Wavy hair sits beautifully between straight and curly, offering volume, movement, and a natural bounce—but it also comes with its own set of challenges.
Frizz, lack of definition, and dryness can quickly turn effortless waves into a styling struggle. That’s where the right curl cream comes in.
Designed to enhance your natural texture while controlling frizz and adding hydration, curl creams are a game-changer for anyone with wavy locks.
Whether you want soft, touchable waves or more defined, sculpted strands, the perfect product can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the 10 best curl creams for wavy hair that will nourish, define, and transform your tresses—so you can embrace your waves with confidence.
1. Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
This curl cream effectively defines curls while keeping them soft and bouncy, reducing frizz and adding moisture without leaving them crunchy.
For best results, scrunch it into sections of your hair, and it can be paired with mousse for extra definition. It works with air drying or a diffuser. While the scent can vary in preference, many users find it effective.
- Best For: Those with curly or wavy hair looking for a product that defines curls without crunchiness and maintains moisture.
- Pros:
- Effectively defines curls while keeping them soft and bouncy.
- Reduces frizz and adds moisture, working well with various hair types.
- Allows for air drying without sacrificing curl definition.
- Cons:
- The scent may be overwhelming or unpleasant for some users.
- Some users are concerned about rising prices over time.
- Individual preferences may vary, leading to mixed reviews on effectiveness.
2. OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Curl-Defining Cream (6 oz)
Infused with cold-pressed Moroccan argan oil, this cream eliminates frizz and tames flyaways while boosting shine. It offers a flexible hold that adds volume without compromising softness.
Apply to damp hair, scrunching as you air dry for beautifully defined curls. Users praise its light texture and delightful scent, though it might feel heavy for finer hair. It is an excellent choice for daily use and effortless styling.
- Best For: Those with thick, curly hair looking to enhance their natural curls and eliminate frizz.
- Pros:
- Infused with cold-pressed Moroccan argan oil for added shine and frizz control.
- Provides flexible hold and volume while keeping hair soft and manageable.
- Pleasant scent and light texture that many users enjoy.
- Cons:
- May feel heavy or weigh down finer hair types.
- Some users reported stiffness or a crunchy texture if not applied correctly.
- Results can vary based on individual hair type and texture.
3. Curly Moisturizing Smoothie Leave-In Moisturizer & Conditioner for Kids
This 8 oz moisturizer is designed for children’s curls, providing deep hydration to leave hair soft, manageable, and full of life. It helps keep curls smooth, bouncy, and tangle-free all day.
Enriched with nourishing ingredients, it supports healthy hair growth and simplifies the hair care routine. Apply to damp or dry curls for instant hydration and definition. It is hypoallergenic and cruelty-free.
- Best For: Parents looking for a gentle and effective leave-in moisturizer and conditioner for their children’s curly hair.
- Pros:
- Provides deep hydration, leaving curls soft, manageable, and tangle-free.
- Enriched with nourishing ingredients that support healthy hair growth.
- Easy application simplifies curly hair care routines for busy parents.
- Cons:
- The 8 oz size may run out quickly for those with thicker, longer hair.
- Some users may find it takes time to find the right amount for their child’s specific curl type.
- Availability may be limited depending on the location or retailer.
4. Cake Beauty Curl Defining Cream for Curly Hair
Known as The Curl Friend, this lightweight formula is enriched with Avocado Oil, Soybean Oil, and Shea Butter. It moisturizes and defines curls while controlling frizz, leaving them glossy and bouncy.
Users appreciate its delightful Lemon Meringue Pie scent. For best results, it can be paired with other Cake products. A little product is effective.
- Best For: Those with curly hair looking for a lightweight cream that defines and moisturizes curls while controlling frizz.
- Pros:
- Enhances natural curl definition and provides a glossy finish.
- Moisturizing ingredients like Avocado Oil and Shea Butter promote softness without weighing hair down.
- Delightful Lemon Meringue Pie scent adds a pleasant fragrance experience.
- Cons:
- May require pairing with additional products for optimal results.
- Some users might find the scent too sweet or overpowering.
- Effectiveness can vary based on individual hair type and curl pattern.
5. Not Your Mothers Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel & Defining Cream (2-Pack)
This 2-pack features a gel and a cream, perfect for all curly hair types (2A-4C). It contains a Rice Curl Complex that hydrates and maintains curls.
The gel controls frizz and offers a long-lasting, flexible hold, while the cream seals moisture and adds shine. It has a flake-free formula and a pleasant Citrus Jasmine scent.
The cream can be mixed with water for easy application, and curls can be refreshed with a spray bottle on subsequent days.
- Best For: Individuals with curly hair types (2A-4C) seeking effective frizz control and curl definition.
- Pros:
- Flake-free formula provides a flexible, long-lasting hold without crunchiness.
- Hydrates and seals moisture, enhancing shine while controlling frizz.
- Pleasant Citrus Jasmine scent and lightweight texture improve user experience.
