If you’re using the wrong curl cream for your hair type, it could be causing more frizz or weighing down your hair.

Today, I’m breaking down the best curl creams for soft vs. rough curls and waves, how to tell what your hair actually needs, and when you might want to skip curl cream altogether.

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Soft Finish Hair

(Hair that feels silky, limp, or overly moisturized; struggles to hold curl or volume)

Look for:

• Lightweight formulas – fewer heavy oils or butters
• Low to moderate conditioning to avoid weigh-down
• Thin or lotion-like consistencies that absorb easily
• Texturizing ingredients (like starches or light polymers) to add gentle grip and control softness
• Proteins (hydrolyzed keratin, rice, wheat, etc.) to reinforce structure and help curls hold their shape

Goal: add structure and definition without adding more moisture.

Rough Finish Hair

(Hair that feels coarse, dry, or coated; lacks softness and smoothness)

Look for:

• Creamier, richer consistencies with emollients and conditioning agents
• High slip to smooth rough texture and reduce friction
• Moisturizing ingredients like oils, butters, and cationic conditioners
• Amino acids or gentle proteins to strengthen without stiffness
• Limit texturizing ingredients (too much starch or film formers) if your hair already feels rough

Goal: add softness, smoothness, and manageability without stiffness.

Creams

Umberto Giannini Crème De Curl Control Cream

Benefits: Heat and humidity protection (silicones)
​Weight: Light
​Hold: Light
​Slip: Very High
​Texture: None
​Protein: None

Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Cream

Benefits: Curl-enhancing, humidity protection, also available in fragrance-free and protein-free
​Weight: Light–Medium
​Hold: Light
​Slip: Moderate
​Texture: Light
​Protein: Medium

AG Curl Fresh Definer Silicone-Free Soft Hold Styling Cream

Benefits: Enhances clumping, curl retention, humidity protection
​Weight: Light–Medium
​Hold: Light
​Slip: Moderate
​Texture: Light
​Protein: Medium

Curlsmith Awestruck Definition Cream

Benefits: Provides heat and humidity protection
​Weight: Medium
​Hold: Medium
​Slip: Moderate–High
​Texture: Light
​Protein: None

DesignMe Bounce.Me Curl Balm

Benefits: Enhances clumping, curl retention, humidity protection
​Weight: Medium
​Hold: Light–Medium
​Slip: Moderate–High
​Texture: None
​Protein: None

AG Re:Coil Curl Activator

Benefits: Enhances clumping, curl retention, humidity protection
​Weight: Medium–Rich
​Hold: Light–Medium
​Slip: Moderate
​Texture: Light–Moderate
​Protein: High

MopTop Curly Hair Cream

Benefits: Enhances clumping, curl retention, humidity protection​
Weight: Medium–Rich
​Hold: Light
​Slip: High
​Texture: Light
​Protein Level: None

Bounce Curl Avocado & Rose Oil Clump and Define Cream

Benefits: Enhances clumping
​Weight: Rich
​Hold: None–Light
​Slip: Moderate–High
​Texture: Light
​Protein: None

For the full list of creams to compare, click the table below to view fullscreen:

Should you even use a curl cream?

If your hair already feels soft or easily weighed down, you might not even need a curl cream at all — a lightweight leave-in (or just gel) may be enough.

But if your hair feels rough, dry, or coarse, a richer cream can help add that softness and slip your curls need.

Need additional help?

Download my free Moisture Balance Chart to learn how to pair the right products together for long-lasting definition and softness, and take my free Hair Type Quiz to discover your porosity, texture, and the best products for your unique routine.

If you’re ready for more hands-on guidance, join the waitlist for my Curl Coaching Program to get personalized support, product recommendations, and live help with your wash day and styling routine.