The best curl creams for curly hair (salon-approved)

Got a love-hate relationship with your curls? One minute they're serving up Beyoncé-level bounce, the next they're channeling a mad scientist's frizz. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, and honestly, we’re just trying to keep up. But that’s also the beauty of curly hair, isn’t it? It’s wildly unpredictable and unapologetically itself—all it needs to stay in check is some occasional TLC and the right curl cream. 

That's why we've done the legwork for you, scouring the web for the best curl creams for curly hair—all vetted by pro stylists. We're talking frizz control, defined spirals, and the kind of confidence that comes from knowing your hair looks effortlessly gorgeous. Keep reading to find your perfect match.

What’s my hair curl type?

Before we venture into the curl cream aisle (it’s a jungle out there!), let's talk curl types. Knowing your curl pattern is like having a cheat code for flawless locks—it tells you exactly what your curls crave.

Curly hair types

Curly hair isn't a one-size-fits-all situation. It ranges from loose waves (2A) to tight coils (4C), with a whole spectrum of textures in between.

2A-2C Waves: Think beachy vibes with a subtle 'S' shape. These curls are typically fine to medium in texture and can easily be weighed down by heavy products.

3A-3C Curls: These are your classic, springy corkscrews. They range from loose, bouncy ringlets to tighter, more defined spirals. Curls in this category tend to be prone to frizz and need extra moisture to stay happy.

4A-4C Coils: These are the tightest, most densely packed curls, forming a 'Z' pattern or even a tighter coil. Coily hair is incredibly delicate and needs lots of TLC to prevent breakage and retain moisture.

Curly hair characteristics

But it’s not just about the curl pattern. Let’s also dig deeper to understand your hair’s unique personality. 

Permed hair: Chemical treatments can leave hair feeling a little parched, so look for a curl cream that offers some serious hydration and repair.

Fine curly hair: Fine hair needs a lightweight curl cream that won't weigh it down or leave it looking limp. Think definition and volume, minus the crunch.

Thick curly hair: Thick hair can be a bit unruly, prone to frizz and tangles. A curl cream that detangles, defines, and moisturizes without feeling heavy is your new BFF.

Frizzy curly hair: Humidity's worst enemy. Look for curl creams with frizz-fighting ingredients that create a protective barrier against moisture and smooth out those rebellious strands.

Remember, your curl type is just the starting point. Your hair's individual needs are equally important. By understanding both, you can choose a curl cream that truly works with your hair, not against it. Get ready for those dreamy, low-maintenance curls you've always wanted.

Best curl creams for defining curly hair

If your curls had a dating profile, would it say 'loves humidity, hates hairbrushes, and has a serious commitment issue with definition'? If you answered yes, don’t miss these stylist-approved picks that will have your curls looking and feeling their best, no matter their mood. 

Best curl creams for curly, frizzy hair

Ever walked out the door with perfect curls, only to have them morph into a fuzzy halo five minutes later. Sigh. Humidity, we love to hate you. But don't worry, frizz doesn't have to be your constant companion, whether you're a 2A waver or a 4C coily. These curl creams are like a force field against those pesky flyaways, helping you achieve a polished, effortless look that lasts all day.

Moroccanoil® Intense Curl Cream

This leave-in conditioner is a curly girl's holy grail, taming frizz and defining curls without any sticky residue. Infused with nourishing argan oil and a blend of vitamins, it delivers a powerful dose of hydration to all curl types (2A to 4C), leaving your hair feeling soft, shiny, and touchably smooth—even in the face of humidity. No need to worry about those frizz-induced meltdowns anymore; enjoy curls that look effortlessly refreshed, all day long.

John Frieda FRIZZ ease dream curls crème-oil

This crème-oil hybrid is a game-changer for those battling frizz, especially those with 2A to 3C curls. It combines the nourishing benefits of an oil with the hold of a cream, resulting in defined, frizz-free curls that are soft to the touch. Infused with rosehip oil, it provides lasting hold and protection from humidity, so you can rock your curls with confidence, rain or shine. 

