The 11 Best Curl Creams, Tested by Real People with Curly Hair

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsAdd to CartWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Add to Cart

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Ally Hirschlag

People / Ally Hirschlag

For curly hair types, a curl cream is a true multi-tasker — a one-stop shop for styling and nourishing benefits. The right formula should smooth, define, and hydrate the curls without weighing them down, as well as encourage the hair’s natural curl pattern. TL;DR, the right curl cream should leave hair looking and feeling like the best, healthiest version of itself. Its importance ranks right up there with finding thebest hair brush.The More You Know“Curly hair is more fragile — and, because of its shape, it’s a challenge for curly haired people to have definition [in their hair]. It’s also challenging for curly hair to retain a moisture balance from root to end. An integral part of a curl cream formula is some type of styling element, in addition to some type of emollient conditioner or hydrator.” —Kerry Yates, trichologistOver six weeks, the PEOPLE Tested team — including individuals with hair types from 2 to 4C — tested 22 different curl cream formulas. Our testers incorporated the creams into their haircare routines to evaluate each product’s performance, hydrating effects, consistency, and overall results.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Oribe Curl Control Silkening Crème at Amazon$46Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream at Amazon$8Jump to ReviewBest for Dry Hair:Melanin Haircare Twist-Elongating Style Cream at Amazon$44Jump to ReviewBest for Shine:Ouai Curl Crème at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest for Tight Curls:SALEPattern Palo Santo Styling Cream at Sephora$49$12Jump to ReviewBest for Frizz:DevaCurl SuperCream Rich Coconut-Infused Definer at Amazon$34Jump to ReviewBest for Coarse Hair:Amika Defining Cream at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Smoothing:Bumble & Bumble Curl Defining Cream at Amazon$16Jump to ReviewBest for Styling:Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard at Amazon$13Jump to ReviewBest for Waves:Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream at Amazon$36Jump to Review

For curly hair types, a curl cream is a true multi-tasker — a one-stop shop for styling and nourishing benefits. The right formula should smooth, define, and hydrate the curls without weighing them down, as well as encourage the hair’s natural curl pattern. TL;DR, the right curl cream should leave hair looking and feeling like the best, healthiest version of itself. Its importance ranks right up there with finding thebest hair brush.

The More You Know“Curly hair is more fragile — and, because of its shape, it’s a challenge for curly haired people to have definition [in their hair]. It’s also challenging for curly hair to retain a moisture balance from root to end. An integral part of a curl cream formula is some type of styling element, in addition to some type of emollient conditioner or hydrator.” —Kerry Yates, trichologist

The More You Know

“Curly hair is more fragile — and, because of its shape, it’s a challenge for curly haired people to have definition [in their hair]. It’s also challenging for curly hair to retain a moisture balance from root to end. An integral part of a curl cream formula is some type of styling element, in addition to some type of emollient conditioner or hydrator.” —Kerry Yates, trichologist

Over six weeks, the PEOPLE Tested team — including individuals with hair types from 2 to 4C — tested 22 different curl cream formulas. Our testers incorporated the creams into their haircare routines to evaluate each product’s performance, hydrating effects, consistency, and overall results.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Oribe Curl Control Silkening Crème at Amazon$46Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream at Amazon$8Jump to ReviewBest for Dry Hair:Melanin Haircare Twist-Elongating Style Cream at Amazon$44Jump to ReviewBest for Shine:Ouai Curl Crème at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest for Tight Curls:SALEPattern Palo Santo Styling Cream at Sephora$49$12Jump to ReviewBest for Frizz:DevaCurl SuperCream Rich Coconut-Infused Definer at Amazon$34Jump to ReviewBest for Coarse Hair:Amika Defining Cream at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Smoothing:Bumble & Bumble Curl Defining Cream at Amazon$16Jump to ReviewBest for Styling:Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard at Amazon$13Jump to ReviewBest for Waves:Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream at Amazon$36Jump to Review

Best Overall:Oribe Curl Control Silkening Crème at Amazon$46Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream at Amazon$8Jump to ReviewBest for Dry Hair:Melanin Haircare Twist-Elongating Style Cream at Amazon$44Jump to ReviewBest for Shine:Ouai Curl Crème at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest for Tight Curls:SALEPattern Palo Santo Styling Cream at Sephora$49$12Jump to ReviewBest for Frizz:DevaCurl SuperCream Rich Coconut-Infused Definer at Amazon$34Jump to ReviewBest for Coarse Hair:Amika Defining Cream at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Smoothing:Bumble & Bumble Curl Defining Cream at Amazon$16Jump to ReviewBest for Styling:Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard at Amazon$13Jump to ReviewBest for Waves:Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream at Amazon$36Jump to Review

