If you live in the South and have a full head of curls, you know the struggle with humidity and frizz. Curl creams lend some help when trying to tame those wild tresses. 

In our testing, we found on average, curl creams defined a range of curl types and hair porosity. The field is wide when it comes to choosing the best curl creams—there are wavy hair and kinky curl formulas, lightweight and denser products, options for thick and thin hair, some known for not flaking, and others that specialize in frizz control.

Whether you are on the hunt for your first curl cream or have a regimen of dry shampoo and other curly hair products to style your spirals, there is one curl cream that will match your needs.

Kylie Sexton is a curly girl who specializes in helping other curly people combat the heat and humidity in the South. She advised, “There are 4 types of basic curl patterns. Straight, wavy, curly, and coiled. Depending on your curl pattern and texture, you may need a more lightweight product than a more heavy one. Being in the South means a lot of humidity—to keep your curls looking fresh and not a frizz ball I would use an anti-frizz product such as leave-in conditioners, serums, gels, or hair smoothing treatments.”

Meet the Expert Kylie Sexton is a salon manager, hair stylist, and curly hair specialist at Savannah Rae Beauty in Miramar Beach, Florida.

To come up with our list of the best curl creams, we spent six weeks trying out 22 different curl creams utilizing the same procedure and noting how they reacted with various curl patterns. We considered factors like performance, hydration, consistency of product, and how it compared to other curl creams.

Our Top Picks Best Overall Curl Cream: DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler at Amazon ($34) Jump to Review Best Drugstore Curl Cream: Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Cream at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Splurge Curl Cream: Oribe Curl Control Silkening Creme at Nordstrom ($42) Jump to Review Best Curl Cream for Wavy Hair: Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream at Amazon ($36) Jump to Review Best Curl Cream for Type 3 Curls: Bumble & Bumble Curl Defining Cream at Amazon ($34) Jump to Review Best Curl Cream for Type 4 Curls: Melanin Haircare Twist-Elongating Style Cream at Target ($20) Jump to Review Best Curl Cream for Frizz: Mizani True Textures Curl Enhancing Lotion at Amazon ($26) Jump to Review Best Lightweight Curl Cream: Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm at Amazon ($28) Jump to Review Best Curl Cream for Thick Hair: Ouai Curl Crème at Amazon ($32) Jump to Review Best Hydrating Curl Cream: Amika Defining Cream at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review

　　 Best Overall Curl Cream

DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Jcpenney.com What’s Great About It Versatile

Creates great definition

Maintains natural texture

Holds well

Moisturizes

Keeps frizz at bay

What Could Be Better Pricey

Heavy-weight product

This curl cream offers defined, tight curls and a distinct lack of frizz. We noted no residue, flakiness, stickiness, or crunchiness issues across the six weeks of testing on wet 2B curls (i.e. wavy, medium texture). The coconut oil, glycerin, and hydrolyzed jojoba protein left tresses feeling moisturized and natural for long periods. 

The light, clean scent does not linger or overpower, and the bottle is crafted from 50% recycled materials so you can feel good about your purchase. Co-developed by a dermatologist, the formula is silicone-, paraben-, and sulfate-free.

We do wish the product were a little more lightweight and came in a larger size (5.1 fluid ounces makes it a bit pricey), but the versatility—it is curl flexible and can be used on all types—and long-lasting hold between washings make this a great choice for anybody struggling to control their curly hair. 

Curl Types: All | Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, glycerin, hydrolyzed jojoba protein | Size: 5.1 fluid ounces

　　 Best Drugstore Curl Cream

Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Cream

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target What’s Great About It Keeps frizz at bay

Lightweight texture

Moisturizing

No flaking

Affordable

What Could Be Better Strong fragrance

This 6-fluid ounce budget option keeps frizz down while delivering maximum moisture through ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, castor and flaxseed oils. We tested the alcohol-, paraben-, and sulfate-free formula on wet 2B and C curls and found it provided great definition in a lightweight texture that felt barely there when dry. 

We do wish the smell were more pleasing, but the lack of flakiness and residue makes this a worthy choice for shiny, natural curls and versatile enough for all curl types.

