Best Styling Creams for Curly Hair

The best styling creams for curly hair are the ones matched to your curl pattern, your hair's thickness and how much hold you actually need. A styling cream sits between a leave-in conditioner and a gel. It adds slip and softness, helps curls clump together and keeps frizz down, but the hold stays soft and touchable. Pick the right weight and the rest gets easier.

Start with curl type and thickness

Loose curls and fine hair get weighed down fast. Go for a light, lotion-style cream and use less than you think you need. Tight curls, coils and thick hair can take a richer cream with more butters and oils, and they usually need more product to reach every section.

If your curls look great at 8am and have dropped by lunch, the cream isn't the problem. You need more hold on top of it.

Cream, gel or mousse

Each one does a different job:

• Styling cream: softness, definition and frizz control, with a light hold.
• Gel: firmer hold and definition that lasts. It dries with a crunchy cast that you scrunch out once the hair is fully dry.
• Mousse: lift at the root and volume, with a light hold. Handy for fine curls that sit flat.

A lot of curly heads use a cream first, then layer our best hair gel for curly hair over the top for definition that holds up in humid weather. If volume is the bigger issue, the best hair mousse for curly hair is the lighter option to pair with a cream.

What to check on the label

• Weight: water near the top of the ingredient list usually means a lighter cream. Butters and oils high on the list mean a richer one.
• Glycerin: it pulls moisture into the hair, which is useful in average weather. In a sticky summer it can do the opposite and puff curls up, so a cream that leans on oils is often easier to manage.
• Silicones: fine for most people. If you follow a low-poo or co-wash routine, a silicone-free cream keeps build-up down.
• Scent and feel: you will be putting this through your hair most days, so pick one you like using.

How much to use

Start with a small amount, roughly a coin-sized dollop for shoulder-length hair, and add more only if the ends still feel dry. Too much cream leaves curls looking greasy or limp. Apply it to soaking wet hair so it spreads evenly.

When frizz is the main problem

If your curls already form well and frizz is what you're fighting, have a look at the best styling creams for frizzy hair. Those lean towards smoothing over definition.

Compare and shop

AMR stocks salon brands and everyday options side by side, so you can compare weight, size and price in one place without guessing. To browse every option, shop all styling cream. For the shampoo, conditioner and treatments that go with it, see our curly hair range. A good cream works best on curls that were washed and conditioned with them in mind.

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