Paired with a great shampoo and conditioner combination, the right curl defining cream or curl mousse can make achieving your dream curls that much easier.
It can be difficult to know whether to choose a cream or mousse for curly hair, so we created this feature! Read on to discover questions and answers like "What is the best curl cream for textured hair?". and "Can I use a curl cream on straight hair?"
Index
What is curl cream?
A curl-defining cream does exactly what it sounds like: it helps define and enhance your hair's natural texture. Typically formulated with a moisturizing emulsion of water, natural oils and hair care ingredients like aloe vera, a curly hair cream works by coating the hair with a thin film. This film helps smooth out the hair cuticle, or "shingles" as they are often called. This prevents tangling and creates a smooth finish that allows for fuller, more defined curls. The best curl cream will also keep your hair hydrated and protect it from damage.
Who Should Use a Curl Cream?
Anyone with textured hair can use a curl-defining cream. From subtle waves to curls, curl cream can help enhance your natural hair without weighing it down. However, the best curl cream will strengthen and moisturize your hair in the long run, while lower quality products will take just as much toll on you and your curls.
So can you use a curl cream on straight hair? Not quite, but more on that later. First, let's take a look at the differences between a curly hair cream and a curly hair mousse.
Cream for Rhizos vs. Mousse for Rhizos
Although both may look similar, there are some key differences between a curl cream and a curl mousse. Aside from their differences in texture and density, there is a difference in what each product can do for your hair.
While a curl-defining cream and mousse will help define curls and protect them from frizz, a curly hair mousse will add volume to your hair, especially at the roots. Curl mousse is also great if you live in a wetter environment and will help keep frizz at bay.
5 benefits of using a curl cream
Let's take a look at what the right curl cream can do for your hair.
1. A curl defining cream will enhance your curl pattern.
Whether your waves are soft or curly, the best curl cream will enhance and define your natural curl pattern. This can be especially helpful when you want to revitalize and refresh your curls between washes. Simply dampen hair slightly and massage in from lengths to ends.
2. A curl-defining cream prevents frizz
Nobody likes frizz. Luckily, a good curl-defining cream will help keep frizzy hair at bay throughout the day. No more lunchtime touch-ups needed!
3. A curl-defining cream keeps hair moisturized
Thanks to the natural oils and other nourishing ingredients in curl creams, your hair will feel much more hydrated and soft after each use, which will help strengthen it and protect it from damage. If moisture retention is a high priority for you, we recommendTry Curl Crush™ Defining Cream!
Curl Crush™ Definierende Creme
Leave-in curl cream for defined, frizz-free, healthy curls without crunch.
20,95 €
see more information
4. A curl-defining cream promotes shine
Cream for curly hair can also be an effective shine booster. Because the product smoothes the hair cuticle, moisture can more easily travel down the shaft, creating a healthy-looking shine.
5. A curl cream gives you touchable hair without the "band-aid"
One of the best things about using a curling cream is that it gives your hair great definition without creating a "bandage". If you've ever used curling gel, you've probably noticed that it can make your hair feel crunchy. This is because the gel fixes the curls, forming a so-called band-aid. This needs to be ruffled to get the soft, bouncy curls we all want. With a cream product, however, you don't have to!
Can I use curly cream on straight hair?
As already mentioned, there is no curly cream for straight hair. A curl cream will only work on hair that already has natural curls or waves.
However, if you struggle with weak or very fine hair, using a curl mousse can help you get the volume boost you want. Paired with a light shampoo and conditioner, the right lather can help breathe new life into limp curls and lift hair from the roots. Don't waste time trying a curl cream for straight hair!
Camp Curl Crush™
Sulfate-free shampoo that gently cleanses and lightly moisturizes curly hair.
23,95€
see more information
Curl Crush™ Spülung
3-in-1 Curl Conditioner: Use as a co-wash, leave-in or rinse-off conditioner.
