12 Curl Creams Our Editors Love for Defined, Healthy-Looking Hair

Its high slip, custardy texture makes this cream a dream for delivering long lasting hydration and definition. With moisturizing ingredients like mango butter and replenicore-5, which also helps repair and strengthen hair, according to the brand, this cream excels at keeping frizz away without leaving hair feeling stiff.

EDITOR NOTE: "Though this cream is a bit thick compared to my usual curl cream, it has amazing slip that's great for detangling my hair and doesn't weigh it down," a GH staffer said. "I love how I can apply it to damp hair without an additional leave-in and it allows my hair to feel moisturized, soft, and gives my curls a nice bounce for days on end."

With a smooth, thick consistency this styling cream is a great option for multiple styling options. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid, mango butter, and lactic acid, which help with hair hydration, and it has heat protectant as well. So, you can also use it before heat styling, which is a win if you ask us.

EDITOR NOTE: "My curls looked amazing after using this. I loved the volume and definition that I was able to achieve with just one product, no leave-in or gel required. There is a slight cast I had to break in order to get my desired volume and the product left a bit of residue that I didn't really care for, but my hair still looked great after using this," a GH staffer said.

Formulated with shea butter and olive oil, this lightweight custard is great for defining curls and coils whether they're being manipulated into a twist out, braid out, finger coils, or a wash-and-go. It leaves curls appearing elongated and plump without any sticky or tacky residue left behind.

EDITOR NOTE: "I love the texture of this custard because even though it is lightweight, it still provides enough hold for my tight curls," a GH staffer said. "But the fragrance does linger a bit longer than I would prefer."

With a light hold and frizz-fighting ingredients, this curl cream works to bring soft-to-touch definition to each curl. Though it does produce a slight cast, it gives hair a voluminous boost once the seal is broken.

EDITOR NOTE: "I love that it keeps my curls moisturized and reduces frizz without making me sacrifice volume," one GH editor said. "Unlike other products I've used, this cream doesn't weigh my 3C hair down or make it oily. Also, it air dries with defined yet voluminous curls."

For added hydration with reduced frizz, this leave-in conditioner is a great option. Despite its name, this functions just like a curl cream by adding light curl definition. It is a great option for hair types that typically have issues getting ample hydration from a curl cream, as it is formulated with moisturizing manuka honey and mafura oil. It can be paired with a mousse to provide additional hold and shape to curls.

EDITOR NOTE: "I've found that my hair either doesn't absorb some curl creams at all or it absorbs them too much to the point where none of the moisturizing effects stays. But, my hair absorbs this leave in conditioner just enough." GH writer Rosamelia Sánchez Lara says. "My hair just loves it! It leaves it feeling hydrated and bouncy and reduces frizz."

A cult classic, this Miss Jessie's curl pudding cream is versatile enough to work on everything from waves to twist and braid-out styles. It is lightweight and formulated with shea butter and almond oil, which nourish strands for added moisture. It's also perfect for smoothing frizz and producing a defined pattern with great shine.

EDITOR NOTE: "This was my go-to for years, way before the curly hair market really expanded," a GH staffer said. "With it, my curls are frizz-free with great bounce. But the product is a bit sticky."

For easily detangled, supple curls, check out Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Bounty Balm. The brand claims that the cream can help protect curls from humidity.

EXPERT SAYS: Curly hair expert Brendnetta Ashley describes this product as her "absolute favorite curl cream." She says that it provides curls with "the perfect balance of moisture and frizz control." Note that this product has a thinner consistency, which some reviewers found less appealing.

No crunchy curls with this cream! It's super lightweight, which is ideal for low porosity hair, and leaves your hair smelling fruity-fresh. Bonus: It can be used as a leave-in conditioner or a styler, according to the brand.

EDITOR NOTE: "It keeps my curls defined if I air dry or diffuse," said one GH editor. Other reviewers also noted that it helps with frizz management.

Whether you're looking to provide life and bounce to an otherwise dull wash-n-go or need some hold for a twist out or braid out style, this rich buttercream-consistency styling cream—which comes in Original, a sweet floral essence of neroli, rose, and patchouli; Palo Santo; and most recently Indigo Rain—is versatile enough to work on multiple hairstyles and features hydrating ingredients, including flaxseed oil, agave, and Irish moss. However, some reviewers found it difficult to use on dry hair.

CONSUMER REVIEWS SAY: "Highly recommended this styling cream; it's one of the absolute best," one reviewer said. "Leaves no white cast, it penetrates the hair shaft, leaving it shiny, healthy, and smooth!"

Parched coils will love this rich cream that is packed with moisture and hydration. It is formulated with coconut oil and vitamin E and helps promote long-lasting curl definition, according to the brand.

CONSUMER REVIEWS SAY: "The moment that I put a generous amount of this cream on my dry 4C hair, it was as if it drank some cold iced water," an Amazon reviewer said. "The coils sprung and were defined instantly." Some reviewers mentioned that this product felt too heavy for their fine hair.