How do you choose the right curl cream?
With the best curl cream, bad hair days are a thing of the past. Curly hair is beautiful hair, whether the curls are real or bought from the hairdresser. But curly hair needs the right care, otherwise curls can easily look messy and lack definition and bounce.
A curl cream can be applied to damp hair, where you can use it to shape and create definition in the curls. Often, it will then be most optimal to let the hair dry on its own without you touching it.
However, a curl cream is also perfect in dry hair if you want to add some moisture and shine or if you need to lay down flyaways.
Use curl cream as part of your hair care routine and get soft, well-defined curls that will make the world envious.
Discover the absolute best curling creams here, where I’ve gathered the ones that have earned the best reviews from hairdressers, other professionals and, most importantly, consumers.
3 things we looked for when picking the best curlers
- Choose a curl cream that can be used on both wet and dry hair – There’s no need to fill up your bathroom space with more hair styling products than you really need. So choose a curl cream that can be used on both wet and dry hair.
- Choose a curl cream with anti-frizz technology – One of the biggest challenges of curly hair is that it tends to frizz and become unruly. Choose a curl cream that focuses on keeping curls bouncy instead of unruly.
- Choose a curl cream that gathers and defines curls – Curls are most beautiful when they’re gathered into distinct curls with definition and shine. Choose a curl cream that gives you bouncy, defined curls while adding moisture and shine.
How to use curl cream?
Curl cream can be used on both dry and damp hair.
In the past, curl cream was primarily intended for styling curls, but today it is at least as much a hair care product that adds moisture and care to the hair strands.
Curls that aren’t in shape, are straightened or otherwise make for a really bad hair day can make even the most seasoned curl expert go black. The best curl cream ensures defined curls with a great shape that lasts all day.
Most styling creams for curly locks also have an anti-frizz effect, which minimises electric hair.
Curl cream in damp hair
All curling creams for damp hair also work on dry hair, of course. Perhaps the manufacturer has simply highlighted one condition of the hair.
In damp hair you can shape and create curls. This is done by squeezing the curls with the product in the palms of your hands and possibly finishing your styling with your blow dryer. Air drying would be ideal though!
If you do choose to blow dry your curls, use a diffuser and dry at low speed to avoid flyaways and out of shape curls.
Curl cream in dry locks
If your hair is already dry or it’s not a wash day – fear not – you can of course use curling cream in dry locks.
In dry hair, you can refresh curls with curl cream to give them shape and shine. Dry hair also benefits significantly more from the conditioning ingredients in the product as it soaks up better.
By using a moisturizing curl cream, you can avoid frizzy hair, which is the number one enemy of curls. Frizz in the hair makes curls deformed and they thus lose their shape and elasticity.
Is there a curl cream for men?
Yes, there is curling cream specifically for men. The difference is often just the scent, which can be a bit more masculine.
There is no doubt that the range of hair products, skincare etc for men is steadily increasing, but the preponderance is not in that direction. Men, however, have started to demand the various products more.
However, there is then absolutely no need to complicate the subject. If you have your boyfriend’s curl cream in the bathroom, you’re sure to get good results with it, regardless of the cream’s scent.
Any curl cream on dry or damp men’s hair will promote a healthy and well-groomed look!
The best curl cream and its effect
An essential styling product for those with curls is curl cream. Regardless of the product’s nickname, it is the same product.
Choose the right product for your curls and experience the difference when shaping and separating curls. The right curl cream keeps your curls in shape and prevents frizz.
For this, it is of course important to choose a light curling cream for fine and thin hair. However, most creams on the market are lightweight, so curls don’t stretch out due to the weight of the styling product.
Hold back and don’t overdo it
Curls or no curls, hair that’s just had a little too much styling product will look greasy and unkempt. You need a good amount of dry shampoo or even a shampoo cycle before you can restyle your hair.
So tread carefully, using smaller amounts at a time and applying in batches.
Curl cream for natural curls and those made
Whether you’re lucky enough to have been born with your curls naturally or you’ve used a curling iron or straightener to shape them – curling cream is a must-have if you want them to retain their shape.
I’ve yet to experience a cream that hasn’t worked for both natural curls and those that have had a little help. The good version gives a light hold so curls stay looking good all day long. You can optionally finish your styling with hairspray to give them a little extra hold.
Why you shouldn’t use curl cream on hot hair
If you’ve shaped your curls in your hair with a curling iron and want to give them the final touch with a good styling product, you should wait until they’ve cooled down.
If you use curl cream on hot hair, the curls will fall out due to the weight of the product. You should therefore wait until they are cool. locked in their shape.
You can speed up the process by blow-drying with a softstyler at low speed and with cold air. The soft styler ensures that they don’t go out of shape and the cold air locks them in their spiral form.
10 frequently asked questions about curl cream
Does curl cream make curls in the hair?
Curling cream does not curl hair, but gives existing curls hold and shape.
Curl cream for men, does it exist?
There is curl cream for men. The difference, however, is often just the scent of the cream itself. It is often just the scent that is different. The good conditioning properties are the same.
Can curls be induced in the hair?
There is no other way to induce curls in your hair than to make them with a curling iron or straightener. They must be innate. Scientists can’t say with 100% certainty how the genetics behind curly hair play into it, but the fact is that if your parents or grandparents have curls, chances are you do too. Try letting it grow longer – maybe they will!
Can you use curl cream on dry hair?
You can use curl cream on dry hair to give curly hair an active makeover. You can wrap each curl around your finger to give it an extra twist and curl.
Can curl cream be used in natural curls?
You can use curl cream on naturally curly hair. It is the same product as you would use on hair with artificial curls. The way in which your curls are formed is of no importance.
Can you use curl cream on straight hair?
You can use curling cream on straight hair, but the product will only be effective if you have at least a little natural fall in your hair. If you curl straight hair with a curling iron or straightener, you can definitely use curl cream on straight hair!
Can you use curl cream on damp hair?
You can use curl cream on damp hair. However, the hair should not be damp, but towel-dry. Squeeze a good amount of cream into the palm of your hand and squeeze the product into the curls. Then leave to air dry or blow dry.
When to use curl cream?
You should use curl cream on curly hair if you want to shape and lock the curls in their form. The cream is squeezed into the hair with the palms of the hands and can be used on both wet and dry hair.
How to make your curls last longer?
You can make your curls last longer by locking them into shape with a good curling cream or a lightweight hairspray that adds hold.
How do you get curls in your hair?
You can get curls in your hair with either heat or chemicals. The easiest way to get curly hair is to use a straightener or curling iron, which uses heat to shape the curls. Lock the curls into shape with a good curl cream.