Curl Types: All | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil, castor and flaxseed oils | Size: 6 fluid ounces

　　 Best Splurge Curl Cream

Oribe Curl Control Silkening Creme

View On Nordstrom View On Sephora View On Neiman Marcus What’s Great About It Nourishing ingredients improve hair

Lovely smell

Moisturizing

A little goes a long way

What Could Be Better Still some frizziness in humid weather

Still some tangles

If you want to indulge your curls, opt for this curl cream with nourishing ingredients that improve your hair. We loved how defined our 2B and 2C curls looked while still feeling soft and moisturized. It also lasts longer so less washing. We love the consistency of the product—the true cream did not leave any residue or crunchiness. 

The Oribe Signature Complex, a combination of watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flowers, works to defend hair follicles from the deterioration of natural keratin, keeping the hair shaft stronger and more resilient.

The container is on the smaller side, just 5 fluid ounces, but a little goes a long way with each use. We wish it provided a little more frizz protection and relief of tangle, but it’s hard to fight Southern humidity. It is sulfate-free which is great if you also have colored hair, and cruelty-free. The lightweight formula, long-lasting results, and overall smoothness of curls make this a great splurge to add to your routine. Bonus: The scent is light and pleasing.

Curl Types: 2-3 | Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, avocado oil, apricot oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, blend of styling polymers, Oribe Signature Complex (Watermelon, Lychee, and Edelweiss Flower) | Size: 5 fluid ounces

　　 Best Curl Cream for Wavy Hair

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora What’s Great About It Long-lasting hold

Great curl definition

Keeps frizz at bay

Moisturizing

No residue

Lots of bang for the buck

What Could Be Better Heavy-weight product

Strong fragrance

Some flaking

For well-defined, bouncy, full curls that last, this cream is the choice. We tested it on 2C and 3A curls (i.e. loose spirals) and found it kept frizzies at bay, provided deep moisture with the argan oil, and left no residue behind. 

We do wish the cream was a lighter consistency—it required more scrunch and flip to prevent weighing down at the roots. But that also means a little goes a long way, making it a great value at 8.5 fluid ounces. 

The paraben- and sulfate-free product works well on type 2 curls, but we did notice some product flaking after a few days and the fragrance is pretty potent. Overall, we love that hair still feels natural and silky smooth with no stickiness or crunchiness. 

Curl Types: All | Key Ingredients: Argan oil, polyquaternium-11, hydrolyzed vegetable Protein | Size: 8.5 fluid ounces

　　 Best Curl Cream for Type 3 Curls

Bumble & Bumble Curl Defining Cream

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora What’s Great About It Great definition

Lightweight

Moisturizing

No residue

No flaking

Light, clean scent

What Could Be Better Still left tangles

We all know how important sunscreen is for the skin, but UV filters are also important to protect hair from the drying effects of the sun and this product has it. The multiple moisturizing ingredients helped it score high on our hydration test, delivering soft, flexible curls with lots of movement. We also appreciated the thick true cream consistency that melted into our hair, but left no residue or flakiness.

We tested it on wet 3B curls (tight and springy), but it would be effective for all type 3 curls. Unfortunately, it was not effective at eliminating tangles, but the level of frizz control, defined curls, and light scent made this a favorite, and after six weeks of testing we noted hair remained more defined. The formula delivered on every promise the packaging made and we appreciated the generous 8.5-fluid ounce bottle.

Curl Types: All | Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, coconut oil, jojoba seed oil, cocoa seed butter, shea butter, soybean oil | Size: 8.5 fluid ounces

　　 Best Curl Cream for Type 4 Curls

Melanin Haircare Twist-Elongating Style Cream

View On Target View On Sephora View On Melaninhaircare.com What’s Great About It Long-lasting moisture

Reduces tangles

No residue

No flaking

Great definition

Keeps frizz at bay

Generous size

What Could Be Better Too heavy for other curl types

Hard to find in stores in some areas

This cream is made for the kinky coils indicative of type 4 curls. We tested this out on dry and damp hair and happily found that previously dry and dull hair transformed into smooth, shiny, moisturized curls and twists. This formula is free of the ingredients that tend to dry and coat hair, making it a great choice for thirsty curls that need long-lasting moisture. 