Best Overall:Oribe Curl Control Silkening Crème at Amazon$46Jump to Review

Best Overall:Oribe Curl Control Silkening Crème at Amazon$46

Best Overall:

Best Budget:Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream at Amazon$8Jump to Review

Best Budget:Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream at Amazon$8

Best Budget:

Best for Dry Hair:Melanin Haircare Twist-Elongating Style Cream at Amazon$44Jump to Review

Best for Dry Hair:Melanin Haircare Twist-Elongating Style Cream at Amazon$44

Best for Dry Hair:

Best for Shine:Ouai Curl Crème at Amazon$32Jump to Review

Best for Shine:Ouai Curl Crème at Amazon$32

Best for Shine:

Best for Tight Curls:SALEPattern Palo Santo Styling Cream at Sephora$49$12Jump to Review

Best for Tight Curls:SALEPattern Palo Santo Styling Cream at Sephora$49$12

Best for Tight Curls:

SALE

Best for Frizz:DevaCurl SuperCream Rich Coconut-Infused Definer at Amazon$34Jump to Review

Best for Frizz:DevaCurl SuperCream Rich Coconut-Infused Definer at Amazon$34

Best for Frizz:

Best for Coarse Hair:Amika Defining Cream at Amazon$30Jump to Review

Best for Coarse Hair:Amika Defining Cream at Amazon$30

Best for Coarse Hair:

Best Smoothing:Bumble & Bumble Curl Defining Cream at Amazon$16Jump to Review

Best Smoothing:Bumble & Bumble Curl Defining Cream at Amazon$16

Best Smoothing:

Best for Styling:Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard at Amazon$13Jump to Review

Best for Styling:Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard at Amazon$13

Best for Styling:

Best for Waves:Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream at Amazon$36Jump to Review

Best for Waves:Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream at Amazon$36

Best for Waves:

Best OverallOribe Curl Control Silkening CrèmePHOTO: Sephora$46 at Amazon$46 at Sephora$42 at DermstoreStar QualitiesAdds structure and definitionNourishingLuxurious scentHelped curls last longer between washesRed FlagsExpensive compared to other options in the categorySimple packagingOribe’s Silkening Creme impressed our tester so much that after applying it for the first time, she nearly gasped; her curls looked and felt amazing, with better-than-ever structure, definition, and softness — all without any added weight. Throughout the six-week testing period, she also noted that the product helped her curls last longer between washes.Our tester added that the medium-thick cream worked effectively on her type 2 hair (the brand formulated it with type 2 and 3 hair types in mind) and that a little went a long way — a plus that, for her, made its higher price point worthy of the investment. Bonus: it has a subtle, luxurious scent.Key Ingredients:Avocado, apricot, and coconut oils ISize:5 oz.PHOTO: People / Elizabeth TheriotPHOTO: People / Elizabeth TheriotPHOTO: People / Elizabeth TheriotPHOTO: People / Elizabeth Theriot

Best OverallOribe Curl Control Silkening CrèmePHOTO: Sephora$46 at Amazon$46 at Sephora$42 at Dermstore

Best OverallOribe Curl Control Silkening Crème

Best Overall

Oribe Curl Control Silkening Crème

PHOTO: Sephora

$46 at Amazon$46 at Sephora$42 at Dermstore

Star QualitiesAdds structure and definitionNourishingLuxurious scentHelped curls last longer between washesRed FlagsExpensive compared to other options in the categorySimple packaging

Star QualitiesAdds structure and definitionNourishingLuxurious scentHelped curls last longer between washes

Adds structure and definition

Nourishing

Luxurious scent

Helped curls last longer between washes

Red FlagsExpensive compared to other options in the categorySimple packaging

Expensive compared to other options in the category

Simple packaging

Oribe’s Silkening Creme impressed our tester so much that after applying it for the first time, she nearly gasped; her curls looked and felt amazing, with better-than-ever structure, definition, and softness — all without any added weight. Throughout the six-week testing period, she also noted that the product helped her curls last longer between washes.

Our tester added that the medium-thick cream worked effectively on her type 2 hair (the brand formulated it with type 2 and 3 hair types in mind) and that a little went a long way — a plus that, for her, made its higher price point worthy of the investment. Bonus: it has a subtle, luxurious scent.

Key Ingredients:Avocado, apricot, and coconut oils ISize:5 oz.

