I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’ve always had a complicated relationship with my hair and spent many years painstakingly trying to straighten it into submission as I just couldn’t get to grips with its natural texture. Slightly curly, sometimes wavy and always prone to frizz and flyaways, I never loved the way my hair looked when left to its own devices but also hated using products which often left it sticky and weighed-down. For years, therefore, I skipped using curl products entirely, and just hoped for the best. Spoiler: that approach just isn’t conducive to a good hair day.
In the last few years though, I’ve really come to appreciate the power of finding the right products for my hair. Since having children especially, I rarely have time to properly blow-dry it yet alone get to work with the hair straighteners, so having the right products in my toolkit are essential for helping me feel slightly pulled together. And a good curl cream is an undeniable essential in defining my natural hair texture and smoothing flyaways. Unlike mousses or gels, which can traditionally feel quite drying or stiff, a great curl cream is all about nourishment and definition. Typically designed to hydrate, encourage curl formation, and reduce frizz, they tend to be enriched with moisturising ingredients which help to smooth and condition curls while allowing for natural movement. And, crucially for me, no crunch.
Yet not all curl creams are created equal, and finding the right one can feel like a never-ending trial-and-error mission. What works for someone else’s 4C coils might weigh someone else’s 2A waves down. Some creams add too much moisture, others not enough. And then there’s personal preference too. I want my hair to feel soft yet still look defined, while others might like that feeling of some extra grip on their hair.
That’s why, along with some of my absolute gold standard curl creams that I’ve tried-and-tested over the last few years, I enlisted the help of hair stylists and fellow editors to bring you a list of the very best curl creams on the market right now. From high-street brands and luxury favourites, along with formulas for every curl pattern, these are the curl creams to take your texture to the next level.
Shop the Best Curl Creams
1. Bouclème Curl Cream
Best overall curl cream
Bouclème is a beautiful British brand with a whole lineup of products formulated to care for every single type of curl. Their curl cream is perfect for anyone like me who hates the feeling of product in their hair. It’s lightweight, despite containing an intensely nourishing blend of coconut and kukui nut oils, and does a great job of enhancing curls without adding heaviness. I think that finer curls and waves like mine will particularly enjoy its featherlight consistency. Plus, it smells absolutely amazing.
Pros
- Works for all hair types
- Lightweight texture
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- Not the most intensive hold
2. Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil Pomade
(Image credit: Charlotte Mensah)
Charlotte Mensah
Manketti Oil Pomade
If your hair is very thick or particularly dry then you will adore this rich and nourishing curl cream which smooths and softens textured hair with ease. “Infused with shea butter, mongongo oil, and argan oil, it provides rich hydration and lasting definition,” says hair stylist and brand founder Charlotte Mensah. “Perfect for all textures, but especially coily hair, you just need to finger curl for effortless shape and shine.” You only need the smallest amount—and fine hair textures may find it a touch heavy—but it works well whether you’re diffusing or air-drying to add a little extra polish.
Pros
- Smooth, rich texture
- Amazing scent
- Minimises frizz and flyaways
3. Paul Mitchell Curls Twirl Around Crunch-Free Curl Definer
(Image credit: Mica Ricketts)
Paul Mitchell
Curls Twirl Around Crunch-Free Curl Definer
Despite being a fairly new discovery for me, I’ve been wowed by this standout formula for its ability to impart both definition and control without compromising on softness. It combines the moisture of a cream with the hold of a gel to really shape and smooth curls and waves while reducing frizz and fluffiness. And best of all it has incredible hold. Whenever I’ve applied this my curls have stayed defined and in tact all day long, and they even look pretty good come morning which isn’t usually the case.
Pros
- Keeps curls in tact all day
- Great definition
- Gel-cream hybrid for longevity
4. L’Oreal Professionnel Curl Expression Cream-In-Mousse
(Image credit: Abigail Butler)
Best curl cream for defined curls
L’Oreal Professionnel
Curl Expression 10-In-1 Professional Cream-in-Mousse
Part-cream, part-mousse, this innovative styler from L’Oreal Professionnel delivers defined, high-shine curls with serious staying power. Great for fine or frizz-prone hair, where texture tends to lose definition throughout the day, it’s a luxe option for more structured styling—and it has the expert seal of approval.
“I absolutely love the entire L’Oréal Professionnel Curl Expression range and it’s a go to in my kit for a reason,” says Abigail Butler, owner of award-winning salon Strictly Xtended. “The mousse, in particular, is a standout as it’s super lightweight, pliable, and gives a beautiful flexible hold that works across all curl types. I love how you can layer it with other products or use it on its own it always delivers definition without stiffness. A must-have for creating soft, touchable curls that last!”
