My summer hair goal is a simple one: embrace my natural waves. Easier said than done, though. If you have waves, curls or combination hair like I do, imperfectly-perfect spirals can turn limp or into an undefined, frizzy mess without the right products. That's where moisture-boosting, hold-inducing curl creams come in.
During my hunt for the perfect curl cream, I came across 13 with hyper-enthusiastic reviews from users with curls, kinks, coils and waves of all kinds, because there's no such thing a one-size-fits-all curl product.
Top curl creams, according to shoppers:
1 / 13
Dae's Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream can do it all. Need a heat protectant to prep for a shiny blowout? Check. A cream that acts a sleek and smooth style finisher? Check. But where this hair cream really stands out is the how it defines and enhances curls that are touchably soft and frizz-free.
BUY ON SEPHORA - $30
BUY ON AMAZON - $30
2 / 13
Ouidad is a staple among curly hair types thanks to the brand's various product lines meant to complement different kinds of curls. The Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream, formulated for curly and coily hair textures, hydrates and strengthens hair, combats frizz and elongates curls while keeping your curl pattern intact.
BUY ON AMAZON - $26
BUY ON ULTA - $26
3 / 13
This is a silky curl cream that can be used for soft definition, braids and slicked-back styles. Botanical extracts like mango butter, coconut and quinoa protein condition and repair every strand, leaving hair frizz-free, bouncy and ultra shiny whether you air dry, blow dry or diffuse.
BUY ON AMAZON - $27.50
BUY ON SEPHORA - $28
4 / 13
For superior and locked-in moisture that leaves coily and tightly textured hair looking more defined and less frizzy, there's little room for improvement when it comes to PATTERN's Styling Cream. The oil-rich and super thick cream also promotes hair retention while preventing breakage and damage when setting twist outs, braid outs, bantu knots and twisting locs.
BUY ON AMAZON - $28
BUY ON PATTERN - $28
5 / 13
It's a cult-classic for thick, curly hair for a reason. SheaMoisture's Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream has the formula to define and shape curls that last for days. It also helps fight frizz thanks to natural oils and silk protein so curls are controlled while maintaining softness and bounce.
BUY ON AMAZON - $12
BUY ON TARGET - $13
6 / 13
For the perfect balance of curls that aren't too soft and never crunchy or hard, this leave-in super cream from BondiBoost is worth a try. It holds and enhances natural curls thanks to a blend of shea butter, argan oil and coconut oil, while adding volume, definition and shine.
BUY ON SEPHORA - $28
BUY ON AMAZON - $28
7 / 13
Oribe’s Curl Control Silkening Creme is ideal for soft waves and loose curls that still need shape and definition (curl types two to three will experience the best results, according to the brand). Enriched with argan, avocado and coconut oils, this splurge-worthy styling cream leaves stands feeling like, as its name suggests, silk, while it hydrates and restores elasticity.
BUY ON AMAZON - $42
BUY ON SEPHORA - $42
8 / 13
Split ends and frizz don't stand a chance against this styling cream. It's humidity- and static-resistant, acts a heat protectant and works on all hair types and textures. A little goes a long way too; the brand recommends a "pea-sized amount" to transform dry, brittle hair to glossy and smooth strands.
BUY ON AMAZON - $10
BUY ON CVS - $12
9 / 13
This argan-oil rich formula weightlessly moisturizes and revives curls of all kinds while boosting body and shine. It also expertly tackles frizz and flyaways.
BUY ON AMAZON - $11
BUY ON CVS - $9
10 / 13
Ouai's "do it all" hair cream uses a blend of natural oils including chia, linseed, coconut and babassu to hydrate hair, form and shape curls, control frizz, and help protect hair from humidity and damaged cuticles. Use it on wet or dry hair in any routine and get soft and defined curls sans any residue, greasiness or crunch.
BUY ON AMAZON - $32
BUY ON ULTA - $32
11 / 13
This ultra-smoothing cream is formulated with argan oil and polyquaternium-11, an ingredient that forms a lightweight film around hair to hold the curl. Add in hydrolyzed vegetable protein that coats porous strands and split ends, and your hair will have a strong barrier that keeps frizz out while promoting a gentle hold and separation on curls.
BUY ON AMAZON - $36
BUY ON SEPHORA - $36
12 / 13
Amika's Curl Corps Defining Cream softly coaxes curls to keep them from frizzing, splitting or sagging thanks to an antioxidant rich, anti-humidity formula. It's also incredibly hydrating, making it a perfect pick for drier hair types that need extra nourishment.
BUY ON AMAZON - $30
BUY ON SEPHORA - $30
13 / 13
Fine, curly hair can be tricky because many cream formulas will end up just weighing hair down. Not Your Mother's Curl Talk is the answer. It delivers clearly defined curls and added bounce without any of the weight and absolutely no greasiness.
BUY ON ULTA - $9