Best curl creams for thick curly hair

Frizz, tangles, and an endless search for products that won't leave your curls feeling heavy... sound familiar? These curl creams are formulated specifically for thick, unruly hair (we're looking at you, 3B to 4C curlies!). They'll hydrate, detangle, and define those luscious locks without weighing them down, turning your hair care routine into a joyful experience, not a wrestling match. 

amika: curl corps defining cream

Byrdie dubs amika’s curl cream as the best choice for thick, curly hair. It's packed with oat peptide, a moisture magnet that helps tame those unruly strands, while tapioca starch gently encourages your natural curl pattern without any crunchy after-effects. Plus, sea buckthorn, a powerhouse ingredient, adds a dose of hydration and elasticity to keep your curls looking their bouncy, defined best. No more heavy, weighed-down feeling—just happy, healthy curls that are ready to take on the world.

tgin Twist & Define Cream for Natural Hair

From one fashion magazine to another: Cosmopolitan spotlighted tgin as the top pick for thick, curly hair. This ultra-rich cream is like a tall glass of water for parched strands, delivering intense hydration and definition to even the driest, coarsest curls. Coconut and olive oils work their magic, leaving your hair soft, manageable, and ready to twist, braid, or rock a wash-and-go style with confidence. If your hair is type 4 or prone to dryness, this heavy-duty cream will become your go-to for keeping those curls quenched and frizz-free.

Best curl creams for fine curly hair 

Fine curly hair needs a delicate touch. It craves definition and volume but balks at anything too heavy or greasy—often the case for those with 2A to 3A curls. That's why we're singing the praises of these lightweight curl creams that enhance your natural texture without weighing it down.

CURLSMITH Weightless Air Dry Cream

This leave-in conditioner delicately coats your strands, adding just the right amount of moisture and definition without any sticky residue. A blend of hydrating oils like Castor, Babassu, and Jojoba, plus a touch of miracle worker Hyaluronic Acid, will keep your curls bouncy and frizz-free. And the best part? It won't leave any product buildup on your scalp, so you can say goodbye to that dreaded ‘second-day hair’ feeling.

OUAI Curl Cream

This featherlight cream is a fine-haired curl's best friend. It enhances your natural texture without weighing those delicate strands down. A combo of flaxseed and chia seed extracts work to define your spirals and add a touch of volume, while coconut and babassu oils smooth and soften for touchably soft curls.

Best curl creams for permed hair 

A perm helps you achieve picture-perfect curls. But like a delicate flower after a rainstorm, permed hair needs a little extra care to bounce back to its full glory. Chemical treatments can leave your curls feeling parched and prone to frizz, so choosing the right curl cream is key to maintaining that salon-fresh look. Look for products that offer deep hydration, repair, and frizz control to help your permed curls thrive. 

Here are some of our top picks, pulled straight from Sephora.

bumble and bumble Curl Defining Styling Cream

This luxe cream is a perm's best friend, boasting a UV filter to shield your precious curls from the sun's drying effects. It's packed with a blend of curl-loving butters and oils that deliver a healthy dose of moisture to combat dryness, while also adding definition and shine without any crunchy residue. Think soft, bouncy curls that stay put all day long, even after a beach day. One happy customer raved, "It works wonders on my permed hair, making it look full and bouncy. I can even go longer between perms!"

MIZANI True Textures Curl Enhancing Hair Cream

Lightweight and frizz-fighting, this gel cream is a dream come true for permed curls. It enhances and defines your waves and curls without weighing them down or leaving any unwanted crunch. Infused with nourishing coconut oil for luster and shine, marula oil for manageability and growth, and olive oil to smooth split ends and control frizz, it leaves your hair feeling soft, hydrated, and oh-so-touchable.

Curl confidence: it’s all in the details

Finding the perfect curl cream is like finding your hair's soulmate—it understands your unique needs and brings out the best in your curls. Bonus points for pairing it with the right shampoos, conditioners, and styling tools that will take your curl game to the next level. Embrace those gorgeous curls, experiment, and have fun discovering the perfect hair care routine that makes you feel confident and empowered.