23,95€
see more information
5 benefits of using a mousse for rhizomes
1. Curl Mousse enhances the wave pattern
Much like a cream, a mousse can help give your curls the instant boost they need to look defined and separated.
2. Curl Mousse lifts the roots and gives volume
A major benefit of mousse is that it has the added benefit of being a bulking product. If you want extra hold and volume that lasts all day, go for a Curl Defining Mousse!
3. Curl Mousse helps against moisture
Unlike a curly hair cream, a curl mousse can help prevent frizz from appearing (even in humid weather!).
4. Curl Mousse promotes shine and definition
Many mousses also have shine-boosting ingredients added, and can make your hair look fuller, more elastic, and shinier than just using shampoo and conditioner.
5. Curling mousse is versatile
Think of a good mousse almost like a curl cream for straight hair. They're super versatile and can be used for volume even if you don't have a lot of natural texture to work with.
It's also common for creams and mousses to be used together for optimal definition and hydration. Don't be afraid to experiment to find what works best for your unique hair!
These tricks will help you define your curls
Want more curl tips? Try these curly hair care tips.
remove deposits
Even if you use the best products, if your hair is weighed down by a lot of buildup, you won't see results. Make sure you're working on a clean, light-colored canvas with sulfate-free ink.Scalp Delight™ entgiftendes Peelingevery week. And yes, it's approved for the Curly Girl Method too, in case you're wondering.
For a particularly luxurious treatment, we are happy to use theUse Scalp Delight™ scalp massage brushto stimulate blood circulation and gently remove dead skin cells and product buildup.
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Scalp Delight™ entgiftendes Peeling
Refreshing, sulfate-free exfoliating shampoo for dry, itchy or oily scalps.
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Scalp Delight™ scalp massage brush
It has soft and flexible silicone bristles that ensure gentle exfoliation and scalp stimulation.
14,95€
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work wet
When using a curly hair cream, it is important to work with the product while the hair is wet or damp. Curls activate better when damp. So by applying the product to damp hair, you are helping to define those curls for the day ahead.
create receipt
The right cream coats the hair and helps create the “slip effect” that gives movement to the curls. To create this slip you need to find the right amount of product for your hair. Start applying a small amount from mid-lengths to ends and see how it works. So if your curls are showing signs ofdryness or frizz, Add more.
airtrockenes Hair
To keep your curls soft and healthy, we recommend using as little heat as possible. An easy way to do this is to air dry your hair orWrap it in a bamboo toweldry overnight!
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Bamboo hair towel, white
Bamboo blend towel hair wrap for gentle drying.
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Bamboo hair towel, pink
Bamboo blend towel hair wrap for gentle drying.
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Change your brush
Rather than using a traditional hairbrush, we recommend using only wide-toothed combs or your fingers to detangle curly hair. Brushes create frizz. So unless you want to look like Princess Mia Thermopolis before she shines, we recommend avoiding her!
The only type of brush I recommend for curly hair is a definition brush that's specifically designed for styling curly hair. eastBamboo definition brushIt glides easily through hair for improved styling and provides frizz control, definition and body for frizzy, curly or wavy hair. It helps shape curls by dispersing styling products, adding volume from the root and creating defined curls. The perfect complement to a curl defining cream!
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Bamboo definition brush
Bamboo hairbrush with 9 rows of detachable pins for easy styling and styling of textured hair.
23,95€
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Protect your hair overnight
Did you know that our pillowcases can harm or help our hair? That's the way it is. ONEgood bamboo pillowcasejduvet coverIt can prevent tangles and tearing during sleep.
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Silky Bamboo Pillow Case, Pearl White
Bamboo pillowcase with a silky finish that protects skin and hair.
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Silky Bamboo Duvet Cover, Pearl White
Silky soft bamboo duvet cover, skin-friendly and hypoallergenic.
