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Curly hair flourishes when you embrace its natural texture, but if you're aiming for a more defined look with your hair styling, the best curl cream can make a world of difference in keeping those spirals intact. That's easier said than done, though: The journey to discovering your perfect formula can be tricky, especially when dealing with frizz and humidity.
Intended for hair types 2A to 4C, these oil-infused, hold-boosting formulas can enhance your natural curls by adding definition, taming frizz, and amplifying shine all at once. Unlike hair gels and mousses, creams work by coating each strand with nourishing ingredients that help natural hair maintain its curl shape while preventing moisture loss throughout the day. For wavy hair, these creams work especially well when applied with scrunching techniques to encourage natural wave formation.
Our Favorite Curl Creams
- Best Overall: Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancing Cream, $36
- Best for Curl Definition: Fenty Hair The Homecurl Curl-Defining Cream, $31
- Best for Damaged Hair: Curlsmith Awestruck Definition Cream, $32
- Best for Fine Hair: Ouai Curl Crème, $32
- Best Drugstore: SheaMoisture Kalahari Melon Oil Curl Stretch Multi-Tasking Volume, $11
- Best for Twist-Outs: The Doux C.R.E.A.M. Twist & Curl Cream, $16
- Best for Coily Hair: Matrix A Curl Can Dream, $21
- Best for Frizzy Hair: Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream, $8
- Best for Wash and Go Styles: Mielle Organics Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Cream, $14
- Best for Mixed Curl Patterns: Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Cream, $24
- Best for Dry Hair: Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream, $26
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What should you look for in a curl cream?
- Is it better to put curl cream on wet or dry hair?
- Is mousse better than curl cream?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best of all, using a curl cream is pretty effortless—in fact, the less you do, the better. Don’t touch or fluff your hair until it’s fully dry, or you risk disturbing the shape and creating frizz, says New York-based hairstylist Cataanda James.
Don’t know where to start? We've curated a list of the best curl creams, butters, and leave-ins to suit every texture and curl pattern. With these carefully selected picks from Allure editors and experts, you'll have dreamy waves, coils, and curls in no time.
Best Overall: Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancing Cream
Aveda
Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancing Cream
Aveda
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancer Cream
Sarah Hoffmann
Why we love it: If your curls constantly feel like they’re running on empty, this cream delivers the tall drink of water they’ve been craving. Aveda’s Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancer Cream hydrates hair while also keeping frizz at bay for up to 72 hours. The payoff? Softer, shinier, and more defined strands that hold their shape. Its curl-perfecting peptide penetrates deep into fragile hair with 17 essential amino acids, strengthening from within while helping curls and waves maintain bounce. Kokum seed butter provides slip, making detangling easier and minimizing breakage, while adding long-lasting moisture and a frizz-free shape. Add in a refreshing citrus aroma, and this styler turns hydration into both a treatment and a sensorial experience.
Hoffmann before applying the Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancer Cream
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after applying the Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancer Cream
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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“Don't tell the other curl creams I've tried for work recently, but I'll always come back to Aveda. I scrunch about a nickel-sized amount through wet hair every time I shower, and my curls always turn out springy, soft, and shiny. My hair is pretty fine, so it's easily weighed down by curl products if I'm not careful, but I can be pretty reckless with the amount of this curl cream I use and it comes out perfect every time.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: kokum seed butter, vegan curl-perfecting peptide, amino acids
- Who it’s for: wavy and curly hair
- Silicone-free: yes
- Scent: lemon, orange, and bergamot
Best for Curl Definition: Fenty Hair The Homecurl Curl-Defining Cream
Fenty Hair
The Homecurl Curl-Defining Cream
Sephora
Kohl's
Allure beauty closet associate Edward Horgan applying the Fenty Hair The Homecurl Curl-Defining Cream
Edward Horgan
Why we love it: Fenty Hair’s The Homecurl Curl-Defining Styling Cream is designed to take the guesswork out of curl styling by combining curl control, hydration, and frizz protection in one easy step. The gel-cream hybrid spreads easily through damp strands, coating each curl from root to tip without weighing it down or leaving a crunchy cast. The formula’s standout is Rihanna’s proprietary Replenicore-5 complex, a blend that helps repair split ends, strengthen strands, and shield against environmental stressors; it’s paired with wild mango butter, which deeply moisturizes curls throughout the day. This is a curl cream that enhances natural curl patterns while keeping volume and definition intact.
