7 of the Best Curl Creams For Afro, Curly, and Multi-Textured Hair

Updated on 9/16/2019 at 3:20 PM

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The key to luscious, shiny, bouncing curls and coils, is, say it with us: hydration. While there are tons of products out there that promise supremely quenched ringlets, our curls have uniquely individual needs. Just like no two curls on the same head of hair are the same, neither will the same styling product give a similar result for different curl patterns.

When we say curls, coils, and kinks, we're specifically talking about 3A to 4C naturally curl hair. Tighter, type 4 textures need much more moisture than looser type 3 ringlets. For reference, my hair has a mix of textures, ranging from 3C to 4B with a few 3B curls to the back of my head and some 4C kinks around the crown. Personally, my usual curly hair routine is minimal shampooing and maximum conditioning. I'm an advocate of a co-wash, although it might not be for everyone. In the mornings before work, I usually wet my hair liberally, dry it a bit with a regular t-shirt instead of a towel to reduce frizz, and then slather on my favorite curl defining, moisturizing styling cream. When my hair might need some extra TLC or it may be looking a bit lackluster, then I'll start my morning with a co-wash. I shampoo and condition maybe once a week, and deep condition once a week as well.

Keep in mind that my hair is cut into a TWA (teeny weeny Afro) which is super low-maintenance. Another quick note I've learned from having my hair natural for only two years is that sometimes your curls get weighed down if you're layering on too much product, and once in a while it helps to use a clarifying shampoo to regain your bounce.

Some days, my routine comes out incredibly, while other days not so much. But your hair journey, as a woman with naturally curly hair, is a long road of acceptance and experimentation. Even if you have a similar mix of textures to mine, it's really a trial and error process of finding your perfect curly hair product cocktail. And even then, every day your hair will be in a different mood and respond to the same mix of products in different ways. Keep reading for nine curly hair styling creams that I've actually used, and what I really think.

Shea Moisture Coconut Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Shea Moisture Coconut Curl Enhancing Smoothie ($14), made with silk protein and neem oil, is such an HG (holy grail) curl product. While some of my favorite products ever have been from Shea Moisture, like their Jamaican Black Castor Oil Mask, I have yet to try the Curl Enhancing Smoothie. But most of my curly-haired friends with 3C to 4C curl types have, and they constantly recommend this product to me. Definitely worth a try.

Shea Moisture Coconut Curl Enhancing Smoothie

From

$14

Windle & Moodie Curl Enhancer

Hear me out. Windle & Moodie Curl Enhancer ($29) is my current favorite, everyday curl enhancer. The texture is kind of a sticky, slippery, gel-cream that dries into a strong hold and high-gloss finish. This product actually surprised me because with all the curly hair styling products I've tried (and trust me, it's been a lot), Windle & Moodie's Curl Enhancer has the strongest hold, and best curl definition without that crunchy, flaky finish. I would recommend this product to my girls with coarser hair textures and tighter ringlets. It's definitely my favorite on the list, but keep in mind, what works for me might work differently for you.

Windle & Moodie Curl Enhancer

From

$29

Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair Coconut Curling Cream

Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair Coconut Curling Cream ($6) is, as the name says, made entirely from shea butter. This product works great for tighter curls (3C-4C) and might be a bit heavy for looser curl types. For 4C hair, it's recommended to use Cantu's Coconut Curling Cream on damp or wet hair, then layer on a stronger holding gel to separate and define.

Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair Coconut Curling Cream

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DevaCurl SuperCream

DevaCurl SuperCream ($28) is absolutely incredible. Most of DevaCurl products that I have personally used have worked like a dream with my mixed textures. It is so hydrating, perhaps the most hydrating of all the styling creams on this list. Although a bit expensive, the quality of the product and softness of the result is absolutely worth it. I can't rave about this product enough for all curl patterns.

DevaCurl SuperCream

From

$28

Briogeo Curl Charisma Leave-In Defining Crème

Briogeo Curl Charisma Leave-In Defining Crème ($20) actually surprised me. It's made with rice amino and avocado, and while it claims to be a defining gel, it was a bit too light for my coarser hair texture. What I loved was how deeply moisturizing it was, but it would be best suited for looser type 3 curls.

Briogeo Curl Charisma Leave-In Defining Crème

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$20

Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream

Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream ($34) is also a winner for moisture since it's made with their namesake brand of argan oil. It's one of those brands that has done so well for itself because it appeals to a wide range of hair textures, from silky straight, to bouncy coils. Morroccan oil will always have a special place in my heart as the first range of products I obsessed over at the start of my natural hair journey.

Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream

From

$34

Bouclème Curl Cream

Bouclème Curl Cream ($56 for 1 liter) is a good shout for looser curls, definitely type 3 only. Despite having a mix of textures, I never found Bouclème to give me enough moisture, but all my type 3 curly girls literally can't get enough of this product. So, definitely one to try for thinner hair, and looser textures.

Bouclème Curl Cream

From

$56