Curl creams are like the love child of a leave-in conditioner and a curl styling product. “They help to define and amplify natural curls, eliminate frizz and add soft hold,” says Nunzio Saviano, a hairstylist and founder of the eponymous salon in New York City. “Curls need to be moisturized and protected to stay bouncy, separated, defined and smooth, and curl creams can offer the necessary hydration for a perfect style.”
BEST OVERALL CURL CREAM
Hydrating Styling Cream
Don’t be fooled by the name: This does-it-all Moroccanoil styling cream is GH’s resident curly girl’s go-to. “It adds flexible hold that’s not crunchy at all and keeps curls intact and fuzz-free for days,” says Good Housekeeping Institute Deputy Editor Jessica Teich. “I have high-porosity hair that dries really quickly so to keep it from frizzing up my hair on application, I add 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.”
• Key Ingredients: Argan Oil, vitamin E
• Size: 10.2 oz.
BEST VALUE CURL CREAM
Professionals for Natural Hair Curl Defining Cream
- Bargain price
- Shapes and softens curls
- Works on wet or dry hair
Work a dollop of this rich leave-in conditioner/styling cream hybrid from Suave, a GH Beauty Award winner (and less than $5!), through damp waves or spirals. It enhances texture while nourishing with shea butter and coconut oil. “My curls felt soft and held their shape,” a fan reported. “I used it to touch up dry hair too.”
• Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter
• Size: 12 oz.