Horgan before applying the Fenty Hair The Homecurl Curl-Defining Cream
Edward Horgan
Horgan after applying the Fenty Hair The Homecurl Curl-Defining Cream
Edward Horgan
Tester feedback from beauty closet associate Edward Horgan
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"This is one of the only curl creams that gives me the perfect hold without that crunchy feel that we all hate. It keeps my hair hydrated and in place all day and has a scent that people consistently compliment whenever I use it."
More to know
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- Key ingredients: wild mango butter, green tea extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein
- Who it’s for: all curl types
- Silicone-free: yes
- Scent: yuzu, amber, freesia, coconut, lily of the valley, vanilla, and sandalwood
Best for Damaged Curls: Curlsmith Awestruck Definition Cream
Curlsmith
Awestruck Definition Cream
Ulta Beauty
Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin applying the Curlsmith Awestruck Definition Cream
Shanna Shipin
Why we love it: When you crave definition without the stiffness, a soft-hold styler delivers. Curlsmith’s Awestruck Definition Cream strikes that perfect balance, enhancing curls and waves while maintaining their natural bounce. To call it a cream would be an understatement: It actually uses a unique gel-in-oil technology to deliver mid-level hold with a soft, flexible, and touchable feel. It also has built-in heat and UV protection, making it ideal if you're working with heat-styled, color-treated, or otherwise damaged hair, and controls frizz and defines curls for days (and days).
Shipin before applying the Curlsmith Awestruck Definition Cream
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after applying the Curlsmith Awestruck Definition Cream
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from shopping director Shanna Shipin
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“It’s not dramatic to say that I was genuinely awestruck (as the name would suggest!) by this product from Curlsmith. It’s extremely lightweight and has a hold similar to that of a flexible gel or soft-hold jelly—but the difference is that this styling cream can truly define a pattern out of a fried and frizzled mess of hair. Having put my hair through the wringer, I can tell you: This cream works miracles. It speeds up the replenishment process and helps you find your curl pattern again after months or years of heat styling. I go from S-shaped waves to coily, bouncy curls—with hair that looks hydrated and split-end-free. If you want more frizz control, you’ll want to layer in the Moisture Memory Release spray before using the cream. But when using this styler, I don’t even need to use a gel for juicy curls all day—it’s that good! If you have thick, heavy hair that doesn't quite work with the brand's popular Air Dry Cream, you've got to give this one a try.” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, sunflower seed extract
- Who it’s for: all curl types
- Silicone-free: yes
- Scent: n/a
Best for Fine Hair: Ouai Curl Crème
Ouai
Curl Crème
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Revolve
Why it's worth it: Jen Atkin might be a hair queen in her own right but she tapped 150 people in her network to test and co-create a do-it-all curl cream. Our editors with 2B, 2C, and 3C/4A curl types fell in love with the sweet-smelling, lightweight Curl Crème. A blend of chia and linseed oils add shape and protect hair from humidity, while babassu oil brings in the shine. Unfortunately, there isn't a fragrance-free formula (like there used to be), so people who are sensitive to scents (or prefer not to use scented styling products), keep that in mind.
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Ouai Curl Crème
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying the Ouai Curl Crème
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I tend to reach for leave-in conditioners since my hair is so dense but fine. But when I want more defined curls and extra bounce, I go to this. It’s easy to scrunch into hair but never weighs down my hair at the crown or on the ends.”
