1. Best Overall: Kinky-Curly Curling Custard
- Defines and holds curls without weighing them down
- Provides moisture and hydration to prevent frizz
- Contains natural ingredients like shea butter and avocado oil
2. Best Value: SheaMoisture Curl & Shine Milk
- Affordable and effective option for all curl types
- Contains coconut oil and shea butter to nourish and define curls
- Adds shine and reduces frizz
3. Best for Fine Curls: DevaCurl B’Leave-In Miracle Curl Plumper
- Weightless formula that enhances volume and definition
- Reduces frizz and flyaways while adding moisture
- Contains sunflower seed extract and hydrolyzed quinoa
4. Best for Thick Curls: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Mousse
- Controls frizz and humidity while defining and holding thick curls
- Provides heat protection up to 450°F
- Contains amino acids and moringa oil to strengthen and nourish curls
5. Best for Dry Curls: Oribe Curl Control Silkening Crème
- Deeply moisturizes and detangles dry, coarse curls
- Defines and holds curls without stiffness or crunchiness
- Contains macadamia nut oil and shea butter to add shine and softness
6. Best for Color-Treated Curls: Bumble and bumble Curl Defining Creme
- Protects color-treated curls from damage and fading
- Defines and holds curls without weighing them down
- Contains UV filters and antioxidants to prevent sun damage
7. Best for Curly Hair Types 3-4: Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer
- Specifically formulated for tight, coily curls
- Reduces frizz and enhances definition
- Contains wheat protein and aloe vera to provide moisture and shine
8. Best for Wet Styling: Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Curl Activator Cream
- Activates and defines curls while hair is wet
- Provides moisture and hydration to prevent dryness
- Contains shea butter and argan oil to nourish and protect curls
9. Best for Curly Hair Types 4-4C: Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding
- Defines and holds tight, kinky curls
- Provides deep moisture and prevents breakage
- Contains avocado oil, shea butter, and rosemary oil to nourish and strengthen curls
10. Best for Voluminous Curls: Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Sulfate-Free Volumizing Mousse
- Adds volume and definition to flat, limp curls
- Provides moisture and shine without weighing curls down
- Contains vanilla extract and coconut oil to nourish and protect curls
| Feature | Comparison |
|---|---|
| Hold | Weak, Medium, Strong |
| Texture | Creamy, Foamy, Gel-like |
| Weight | Light, Medium, Heavy |
| Frizz Control | Low, Medium, High |
| Moisture | Low, Medium, High |
| Ingredient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Shea butter | Moisturizes, defines curls |
| Coconut oil | Nourishes, reduces frizz |
| Avocado oil | Hydrates, strengthens curls |
| Aloe vera | Soothes scalp, adds shine |
| Argan oil | Protects from damage, adds shine |
| Wheat protein | Adds volume, enhances definition |
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Apply to damp hair | Start with wet or damp hair for easier distribution. |
| Use a small amount | Too much mousse can weigh down curls. |
| Scrunch into hair | Work the mousse into your curls with scrunching motions. |
| Air dry or diffuse | Let your curls air dry or use a diffuser on a low heat setting. |
| Do not brush | Brushing your curls after applying mousse will break up the definition. |
| Pain Point | Solution |
|---|---|
| Frizz | Choose a mousse with high frizz control. |
| Lack of definition | Apply more mousse and scrunch more thoroughly. |
| Too much weight | Use a light-weight mousse or apply less product. |
| Dryness | Choose a mousse with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil. |
| Product buildup | Wash your hair regularly to remove product buildup. |
- Cocktail different mousses to create customized results.
- Layer mousses to achieve different levels of hold and definition.
- Use a curl reactivator to refresh curls without re-wetting hair.
- Apply mousse to dry hair for a more subtle definition and less frizz.
- Use a diffuser with a wide nozzle to evenly distribute mousse and prevent heat damage.