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10 Best Curl Defining Creams in 2022 (Curly Hair Blogger-Reviewed)

Do you ever look in the mirror halfway through the day and wonder what happened to your beautiful, shiny curls? Curls are great. But if you’ve had them your whole life, you might have a love-hate relationship with them. When hydrated and nourished properly, you’re left with beautiful curls. But when it’s 90% humidity or you’ve bleached your hair, the result might not be so flattering.

It can be a bit overwhelming and quite frankly, costly, to figure out which cream, gel, spray, or mousse works best for your hair. So, in this guide, we’ll show you how to find the right curl defining cream for you. We've also prepared a list of our top 10 favorites, with Ouidad's Curl Quencher taking first place.
Last updated 09/26/2023
Curls Understood
Expert
Curly Hair Blogger
Curls Understood

Sylvia started her natural hair journey over 10 years ago. Back then, she struggled with a dearth of information about natural hair, hair care, and hair products. And now, in 2018, she knows that people are overwhelmed by the opposite: hoardes of online information, with no way to separate truth from fiction. And that's why she founded Curls Understood, a site that curates content from around the web so you know just what to do with your hair. Her success as a blogger has also led her to write 2 ebooks about natural hair, as well as contribute to platforms such as Allure and Buzzfeed. Learn more about her and your curls at her site below.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose Curl Defining Creams

If you’ve got curls, you’ve probably tried dozens of curl-defining creams to help you nourish and maintain them. And you still might not have found the right creams for your hair. There are just so many products out there, so we decided to ask Sylvia to help us sort through the good and the bad.
1

Decide Between Gels, Mousses, or Creams

A cream will give you lots of moisture and bounce, but if you’re looking to keep your hair styled up and in place all night, it won’t do the job–you’ll need to add a gel. Let’s take a look at when you should use gels, mousses, and creams.

Choose a Curling Gel for a Strong Hold

Choose a Curling Gel for a Strong Hold
Gels typically provide a stronger hold with more control. However, they offer less body.


If you do prefer a curl-defining gel, be careful not to apply too much; otherwise, it’ll leave your hair looking quite wet and crunchy. And if you have fragile hair, gel might be too harsh. There are also spray gels, which gives your hair a little more bounce.

Curls Understood
Curly Hair Blogger
Curls Understood

Most curly girls use gels for finishing a style. I think it works great for women who have a looser curl pattern or beach waves, as opposed to someone who has an afro. If you have an afro, you can't actually see the curls until you get really close, which means the curls are smaller. 


For those smaller curls, gels don’t work as well. People who have kinky hair or who are in the 4a, 4b, or 4c scale probably don’t have as much success using gels.

For Added Volume, Go with a Mousse

For Added Volume, Go with a Mousse
Mousses are for you if you’re looking for added volume and bounce. They provide a light to medium hold, so they work great with finer hair.


Unfortunately, though, a lot of mousses contain drying alcohols, so if you choose a mousse to help define your curls, make sure it doesn’t contain those alcohols.

Curls Understood
Curly Hair Blogger
Curls Understood

You would use a mousse to encourage softer curls. After it dries, the hair isn’t going to feel as crunchy. But more so for people with looser curls, as opposed to afros. 


I don’t know many people with the 4a, 4b, or 4c hair who would use a mousse. If you have thicker curls, you’d have to use more product. If you have looser curls, it makes your hair softer and bouncier and light.

Look for a Cream for Ultimate Moisture

Look for a Cream for Ultimate Moisture
The rule typically goes like this: the tighter your curls are, the dryer and more fragile they are. If you’re a type 3 or 4, you know this fact all too well. But, if you sufficiently nourish and hydrate your curls, you’ll be left with soft, manageable, defined curls.


Creams generally provide the most moisture, but only offer a light hold. They can be advertised as leave-in-conditioners, as well. They can even help add some volume and bounce, but only if you avoid applying at the root. They’ll add control to any curl type; however, if you’re looking for a strong hold, they probably won’t deliver.


