Finding a decent curl cream is far from straightforward. With high street retailers now stocking more products for curls and coils than ever before, shoppers are weighing trendy viral creams against tried-and-tested favourites. To help navigate the options, I tested six of the latest launches, with prices ranging from under £10 to nearly £50, to identify which ones deliver bouncy, defined and hydrated results.
Two honourable mentions include Being's Dream Curl Smoothie (£8), which proved nourishing but suits looser curls better, and The Doux C.R.E.A.M. Twist & Curl Cream (£15.99), ideal for long-lasting styles like twist outs but not for everyday use. Cantu's Ultra Moisture Nourishing Curl Cream (£9) stands out for its rich yet lightweight texture, delivering beautifully defined coils with a medium hold and impressive smoothness. It smells remarkably like Sol De Janeiro's Brazilian Crush and is highly recommended for undefined, frizzy curls.
The Philip Kingsley Elasti-Styler Extreme Curl Cream (£32) is a versatile, multipurpose product that doubles as a styling cream and restorative hair mask. Despite its compact size, a small amount yields impressive results, making it ideal for fine curls and coils. It provides a glossy finish and keeps coils frizz-free even in hot weather.
Oribe's Eternal Curls Styling Butter Curl Enhancing Crème (£47) is the most luxurious option, offering a complete sensory experience with its creamy texture and gorgeous fragrance. It melts easily into coils, creating a glossy finish and maintaining definition all day. For those seeking a budget-friendly option, Mielle's Kalahari Melon & Aloe Vera Deep Hydration Curl Forming Glaze (£10) provides good hold and definition, though it may not suit all hair types.
