If you have curly hair then you know how important having a quality curl cream is in your regular hair care routine. Curl cream is a crucial step in curly hair routines, enhancing natural texture and locking moisture into curls. It slows down water evaporation, especially for low-porosity hair, and adds extra moisture after shampooing and conditioning. It defines curls, adds bounce and shine, and is a quick, easy step without extra rinsing or shampooing.
Defining Cream in Curly Hair Styling
Curl-defining creams are moisturizing emulsions that improve the natural texture of hair by coating it in a thin film that smooths cuticles. This prevents tangling and provides a smooth surface for curlier, more defined curls. Water, natural oils, and organic components like aloe vera are often used in its formulation to keep hair hydrated and safeguard it from harm.
Choosing a Good Curl-Defining Cream
While we know that defining creams are beneficial for curly hair, it’s still quite difficult to find the right one for you. The market is filled with products that cater to different needs, so in this section, we’re going to break down what you should be looking for in a good curl-defining cream.
- Argan Oil
Argan oil, also referred to as “liquid gold,” is produced in Morocco from the fruit of the argan tree. Vitamin E and other antioxidants found in argan oil, as well as fatty acids, have been shown to have positive effects on the scalp and hair. Due to its fatty acids, particularly oleic acid and linoleic acid, which help maintain moisture in the hair shaft, it is primarily used as a moisturizer for skin and hair. Additionally, vitamin E adds a fatty layer to the hair and scalp to prevent dryness and lessen fizz.
- Shea Butter
Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree native to Africa. Its easy-to-spread consistency makes it suitable for smoothing, soothing, and conditioning the scalp. Shea butter’s moisturizing effects are due to its high fatty acid content, including linoleic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. These oils are rapidly absorbed into the skin, acting as a “refatting” agent, restoring lipids and creating moisture. Additionally, it also contains vitamins A and E, promoting strong antioxidant activity.
- Castor Oil
Castor oil is a versatile vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. While the plant contains the toxic enzyme ricin, a meticulous heating process ensures that this plant and its extracts are safe for use. It is rich in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, which can be used to moisturize the skin and scalp. Castor oil is often mixed with other skin-friendly oils like almond, olive, and coconut oil to create an ultra-hydrating moisturizer.
- Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural hair care product that can improve hair health by preventing protein loss. It is known to relieve dandruff, restore luster to dry and damaged hair, tame frizz, and protect against styling damage. It is rich in the fatty acid, Lauric acid, a saturated fat in coconut oil, that may protect against protein loss. It also reduces water absorption into hair, limiting everyday hair damage. Additionally, coconut oil may help repair the skin barrier, making it a suitable treatment for dandruff and dry skin.
Additionally, take note of the consistency of the cream you choose. For curly hair, choose a product with a thicker consistency like a custard as these are better for hydration, reduced shrinkage, and frizz-fighting effects. Wavy hair requires medium-hold products that are more like a lotion or cream than a thick buttery gel. For finer hair or looser curl patterns, lighter products with a milky consistency are recommended. For frizz-fighting, opt for curl creams with a jelly-like consistency.
Our Recommendations
If you’ve been having trouble finding a good curl-defining cream. Check out our recommendations of creams for all your curly hair needs!
Vatika Afro Naturals Curl Defining Creme works to give your curls a defined look. It is infused with Shea butter and Coconut Oil to nourish and hydrate your strands leaving them moisturized with long-lasting curl definition throughout the day! It is perfect for wash-and-go, finger coils, and twist-outs!
This weightless, moisturizing, and alcohol-free blend uses the natural benefits of Aloe and coconut Water to define and shape coils and curls without flaking; leaving hair hydrated, and frizz-free with lasting hold and shine.
This versatile curling cream blends Shea Butter and Flax Seed Oil to provide deep moisture, lasting definition, and radiant shine; leaving coily and curly styles smooth and bouncy with soft hold.
