Best Curling Creams To Soften And Define Your Curls (2025)

Curly hair is notoriously difficult to manage, with many factors to consider when choosing the right product. From curl type to hair texture, porosity, and frizz control, the options can be overwhelming. However, a good curl cream is an essential step in achieving soft, bouncy, and defined curls.

Curl creams are typically thicker than leave-in conditioners but offer a softer hold than hair gel. They add shine and moisture to your hair without weighing it down. With so many options available, it's important to choose a curl cream that suits your specific hair needs. For example, if you have fine curly hair, opt for a lightweight curl cream that won't leave your hair feeling greasy or crunchy. On the other hand, if you have thick and unruly curls, look for a cream that provides extra hydration and definition without making your hair feel heavy.

Some popular curl creams include the Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream, DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler, Bumble and Bumble Curl Defining Cream, and Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream. These products have received positive reviews for their ability to enhance curls, reduce frizz, and provide long-lasting moisture.

Curly hair characteristics

Curly hair isn't a one-size-fits-all situation. It ranges from loose waves to tight coils, with various textures in between. Curly hair types are classified by numbers and letters, with the number indicating the hair texture (fine, medium, coarse) and the letter indicating the curl pattern. Here's a breakdown of the different curl types:

2A-2C Waves: These are subtle "S"-shaped waves that are typically fine to medium in texture. This hair type can easily be weighed down by heavy products.

3A-3C Curls: These are classic, springy corkscrews that range from loose, bouncy ringlets to tighter, more defined spirals. Curls in this category are often prone to frizz and require extra moisture.

4A-4C Coils: These are the tightest and most densely packed curls, forming a "Z"-shaped pattern or even tighter coils. Coily hair is delicate and needs plenty of care to prevent breakage and retain moisture.

But it's not just about the curl pattern. Here are some other factors to consider when understanding your hair's unique characteristics:

• Permed hair: Chemical treatments can leave hair feeling dry, so look for a curl cream that offers hydration and repair.
• Fine curly hair: Fine hair needs a lightweight curl cream to avoid a greasy or limp look. Focus on definition and volume without crunchiness.
• Thick curly hair: Thick hair can be unruly, prone to frizz and tangles. Look for a curl cream that detangles, defines, and moisturizes without feeling heavy.
• Frizzy curly hair: Fight humidity with curl creams that have frizz-control ingredients to create a protective barrier against moisture.

Remember, understanding your curl type is just the starting point. By taking into account your hair's individual needs as well, you can choose a curl cream that works with your hair, enhancing its natural beauty and making it more manageable.

Best curl creams for defining curly hair

Curly hair is unpredictable, but that's also the beauty of it. One minute it's serving up Beyoncé-level bounce, the next it's channelling a mad scientist's frizz. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, and all it needs to stay in check is some occasional TLC and the right curl cream.

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

This curl-defining cream is a favourite of Good Housekeeping's resident curly girl. It adds flexible hold that's not crunchy and keeps curls intact and fuzz-free for days. The reviewer adds a bit of water to the product to thin it down before smoothing onto curls. The result is well-defined, hydrated curls with no crunchiness.

John Frieda Frizz Ease

John Frieda's Frizz Ease is a favourite of Cosmopolitan's former deputy beauty director, Chloe Metzger. This curl cream keeps her hair super smooth and sleek. It's filled with water-insoluble silicones, so make sure to clarify once a month with a sulfate-based clarifying shampoo to strip away any build-up.

Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

This creamy soufflé is an actual cult favourite in the curl community. It's formulated with moisturising coconut oil, strengthening silk protein, and smoothing neem seed oil to leave type-3 and type-4 curls hydrated and clumped, whether you're working with a twist-out or a wash and go.

Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino and Avocado Leave-In Defining Creme

This protein-packed curl cream is rich enough to define and moisturise damaged hair, thanks to its base of avocado oil, soybean oil, aloe leaf juice, and glycerin. The cocktail of hydrators and proteins work to smooth, seal, and strengthen your hair cuticle, so your curls stay healthier and more resistant to damage.

Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Defining Cream

This curl cream is a winner of the Cosmopolitan Reader's Choice Award in 2022. Thanks to shea butter esters in the formula—a super lightweight emollient derived from shea butter—it's surprisingly lightweight, so it won't weigh down your fine hair.

Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream

This curl cream is packed with oat peptide, a moisture magnet that helps tame unruly strands, while tapioca starch gently encourages your natural curl pattern without any crunchy after-effects. Plus, sea buckthorn, a powerhouse ingredient, adds a dose of hydration and elasticity to keep your curls looking their bouncy, defined best.

Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel

If you're looking for defined curls without the ramen-noodle finish, you need to try this gel-cream hybrid that's basically a hydrating curl gel with a touch of creamy moisture. It's formulated with a mix of meadowfoam seed oil and PEG-40 castor oil (i.e. a water-soluble castor oil) that work together to soften and hydrate your curls without any stiffness or crunchiness.

Best curl creams for curly, frizzy hair

Curly hair is unpredictable, but that's what makes it so beautiful. One minute you have bouncy curls, and the next they've transformed into a frizzy mess. But don't worry, as finding the right curl cream can help you achieve those dreamy, low-maintenance curls you've always wanted.

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

This curl-defining cream is perfect for taming frizz and defining curls without leaving any sticky residue. Infused with nourishing argan oil and a blend of vitamins, it delivers intense hydration to all curl types, leaving hair feeling soft, shiny, and smooth. With this curl cream, you can say goodbye to frizz and hello to effortlessly refreshed curls all day long.

John Frieda Frizz Ease

This curl cream is a great option for those looking to tame frizz and add definition to their curls. It combines the nourishing benefits of an oil with the hold of a cream, resulting in soft, frizz-free curls. Infused with rosehip oil, it provides lasting hold and protection from humidity, so you can confidently rock your curls in any weather.

Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream

Featured as a top pick in Byrdie, this curl cream is ideal for thick, curly hair. It contains oat peptide, which helps to tame unruly strands, and tapioca starch, which gently encourages your natural curl pattern without any crunch. Sea buckthorn, a powerhouse ingredient, adds hydration and elasticity to your curls, leaving them bouncy and defined.

Tgin Twist & Define Cream for Natural Hair

Featured as a top pick in Cosmopolitan, this curl cream is perfect for thick, curly hair, especially if your hair is type 4 or prone to dryness. It delivers intense hydration and definition to dry, coarse curls, leaving them soft, manageable, and ready for any style. Infused with coconut and olive oils, this heavy-duty cream will become your go-to for frizz-free, well-defined curls.

Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream

This curl cream is perfect for fine, curly hair as it provides just the right amount of moisture and definition without any sticky residue. It contains a blend of hydrating oils, including Castor, Babassu, and Jojoba, as well as Hyaluronic Acid, which keeps curls bouncy and frizz-free. It also won't leave any product buildup, so you can say goodbye to that heavy, greasy feeling that some curl creams can cause.

Bumble and Bumble Curl Defining Styling Cream

This curl cream is an excellent choice for permed hair as it helps to maintain the salon-fresh look. It contains a blend of curl-loving butters and oils that deliver intense moisture to combat dryness, while also adding definition and shine. It also has a UV filter to protect your curls from the sun's drying effects, so you can enjoy soft, bouncy curls that last all day.

Best curl creams for thick curly hair

Managing thick, curly hair can be a challenge, but the right curl cream can be a game-changer. Here are some of the best curl creams for thick curly hair:

Amika: curl corps defining cream

This curl cream is highly recommended by Byrdie for thick, curly hair. It contains oat peptide, which helps to tame unruly strands, while tapioca starch encourages your natural curl pattern. Sea buckthorn adds a dose of hydration and elasticity, leaving your curls bouncy and defined. With this curl cream, you'll get happy, healthy curls that are ready to take on the world.