Make sure that when you’re using a cream, you apply it when your hair is still damp. Get one with moisturizing botanical ingredients, like chamomile, jojoba, or olive oil. Sylvia also mentioned to look for water as the first ingredient and something that isn’t drying as the second ingredient. She likes glycerin because it’s moisturizing.

Curls Understood
Curly Hair Blogger
Curls Understood

Creams are great for enhancing the curl. You would have to spray water to activate the curl, then you would use a cream to enhance the curl, and then maybe a little gel to hold. If you want a strong hold that lasts, you'd use a cream and then a gel. Some of the creams that I use are even marketed as leave-in conditioners. 

2

Tame the Frizz and Keep Hair Shining

Tame the Frizz and Keep Hair Shining
You’ll need an anti-frizz curl defining cream with natural oils to give you added shine, define curls, and help reduce frizz. You’ll typically find a variety of gels, mousses, and creams that contain these properties.


All curly girls probably deal with frizz, but if you’ve got tighter curls, it’s typically harder to tame frizz, especially in humid climates. Women with looser curls typically will find more success using an anti-frizz curl defining product.

Curls Understood
Curly Hair Blogger
Curls Understood

If I have to wear my hair out, I will maybe use more gel and a lot of water while styling my hair, to encourage the curl pattern. Some people use frizz control serums. I would say if you have a looser curl, then frizz serums or a light natural oil are really good. Gel is definitely more effective for frizz control than cream. 

3

Avoid Heavy Creams and Further Damage With UV Protection on Permed or Bleached Hair

Avoid Heavy Creams and Further Damage With UV Protection on Permed or Bleached Hair

We all know we have to protect our skin when we go out on a sunny day. But UV rays can be just as detrimental to hair as it is to skin–chemically-treated hair in particular. UV rays can dry out the hair, resulting in brittle, frizzy hair. Not to mention, they can disrupt chemical processing in permed or colored hair.


Also, avoid creamy formulas, since they can weigh the curls down. Mousses and light creams complement a permed do. If your hair has gone through chemical processing, or if you simply spend a lot of time out in the sun, look for a lightweight curl defining cream containing SPF.

Curls Understood
Curly Hair Blogger
Curls Understood

With permed curls, you would still use a water-based cream—the same as someone whose curls are natural. It's necessary to deep condition when you bleach or perm your hair so you can put moisture back in and limit chemical damage. For straight hair, the natural oils that our scalp secretes just runs down. 


But for curly hair, it's harder for those natural oils to get from the scalp to the ends, so a lot of us suffer from dry ends. If you're worried about sun damage to your hair, look to see if it specifically says that it helps with UV. Otherwise, most curl creams won't protect you from the sun. 

4

Stay Away from Silicones, Non-Natural Oils, and Waxes

Stay Away from Silicones, Non-Natural Oils, and Waxes
A lot of curly girls tend to skip a day or two of shampooing, to keep their hair moisturized. But in between those washes, we tend to use curl-defining creams. So to avoid build up and itchiness, try to stay away from silicones, waxes, and non-natural oils. If you must, look for a clarifying shampoo to get rid of the build-up.


Silicones typically end in suffixes like -one, or -xane, like dimethicone, so they can be easy to find. Mineral oil is a common non-natural oil that you should avoid if you can. Additionally, waxes like bees wax or candelilla wax can build up in your hair quickly.

Curls Understood
Curly Hair Blogger
Curls Understood

If you must use a lot of products, maybe use lighter products; gels are always bad for build-up, but creams are better. Mineral oil has no nutritional benefit to hair at all. Beeswax isn’t the best because it's very sticky and hard to get off your hair, but people love it because its an alternative to gel. 


Silicones have gotten a really bad reputation in the curly community, but as long as its one of the kinder silicones that isn’t as stripping, it should be fine.

5

Understand Which Alcohols are Bad and Which are Good

Understand Which Alcohols are Bad and Which are Good
For products that are going to be rinsed out, like shampoo, drying alcohols might be okay. But you’re probably going to use a curl-defining cream all day, so it’s important that you avoid drying alcohols. They include SD alcohol, isopropanol, ethanol, propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and more.


