Editor’s tip: If you want silky smooth hair, this cream can also be used as a heat protectant. Simply blow-dry on damp hair for a frizz-free finish.
Main ingredients: Rice bran oil, rooibos tea, shea butter |Perfect for: People with different curl patterns
FAQ
What should you look for in a curl cream?
When choosing a curl cream, focus on ingredients that moisturize and contour your curls without leaving them sticky or weighed down. “Curl creams should be free of synthetic ingredients such as amodimethicone or dimethicone,” says Joseph. “Also avoid oils and butters that just sit on your hair and leave a greasy residue.” Instead, look for lighter ingredients like shea butter or argan oil. Penetrates into the hair, giving it soft, textured, and defined curls.
It is also recommended to avoid alcohol, which can dry out your curls and strip them of moisture. A good curl cream should have a creamy feel (but not too heavy) and be easily distributed from root to tip. Watch out for moisturizers like glycerin and aloe vera. These moisturizers draw moisture into your hair, keeping your curls moist and bouncy. These ingredients help prevent frizz while keeping your curls soft and vibrant.
Is it better to apply curl cream on wet hair? Is it better to apply it on dry hair?
The secret to bouncy curls is how wet your hair is when you apply the product. “Whether it’s a cream, gel, mousse, or any styling product, it’s 100% better to apply it to wet hair,” says Ray. “Curly hair is prone to dryness, so it needs a lot of water. Curl-friendly products are activated with water, so they’re less taxing on your hair.” In other words, moisture is curls’ best friend. is.
Joseph agrees. “Apply cream to wet hair to extend curls and maintain length. Applying to wet hair increases the spring coefficient, making hair fuller and curls tighter.” Therefore, you Depending on your vibe, whether you want more elongated, relaxed curls or tighter, bouncier coils, just how wet your hair is can make a huge difference.
Is mousse better than curl cream?
The answer depends on what kind of curls you want. If you want more volume and hold, mousse is the best choice. Perfect for styles that need a little more structure and definition. Curl creams, on the other hand, are meant to hydrate and nourish, giving you softer, more touchable curls. “I often apply mousse over cream for ultimate nourishment without losing control and hold,” says Joseph. “This combo creates soft, touchable, lively curls with plenty of moisture and definition that look like they just came out of the salon.” Thus, creating defined curls with lasting power. If you want, try layering the mousse over the cream to get the best of both worlds.
meet an expert
Evan Joseph, curly hair educator, owner of Evan Joseph Salon in San Diego, CAKiana Rae, curl specialist, owner of West Coast Curls in Los Angeles, CAAlex Mouneu, LA-based texture specialist, Cynthia Alvarez, celebrity hairstylist in New York, NY, Los Angeles , CAGinger King, Cosmetic Chemist in Edison, NJ Lana Hahn, Hair Stylist and Curl Specialist in Los Angeles, CALLeigh Hardges, Hair Stylist in Chicago, ILKristin Ess, Celebrity Hairstylist, Founder of Kristin Ess Hair in Los Angeles, CA
How to test and review products
We always ask different testers from the makeup industry to help us, but when it comes to hair care products and tools, it’s a different story. While there are certainly products that can be used to suit different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural hair), and needs, hair products are often Made with a specific consumer in mind. Many are created to address concerns (dandruff, hair breakage, brittleness) or work best on specific hair types (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). For example, you wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that was only reviewed by people with auburn hair, or a diffuser that wasn’t tested by people with curls, right?