PHOTO: People / Elizabeth TheriotPHOTO: People / Elizabeth TheriotPHOTO: People / Elizabeth TheriotPHOTO: People / Elizabeth Theriot

Best BudgetMarc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy CreamPHOTO: Rite Aid$8$7 at Amazon$8 at Target$9$8 at WalmartStar QualitiesLightweight feelSmoothing and nourishingBudget-friendly priceRed FlagsUnappealing smellOur tester, who has 2b/c hair, said that this drugstore curl cream left her hair feeling nourished and voluminous — a huge win, especially given that she often struggles with dryness and frizz. After completing the six-week testing period, she felt excited about wearing her hair curly instead of straightening it.In terms of texture, she felt this product was a true cream but was also slightly watery, which made it feel more lightweight than other creams during the application process. She didn’t experience any leftover residue or flaking, though — it left her hair smooth and refined.Her one sticking point, however, was scent. The product contains an added fragrance, which she said was slightly strong and unsavory — especially when using an ample amount on the hair.Key Ingredients:Avocado, shea butter, and vitamin E ISize:6 oz.PHOTO: People / Kelsey HansenPHOTO: People / Kelsey HansenPHOTO: People / Kelsey Hansen

Best BudgetMarc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy CreamPHOTO: Rite Aid$8$7 at Amazon$8 at Target$9$8 at Walmart

Best BudgetMarc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream

Best Budget

Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream

PHOTO: Rite Aid

$8$7 at Amazon$8 at Target$9$8 at Walmart

Star QualitiesLightweight feelSmoothing and nourishingBudget-friendly priceRed FlagsUnappealing smell

Star QualitiesLightweight feelSmoothing and nourishingBudget-friendly price

Lightweight feel

Smoothing and nourishing

Budget-friendly price

Red FlagsUnappealing smell

Unappealing smell

Our tester, who has 2b/c hair, said that this drugstore curl cream left her hair feeling nourished and voluminous — a huge win, especially given that she often struggles with dryness and frizz. After completing the six-week testing period, she felt excited about wearing her hair curly instead of straightening it.

In terms of texture, she felt this product was a true cream but was also slightly watery, which made it feel more lightweight than other creams during the application process. She didn’t experience any leftover residue or flaking, though — it left her hair smooth and refined.

Her one sticking point, however, was scent. The product contains an added fragrance, which she said was slightly strong and unsavory — especially when using an ample amount on the hair.

Key Ingredients:Avocado, shea butter, and vitamin E ISize:6 oz.

PHOTO: People / Kelsey HansenPHOTO: People / Kelsey HansenPHOTO: People / Kelsey Hansen

Best for Dry HairMelanin Haircare Twist-Elongating Style CreamPHOTO: Melanin Haircare$44 at Amazon$20 at Sephora$20 at TargetStar QualitiesCreamy consistencyNourishing and hydratingLeft no flakes or white residueRed FlagsNot widely availableOur tester, who has type 4a/c hair, used Melanin Haircare’s Twist-Elongating Style Cream cream for the first time after washing her hair while preparing to style it in mini-twists. Pre-application, she noted that her hair was dry and dull-looking, but afterward, her curls/twists were smooth, shiny, and moisturized.Over the testing period, she kept her hair in twists and used this cream, along with a leave-in conditioner, to rehydrate it whenever it felt dry. She noted that it made them feel as if they’d been freshly washed, moisturized, and twisted — that the product significantly reduced the visible frizziness of her hair while adding shine.She also loved its thick, creamy texture — she noted it was possible to turn its jar upside down without any spilling — but even still, it left zero residue or flakes in her hair, and it layered well with the other moisturizing and styling products she used.Key Ingredients:Shea, mango, cocoa, kokum, and cupuacu butters; avocado, sweet almond, and argan oils; vitamin E ISize:14 oz.PHOTO: People / Arnesia YoungPHOTO: People / Arnesia YoungPHOTO: People / Arnesia YoungPHOTO: People / Arnesia Young

Best for Dry HairMelanin Haircare Twist-Elongating Style CreamPHOTO: Melanin Haircare$44 at Amazon$20 at Sephora$20 at Target

Best for Dry HairMelanin Haircare Twist-Elongating Style Cream

Best for Dry Hair

Melanin Haircare Twist-Elongating Style Cream

PHOTO: Melanin Haircare

$44 at Amazon$20 at Sephora$20 at Target

Star QualitiesCreamy consistencyNourishing and hydratingLeft no flakes or white residueRed FlagsNot widely available

Star QualitiesCreamy consistencyNourishing and hydratingLeft no flakes or white residue

Creamy consistency

Nourishing and hydrating

Left no flakes or white residue

Red FlagsNot widely available

Not widely available

Our tester, who has type 4a/c hair, used Melanin Haircare’s Twist-Elongating Style Cream cream for the first time after washing her hair while preparing to style it in mini-twists. Pre-application, she noted that her hair was dry and dull-looking, but afterward, her curls/twists were smooth, shiny, and moisturized.