More to know
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- Key ingredients: apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, sunflower seed extract
- Who it’s for: types 2 and 3 curls
- Silicone-free: yes
- Scent: bergamot, apple blossom, raspberry
More curl creams we love:
Best Drugstore: SheaMoisture Kalahari Melon Oil Curl Stretch Multi-Tasking Volume Cream
SheaMoisture
Kalahari Melon Oil Curl Stretch Multi-Tasking Volume Cream
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Shrinkage can make type 4 curls feel like they never reach their full potential, but SheaMoisture’s Kalahari Melon Oil Curl Stretch Multi-Tasking Volume Cream was designed to change that. This 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner delivers five days of definition, flexible hold, and volume while addressing the main culprits of shrinkage: dryness, breakage, and tangles. The formula combines hyaluronic serum, activated coconut oil, and Kalahari melon oil to deeply hydrate, condition, and elongate curls, giving them both length and resilience. The slip makes detangling easy, helping curls stay smooth and defined without breakage. And to top it off, the mango, rose, and vanilla scent adds an indulgent finishing touch.
Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel
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"Slipping and sliding! That is what my coils were doing after I applied this cream. It has amazing slip that helped detangle but also brought every individual curl to life. It works best when applied to wet hair for either a wash and go or twist out. Bonus points: Use a dryer to set the length instead of airdrying. One con is that it can't stand up to high Georgia humidity. However, it's got a soft hold for touchable definition." —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic serum, kalahari melon oil, activated coconut oil
- Who it’s for: type 4 hair
- Silicone-free: no
- Scent: mango, rose, and vanilla
Best for Twist-Outs: The Doux C.R.E.A.M. Twist & Curl Cream
The Doux
C.R.E.A.M. Twist & Curl Cream
Amazon
Why we love it: The satisfaction of a plump and bouncy twist out is unmatched, but to execute it, you need the right cream, a.k.a. The Doux’s C.R.E.A.M. Twist & Curl Cream. This moisture-heavy formula fights shrinkage, keeping curls elongated, bouncy, and soft. It coats strands with slip that makes twisting, coiling, or shingling a smooth process. Coconut oil helps minimize shrinkage so your hard-earned length stays visible, while rose water boosts elasticity, and vitamin E adds protection and hydration. The result is curls and twists that stay defined, moisturized, and resilient for days. You’ll minimize breakage, maximize length, and give your hair’s natural texture the spotlight it deserves.
Expert feedback from hairstylist Cataanda James
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"The Doux C.R.E.A.M. Twist & Curl Cream is king! It is a top-shelf pick for myself and my clients who want high definition and bouncy curls in a variety of styles. The Doux mastered this mix, and it is a true-to-form cream in every sense of the word. It's smooth, dense, and combats shrinkage for long-lasting elongated curls while intensifying curl formation and moisture retention. The slip factor allows for ease in distribution from root to tip!" —Cataanda James, hairstylist
More to know
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- Key ingredients: coconut oil, rose water, vitamin E
- Who it’s for: curly and coily hair
- Silicone-free: no
- Scent: Fragrance-Free
Best for Coily Hair: Matrix A Curl Can Dream
Matrix
A Curl Can Dream
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Coily textures need extra moisture and protection, and Matrix’s A Curl Can Dream Moisturizing Cream delivers both in one step. Infused with manuka honey extract, this rich formula wraps coils and kinks in lasting hydration while guarding against heat up to 450 degrees. It defines without stiffness or flaking, making it just as reliable for a rod set as it is for a blow-dry or diffuse. By sealing in moisture and smoothing each strand, it keeps coils soft, springy, and uniform long after wash day. For anyone balancing the delicacy of coils with the need for versatility, this cream is the kind of multitasker that earns a permanent spot in your hair routine.
