A great curl cream can make a huge difference in your curly hair routine, if you know how to apply curl cream properly. These styling products (intended for coily, curly, and wavy hair types) can help improve definition while combating dryness and frizz. But if you notice more buildup and heaviness than bounce and shine, it’s worth reconsidering your product choice and application technique.
Not sure where to start with your curl cream – or whether you’re getting the best out of your results? Below, we asked a curly hair expert to share her best tips on how to choose and apply a curl cream based on your hair type and routine.
How to choose a curl cream
Anyone with curly hair knows that perfecting your product list can take some trial and error. But when it comes to choosing a curl cream, one hair characteristic will point you in the right direction.
“The most important thing when choosing a curl cream is to know your porosity.” Jose Al-SalamiCurly and texture expert Thanks says hairdresser luster. Not sure what your porosity level is? You can do a quick “strand test” to find out, according to Ona Diaz SantinCEO of the company 5 spa salon.
Here’s how it works: Place a clean strand of hair in a cup of water. If it sinks to the bottom, your hair has high porosity; If the strand is floating at the top, your hair has low porosity; If it floats somewhere in the middle, your hair is of medium porosity.
“High porosity hair has an open cuticle that absorbs and loses moisture quickly, so you need to find a curl cream that fills the cuticle and doesn’t leave it empty,” says Jose. She also points out that high-porosity hair absorbs product faster, but often needs more moisture.
Low-porosity hair, on the other hand, “has a more tightly sealed cuticle that product can’t penetrate as easily, so it needs something lighter in consistency.” If you have low porosity hair, avoid heavy butters. Jose recommends Isima curls do not lie to the curls For a lightweight formula, with heavy-duty moisturizing benefits, that “can be used effectively at both ends of the porosity spectrum.”
How to apply curling cream step by step
Step 1: Start with wet hair
After washing your hair, Jose recommends applying a leave-in conditioner to detangle and lock in excess moisture. A lot of curly hair procedures are combined with a curl cream for best results.
Step 2: Section your hair
“Partition is the most important step,” says Jose. “Nothing else matters if you don’t section it because the product will sit on top of the hair!” The smaller the sections you can work in, the better. If necessary, quickly section your hair into at least three “levels,” using a gentle clip to keep wet, unrubbed hair out of the way. Work from the bottom layer of your hair upwards.
Step 3: Apply curl cream
“Once you start applying curl cream to wet, sectioned hair, focus on applying from the middle of the hair to the ends,” says Jose. She points out that since the ends are the driest part of your hair, they should receive the most attention. Apply or scoop the recommended amount of curl cream onto the palm of your hand, starting at the bottom of your hair. Move to the scalp, then comb through the product to make sure your curls are evenly coated.
Step 4: Dry hair as recommended
The next steps in your process depend on your curling routine and product choice. Many curling creams are designed to enhance the air-drying process. You may curl your curls when wet to enhance their look, but whether you air dry or diffuse, it’s best to avoid fluffing and touching wet curls. This will help the curl cream get rid of frizz.
Common mistakes to avoid in curl cream
Start from the root
It’s normal to run your hands through your hair from roots to ends, but with a curl cream, you’ll need to avoid the scalp and focus on working the product through the body of your hair. Starting at your roots can cause product buildup, flattening, and uneven distribution.
Using too much (or too little) of the product.
Jose says there’s no golden rule when it comes to how much curl cream to apply. “Everyone needs to understand the density of their hair to apply the right amount,” she says. “Yes, you can start with half your palm, but if you have a lot of hair, you’ll need more.” One tip that applies across the board: Start applying product where your hair is driest (the ends) and work your way up.
Go against your porosity.
Many people with thick hair or tight curl patterns automatically gravitate towards rich, buttery curl creams. But remember, you’ll find a better match if you base your choice on porosity — how quickly your hair absorbs the product — rather than texture. For best results, look for a curl cream that does both!