Over the testing period, she kept her hair in twists and used this cream, along with a leave-in conditioner, to rehydrate it whenever it felt dry. She noted that it made them feel as if they’d been freshly washed, moisturized, and twisted — that the product significantly reduced the visible frizziness of her hair while adding shine.

She also loved its thick, creamy texture — she noted it was possible to turn its jar upside down without any spilling — but even still, it left zero residue or flakes in her hair, and it layered well with the other moisturizing and styling products she used.

Key Ingredients:Shea, mango, cocoa, kokum, and cupuacu butters; avocado, sweet almond, and argan oils; vitamin E ISize:14 oz.

PHOTO: People / Arnesia YoungPHOTO: People / Arnesia YoungPHOTO: People / Arnesia YoungPHOTO: People / Arnesia Young

Best for ShineOuai Curl CrèmePHOTO: Sephora$32 at Amazon$32 at Sephora$32 at TargetStar QualitiesSmoothes the hairAdds shineNice floral scentRed FlagsCan feel heavy with too much productOuai’s curl cream was perfect for thick, coarse, curly hair, according to our tester. It helped her reduce frizz and add serious shine to her type 3a/b hair.During testing, she found herself using a bit too much of the product, which weighed her curls down. After refining her application strategy (no more than a pea-sized amount of product), she said her hair felt smoother and much less brittle, a concern she often struggles with.She also loved the product’s scent, which she described as light, floral, and lingering (but not obnoxiously so). Her boyfriend enjoyed it, too!Key Ingredients:Coconut, babassu, chia, and linseed oils ISize:8 oz.PHOTO: People / Katlyn MoncadaPHOTO: People / Katlyn MoncadaPHOTO: People / Katlyn Moncada

Best for ShineOuai Curl CrèmePHOTO: Sephora$32 at Amazon$32 at Sephora$32 at Target

Best for ShineOuai Curl Crème

Best for Shine

Ouai Curl Crème

$32 at Amazon$32 at Sephora$32 at Target

Star QualitiesSmoothes the hairAdds shineNice floral scentRed FlagsCan feel heavy with too much product

Star QualitiesSmoothes the hairAdds shineNice floral scent

Smoothes the hair

Adds shine

Nice floral scent

Red FlagsCan feel heavy with too much product

Can feel heavy with too much product

Ouai’s curl cream was perfect for thick, coarse, curly hair, according to our tester. It helped her reduce frizz and add serious shine to her type 3a/b hair.

During testing, she found herself using a bit too much of the product, which weighed her curls down. After refining her application strategy (no more than a pea-sized amount of product), she said her hair felt smoother and much less brittle, a concern she often struggles with.

She also loved the product’s scent, which she described as light, floral, and lingering (but not obnoxiously so). Her boyfriend enjoyed it, too!

Key Ingredients:Coconut, babassu, chia, and linseed oils ISize:8 oz.

PHOTO: People / Katlyn MoncadaPHOTO: People / Katlyn MoncadaPHOTO: People / Katlyn Moncada

Best for Tight CurlsPattern Palo Santo Styling CreamPHOTO: Sephora$49$12 at Sephora$28 at Patternbeauty.comStar QualitiesHydrating and smoothingAdds shineExcellent valueRed FlagsHair feels crunchy with too much productPattern’s styling cream added significant moisture and shine to our tester’s hair. It also didn’t flake after drying, even when she used it with other products in her regular haircare regimen.Even though its texture was thicker than other curl creams, it wasn’t an issue. The product never left her scalp feeling itchy, greasy, or irritated. Our testerdidflag that when she used too much, it made her 3c/4c hair feel crunchy, but the right amount — for her, a quarter-size dollop — left her with soft, touchable curls.Our tester also noted that it was an excellent value for the price (15 ounces for under $30) and that it had a pleasant clean, floral scent.Key Ingredients:Shea butter, cacay, and sweet almond oils ISize:15 oz.PHOTO: People / Amanda StanfieldPHOTO: People / Amanda StanfieldPHOTO: People / Amanda Stanfield

Best for Tight CurlsPattern Palo Santo Styling CreamPHOTO: Sephora$49$12 at Sephora$28 at Patternbeauty.com

Best for Tight CurlsPattern Palo Santo Styling Cream

Best for Tight Curls

Pattern Palo Santo Styling Cream

$49$12 at Sephora$28 at Patternbeauty.com

Star QualitiesHydrating and smoothingAdds shineExcellent valueRed FlagsHair feels crunchy with too much product

Star QualitiesHydrating and smoothingAdds shineExcellent value

Hydrating and smoothing

Excellent value

Red FlagsHair feels crunchy with too much product

Hair feels crunchy with too much product

Pattern’s styling cream added significant moisture and shine to our tester’s hair. It also didn’t flake after drying, even when she used it with other products in her regular haircare regimen.