Expert feedback from James
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“I love Matrix A Curl Can Dream because it is a professional line that was specifically formulated for curl types 3 and 4. What this means is that, from concept to completion, this Curl Preserving System was designed to bring solutions to the nuances of higher curl patterns, which explains the foolproof results I’ve [experienced since using] it on my clients' 3C/4A hair for the first time. It hydrates and provides definition on types 3 and 4 without flakes or crunch! It works best on clean, wet hair (do not towel dry).” —Cataanda James, hairstylist
More to know
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- Key ingredients: manuka honey extract
- Who it’s for: curly and coily hair
- Silicone-free: yes
- Scent: n/a
Best for Frizzy Hair: Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream
Marc Anthony
Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream
Amazon
Walmart
Why we love it: Your curls won’t stand a chance on high humidity days—unless your strands are set in place with Marc Anthony’s Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream. The formula smooths and softens curls while actively blocking airborne moisture that typically causes expansion and shape loss. Enriched with nourishing shea butter, moisturizing avocado oil, and antioxidant vitamin E, it delivers sustained hydration and frizz control without sacrificing bounce. Silk proteins fortify each strand and enhance manageability, delivering definition minus the crunch. From loose waves to tight coils, this versatile cream locks in your desired shape while resisting even the most challenging humidity. However, ““the viscosity is similar to a deep conditioner, so be sure not to over-apply,” warns James.
Expert feedback from James
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“Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream is my go-to for humidity-resistant, free-flowing curls with definition. For curly girls with 2-3C curls that want maximum curl definition without the coated feel that other cream formulas containing emollients deliver, this is the perfect solution. If you are a wash ‘n go girlie that has experienced the highly visible white cast while setting your hair to air dry, you know the short- and long-term benefits of NO white residue! You can literally wash and go, and that is really significant and allows for you to truly set it and forget it! [And for] more dense curl patterns, it dupes as the perfect primer before a styler because of its lightweight finish.” —Cataanda James, hairstylist
More to know
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- Key ingredients: shea butter, avocado oil, vitamin E
- Who it’s for: frizz-prone, wavy and curly hair
- Silicone-free: no
- Scent: n/a
Best for Wash and Go Styles: Mielle Organics Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Cream
Mielle Organics
Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Cream
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Few things feel better than stepping out with a soft and defined wash and go, especially one in collaboration with Mielle’s Babassu & Mint Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Cream. Formulated with a powerhouse blend of Brazilian oils like babassu, buriti, copaiba, and murumuru, this hair-care essential quenches thirsty strands while securing long-lasting definition. The result is curls that look smoother, feel bouncier, and stay uniform long after styling. Its rich yet lightweight texture makes it versatile enough for wash-and-gos or rod sets, giving curls the freedom to hold their shape without any crunch. With nourishing fatty acids that ease detangling and add shine, this formula treats your hair and prevents damage in the process.
Expert feedback from James
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"Mielle Organics Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Cream performs like a styler with firm hold but provides all the moisture a curly girl needs for soft, pliable curls. Tthe texture is very thick and dense, so I like to warm it up by rubbing it between my fingertips and work it upwards onto the strands to set the curls." —Cataanda James, hairstylist
More to know
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- Key ingredients: babassu oil, buriti oil, copaiba oil
- Who it’s for: dry and curly hair
- Silicone-free: no
- Scent: n/a
Best for Mixed Curl Patterns: Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Cream
Briogeo
Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Cream
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Defined curls don’t happen by accident. They need the right balance of moisture and control, and Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Crème gets it exactly right. Rice amino acids and tomato fruit ferment work together to seal the cuticle and lock in your natural curl pattern, while avocado oil and quinoa extract provide weightless hydration that keeps strands soft and flexible. The result is that 3A and 4C curls alike stay uniform, hold their shape all day, and never feel crunchy. The best part? Definition doesn't fade after day one; the formula locks in curl structure that withstands humidity and movement for days on end.
