Believe me when I say that these curl creams are the only ones deserving of your goddess-like hair.

      (Image credit: @micaricketts, @peterluxhair, @jodiemcomer)

      I've openly shared that my relationship with my hair has always been complicated. For many years, I struggled to straighten it into submission, as I couldn't come to terms with its natural texture. My hair is slightly curly, sometimes wavy, and consistently prone to flyaways. I never appreciated the way it looked when left alone, but I also disliked using products that made it feel sticky or weighed down. As a result, I avoided curl products for years and simply hoped for the best. Spoiler alert: that strategy doesn't lead to good hair days. Recently, however, I've learned to value the importance of finding the right products for my hair. Since becoming a parent, especially, I seldom have time to dry it properly with a hairdryer, let alone use straighteners, so having the right products is crucial for helping me feel somewhat put together.

      A good curl cream is essential for defining my natural hair texture and controlling flyaways. Unlike mousses or gels, which can often be drying or stiff, an excellent curl cream focuses on nourishment and definition. Generally, they are designed to hydrate, promote curl formation, and minimize frizz, usually enriched with moisturizing ingredients that condition curls while allowing for natural movement and—importantly for me—no crunchiness.

      However, not all curl creams are equal, and finding the right one can feel like an endless trial-and-error process. What works for one person's 4C coils may weigh down someone else’s 2A waves. Some creams provide too much moisture, while others don’t supply enough. Personal preference also plays a role; I want my hair to feel soft while maintaining definition, while others might prefer a firmer grip. This is why, along with my top curl cream picks from the past few years, I reached out to hairstylists and fellow editors to compile a list of the best curl creams available right now. From drugstore favorites to luxury options, these products cater to a variety of curl patterns and can elevate your hair's texture.

      ### Shop the Best Curl Creams

      - **Best Overall Curl Cream:** Bouclème Curl Cream, £22

      - **Best Curl Cream for Hold:** Paul Mitchell Curls Twirl Around Crunch-Free Curl Definer, £30

      - **Best Curl Cream for Air-Drying:** JVN Complete Air Dry Cream, £24

      - **Best Curl Cream for Second-Day Hair:** Got2B Coil Refresher Cream, £7

      - **Best Curl Cream for Smoothing:** Maria Nila Coils & Curls Oil in Cream, £24

      #### 1. Bouclème Curl Cream

      **Best overall curl cream**

      - **Key Ingredients:** Coconut oil, kukui nut oil, castor oil, shea butter

      - **Size:** 300ml

      Bouclème is a lovely British brand with a comprehensive range of products tailored to every type of curl. Their curl cream is ideal for those like me who dislike the feeling of product in their hair. It’s lightweight, despite being enriched with a nourishing blend of coconut and kukui nut oils, and effectively enhances curls without heaviness. I believe that finer curls and waves will particularly appreciate its light consistency. Plus, it has a wonderful scent.

      **Pros:** Works for all hair types, lightweight texture, natural ingredients

      **Cons:** Not the most intense hold

      #### 2. Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil Pomade

      **Best curl cream for thick hair**

      - **Key Ingredients:** Shea butter, manketti oil, aloe leaf extract, squalane, cocoa seed butter, oat extract

      - **Size:** 200ml

      If your hair is very thick or dry, this rich and nourishing curl cream will be a favorite. It smooths and softens textured hair effortlessly. "Infused with shea butter, mongongo oil, and argan oil, it provides rich hydration and lasting definition," shares hairstylist and founder Charlotte Mensah. "Ideal for all textures, particularly coily hair, you just need to finger-curl for effortless shape and shine." A small amount goes a long way, though finer hair might find it slightly heavy, but it works well whether diffusing or air-drying for added polish.

      **Pros:** Smooth, rich texture, amazing scent, minimizes frizz and flyaways

      #### 3. Paul Mitchell Curls Twirl Around Crunch-Free Curl Definer

      **Best curl cream for hold**

      - **Key Ingredients:** Glycerin, jojoba seed oil, shea butter, apricot kernel oil, wheat germ oil

      - **Size:** 150ml

      This standout formula quickly impressed me with its ability to provide both definition and control without sacrificing softness. It merges cream moisture with gel hold, shaping and smoothing curls and waves while minimizing frizz. Best of all