The various butters and oils make this too heavy for other curl types, but for type 4 curls it delivers defined, tangle-free curls without residue or flaking. We also tried out the curl cream on dry hair in conjunction with a leave-in conditioner spray and it made hair feel like it had been freshly washed, moisturized, and styled.

The nourishing ingredients help repair damaged hair long-term and in testing, we found it upped the shine and manageability of tresses. It is a challenge to find in stores, but once you get it, the huge 16.1-fluid ounce bottle, the largest on our list, will last a good long time.

Curl Types: 4 | Key Ingredients: Cupuacu butter, mango Butter, kokum Butter, aloe vera, argan oil, avocado oil | Size: 16.1 fluid ounces

　　 Best Curl Cream for Frizz

Mizani True Textures Curl Enhancing Lotion

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Jcpenney.com What’s Great About It Feels lightweight

Delivers great shine

Moisturizing

Keeps frizz at bay

No residue

Light, clean scent

What Could Be Better Small size

Pricey

After weeks of testing, we decided this curl cream deserved a permanent place in our product rotation—the lightweight consistency and moisture-packed formula tamed frizz while delivering shiny, defined curls. 

Sexton loves this one for all type 3 curls (we tested it on 3B curls). It is a splurge at only 5 fluid ounces, but a little of this cream goes a long way. After six weeks, tested hair retained a smoother texture and never felt flaky, crunchy, or sticky. Even after multiple rounds of diffusing, curls still felt soft. The light, clean scent, and long-term benefits made this a favorite.

Curl Types: All | Key Ingredients: Moisturizing alcohol, coconut oil, olive oil, marula oil | Size: 5 fluid ounces

　　 Best Lightweight Curl Cream

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta What’s Great About It No flaking

Great definition

Hair feels smooth

Light, clean scent

Won’t weigh hair down

Generous size

What Could Be Better Requires a lot of working into hair

If you shy away from curl creams because you are afraid of heavy consistencies that weigh hair down, this is the curl cream of your dreams. We tested it on type 3A and 3B curls, but noted that even thinner/finer hair would not be weighed down with this lightweight formula. 

The shine, bounce, and definition all made this a winner and we noted a definite improvement in the hair’s appearance after the testing period. The whipped texture and moisturizing ingredients also tamed frizz effectively, though you need to work to get it all distributed throughout your hair. 

We love how versatile this product is and the 8-fluid ounce size will last a long time. This one is lightweight enough to be used on curl types 1-3 and combined with some gel or mousse could tackle type 4 curls. The light scent, lack of residue and flaking, and great curl definition all make this one a great addition to your hair care regimen.

Curl Types: All | Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, rosemary leaf extract, avocado oil, olive fruit oil, basil leaf extract, and sunflower seed oil | Size: 8 fluid ounces

　　 Best Curl Cream for Thick Hair

Ouai Curl Crème

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Target What’s Great About It Great definition

Long-lasting formula

Keeps frizz at bay

Moisturizing

Long-term hair improvement

Light scent

What Could Be Better Easy to overapply

Some residue

Pricey

Curly hair people like color as well, but finding products that are specially formulated to be color-safe can be challenging. This one is made for color-treated hair with its slew of moisturizing ingredients and lack of sulfates, paraben, and silicone. We tested it on 3A and 3B wet hair and were impressed with the soft ringlets it produced and the light scent. 

It is versatile enough to be used on 2B-C to 4C curls. It is on the thicker side and easy to overapply so use caution lest your hair gets weighed down with product. We also noted some residue left behind. Going easy on it will help the pricier 8-fluid ounces go longer as well. 

After testing completed, we noted hair had less frizz, felt smoother, and was less brittle—a win in the saga of curly hair in the South.