Even though its texture was thicker than other curl creams, it wasn’t an issue. The product never left her scalp feeling itchy, greasy, or irritated. Our testerdidflag that when she used too much, it made her 3c/4c hair feel crunchy, but the right amount — for her, a quarter-size dollop — left her with soft, touchable curls.

Our tester also noted that it was an excellent value for the price (15 ounces for under $30) and that it had a pleasant clean, floral scent.

Key Ingredients:Shea butter, cacay, and sweet almond oils ISize:15 oz.

PHOTO: People / Amanda StanfieldPHOTO: People / Amanda StanfieldPHOTO: People / Amanda Stanfield

Best for FrizzDevaCurl SuperCream Rich Coconut-Infused DefinerPHOTO: DevaCurl$34 at Amazon$34 at Ulta$34 at Jcpenney.comStar QualitiesSmoothingAdds structure and definitionLeaves no residueRed FlagsRelatively expensive for the categoryThe first time our tester used DevaCurl’s SuperCream, she noticed an immediate difference in her type 2 hair. Without the cream, her curls were wavier and had too much body. After just one application, they were tighter, more defined, and smooth — virtually no frizz in sight.The key, she said, was not to use too much product — it’s on the thicker side — and to distribute it evenly throughout the hair. (Regardless, the product never left any residue.) Overall, our tester felt that DevaCurl’s offering was one of the best curl-defining creams she’d tried and that she planned to continue using it in her haircare routine.Key Ingredients:Coconut oil, jojoba protein, and corn starch ISize:5.1 oz.PHOTO: People / Michelle EdelbaumPHOTO: People / Michelle EdelbaumPHOTO: People / Michelle Edelbaum

Best for FrizzDevaCurl SuperCream Rich Coconut-Infused DefinerPHOTO: DevaCurl$34 at Amazon$34 at Ulta$34 at Jcpenney.com

Best for FrizzDevaCurl SuperCream Rich Coconut-Infused Definer

Best for Frizz

DevaCurl SuperCream Rich Coconut-Infused Definer

PHOTO: DevaCurl

$34 at Amazon$34 at Ulta$34 at Jcpenney.com

Star QualitiesSmoothingAdds structure and definitionLeaves no residueRed FlagsRelatively expensive for the category

Star QualitiesSmoothingAdds structure and definitionLeaves no residue

Smoothing

Leaves no residue

Red FlagsRelatively expensive for the category

Relatively expensive for the category

The first time our tester used DevaCurl’s SuperCream, she noticed an immediate difference in her type 2 hair. Without the cream, her curls were wavier and had too much body. After just one application, they were tighter, more defined, and smooth — virtually no frizz in sight.

The key, she said, was not to use too much product — it’s on the thicker side — and to distribute it evenly throughout the hair. (Regardless, the product never left any residue.) Overall, our tester felt that DevaCurl’s offering was one of the best curl-defining creams she’d tried and that she planned to continue using it in her haircare routine.

Key Ingredients:Coconut oil, jojoba protein, and corn starch ISize:5.1 oz.

PHOTO: People / Michelle EdelbaumPHOTO: People / Michelle EdelbaumPHOTO: People / Michelle Edelbaum

Best for Coarse HairAmika Defining CreamPHOTO: Amazon$30 at Amazon$30 at Sephora$30 at Kohls.comStar QualitiesRepaired heat damageSoftened and smoothed hairNice floral scentRed FlagsNone we could find!For our tester, the thing that stood out most about Amika’s Curl Corps defining cream wasn’t just how hydrated her hair looked after her first application — it was how much healthier it felt after a full six weeks of testing. In particular, she noted that after testing, when she straightened her hair for a photoshoot, her 4c curls reverted much more quickly and were less brittle.Also, during the testing period, she used this cream while styling her hair in Bantu knots; when she took them out, her hair felt smooth and soft when she combed it with her fingers. She plans to continue using the Curl Corps Defining Cream during the summer months for more natural styles and twist-outs.Lastly, she noted that the product (which had a creamy gel consistency similar tobody butter) also came with a nice but not overpowering floral scent.Key Ingredients:Tapioca starch, oat peptide, and sea buckthorn berry ISize:6.7 oz.PHOTO: People / Chantia MurphyPHOTO: People / Chantia MurphyPHOTO: People / Chantia Murphy

Best for Coarse HairAmika Defining CreamPHOTO: Amazon$30 at Amazon$30 at Sephora$30 at Kohls.com

Best for Coarse HairAmika Defining Cream

Best for Coarse Hair

Amika Defining Cream

PHOTO: Amazon

$30 at Amazon$30 at Sephora$30 at Kohls.com

Star QualitiesRepaired heat damageSoftened and smoothed hairNice floral scentRed FlagsNone we could find!