Pros
- Feels luxurious
- Really separates and defines
- Expert-approved
Cons
- It does have more of a gel consistency than others
5. JVN Air Dry Cream
(Image credit: Mica Ricketts)
JVN
Complete Air Dry Cream
I have lost count of the amount of times I have waxed lyrical about this curl cream and have converted so many of my friends and family members to it. Truly, I can’t imagine doing my hair without this product now thanks to how well it enhances my natural texture with literally no effort required on my part. It’s silicone-free, nourishing and dials down frizz and flyaways, while hemisqualane adds a dose of nourishment. I apply it to freshly-washed hair and then leave my strands to do their thing, but it’s great for adding extra definition on second and third-day hair too. Bravo, Jonathan Van Ness.
Pros
- Enhances natural texture while air-drying
- Soft, natural hold
- No crispiness or stickiness
Cons
- Better for waves and loose curls that require less definition
6. Only Curls Hydrating Curl Crème
Best curl cream for fine to medium curls
Only Curls
Hydrating Curl Creme
I spend a lot of time on social media searching out curly hair recommendations and this curl cream from Only Curls is one of the products that comes up time and time again on curly hair routine videos—and it has thousands of 5-star reviews attesting to its brilliance. Formulated with shea butter, marula oil and aloe, it’s beautifully moisturising and layers well with a gel if you want extra definition.
“I love this one for soft, touchable curls. It’s lightweight but still gives great control and moisture, especially for finer curl types. The brand also really understands curly hair and has a clean, no-fuss approach to ingredients that my clients appreciate,” says Burkill.
Pros
- Very curl enhancing
- Hydrating texture
- Layers well beneath other hair products
Cons
- More of a lightweight hold
7. Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream
Best curl cream for coils and thick textures
Cantu
Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream
A cult classic curl cream for a reason, this thick lotion really doesn’t play when it comes to bringing your natural curl pattern to the forefront. Rich and incredibly moisturising, the nourishing formulation is particularly brilliant for type 3 and 4 curls as it’s rich in shea butter to really nourish dry strands and enable curls to pop. The texture is dense though so a little goes a long way, and finer hair types might find it a little heavy.
Pros
- Deeply moisturising
- Enhances curl pattern
- Affordable
Cons
- Quite heavy for fine hair
8. Pantene Pro-V Natural Curls Styling Cream
Pantene
Pro-V Natural Curls Styling Cream
Proof that you don’t have to spend tons on hair products, this affordable curl cream is a solid option if you’re seeking hydration and soft hold without breaking the bank. Formulated without silicones or sulphates, it’s suitable for most curl types and leaves hair feeling soft and manageable.
“A really underrated high-street find. It smooths, defines, and offers heat protection, which is a big bonus if you’re diffusing curls or using stylers. Great for softer textures or clients wanting something fuss-free and affordable,” says Burkill.
Pros
- Silicone-free
- Leaves hair soft
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- It has quite a strong scent
9. Maria Nila Coils & Curls Oil in Cream
Maria Nila
Coils and Curls Oil in Cream
Promising deep nourishment and curl-defining hydration, this rich leave-in cream by Maria Nila really does deliver on all fronts for textured hair. Rich yet workable, it defines curls without stiffness—using a blend of shea butter, jojoba oil, aloe and vitamin E to boost moisture and shine while keeping frizz at bay. Makeup artist Mira Parmar swears by it for her own curly hair. “It’s a gorgeous leave-in cream that feels lightweight, hydrates and nourishes hair and leaves curls beautifully defined and soft,” she told me.
Pros
- Long-lasting nourishment
- Boosts shine
- Great for dry hair
Cons
- Not everyone will love the rich texture
10. Innersense I Create Volume Lotion
(Image credit: Amerley Ollennu)
Innersense
I Create Volume Lotion
While not a traditional curl cream, Innersense’s I Create Volume Lotion is a brilliant alternative for those with fine curls or waves seeking lift and bounce. Lightweight and silky, it uses certified organic ingredients like aloe vera, honey and rice bran oil to add body without stickiness or crunch. It’s especially effective on roots, making it ideal for those who want curl definition with a bit of volume. Plus, it’s vegan, cruelty-free and curly girl–approved.
Freelance beauty and lifestyle editor Amerley Ollennu swears by it as her secret to perfectly defined ringlets. “I love the ringlets my hair twists and turns into when wet but once dry, frizz creeps in and the definition disappears. While Innerscence I Create Volume is not officially a curly hair product, and volume isn’t usually something curly haired gals often require more of, I have found that it helps me to keep the definition I love while eliminating any frizz and warding off tangles,” Ollennu explains.