Editor Tip
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Scrunch the cream into damp curls for natural definition, then let it air-dry for soft, touchable curls that last all day.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: rice bran oil, rooibos tea, shea butter
- Who it’s for: mixed curl patterns
- Silicone-free: yes
- Scent: citrus
Best for Dry Hair: Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream
Ouidad
Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream
Amazon
Why we love it: Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream is guaranteed to restore life to your dried-out, frizzy curls, thanks to ingredients like curl-defining milk thistle and sweet almond and damage-repairing wheat protein. There's no shortage of hydration, either, with a bursting blend of chamomile, hydrolyzed silk, and meadowfoam seed and corn oils. Pro tip: Apply to extra-wet hair to lock moisture in.
Expert feedback from hairstylist Lana Hunter
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“This is a major key for luscious, juicy type 3 curls and up," hairstylist Hunter attests, says of this paraben-, sulfate-, and mineral oil-free formula. "This curl cream will eliminate the use of unnecessary products and works amazingly alone."
More to know
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- Key ingredients: sweet almond oil, soybean seed extract, milk thistle
- Who it’s for: dry and curly hair
- Silicone-free: yes
- Scent: almond
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you look for in a curl cream?
When choosing a curl cream, focus on ingredients that hydrate and define without leaving your curls feeling greasy or weighed down. "Curl creams should be free from synthetic ingredients like amodimethicone and dimethicone," says Joseph. "Also avoid oils or butters that just sit on top of the hair, leaving behind a greasy residue." Instead, look for lightweight ingredients like shea butter or argan oil that soak into your strands, giving you soft, touchable curls with plenty of definition.
It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol, which can dry out curls and strip them of moisture. A good curl cream should feel creamy (but not too heavy) and distribute easily from root to tip. Keep an eye out for humectants like glycerin or aloe vera, which draw moisture into the hair, keeping your curls hydrated and bouncy. These ingredients help fight frizz while keeping your curls soft and full of life.
Is it better to put curl cream on wet or dry hair?
For curls that pop, the secret is in how wet your hair is when you apply the product. "It’s 100% better to apply any styling product—cream, gel, and/or mousse—on soaking wet hair," says Rae. "Curly hair is more prone to dryness, so we require so much water. Curl-friendly products are activated with water, so it won’t weigh our hair down." In other words, moisture is your curls’ best friend.
Joseph agrees: "Apply creams to super wet hair to elongate curls and retain length,” he says. “Apply to damp hair to increase spring factor, making the hair fuller and the curls tighter." So depending on your vibe—whether you want more stretched-out, relaxed curls or tighter, bouncier coils—just how wet your hair is can make all the difference.
Is mousse better than curl cream?
The answer really depends on what kind of curls you’re after. Mousse is your go-to if you want more volume and hold—perfect for styles that need a little more structure and definition. On the flip side, curl creams are all about hydration and nourishment, giving you softer, more touchable curls. "I tend to apply mousses over creams to get ultimate nourishment without losing control and hold," says Joseph. "This combo will create soft, touchable, lived-in curls with enough hydration and definition to look like you just left the salon." So, if you’re craving defined curls with some staying power, try layering mousse over cream for the best of both worlds.
Meet the experts
- Evan Joseph, curly hair educator and owner of Evan Joseph Salon in San Diego, CA
- Kiana Rae, curl specialist and owner of West Coast Curls in Los Angeles, CA
- Alex Mouneu, LA-based texture specialist
- Cynthia Alvarez, a celebrity hairstylist in New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA
- Ginger King, cosmetic chemist in Edison, New Jersey
- Lana Hun, hairstylist and curl specialist in Los Angeles, CA
- Leigh Hardges, hairstylist in Chicago, IL
- Kristin Ess, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Kristin Ess Hair in Los Angeles, CA
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn't want to pick up a purple shampoo that's only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that's never been tested by anyone with curls—right?
For our review of the best curl creams, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hairstylists—who know how to manage curly hair. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