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ingredients to consider
If you are looking for the best curl cream or mousse, make sure the products you choose are not formulated with these ingredients!
silicones and mineral oils
While silicone is technically safe for use on hair, it can cause hair to become weak and dull over time. Likewise,Silicone easily builds up on the scalp, the hair weigh. Because of this, you should avoid products formulated with these ingredientsimportant part of the Curly Girl method!
Mineral oils are best avoided if you see them in the ingredient lists. They are known to cause irritation and allergic reactions, especially on sensitive scalps.
Curl Crush™ Hair Mask
Intensive treatment with clean ingredients of natural origin to revitalize limp, dry and damaged curls.
27,95€
see more information
Curl Crush™ Definierende Creme
Leave-in curl cream for defined, frizz-free, healthy curls without crunch.
20,95 €
see more information
drying alcohols
Some alcohols are good for your hair, but most are chemicals you should avoid. Ingredients such as benzyl, ethanol, isopropyl or ethyl alcohol are considered drying agents and can strip your hair of essential moisture and naturally produced oil, something we curly girls so desperately need to keep our locks healthy! While that may sound good to those of us struggling with greasy hair, these ingredients mean nothing more than trouble for curly hair.
Check the ingredients of any product you choose to make sure they are not formulated with these drying agents.
Sulfate
You should also look for a curly hair cream that does not use sulfates. Although found in many hair products, sulfates can cause excessive dryness and breakage, two things people with curly hair don't want. In addition, sulfates can also cause redness and irritation.
Luckily, as more people realize the harmful effects of sulfates, more and more brands are choosing to limit their use.
Camp Curl Crush™
Sulfate-free shampoo that gently cleanses and lightly moisturizes curly hair.
23,95€
see more information
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Pacote Curl Crush™
Complete routine of hair products for shinier, softer and more defined curls.
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93,95€
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Ultimately, the right curl-defining product can help take your beautiful hair to an even higher level. From extra shine to added volume and definition, a great cream or mousse can bring out the best in your hair without spending a lot of time styling. Which curl defining product will you try first?
FAQs
Is it better to use cream or mousse for curly hair? ›
While both a curl defining cream and curl mousse will help define curls and protect from frizz, a mousse for curly hair will give your hair more volume, especially at the roots. Additionally, curl mousses are great if you live in a more humid environment, and will help keep frizz at bay.
Should I use curl cream then mousse? ›“I usually recommend curl cream for a base of moisture underneath gels or mousses,” she says. “Always air-dry or use a hovering motion with your diffuser to get excess moisture out. Then go in by scrunching your curls with your diffuser attachment.”
How do I know which curly hair product is right for me? ›- Try drugstore products first. ...
- Know your porosity and curl type. ...
- Mix a drop of each product together to test their potential. ...
- Read the ingredient lists. ...
- Only try one new product at a time. ...
- Track your results.
And experts agree that mousse is one of the best products for naturally curly hair, to enhance the bounce and shape of fine or thin curls, or to help hold curls in straight hair.
When should you put curl cream in your hair? ›Curl cream should be used as soon as possible after rinsing to lock the moisture in. Rub the curl cream between your palms and begin to evenly distribute it around the head with the fingers.
How often should you use curl cream? ›Apply as needed for your hair texture and thickness. For extra curly or coily hair types it can be applied multiple times a day to enhance curls, add shine and hydrate if needed.
Is it necessary to use Curl Cream? ›It is still recommended to apply creams to soaking wet hair for maximum curl definition. he best thing to keep in mind is that creams are more closely related to conditioners than gels, but they still offer styling benefits in addition to the moisturizing properties.
What products work best on curly hair? ›- Joon Haircare Moisturizing Trio Deal Seat.
- Segbeauty Hair Diffuser.
- Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream.
- Shea Moisture Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque.
- Silicones.
- Sulfates.
- Drying alcohol.
- Parabens.
- Certain waxes and mineral oils.
- Sulfates. Known to strip hair of natural oils, sulfates are an absolutely no-no for curls. ...
- Parabens. ...