Pros
- Adds lift at the root
- Organic ingredients
- Glossy finish
11. Camille Rose Curl Maker Curling Jelly
Best lightweight curling cream
Camille Rose
Curl Maker Curling Jelly
For those who find traditional curling creams a little heavy, Camille Rose’s Curl Maker Curling Jelly is the solution. This formula was crowned Best Curl Product in our 2024 Next in Beauty Awards, with content creator and curl hair expert Lesley Buckle singing its praises.
“It’s one of the few styling gels I’ve used that holds my hair without making it crunchy—I love the results,” says beauty content creator Lesley Buckle. “My curls feel really soft and the definition actually lasts beyond day one, which is rare for me. This product smells lovely too—I would definitely recommend it.”
Pros
- Large size bottle for the price
- Non-crunchy payoff
- Nourishing ingredients
Cons
- Need to apply a generous amount
12. Got2B Coil Refresher Cream
Got2B
Coil Refresher Cream
A budget-friendly gem, this high-street hero from Got2B revives second-day curls without stickiness. Designed for coils but suitable for various textures, it adds moisture and bounce in minutes. The texture is creamy but light, and it doesn’t flake or build up.
Pros
- Reduces frizz and flyways
- Redefines curls that have fallen flat
- Doesn’t feel heavy
Cons
- It’s quite heavily fragranced
13. Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream
Living Proof
No Frizz Smooth Styling Cream
While not curl-specific, this cream works beautifully on wavy to curly hair that battles frizz. Powered by the brand’s patented Healthy Hair Molecule, it blocks humidity and smooths strands without weighing them down. Ideal for sleek, defined waves and soft, natural curls.
Pros
- Protects against frizz and flyaways
- Lightweight texture
- Silicone-free
Cons
- Better as a finishing product than enhancing curls
14. Umberto Giannini More than Moisture Twirling and Styling Definition Cream
Best for dry and thirsty curls that need hydration
Umberto Giannini
More Than Moisture Twirling and Styling Definition Cream
True to its name, this curl cream delivers serious hydration without the weight. Enriched with coconut oil and shea butter, Umberto Giannini’s More Than Moisture Curl Cream nourishes dry curls while enhancing natural shape and shine. It melts into the hair effortlessly, leaving curls soft, defined and touchably smooth—no crunch or stickiness in sight. Great for dry, thirsty textures, it also doubles as a leave-in for wash days. Plus, it’s vegan, silicone-free and budget-friendly.
Pros
- Rich and moisturising
- Rehydrates parched hair
- Great for thick hair
What Is a Curl Cream?
Simply put, a curl cream’s main function is to define, hydrate and enhance the natural pattern of wavy, curly or coily hair. In terms of texture, they tend to be quite rich (think like a leave-in conditioner) but with less stickiness or viscosity than a gel. They get to work by locking in moisture, which in turn helps to smooth the hair and reduce frizz, while encouraging curl formation or the enhancement of your natural waves and texture. Critically, though, the best curl creams should never sacrifice softness or movement—you want your natural hair texture to shine through.
How to Choose the Best Curl Cream for Your Hair Type
First up, you’ll need to pay close attention to your own hair type and texture in order to choose the best curl cream. “Finer curls will benefit from lightweight, hydrating formulas that won’t weigh your hair down so look for ingredients like aloe vera or light oils,” says celebrity hair stylist Pete Burkill. “Coarser or drier curls tend to need more moisture, so richer creams with shea butter or coconut oil can really help define and nourish your curls.” Burkill suggests paying close attention to the ingredients lists and skipping anything that is too heavy on alcohol or silicones to prevent drying out curls and preventing product build-up which can weigh them down.
How to Use a Curl Cream
Application is key to making the most of your curl creams and Burkill explains that they work best when applied to damp, rather than soaking wet hair, before any serums or oils. “Start with a small amount and apply it evenly from mid-lengths to ends using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb,” says Burkill. “I always recommend sectioning the hair when applying products as it ensures more even distribution and definition.” Once it’s in, Burkill recommends giving the hair a gentle scrunch to encourage the curls and to then leave your hair to air-dry or diffuse for extra volume and bounce.
How We Tested the Best Curl Creams
I have tested so many curl creams over the years and am sharing my favourites ahead, but for this piece I’ve also reached out to fellow beauty editors with curly and textured hair for their recommendations and expert hairstylists for the professional seal of approval. From affordable options to luxury brands, we’ve tried and tested a range of curl creams at different price points and rated them on how well they enhance and define texture, soften and smooth strands and feel comfortable and lightweight in the hair.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