That being said, some alcohols actually help keep your hair moisturized, so look for them when shopping. They include stearyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, and others.

Curls Understood
Curly Hair Blogger
Curls Understood

It's hard to find products without alcohols. Some of them are also in there to help preserve the products. The reality is, if it doesn’t have some of these ingredients in there, by the time the products get from the factory to the store and someone buys it, it's going to spoil. 


But, if a drying alcohol is not one of the first 3 to 5 ingredients on the list, it should be okay. 

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10 Best Curl Defining Creams Ranking

Here are the best Curl Defining Creams, ranked according to 10 Best Curl Defining Creams (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Ouidad

Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel

Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel 1

$24.47

High

Excellent Quality, Anti-Frizz Gel That's Perfect for Tight Curls

2

Eden BodyWorks

Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme

Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme 1

$8.47

Low

A Little Goes a Long Way for This Anti-Humidity, Super Moisturizing Cream

3

Ecoco

Eco Styler Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil Gel

Ecoco Eco Styler Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil Gel 1

$9.95

Low Mid

Alcohol-Free, Lightweight Gel With Excellent Hold

4

Shea Moisture

Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie 1

$10.49

Low Mid

A Dense Cream That's Rich in Nutrients

5

TIGI

Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier

TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier 1

$10.15

Low Mid

A Great Curl Definer With Strong Hold

6

Adhope

Briogeo Rosarco Leave-In Conditioning Spray

Adhope Briogeo Rosarco Leave-In Conditioning Spray 1

$20.00

High Mid

Lightweight and Nourishing Formula Great for Brittle, Damaged Hair

7

Curls

Blueberry Bliss Control Jelly

Curls Blueberry Bliss Control Jelly 1

$15.99

High Mid

Definition and Hold With a Sweet Blueberry Scent

8

DevaCurl

SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler

DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler 1

$17.26

High Mid

A Volumizing Cream Disguised in a Mousse Applicator

9

Shea Moisture

Coconut and Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse

Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse 1

$11.99

Mid

A No Crunch, Lightweight Mousse Great for Fine Hair

10

Curls Unleashed

Curl Defining Creme

Curls Unleashed Curl Defining Creme 1

$12.45

Mid

Anti-Frizz and Keeps Your Loose and Tight Curls Soft

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

OuidadCurl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel

Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$24.47
High
Reference price
$24.47
High

Excellent Quality, Anti-Frizz Gel That's Perfect for Tight Curls

Whether you’ve got natural curls or permed curls, this gel will keep your curls defined, hydrated, bouncy, and soft–no more stiff, sticky curls. It won’t weigh your hair down and the meadowfoam seed oil helps keep moisture in each strand.

What we especially like about this gel is that it helps tame frizz. So if you live in an area with high humidity, this will help keep your hair from being an unmanageable, frizzy mess.

Some reviewers are a bit put off by the price of this moisturizing gel, but the overall consensus is that it is worth it. Positive reviewers also love how the gel doesn't dry out hair and keeps it feeling soft and non-frizzy.

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No.2

Eden BodyWorksCoconut Shea Curl Defining Creme

Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$8.47
Low
Reference price
$8.47
Low

A Little Goes a Long Way for This Anti-Humidity, Super Moisturizing Cream

Eden BodyWorks has put a number of moisturizing agents in this cream, including water, coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba seed oil, and avocado oil. It has moisturizing alcohols, such as cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, too! And although it has all of these oils, it won’t leave your hair feeling greasy like some creams do.

Rejuvenate your coarse, thick, kinky, damaged hair with this cream. It’s great for dry hair and any curly head of hair that needs some care. The one thing you should be careful with is the amount you use for reapplication. If you use too much, it might show up as white in your hair. 

It’s got some hold to it, but if you’re looking for a strict hold all day, this won’t be enough. Some reviewers found the product to be too heavy and say it left hair dry. On the other hand, others liked that the product is lightweight and moisturizing.