- Protein Overload. ...
- Alcohols. ...
- Shea Butter. ...
- Jojoba. ...
- Aloe Vera. ...
- Hyaluronic Acid.
Who should use curl mousse? ›
If you have wavy or Type 1 or wavy hair, finding a lightweight foam or mousse can help you to achieve your desired style. For those with Type 2 or Type 3 hair, however, a denser mousse may be more beneficial to your tresses.
Do you put mousse in wet or dry hair curly? ›Styling mousse should preferably be applied to wet hair and can be used in different ways depending on the result you're after. “For curly or frizzy hair, you don't need a lot, especially if you want to avoid clumps.
How many products do you need for curly hair? ›Keep it Simple
At the most, you're going to need five products to build a curly hair routine. This post will help you figure out what type of product will work best for your hair. And teach you when, and in what order, to use each product. Start off simple, so it becomes less daunting, and more achievable.
- Find a Curly Hair Routine That Works for You. ...
- Don't Overwash. ...
- Detangle Gently. ...
- Start Styling When Hair Is Wet. ...
- Scrunch Those Curls. ...
- Use a Diffuser or Air Dry Your Hair. ...
- Use a Heat Protectant If You're Going To Blow-Dry or Use Hot Tools.
Your heat protectant is typically applied before rather than after mousse and other styling products like volumizing sprays. Liberally apply your heat protectant from root to ends to ensure that your hair isn't damaged by heat styling.
What does curl cream do for curly hair? ›Curl creams coat the hair with a thin film that helps smooth the hair's cuticle or “shingles,” preventing hair from locking or tangling. The product creates an even surface that allow hairs to freely move past each other while locking in moisture and promoting curls to be springy while also providing definition.
Does curl cream make hair curly? ›“Not only will it give curls definition, but it will provide them with moisture you need to eliminate frizz.” Beyond frizz control, curl creams enhance and encourage your hair's natural curl formation, says Irinel de León, celebrity hairstylist and brand ambassador for Ouidad.
Do I need gel after curl cream? ›Curl creams, in general, don't provide quite as much hold as gels, so if extending your style is what you want, opt to add a gel on top for more hold. If you reside somewhere with high humidity, we recommend using a gel for extra hold.
Should you put curl cream on roots? ›On wet hair, apply an ample amount of the product to each section. Working the creme from the root to the end of the hair. You may want to also leave a little extra on the ends of your hair for some extra “protection” from the elements and split ends.
What can I use instead of curl cream? ›If you don't have any curl cream or want to use something more natural, you can use shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera gel to make an easy DIY curl cream. You can also use gel or mousse. However, these will make your hair stiff.
What ingredients should I look for in curl cream? ›
Look out for these good ones in your ingredient list; cetyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, and stearyl alcohols. Glycerine is known for being a humectant which is basically any material that can absorb moisture. This aids in preserving moisture in your scalp and hair.
Do you need leave in conditioner with curl cream? ›Your leave-in conditioner is the perfect foundation product to use prior to a curl cream because it allows for a more defined and even saturation of your curl cream prior to use. In fact those with curly hair will see an overall healthier bounce of your curls when using a leave-in conditioner first.
What to use on curly hair to keep it curly? ›Choose the right shampoo and conditioner
Look for a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for curly hair. In general, look for products that include: natural or essential oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, and avocado oil.
- Color Damage.
- Over-Washing.
- Mechanical Damage.
- Using the Wrong Hair Products.
- Heat Damage.
- Shampoo.
- Conditioner.
- All-In-One.
Keep your hair moisturized.
Curly hair is drier than other hair types. To keep it moisturized, condition all your hair, not just the ends. Apply a thick conditioner after washing your hair. Then, apply oil or leave-in conditioner after you have finished washing and conditioning your hair to assist with moisturization.
- Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. ...
- Towel dry gently. ...
- Don't brush. ...
- Define your curls. ...
- Create a barrier against humidity. ...