Curl Types: All | Key Ingredients: Babassu oil, chia oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil, moisturizing alcohol | Size: 8 fluid ounces

　　 Best Hydrating Curl Cream

Amika Defining Cream

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Kohls.com What’s Great About It Contains strengthening ingredients

Won't weigh hair down

Moisturizing

Great definitions and hold

Light, floral scent

What Could Be Better May not be compatible with other product lines

On the smaller side

This curl cream impressed us with how it performed in our 4C curls. The ultra-moisturizing ingredients like panthenol, sea buckthorn (also helps protect from sun damage), and hydrolyzed jojoba protein nurture thirsty hair, and one of our favorite things about this formula is the lightweight consistency that is versatile enough to use on 2 and 3 curl types. 

Curls looked defined and bouncy throughout the testing period, and retained smoother, less frizzy and brittle texture after continued use of curl cream. It's also color-safe and has a pleasing light, floral scent. 

We do wish the package was a little bigger than 6.7 fluid ounces, one of the smaller ones on our list. But it shined with Bantu knots, straightened hair, and damaged hair, leaving the mane better than it was before.

Curl Types: All | Key Ingredients: Panthenol, sea buckthorn, hydrolyzed jojoba protein | Size: 6.7 fluid ounces

　　 Best Non-Flaking Curl Cream

PATTERN Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross Styling Cream

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Ulta What’s Great About It No flaking

Keeps frizz at bay

Helps with tangles

Moisturizing

Light, clean scent

Generous size

What Could Be Better Some residue

Pump applicator would be nice

Flaking can be a problem, especially for the heavier products needed for 3C-4 curl types. We tested this curl cream on 3C and 4C curls wet and dry and found it added lots of moisture and shine to the hair without flaking after drying, even when combined with other products. 

The thick curl cream has a light, clean scent that doesn’t overpower and the 15-fluid ounce size is generous, the second largest on our list. We did find some residue and wish a pump applicator was included, but the value of hydrated, touchable curls cannot be overstated. And it is one of the only ones on our list that adequately managed tangles.

Curl Types: 3b-4c | Key Ingredients: Rosemary leaf extract, kahai oil, shea butter | Size: 15 ounces

　　 The Bottom Line

If you are looking for a versatile curl cream that offers great definition while keeping natural texture, we recommend DevaCurl SuperCream because the formula contains many hydrating ingredients that help reduce frizz and keep curls looking soft, and leaves no residue, flakiness, stickiness, or crunchiness, even when used over a long period of time.

If you want a product that is a little more budget-friendly, choose the Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Cream. It keeps the frizz away while delivering maximum moisture in a lightweight product and can be used on a range of curl types.

　　 Our Testing Process

We rounded up 22 of the best curl creams and observed how they worked over a period of six weeks. We identified our curl type and hair texture, then applied each cream with a uniform method twice weekly and photographed the results. We documented whether the product was used on wet or dry hair, how it looked after each use, whether there were changes in hair’s appearance and feel each subsequent week, and noted how each product compared to previously used curl cream. 

In addition to the performance data, we also tracked and observed the hydration level each curl cream delivered, the consistency of the product and how it left hair feeling, the scent, and whether we would continue using the product after testing. 

Finally, we tracked what we liked and did not like about each curl cream, and which type of curl they would recommend for the various curl creams. In the end, we took all ratings across tests and evaluated the value of each curl cream. 

　　 Tips for Choosing the Right Curl Cream

Curl Type The natural hair type chart breaks down hair into numbers 1-4 based on texture (fine, medium, coarse). Then a letter is added that indicates a curl pattern. 

The easiest way to find your curl type is when it is wet. Once you have detangled hair with a wet brush or wide-toothed comb, look for the pattern. Type 1 corresponds to what we consider straight hair, but can go from a (stick straight) to c (straight with a slight wave). Type 1 curls look best with a lightweight product like Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm.

More distinctive waves tend to fall into category 2 and benefit most from a product like our top pick DevaCurl SuperCream, while classic curls (spirals) like those in category 3, need a little more definition and frizz control like what can be found with Bumble and Bumble Curl Defining Cream.

Type 4 curls (kinky hair) love even heavier products for optimal definition and shine—check out Melanin Haircare Twist-Elongating Style Cream or Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream.