Tgin Twist & Define Cream for Natural Hair

Cosmopolitan spotlighted this curl cream as the top pick for thick, curly hair. It is an ultra-rich cream that provides intense hydration and definition to even the driest, coarsest curls. Coconut and olive oils work their magic, leaving your hair soft, manageable, and ready for any style. If you have type 4 hair or are prone to dryness, this heavy-duty cream will be your go-to for keeping your curls quenched and frizz-free.

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

This curl-enhancing smoothie is a cult favourite in the curl community. It is formulated with moisturizing coconut oil, strengthening silk protein, and smoothing neem seed oil. It leaves your type-3 and type-4 curls hydrated and defined, whether you're rocking a twist-out or a wash-and-go. The best part? It's affordable and easily accessible at stores like Amazon and Target.

Cantu Coconut Curling Cream

Cantu's Coconut Curling Cream is perfect for thick, curly hair that needs a little extra moisture and definition. It is made without harsh ingredients and helps to define, condition, and add manageability to your curls. Users rave about how it highlights each curl, leaving their natural hair looking fabulous. It's a quick and easy solution for those busy mornings when you need to get out the door in style.

Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream

This leave-in conditioner is a holy grail product for curly girls. It tames frizz and defines curls without leaving any sticky residue. Infused with nourishing argan oil and vitamins, it delivers intense hydration to all curl types, leaving your hair soft, shiny, and smooth. With Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream, you can say goodbye to frizz and hello to effortlessly refreshed curls all day long.

Best curl creams for fine curly hair

Fine curly hair can be tricky to manage, as it often has fewer cell layers in the cuticle, reducing its ability to retain moisture and leaving it dry and unmanageable. The right curl cream can help enhance curl definition and condition the hair without weighing it down.

Oribe Curl Control Silkening Cream

This lightweight styling cream is ideal for finer hair. It hydrates, fights frizz, and shapes and defines curls with the perfect balance of hold and moisture. It's a little pricey, but a little goes a long way.

L'Oréal Professionnel Curl Expression Moisturizing Leave-In Cream

This leave-in cream works for curl and coil patterns, smoothing hair to ease styling while providing up to two times more hydration. It's especially good for thinner hair, providing just enough moisture to aid in curl definition without weighing hair down or losing volume.

Cake Beauty Curl Friend Defining Curl Cream

This curl cream is highly-rated for fine hair. It's lightweight, so it won't weigh down your curls, and it even works in high humidity. However, some reviewers didn't like the fragrance, so if you're sensitive to scent, this may not be the one for you.

Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Defining Cream

This award-winning cream is one of the best options for fine, damaged curly hair. It's lightweight and won't leave your hair feeling tacky. It's also got keratin amino acids, which can help to strengthen damaged hair.

Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Curly Hair Cream

This is a lightweight leave-in conditioner that enhances curl texture and hydrates the hair without weighing it down. It's free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and sulfates, and it's also vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.

OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Curling Perfection Curl-Defining Cream

This curl-defining cream is very thick, so you only need to use a small amount, but it smooths flyaways and holds hair definition. The hero ingredient is argan oil, which adds shine and moisture to your curls.

SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

This curl cream is ideal for denser curls, so if your hair is on the finer side, be aware that it may be too rich. It minimizes frizz, defines curls, and moisturizes.

Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream

This curl cream is great for wavy/curly hair that tends to get flat throughout the day. It enhances curl definition and adds shine, with little to no frizz.

Dove Amplified Textures Shaping Butter Cream

This curl butter cream is ideal for tightly-textured or coarse curls, so may be too heavy for finer hair. It defines and holds curls, and it smells great too!

Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding

This cult classic curl pudding cream works on everything from waves to twist and braid-out styles. It's smoothing and defining and won't weigh down your curls.

Pattern Styling Cream

This rich buttercream-consistency styling cream is versatile and can be used on multiple hair types and styles. It provides lasting moisture and enhances shine, but some reviewers say it can be difficult to use on dry hair.

Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer

This curl cream is great for creating curls in straight hair. It enhances curl on all hair textures and is made with natural ingredients. However, some reviewers found it runny and sticky.

Frequently asked questions