Star QualitiesRepaired heat damageSoftened and smoothed hairNice floral scent

Repaired heat damage

Softened and smoothed hair

Red FlagsNone we could find!

None we could find!

For our tester, the thing that stood out most about Amika’s Curl Corps defining cream wasn’t just how hydrated her hair looked after her first application — it was how much healthier it felt after a full six weeks of testing. In particular, she noted that after testing, when she straightened her hair for a photoshoot, her 4c curls reverted much more quickly and were less brittle.

Also, during the testing period, she used this cream while styling her hair in Bantu knots; when she took them out, her hair felt smooth and soft when she combed it with her fingers. She plans to continue using the Curl Corps Defining Cream during the summer months for more natural styles and twist-outs.

Lastly, she noted that the product (which had a creamy gel consistency similar tobody butter) also came with a nice but not overpowering floral scent.

Key Ingredients:Tapioca starch, oat peptide, and sea buckthorn berry ISize:6.7 oz.

PHOTO: People / Chantia MurphyPHOTO: People / Chantia MurphyPHOTO: People / Chantia Murphy

Best SmoothingBumble & Bumble Curl Defining CreamPHOTO: Amazon$16 at Amazon$16 at Nordstrom$36$16 at SephoraStar QualitiesImparts bounce and definitionHydratingLightweight feelRed FlagsDidn’t detangle hairAccording to our tester, Bumble and Bumble’s Curl Defining Cream 100 percent delivered on its promise to provide bouncy, flexible curls. After six weeks of using it, she said her type 3b curls felt nourished, hydrated, and more defined than before.Another plus was that it worked incredibly well with her type 3b hair and that it melted right onto it but felt very lightweight — no crunchiness or stickiness in sight. It also had a light, clean scent that she said didn’t linger on her hair.One thing to note: Although she said the Curl Defining Cream also helped make my hair smoother, it didn’t do much in the detangling department. (Not a game-changer for everyone, though.)Key Ingredients:The brand’s proprietary HydraSculpt Blend; avocado, coconut, and jojoba oils; shea butter ISize:8.5 oz.PHOTO: People / Irianna MendozaPHOTO: People / Irianna MendozaPHOTO: People / Irianna Mendoza

Best SmoothingBumble & Bumble Curl Defining CreamPHOTO: Amazon$16 at Amazon$16 at Nordstrom$36$16 at Sephora

Best SmoothingBumble & Bumble Curl Defining Cream

Best Smoothing

Bumble & Bumble Curl Defining Cream

$16 at Amazon$16 at Nordstrom$36$16 at Sephora

Star QualitiesImparts bounce and definitionHydratingLightweight feelRed FlagsDidn’t detangle hair

Star QualitiesImparts bounce and definitionHydratingLightweight feel

Imparts bounce and definition

Hydrating

Red FlagsDidn’t detangle hair

Didn’t detangle hair

According to our tester, Bumble and Bumble’s Curl Defining Cream 100 percent delivered on its promise to provide bouncy, flexible curls. After six weeks of using it, she said her type 3b curls felt nourished, hydrated, and more defined than before.

Another plus was that it worked incredibly well with her type 3b hair and that it melted right onto it but felt very lightweight — no crunchiness or stickiness in sight. It also had a light, clean scent that she said didn’t linger on her hair.

One thing to note: Although she said the Curl Defining Cream also helped make my hair smoother, it didn’t do much in the detangling department. (Not a game-changer for everyone, though.)

Key Ingredients:The brand’s proprietary HydraSculpt Blend; avocado, coconut, and jojoba oils; shea butter ISize:8.5 oz.

