair

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 TypeTight Coily Textures
Size12.0 oz
Ingredient CalloutCoconut Oil, Silicone Free
What It IsMaui Moisture Curl Quench+Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie is a hydrating leave in hair treatment that is perfect for braids and twist outs.
Pros
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (37)Hydrating
Cons
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (38)May not be suited for fine hair

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 TypeAll Hair Types, Textured
Size8.0 oz
Ingredient CalloutAlmond Oil Extract Vegan
What It IsCamille Rose's Almond Jai Twisting Butter is a creamy styler that's great for moisturizing your hair in twist out and braid out styles.

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11

Best for Stretching Curls

Melanin Haircare Twist Elongating Style Cream

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (39)

Pros
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (40)Detangling effect
Cons
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (41)Can cause flaking

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 TypeAll Curly Textures
Size16.0 oz
Ingredient CalloutVegan
What It IsMelanin Haircare's Twist Elongating Style Cream is a lightweight styler that lengthens curls and reduces knots and tangles.

12

Best for Lightweight Hold

Pattern Curl Gel

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (42)

Pros
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (43)Multiple benefits
Cons
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (44)Pricey

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 TypeCurly, Coily, and Tight Textures
Size9.8 oz
Ingredient Callout Aloe Vera and Cacay Oil
What It IsPattern Curl Gel is a smooth, creamy gel that defines curls with a flexible weightless finish.

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13

Best Fragrance-Free Choice

Ouai Curl Crème

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (45)

Pros
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (46)Hydrating
Cons
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (47)Pricey

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 TypeAll Curly Types
Size8.0 oz.
Ingredient CalloutFragrance-Free
What It IsOuai Curl Crème is a universal curl defining cream that helps so reduce frizz add shine.

14

Best for Brittle Hair

Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Curl Shaping Cream Gel

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (48)

Pros
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (49)Hydrating
Cons
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (50)May not be suited for fine hair

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 CalloutCoconut Milk and Coconut Oil, Paraben Free and Mineral Oil Free
What It IsCarol'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.

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15

Best for Curl Control

Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (51)

Pros
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (52)Combats frizz
Cons
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (53)Pricey

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 TypeWavy and Curly Textures
Size6.7 oz.
Ingredients CalloutsAloe Vera and Whet Protein Blend
What Is ItAveda's Be Curly Curl Enhancer is a curl cream that helps revive curls and wave while passing shine and taming frizz.

16

Best for Flake-Free Hold

Afro Sheen Texture Setting Cream Gel

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (54)

Pros
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (55)Good hold
Cons
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (56)Some may dislike the scent

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 TypeCurly and Coily Textures
Size12.0 oz
Ingredients CalloutsCoconut Oil and Flaxseed Oil
What Is ItAfro SheenTexture Setting Cream Gel is a two in one styler that offers definition and hold without compromising moisture.

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17

Best for Damaged Hair

Cantu Coconut Curling Cream

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (57)

Pros
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (58)Affordable
Cons
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (59)Can weigh down fine curls

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
Size12.0 oz
Ingredient CalloutsShea Butter
What It IsCantu's Coconut Curling Cream is styler that helps to lengthen and define curls.

18

tgin Miracle RepaiRx Curl Food

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (60)

Pros
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (61)Good hold
Cons
  • The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (62)Some don’t like the scent

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 TypeCurly and Coily Textures
Size12.0 oz
Ingredient CalloutsBlack Honey and Coconut Oil
What It Istgin's Miracle RepaiRx Curl Food is an all-in-one cream that helps hydrate and nourishes strands to treat dryness and damage.

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Meet the Experts

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (63)

Julissa Prado, founder of Rizos Curls

Mitchell Cantrell, hairstylist and Ouidad brand ambassador

What do curl creams do?

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (64)

“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.”

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (65)

Nerisha Penrose

Beauty Commerce Editor

Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Prior to joining the team, she was an Editorial Fellow at ELLE.com. In her current role, she helps lead coverage on makeup, skin care, hair, and fragrances. With over six years of experience in the world of beauty editorial, Nerisha enjoys delving deep into the complexities of fragrance notes, hunting for the best fixes for acne-prone skin, and advocating for daily sunscreen use. She regularly researches and tests the latest products, consults beauty professionals (including our Beauty Advisory Board) to determine the best expert-approved formulas to recommend, and conducts interviews with luminaries across the industry. Nerisha received her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Temple University before joining the editorial teams at Nylon and Billboard. In 2020, she co-launched our popular franchise The State of Black Beauty, an ongoing exploration of—and destination for—beauty at the intersection of Black culture.

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (66)

Alexis Gaskin

Freelance Writer

Alexis is a writer who finds joy in expressing her thoughts on the various random ideas floating through her mind. Her work, which covers fat fashion, beauty, culture, and politics, has been published in Elle Magazine, Allure, WWD, InStyle, and Glamour. She is perpetually on the lookout for new and innovative products, diligently sifting through the vast array of "stuff and things" to find the best deals. Alexis's love language includes a well-crafted spreadsheet and anything that sparkles.

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (67)

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.

The Best Curly Hair Creams for Every Texture (2024)

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