The best curl creams add moisture, definition and softness to curly and coily hair, smoothing frizz without the crunch of a gel. A good curl cream is the backbone of most wash-and-go, twist-out and styling routines. Our top 10 UK picks below, all checked against the Curldrop Standard, range from the cult favourite Cantu Coconut Curling Cream for everyday definition to the rich The Doux C.R.E.A.M for twist-outs, with a cream here for every curl type and budget. You can shop our top hair creams right here.
What is a curl cream and who needs one?
A curl cream is a leave-in styling product that moisturises and defines curls while taming frizz. Unlike a gel, it gives soft, touchable definition rather than a firm, crunchy hold- so it suits anyone who wants their curls to look and feel hydrated. It works across curl types, from loose 3A to tight 4C cs, and is the foundation of most curly hair routines.
What should you look for in a curl cream?
- Look for: moisturising ingredients (shea butter, coconut oil, honey, aloe), the right weight for your hair (lighter milks for finer or lower-porosity curls, richer creams for thick or high-porosity curls), and a soft, flake-free finish.
- Avoid: applying too much- build up in thin layers on soaking-wet hair for the best definition without buildup.
Need to figure out how rich a cream your hair wants? It often comes down to your hair porosity - here's how to find yours.
Best curl creams in the UK
1. Best overall: Cantu Coconut Curling Cream
A cult favourite for a reason. This coconut-oil curling cream deeply hydrates and defines curls, coils and waves with soft, bouncy hold- brilliant value and a great everyday staple.
2. Best curl smoothie: SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
A rich, creamy styling smoothie that defines curls and adds moisture without weighing hair down- ideal for twist-outs and wash-and-go styles on thick curls.
3. Best everyday leave-in cream: As I Am Leave-In Conditioner
A coconut-scented lightweight cream-leave-in that keeps curls hydrated and defined without heavy buildup. This cult favourite works beautifully across curl types from 3A to 4C but is especially great for type 4 curls.
4. Best defining custard: Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard
For long-lasting definition with a boost of shine, this sculpting custard minimises frizz and enhances texture without crunch or flaking.
5. Best for thick, coily hair: Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Leave-in Conditioner
A rich cream-leave-in formulated for thick, curly hair, delivering intense hydration and slip for effortless detangling. This pomegranate & honey cream defines while locking in moisture.
6. Best lightweight moisture milk: Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk
A lighter, leave-in moisture milk with rice milk and macadamia oil that hydrates and softens curls without weighing them down- perfect for daily use and finer curls.
7. Best for twist-outs & braid-outs: The Doux C.R.E.A.M Twist & Curl Cream
A rich, nourishing styler in a generous tub, this twist & curl cream gives excellent slip and medium hold for smooth, long-lasting twist-outs, braid-outs and defined curls.
8. Best thick defining custard: Aunt Jackie's Curl La La Defining Curl Custard
A thick, rich styling custard with shea butter and olive oil that delivers superior definition and long-lasting hold without crunch- a little goes a long way on thicker hair.
9. Best styling milk: SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk
A nourishing curl & style milk with coconut oil and hibiscus that provides moisture and soft style support- great for frizz-free, healthy-looking curls.
10. Best curl refresher: Camille Rose Fresh Curl Revitalising Hair Smoother
This lightweight refreshing cream with aloe vera and fruit extracts brings tired, frizzy curls back to life between wash days- scrunch through second or third-day curls for renewed definition.
Curl creams compared
| Curl cream | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cantu Coconut Curling Cream | Defining cream | Everyday definition (best value) |
| SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie | Curl smoothie | Thick curls, twist-outs |
| As I Am Leave-In Conditioner | Leave-in cream | Lightweight everyday moisture |
| Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard | Defining custard | Definition + shine |
| Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Leave-in | Leave-in cream | Thick, coily hair |
| Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk | Moisture milk | Finer curls, daily moisture |
| The Doux C.R.E.A.M Twist & Curl Cream | Styling cream | Twist-outs & braid-outs |
| Aunt Jackie's Curl La La Custard | Defining custard | Thick hair, strong definition |
| SheaMoisture Curl & Style Milk | Styling milk | Soft style + moisture |
| Camille Rose Fresh Curl Smoother | Refresher cream | Reviving second-day curls |
How to use a curl cream
For the best definition, apply your curl cream to soaking-wet hair in sections, raking or smoothing it through, then scrunch. On thick or high-porosity hair you can layer a gel on top to lock it in (the "cream then gel" method). Less is more- build up in thin layers rather than piling it on.
The Curldrop Standard
Every curl cream here has passed the Curldrop Standard- checked ingredient by ingredient and tested by real people with curly and coily hair before it earns a place in the shop. Every product. Every ingredient. Checked- so you don't have to.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a curl cream and a gel?
A curl cream moisturises and gives soft, touchable definition; a gel gives firmer hold and a more defined "cast". Many people use a cream for moisture and a gel on top for hold and longevity.
Are curl creams good for low or high porosity hair?
Both- just match the weight! Lighter creams and milks suit finer or low-porosity curls that get weighed down easily, while richer creams and custards suit thick or high-porosity hair that needs more moisture.
How much curl cream should I use?
Start small and build up in thin layers on wet or damp hair. Too much product on dry-ish hair is the most common cause of buildup and weighed-down curls.
Ready to find your match? Browse the full curl styling collection at Curldrop, or take our porosity test first.