PHOTO: People / Irianna MendozaPHOTO: People / Irianna MendozaPHOTO: People / Irianna Mendoza

Best for StylingMielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting CustardPHOTO: Ulta$13 at Amazon$13 at Target$14 at UltaStar QualitiesImproves stylingSmoothing and hydratingDetangling benefitsLess breakageRed FlagsOdd textureHoney scent may not appeal to everyoneAfter six weeks of use, our tester noticed that her 3c/4a hair was much smoother and noticeably softer. She also said the product made it easier to style her hair; this curl cream made her braid-outs, in particular, look and feel exceptional. The product made her hair feel less tangled, and she even noticed less breakage on a daily basis.One drawback for our tester was the product’s texture, which she described as a wet, mucus-like gel, though she maintained the results made it worth the slight discomfort. Also, she noted that some people may not love its honey-like scent (although it fades quickly).Key Ingredients:Coconut, sweet almond, and avocado oils; corn starch ISize:12 oz.PHOTO: People / Aliyah RodriguezPHOTO: People / Aliyah RodriguezPHOTO: People / Aliyah RodriguezPHOTO: People / Aliyah Rodriguez

Best for StylingMielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting CustardPHOTO: Ulta$13 at Amazon$13 at Target$14 at Ulta

Best for StylingMielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard

Best for Styling

Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard

PHOTO: Ulta

$13 at Amazon$13 at Target$14 at Ulta

Star QualitiesImproves stylingSmoothing and hydratingDetangling benefitsLess breakageRed FlagsOdd textureHoney scent may not appeal to everyone

Star QualitiesImproves stylingSmoothing and hydratingDetangling benefitsLess breakage

Improves styling

Smoothing and hydrating

Detangling benefits

Less breakage

Red FlagsOdd textureHoney scent may not appeal to everyone

Odd texture

Honey scent may not appeal to everyone

After six weeks of use, our tester noticed that her 3c/4a hair was much smoother and noticeably softer. She also said the product made it easier to style her hair; this curl cream made her braid-outs, in particular, look and feel exceptional. The product made her hair feel less tangled, and she even noticed less breakage on a daily basis.

One drawback for our tester was the product’s texture, which she described as a wet, mucus-like gel, though she maintained the results made it worth the slight discomfort. Also, she noted that some people may not love its honey-like scent (although it fades quickly).

Key Ingredients:Coconut, sweet almond, and avocado oils; corn starch ISize:12 oz.

PHOTO: People / Aliyah RodriguezPHOTO: People / Aliyah RodriguezPHOTO: People / Aliyah RodriguezPHOTO: People / Aliyah Rodriguez

Best for WavesMoroccanoil Curl Defining CreamPHOTO: Amazon$36 at Amazon$16 at Nordstrom$36$16 at SephoraStar QualitiesGreat valueAdds definition and bounceAir-dries wellRed FlagsSlight flaking after several daysToo much product adds weightMoroccanoil’s Curl Defining Cream was a pleasant surprise: Our tester’s wavy, 2c/3a curls looked more defined when she applied this curl cream versus her regularAct+Acre Cold-Pressed Curl Lotion. Her curls were bouncier and they also lasted longer, she said.However, she did have to scrunch and flip her hair a bit more — otherwise, the heaviness of the cream (which felt almost like toothpaste when it came out of the packaging, she said) weighed her hair down at the roots. She also noticed a bit of flaking after a few days of wear, but it didn’t leave her hair crunchy or sticky.Overall, our tester felt that this product worked seamlessly with her wavy hair texture — it never failed to provide full, defined curls every time she used it.Key Ingredients:Argan oil, polyquaternium-11, hydrolyzed vegetable protein ISize:8.5 oz.PHOTO: People / Ally HirschlagPHOTO: People / Ally HirschlagPHOTO: People / Ally Hirschlag

Best for WavesMoroccanoil Curl Defining CreamPHOTO: Amazon$36 at Amazon$16 at Nordstrom$36$16 at Sephora

Best for WavesMoroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

Best for Waves

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

$36 at Amazon$16 at Nordstrom$36$16 at Sephora

Star QualitiesGreat valueAdds definition and bounceAir-dries wellRed FlagsSlight flaking after several daysToo much product adds weight

Star QualitiesGreat valueAdds definition and bounceAir-dries well

Great value

Adds definition and bounce

Air-dries well

Red FlagsSlight flaking after several daysToo much product adds weight

Slight flaking after several days

Too much product adds weight

Moroccanoil’s Curl Defining Cream was a pleasant surprise: Our tester’s wavy, 2c/3a curls looked more defined when she applied this curl cream versus her regularAct+Acre Cold-Pressed Curl Lotion. Her curls were bouncier and they also lasted longer, she said.

However, she did have to scrunch and flip her hair a bit more — otherwise, the heaviness of the cream (which felt almost like toothpaste when it came out of the packaging, she said) weighed her hair down at the roots. She also noticed a bit of flaking after a few days of wear, but it didn’t leave her hair crunchy or sticky.

Overall, our tester felt that this product worked seamlessly with her wavy hair texture — it never failed to provide full, defined curls every time she used it.

Key Ingredients:Argan oil, polyquaternium-11, hydrolyzed vegetable protein ISize:8.5 oz.

