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7 curl creams for irresistibly soft, bouncy spirals

Curly girls unite

By Tiarne Blackwell

Content Producer / October 24 2023

Curl creams: they're pretty much the love child of a leave-in conditioner and a curl styling product.

And if you're blessed with curly hair, you'll definitely know that finding the right curl cream (or any curl product in general, really) is like navigating a very difficult obstacle course...in the dark...with your legs tied together.

You've probably been through your fair share of 'miracle' products promising you the locks of your dreams, only to end up feeling like you're in a never-ending bad hair day loop. Trust us, we feel you, and we've made it our civic duty to help.

Our below suggestions will eliminate frizz with just the tiniest dollop, leaving your precious curls looking bouncy, fresh and healthy all day long. And the best part? You won't even feel them in your hair once they dry (we're looking at you sprays and mousses).

The best curl creams in Australia...

OUAI Hair Curl Crème

Have you tried all manners of creams and oils, only to have your hair still turn into a big ball of frizz as soon as you break a single sweat? With almost 100 five-star reviews, OUAI's Hair Curl Crème aims to put an end to that. This silicone-free product defines your natural curl texture, reduces frizz and adds plenty of shine to lacklustre locks.

$49 at Sephora

ELEVEN Australia Keep Me Curl Defining Cream

This cream gives you the perfect amount of moisture for great curls, without them becoming crunchy or needing to be scrunched out. Simply apply a small amount to damp hair, and air dry or use a diffuser for the perfectly defined curl or wave. All of this for under $27, and we assure you, it's worth all that and more.

$26.95 at Adore Beauty

Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Perfect Curl Cream

Marc Anthony's curl cream is perfect for coarse, frizzy hair. Whether your curls are big or small, thick or fine, tightly wound or loosely held, you can be sure this little guy has things under control. Shea butter, avocado oil and vitamin E provide intensely rich, all-day moisture, as well as high definition and frizz control.

$17.99 at Amazon

Kerastase Curl Manifesto Cream for Curly Hair

Kérastase Curl Manifesto Cream for Curly Hair

Kérastase's ultra-lightweight smoothing cream delivers intense hydration, effortless detangling and heat protection up to 230 degrees Celsius, while reducing frizz and preserving curl pattern by helping shield the hair from up to 80 per cent humidity.

$58.50 at Oz Hair & Beauty

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

If you're a curly girl who doesn't like crunchy hair (who does?), this curl defining cream may just be the answer to your hair care prayers. This all-in-one solution promotes natural-looking, touchable curls with more bounce and movement. The nourishing formula helps restore elasticity and smoothness, while increasing shape and separation, and giving a soft hold.

$57 at Sephora

Oribe Curl Control Silkening Crème

The perfect balance between hold and moisture is in the palm of your hot little hands with this baby. The silk-light crème glides through hair to style and nourish with ultra-hydrating avocado, apricot and coconut oils. Curls and waves are given instant, touchable definition, with all-day frizz-control and support.

$64 at Adore Beauty

The Inkey List Chia Seed Curl Defining Hair Cream

This weightless cream's been formulated to help define, moisturise and protect curly and kinky hair (while also reducing, protecting and strengthening hair against chemical damage). Apply enough product to thinly coat all of your hair, and watch as it easily defines and prolongs curls' bounce and their natural shape.

$15 at Sephora

Main image credit: @jiordyn

Do you feel like you're fighting a losing battle against frizz? These nine products are here to help.