No.3

EcocoEco Styler Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil Gel

Reference price
$9.95
Low Mid

Alcohol-Free, Lightweight Gel With Excellent Hold

One of Sylvia’s favorites, this styling gel is made with no alcohol and offers a strong hold. The vitamin E, black castor oil, flaxseed oil, and Omega 3 are all ingredients that promote healthy hair. It contributes to hair growth, shine, nourishment, and helps repair damaged hair. We also love that this gel is anti-itch and combats dandruff.

Since it’s lightweight and alcohol-free, it works great with all hair types, even loose beach curls and permed hair. It can be applied to wet or dry hair, but if you don’t like crunchy hair, don’t use a lot. 

Be sure to check reviews of the seller before buying, as some people have received damaged or opened containers. Reviewers do like that it doesn't leave hair feeling crunchy and gives great definition to curls.

No.4

Shea MoistureCoconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$10.49
Low Mid
Reference price
$10.49
Low Mid

A Dense Cream That's Rich in Nutrients

One of Sylvia’s favorite curl-defining creams, SheaMoisture really impresses here. Packed with hydrating ingredients like aloe, coconut oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E oil, this cream will moisturize your curls, leaving them bouncy and vibrant. And if you hate crunchy hair, this is for you–it’ll leave your curls soft and touchable.

Since it isn’t a gel, it can be a bit difficult to define tight curls. If you have very thin, loose curls, though, this cream might be a bit heavy and weigh them down. Overall, it will give your hair nice shine, but without the wet look that a lot of gels have.

Reviewers found that it made their hair feel sticky and didn't feel like it helped moisturize. Others found that a little goes a long way and they like that it keeps hair soft.

No.5

TIGICatwalk Curls Rock Amplifier

Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$10.15
Low Mid
Reference price
$10.15
Low Mid

A Great Curl Definer With Strong Hold

Great for all different curl patterns and textures, this hair lotion gives a lot of hold. It’s a bit heavier than others, but doesn’t weigh down your hair too much. 

Be careful not to use more than a pea-sized amount; otherwise, it might dry as a white residue. That being said, if it does happen, don’t fret! Just add a little water and massage it into the product. Reviewers warn to make sure you apply to your hair when it is very wet; otherwise, it will leave your hair very crunchy. 


If you have naturally dry hair, this may not work well with you. But if you do choose to use it, be sure to apply a leave-in conditioner or cream first to ensure that your hair retains some moisture. On the other hand, reviewers do say it works well at defining curls and it volumizes hair.

No.6

AdhopeBriogeo Rosarco Leave-In Conditioning Spray

Briogeo Rosarco Leave-In Conditioning Spray 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$20.00
High Mid

Lightweight and Nourishing Formula Great for Brittle, Damaged Hair

Labelled as a leave-in conditioner, this spray cream is super lightweight, so it won’t weigh fine hair down. It has nourishing oils like rosehip, coconut, argan, and vitamin E to help your hair maintain moisture, control frizz, protect against breakage, and prevent further damage. So it’s great for dry, damaged hair, or for bleached hair.

Since this cream spray has properties similar to that of a conditioner, it’s also great for detangling hair–with your fingers, of course! You can use it alone, or, for a strong hold, you can add a gel on top of it. This cream spray is even great for a second-day refreshment. If your hair tends to get oily, don’t use a lot–it’ll make your hair feel slightly greasy.

A couple of reviewers thought that the product that they received in the mail was a knock-off, mentioning that the nozzle was different from the one at Sephora. Some also felt it didn't do anything. However, others say it isn't heavy, works on unruly hair, and they also love the coconut smell

No.7

CurlsBlueberry Bliss Control Jelly

Blueberry Bliss Control Jelly 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$15.99
High Mid
Reference price
$15.99
High Mid

Definition and Hold With a Sweet Blueberry Scent

Light in both texture and smell, this gel will give your curls definition, hold, and a nice sheen. Lovers of this gel like to pair it with a leave-in conditioner for ultimate moisture. If you’re like most people and hate the feeling of sticky gel on your fingers–unfortunately, this gel is sticky. However, it doesn’t dry sticky; just wash your hands after applying.