- Cons:
- Some users reported product leakage during shipping.
- Mixed reviews on effectiveness compared to other similar products.
- A few found the product to be overpriced for the results achieved.
6. OUAI Curl Defining Cream for Hydrated Curls (8 Oz)
This cream caters to all curl types and is formulated with linseed and chia seed oil to define curls while controlling frizz. Coconut oil hydrates and seals cuticles, and babassu oil adds shine.
This lightweight cream leaves curls soft and bouncy without residue or crunch. It can be applied to wet or dry hair. Users appreciate its effectiveness, pleasant scent, and ability to enhance natural curl patterns.
- Best For: Those with all curl types looking for a lightweight cream that defines curls, reduces frizz, and enhances shine.
- Pros:
- Lightweight formula that leaves curls soft and bouncy without residue or crunch.
- Versatile application on wet or dry hair, suitable for various styling methods.
- Formulated with natural oils for effective curl definition and hydration.
- Cons:
- Some users may find the product slightly expensive.
- Results may vary depending on individual hair types and conditions.
- The pleasant scent might not be preferred by everyone.
7. Pacifica Pineapple Swirl Curl Defining Cream for Curly Hair
This lightweight cream enhances natural texture while controlling frizz, thanks to its blend of coconut oil, hyaluronic acid, and pineapple extract. It moisturizes and hydrates hair, leaving it soft and bouncy without any crunch.
It has a tropical pineapple scent. Apply a dime-sized amount to wet hair, scrunch, and style. It is vegan and cruelty-free and suitable for all curl types and the Curly Girl Method.
- Best For: Those with wavy or curly hair looking to enhance their natural texture while controlling frizz.
- Pros:
- Enhances curl definition without stiffness or crunch.
- Infused with a refreshing tropical pineapple scent that garners compliments.
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and free from harmful chemicals, making it suitable for clean beauty enthusiasts.
- Cons:
- May not provide enough hold for very tight or coarse curls.
- Some users may prefer a heavier product for more moisture.
- Scent may not appeal to everyone; those sensitive to fragrances might find it overwhelming.
8. Miss Jessies Pillow Soft Curls Unisex Lotion 8.5 oz
This lightweight lotion delivers fluffy, frizz-free curls that are touchable and soft without crunch. It provides a static-free experience and works well on hair types 2b-2c and 3a-3c.
Apply to damp hair and air dry or use a diffuser. While some users report slight stickiness in humid conditions, many appreciate its pleasant scent, described as fresh laundry. It is important to purchase from reliable sources to avoid counterfeit products.
- Best For: Those seeking touchable, soft curls without the crunch, particularly individuals with hair types 2b-2c and 3a-3c.
- Pros:
- Lightweight formula that provides fluffy, frizz-free curls.
- Pleasant scent reminiscent of fresh laundry.
- Effective for both small and big curls, offering a static-free experience.
- Cons:
- Some users may experience slight stickiness in humid conditions.
- Availability issues in certain regions, like Australia.
- Risk of counterfeit products if not purchased from reliable sources.
9. Kristin Ess Hair Weightless Shine Air Dry Cream for Curl Definition
This 3-in-1 styling cream offers curl definition, smoothing, and blowout prep, making it suitable for wavy and curly hair types.
With a lightweight, vegan formula, it controls frizz while providing a light hold. Infused with hydrating castor oil, it nourishes hair without greasiness.
Apply a coin-sized amount to damp hair, scrunch, or twist for defined curls. It has a floral scent and helps achieve soft, shiny, voluminous hair that lasts.
- Best For: Those with wavy or curly hair looking for a lightweight product that enhances curl definition while controlling frizz.
- Pros:
- Lightweight and vegan formula that doesn’t weigh hair down.
- Infused with hydrating castor oil for nourishment without greasiness.
- Effective curl definition and volume that lasts throughout the day.
- Cons:
- Some users may find the scent overpowering.
- Requires a specific application technique for best results (scrunching or twisting).
- May not provide enough hold for very thick or coarse hair types.
10. Marc Anthony Curl Defining & Enhancing Lotion for Wavy Hair
This 8.3 fl oz lotion is designed to enhance wavy hair’s natural beauty. It contains Vitamin E, Silk Proteins, and Shea Butter, offering moisture and frizz control while boosting bounce and shine.
Its weightless formula helps curls stay soft, defined, and free from crunch. To use, apply to wet or damp hair, scrunch, and twist for beautiful spirals. It is free from harsh chemicals.
- Best For: Those with wavy, dry, or damaged hair seeking to enhance curl definition and control frizz.
- Pros:
- Moisturizes and detangles while enhancing bounce and shine.
- Weightless formula ensures curls remain soft and defined without crunch.
- Free from harsh chemicals, making it a safer option for hair care.
- Cons:
- Effectiveness may vary depending on specific curl types.
- Some users may find it less effective compared to other products.
- Limited size (8.3 fl oz) may not be sufficient for those with longer or thicker hair.
