how to use curl cream and gel for curly hair

"Mastering Curls: How to Use Curl Cream & Gel for Curly Hair"

By Matthew AllenDecember 17, 2025

Embracing your natural curls is a journey of self-love and hair care, and understanding how to use curl cream and gel is a significant step in that process. These products, when used correctly, can enhance your curl definition, boost moisture, and provide hold without the crunch. Let's dive into the world of curl creams and gels, exploring how to use them for the best results on your curly hair.

Understanding Curl Creams and Gels

Before we delve into the application process, let's first understand what curl creams and gels are and how they differ.

Curl Creams: These are typically lightweight, moisturizing products that provide definition and enhance your hair's natural texture. They often contain nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or glycerin.
Curl Gels: Gels provide hold and help to define your curls. They come in various strengths, from light to strong, and can be water-based, alcohol-based, or contain other drying alcohols. Water-based gels are usually the best choice for curly hair as they provide hold without causing dryness.

Preparing Your Hair: The Importance of Wash Day

To get the most out of your curl cream and gel, it's crucial to start with clean, well-conditioned hair. This is where your wash day routine comes into play.

CURL CREAM + GEL Not Your Mother's Curl Talk

Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Defining Cream, Frizz Control Styling Gel, and Curl Activating Mousse

First, cleanse your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils. Next, apply a deep conditioner, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Rinse thoroughly and proceed to style while your hair is still damp.

Applying Curl Cream: Less is More

When it comes to applying curl cream, remember that a little goes a long way. Using too much product can weigh down your curls and cause them to look greasy or feel heavy.

Curl Cream → Gel → Mousse → Oil #curlyhack

You know by know it’s my soap box to get you away from curl cream overuse and instead try more HOLDS like gel. So many of you are frustrated by curls that only last a day or two. I promise you the right application of curl cream and gel will create the cast that is the foundation to LONG LASTING curls! Comment CART for my fave curl cream and gel! #curltraining #curlytutorial #curlystylist #gelcast #curlcream #curlygel Best Curling Cream For Curly Hair, How To Use Curl Cream, How To Get 2c Curls, How To Apply Curl Cream, Curl Cream Routine, How To Use Curl Defining Cream, How To Apply Product To Curly Hair, Curl Cream For Curly Hair, 2b Curl Routine

How To Style Curly Hair With Gel For Soft Curls ➰

Start by applying a small amount of curl cream to your palms and rubbing them together to ensure even distribution. Then, scrunch the product into your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Avoid the roots to prevent greasiness.

Using Curl Gel: The Scrunching Technique

Applying curl gel is all about the scrunching technique. This helps to enhance your curl definition and prevent frizz. Here's how to do it:

Apply a small amount of curl gel to your palms and rub them together.
With your head tilted forward, scrunch the gel into your hair, starting from the mid-lengths and working your way up to the roots. This helps to lift your roots and create volume.
Continue scrunching until your hair is completely coated with the gel. You can also scrunch your hair upwards with your other hand to encourage curl formation.

Styling Tips for Enhanced Results

To further enhance the results of your curl cream and gel, consider the following tips:

3 step, affordable styling routine with @umbertogiannini 💘 Products used → ✨Curl Control Cream: hydrating curl cream for light hold and frizz control ✨Curl Whip Curl Activating Mousse: the texture of this is unreal! It has a good medium hold and gave me a ton of volume ✨Curl Scrunching Jelly: a fan favorite for a reason, medium/strong hold gel that provides lasting definition and frizz control Shop all products on Amazon! Thank you to @umbertogiannini for sponsoring this video! As al... Mousse Curls, Curl Styling, Curling Products, Curl Hair Naturally, Curl Products For Curly Hair, Best Curl Creams For Curly Hair, How To Use Curl Cream, Best Curl Cream For Curly Hair, Product For Curly Hair

10 Curling Tips for Long-Lasting Results

Gel truly is a curly girl’s best friend, creating soft, defined, shiny curls. rnrnThis guide will share the benefits of gel, how to choose the best gel for your curls and waves, application techniques, drying suggestions, and the all-important “scrunching out the crunch step. rn Best Gel For Curly Frizzy Hair, Wavy Hair Tips, Curl Gel For Wavy Hair, Best Curly Hair Gels, Hair Gels For Curly Hair, Mousse Vs Gel For Curly Hair, Best Gel For Curly Hair, How To Get Defined Curls, Best Hair Gel For Curly Hair

Best Curl Cream For Curly Hair, Best Curl Cream For Wavy Hair, Curl Cream For Wavy Hair, Best Styling Cream For Wavy Hair, Xtreme Curl Gel, Curling Cream For Wavy Hair, Jessies Curl Cream, Best Curl Defining Cream, Best Curl Cream For 3a Hair

DIY Curl Defining Cream Recipe - Moisturize and Define Curls Naturally

Plopping: After applying your products, lay your hair on a t-shirt or microfiber towel (upside down) and gather the ends at the nape of your neck. Twist the excess fabric around the hair and secure it. This helps to reduce frizz and enhance your curl definition.
Diffusing: If you prefer to use a hair dryer, opt for a diffuser attachment. This helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevent frizz. Always dry your hair on the lowest heat setting.
Refreshing Your Curls: On subsequent days, refresh your curls by applying a small amount of water or curl-refreshing spray to your hair, scrunching it in, and diffusing or air-drying as usual.

Embracing your curls is a journey of trial and error, and it may take time to find the perfect curl cream and gel combination for your hair. Don't be afraid to experiment with different products and techniques until you find what works best for you. Happy curl-ing!