If you’re sick of all of your hair products smelling like coconut, then you might be satisfied with this, as it smells like slightly sweet blueberry. That being said, if strong smells tend to give you migraines, don’t take an up-close whiff of it. Make sure your hair is wet before applying to avoid damage.

Critical reviewers mention that this product does make their hair feel dry and stiff. The scent is hit-or-miss, with some reviewers saying it is way too strong, while others like it. It holds fairly well, doesn't harden hair, and makes curls pop.

No.8

DevaCurlSuperCream Coconut Curl Styler

SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$17.26
High Mid
Reference price
$17.26
High Mid

A Volumizing Cream Disguised in a Mousse Applicator

Don’t let the packaging fool you–this is not a mousse, but a cream with a fresh coconut smell. It’s not going to keep your frizz away completely, but it will give you lots of volume and bounce. If you’ve got thick, tight curls, you’ll likely need to use this, as well as a mousse or gel for more hold. But if you have slightly looser curls, this might be the only thing you need.

This cream gives good definition, but leaves your hair feeling soft. The only thing you may have to consider is its price. If you’re using another product with it, like a gel, you can get away with just a pump or two for each use so it lasts longer. Be sure to check reviews of the sellers beforehand, as some have received containers with broken lids and pumps.

Also, be careful not to use too much or it can leave your hair looking and feeling crunchy. On the other hand, reviewers love that it works well on taming frizz and enhancing curls.

No.9

Shea MoistureCoconut and Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse

Reference price
$11.99
Mid

A No Crunch, Lightweight Mousse Great for Fine Hair

This anti-frizz curl mousse really lives up to its name. People love its anti-frizz properties and the fact that it can stand up to the humidity and keep your curls defined, even in Texas. If you’ have thick hair, this might be too light and you’ll have to use a lot of it. But if you have fine curls, this will define your curls, leaving them soft and touchable.

Reviewers with both wavy and kinky hair have tried this and liked it. The coconut oil moisturizes your hair and reduces breakage, while the neem oil keeps frizz to a minimum. The scent isn’t as nice and summery as some other products from this line, but it doesn’t have a chemical smell to it, either.

Since everyone's hair is different, some reviewers say that this mousse's hold isn't good. It might work better on hair that is more curly. However, reviewers like that it's lightweight and doesn't leave any crunchiness.

No.10

Curls UnleashedCurl Defining Creme

Curl Defining Creme 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$12.45
Mid
Reference price
$12.45
Mid

Anti-Frizz and Keeps Your Loose and Tight Curls Soft

Made with sweet almond oil, coconut oil, and safflower oil, this moisturizing cream will make your hair smooth and touchable, all while maintaining the definition of your curls. This cream isn’t as drying as some other curl defining products and leaves your hair with semi-relaxed curls.

It has a light, pleasant scent to it and also has glycerin, so it attracts moisture to your hair, making sure it never gets too dry. It offers just a light hold, so if you need a strong hold, we recommend pairing it with a gel.

Reviewers say that it does make their hair look dry and that it leaves flakes. Since it's so thick, it's best to dilute it or really spend time working it into hair for best results. But reviewers do say that it works wonders on curls and provides shiny definition.

More Styling Products for Your Hair

Are you looking for something a bit stronger to slick back hair? If so, then take a peek at some of our other articles for general mousses and gels and for products to nourish hair.

Buying Guide Reviewed by Curly Hair Blogger Curls Understood

Curls Understood
Curly Hair Blogger
Curls Understood

This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.

Top 5 Curl Defining Creams

No. 1: OuidadCurl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel

No. 2: Eden BodyWorksCoconut Shea Curl Defining Creme

No. 3: EcocoEco Styler Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil Gel

No. 4: Shea MoistureCoconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

No. 5: TIGICatwalk Curls Rock Amplifier

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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