PHOTO: People / Ally HirschlagPHOTO: People / Ally HirschlagPHOTO: People / Ally Hirschlag

Best for KidsCantu Care for Kids Sulfate-Free Styling Custard with Shea ButterPHOTO: Walmart$7$6 at Amazon$6 at Target$12 at Walmart

Best for KidsCantu Care for Kids Sulfate-Free Styling Custard with Shea Butter

Best for Kids

Cantu Care for Kids Sulfate-Free Styling Custard with Shea Butter

PHOTO: Walmart

$7$6 at Amazon$6 at Target$12 at Walmart

Star QualitiesBudget-friendly priceNourishes and holds curlsGentle formulaRed FlagsSlightly goopy

Star QualitiesBudget-friendly priceNourishes and holds curlsGentle formula

Nourishes and holds curls

Gentle formula

Red FlagsSlightly goopy

Slightly goopy

No matter what age, everyone’s curls are worth caring for — and this gentle curl cream from Cantu is the perfect option for kids. Styling curls, waves, and coils is a breeze with this hydrating, frizz-controlling formula made with shea butter, honey, and coconut oil (which gives the product a delightful scent, too).

We brushed a nickel-sized amount through wet curls and let them air-dry, which kept them intact and ultra-soft, even after a day on the playground. It does have a slightly goopy texture, but that wasn’t a dealbreaker. Plus, the bottle is on sale for just $4 if you buyat Amazonright now.

Key Ingredients:Shea butter, coconut oil, honey ISize:8 oz.

PHOTO: People / Kayla KittsPHOTO: People / Kayla KittsPHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts

Curl cream secured. Now check out these other PEOPLE-Tested hair and beauty products. Our team thoroughly tests each product we feature to ensure only the best make the highlight reel.

Crown Affair The Brush No. 002$98 at SephoraView on Goop.comView on Crownaffair.comTatcha The Water Cream$72 at Amazon$25 at Sephora$89 at UltaDrybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray$29 at Amazon$29$15 at Nordstrom$15 at SephoraAunt Jackie’s Knot On My Watch Detangling Therapy$12$11 at Amazon$8 at Target$10$7 at Walmart

Crown Affair The Brush No. 002$98 at SephoraView on Goop.comView on Crownaffair.com

Crown Affair The Brush No. 002

$98 at SephoraView on Goop.comView on Crownaffair.com

Tatcha The Water Cream$72 at Amazon$25 at Sephora$89 at Ulta

Tatcha The Water Cream

$72 at Amazon$25 at Sephora$89 at Ulta

Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray$29 at Amazon$29$15 at Nordstrom$15 at Sephora

Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray

$29 at Amazon$29$15 at Nordstrom$15 at Sephora

Aunt Jackie’s Knot On My Watch Detangling Therapy$12$11 at Amazon$8 at Target$10$7 at Walmart

Aunt Jackie’s Knot On My Watch Detangling Therapy

$12$11 at Amazon$8 at Target$10$7 at Walmart

What to Know About Curl Creams

Ingredients

Aronson and Yates agree that the best curl creams should contain ingredients that nourish and hydrate the hair. “I would look for products that contain some natural oils — like coconut oil or shea butter — which help improve the hair’s suppleness and softness,” says Yates. “[This type of ingredient] also helps tame frizz.”

Aronson also recommends avocado oil, which “replenishes the hair and deeply conditions.” (Many products on this list — including our Best Overall,Oribe’s Curl Control Silkening Creme, and our Best Budget,Marc Anthony’s Strictly Curls Curl Cream— contain certain combinations of these natural oils.)

Additionally, Yates says that a type of styling resin is essential for helping with curl definition. “If you’re leaning more towards natural ingredients, look for bamboo extract or some type of sugar complex,” she says.

Consistency

No matter a product’s original texture, what’s important is to look for a formula that thins out easily in the hands. “You’re looking for something that easily breaks down with the heat of your hands and with friction so that you can easily apply it — and distribute it evenly — in your hair,” Yates explains.

People / Michelle Edelbaum

To identify the best curl creams on the market, our PEOPLE Tested team spent 396 hours with 22 formulas over six weeks, carefully investigating their performances and assessing their hydrating effects, consistency, effectiveness, and overall results.

Each reviewer used their products 1-2 times per week during the testing period. In each application, testers applied a dime-sized amount to towel-dried hair, evenly distributing it from root to tip with their fingers before scrunching to encourage curl definition. They then allowed their hair to air dry or used a blow dryer or diffuser.

Keeping all these factors in mind, we choseOribe’s Curl Control Silkening Cremeas our Best Overall curl cream.

Our Expert Panel

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com