- Air dry your hair. ...
- Protect your style with hairspray. ...
- Use a secret weapon.
CREAM + MOUSSE: After many months of testing different combos, we found out that one of the greatest curl cocktails for those with 3C/4A hair is a 1-1 mixture of curl cream + mousse. Most creams will turn into a gel-like serum with an infusion of two pumps of mousse.
How much mousse should I put in my curly hair? ›You need a few pumps in a golf ball sized amount. A quarter sized amount is enough for smaller curls! Scrunch and let it air dry.
How much mousse should you use for curly hair? ›Amount: The amount of product you use will depend on your hair length. A golf ball-sized dollop is enough for the hair near the roots. A tennis ball-sized amount of hair volume mousse is appropriate for longer layered hair.
Do you put mousse on roots? ›Apply Hair Mousse With Your Fingers
Work an egg-sized amount of product through your damp hair using your fingers, concentrating the product on your roots. If you want a natural, lived-in style that accentuates your hair texture, you can let the mousse work its magic and simply air dry.
Should you brush mousse through hair? ›
Mousse is also a great product for those with natural hair to use, as it helps define natural curls or bring out some waves when using a curling iron. If you are looking for how to apply hair mousse for added texture, you can even brush out your moussed hair for that exact effect!
Do you brush your hair before applying mousse? ›Start on damp hair.
You can, but if you do choose to style with mousse on dry hair, be sure not to overload on product and make sure to brush it through thoroughly to ensure it doesn't dry stiff.
An essential step in every curly girl's hair routine, this cream is designed to lock moisture into curls to define and enhance their natural texture. Plus, adding in extra layers of moisture with a curl cream after shampooing and conditioning will help to slow down the evaporation of water from the hair.
Is hair cream necessary for curly hair? ›If you are a curly haired chica, then it is integral to add a curl cream into your hair care routine. Curl cream provides moisture, which in turn allows the cuticle to get what it needs. It also secures your waves together for a more cohesive look.
Does curl cream make a difference? ›The job of a curl cream is to both condition and moisturise from the inside out, and the nature of the ingredients will affect how well it does this. A good curl cream will also enhance the natural pattern of the hair by encouraging curl formation, allowing them to be the best version of themselves.
Do I need cream or gel for curly hair? ›Curl cream should be used by those with naturally curly or wavy hair to help define and enhance the curl pattern, while moisturizing and conditioning the hair, Udoh says. When it comes to styling gel, this depends on your hairstyle needs.
What curly hair products should not have? ›- Sulfates. Known to strip hair of natural oils, sulfates are an absolutely no-no for curls. ...
- Parabens. ...
- Protein Overload. ...
- Alcohols. ...
- Shea Butter. ...
- Jojoba. ...
- Aloe Vera. ...
- Hyaluronic Acid.
- Overwashing your hair. ...
- Using shampoo and conditioners that have sulfates. ...
- Forgetting to use oil. ...
- Relying too heavily on products. ...
- Using the wrong type of comb. ...
- Combing hair while it's still wet. ...
- Using the wrong type of towel. ...
- Not using a diffuser.
“Using too much product and improper methods of rinsing can lead to product buildup and lackluster curls," Lemonds explains. "Product buildup creates a film on the hair and prevents moisture and even water from getting into your hair follicles. Curls need water and moisture to remain soft and bouncy.
Does curl cream make your hair curly? ›“Not only will it give curls definition, but it will provide them with moisture you need to eliminate frizz.” Beyond frizz control, curl creams enhance and encourage your hair's natural curl formation, says Irinel de León, celebrity hairstylist and brand ambassador for Ouidad.
Should you use leave in conditioner and curl cream? ›
Your leave-in conditioner is the perfect foundation product to use prior to a curl cream because it allows for a more defined and even saturation of your curl cream prior to use. In fact those with curly hair will see an overall healthier bounce of your curls when using a leave-in conditioner first.