Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story Curly hair truly flourishes when you embrace its natural texture , but if you're aiming for a more defined look, the best curl cream (for your hair type and needs, of course) can make a world of difference. That's easier said than done, though, especially when you’re dealing with frizz and humidity. Luckily, we have hairstylists on speed dial to help you find the right formula—and the expert tips you need to achieve your desired results. (More on that later.)
Whatever your hair type, these oil-infused formulas help enhance your hair's natural beauty by adding curl definition, taming frizz, and amplifying shine. Nourishing ingredients such as avocado and coconut oil coat each strand to prevent moisture loss throughout the day and help curls maintain their shape, no matter what the elements may bring. For wavy hair , curl creams work especially well when applied with scrunching techniques to encourage natural wave formation.
Don’t know where to start? We've curated a list of the best curl creams, butters, and leave-ins to suit every texture and curl pattern—in other words, you'll have dreamy waves, coils, and curls in no time.
Do curl creams actually work? How should you apply curl creams to get maximum impact? Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers Best Overall: Rizos Curls 6-in-1 Styling Cream Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Rizos Curls
Allure commerce editorial assistant Hailey Roy applying the Rizos Curls 6-in-1 Styling Cream
Why we love it: As its name suggests, the Rizos Curls Styling Cream does the job of six separate products in one step, combining hyaluronic acid for moisture retention, mango butter for softness and shine, and lactic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA) to smooth the hair cuticle and enhance shine, all wrapped in a base infused with 13-plus vitamins and amino acids that act as multivitamins for hair repair and strength. A genuine routine-simplifier for anyone tired of stacking tons of products, this creamy, lightweight lotion formula provides curl definition, frizz control, flexible hold, heat protection up to 450 degrees, and split-end sealing. The cherry on top: It works across all curl types from 1A to 4C, ensuring every pattern gets the exact balance of moisture, protection, and hold it needs.
Roy before applying the Rizos Curls 6-in-1 Styling Cream
Roy after applying the Rizos Curls 6-in-1 Styling Cream
Tester feedback from commerce editorial assistant Hailey Roy
“There are two kinds of curly girls: those who prefer defined ringlets and those who opt for luscious volume — I’m the latter. So when it comes to leave-in conditioners, my 3B curls crave something lightweight enough to let them do their thing. What I love about the Rizos 6-in-1 is that, yes, it graciously allows my hair to billow, but it still keeps frizz in check. And on the rare occasion that I want more definition, applying a little extra product gets the job done with ease. Plus, the scent gives decadent mango — the perfect fragrance for summer.” —Hailey Roy, commerce editorial assistant
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, mango butter, lactic acid (AHA) Who it’s for: all hair types Silicone-free: yes Scent: yuzu, blood orange, mango, coconut water, amber, and vetiver Best for Humidity: Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancing Cream Save to wishlist…