Hair Porosity Often we choose products based on curl type, but hair porosity plays a big role in how those products feel on your hair. Hair porosity refers to how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture. 

High porosity strands tend to grab moisture, but may not hold on to it for long. If this is you, look for a heavier-weight curl cream with ingredients like shea butter—Pattern Styling Cream from our list would be a great choice.

If your follicles are close together, it is much harder for moisture to penetrate the hair shaft, meaning you have low porosity hair. Often build-up and dryness occur with this type of hair and lightweight curl creams are the way to go. Look for lightweight formulas like the Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm from our list.

Sexton added, “Picking the right curl cream for your hair isn’t just based on your curl pattern. You need to consider your texture. Your hair can be fine, medium, or coarse. I recommend finding one with hydrating agents to ensure your hair is nice and moisturized.” 

Hair Concerns The main concern with curly hair is moisture—hydrating ingredients like coconut oil found in our top pick DevaCurl SuperCream keep curls spiraly, bouncy, and shiny. Depending on your hair texture and curl type, you will need varying levels of moisture, but all curly hair tends to be on the dry side which can lead to frizz.

If you are looking for softer, more relaxed waves, opt for products with less hold like the Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream from our list. On the flip side, if you need a product to tame thick, tight curls in the 4 range, go for Melanin Haircare Twist-Elongating Style Cream to give maximum definition. If frizz is your constant enemy, the Mizani True Textures Curl Enhance Lotion feels lightweight but delivers the necessary hydration to keep tresses under control/

No matter what challenge your hair presents, we have 19 easy-to-do and flattering hairstyles for you to try.

　　 More Curl Creams to Consider 

Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard: This curl cream got high marks on the hydration front—we even noticed less breakage daily. It provided soft, smooth tresses on 3C and 4A curl types while giving great definition. The curl cream did not leave residue or flake after drying, but we do wish the consistency was more pleasant. The gel texture felt sticky on our hands, but we couldn't argue with the moisture-filled results. We appreciated the muted honey scent and long-lasting hold, especially with braid-outs.

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie: This curl cream scored high on performance, and we especially liked the definition it imbued in our curls. We tested this on 2B curls and felt that it might have been a little heavy for that curl type as it left hair somewhat frizzy after some time elapsed and the consistency was fairly thick, weighing tresses down. We appreciated the light tropical scent and generous 12-ounce size.

　　 Questions and Answers

What does curl cream do? Curl creams create a protective layer around the hair shaft to help smooth the cuticle and make curly hair more manageable. As you can tell from the products on our list, most curl creams include hydrating, moisturizing ingredients that help tame frizz-prone hair. Sexton added, “Curl cream enhances your natural curl pattern and definition while conditioning your curls and fighting against humidity.”

How do you use curl cream?  A curly-haired girl herself, Sexton understands how to cut and style curly hair. If you have a new stylist and want some tips, we have you covered. Sexton added this wisdom about using curl cream, “Start by applying your curl cream all over your soaking wet hair, using the “praying hand” method [rub curl cream between palms, then smooth it from root to end with flattened praying hands] to evenly distribute throughout your curls. Depending on your preference you can then diffuse your curls 80% dry or just let air dry.”

Is curl cream better than mousse? Sexton points out that everybody’s hair is different, even those with curly hair, and each person's tresses will react differently to products. She prefers a curl cream over mousse to enhance and hydrate curl or wave pattern and help tame frizz. If you are looking for volume, mousse is the way to go, but you can also use a bit of both for maximum effect.

　　 Why Trust Southern Living

Carrie Honaker is a food and travel writer who has a head full of 3C curls. As a Florida girl who lives in the blanket of Southern humidity most of the year, she knows the importance of the right products to tame her curly locks. To compile this list, we tested 22 of the best curl creams available, evaluating them based on performance, hydration, consistency, and overall value. Carrie also spent hours researching what to consider when shopping for curl creams, including size, key ingredients, and best curl types for each product. For expert tips on what to look for in curl creams, she spoke to Kylie Sexton, salon manager, hair stylist, and curly hair specialist at Savannah Rae Beauty in Miramar Beach, Florida.