Anyone graced with curly hair understands that the perfect styling tools can dramatically improve the quality of your curls, shifting them from dry and lifeless to vibrantly bouncy. The best curl enhancer product reflects this principle, facilitating your journey to the dreamiest curls.
As Annagjid “Kee” Taylor, renowned celebrity hairstylist and the owner of Deeper Than Hair in Philadelphia puts it, “A curl enhancing product is a style cream designed to highlight your natural curls. It not only defines your curls but also delivers the vital hydration required to smoothen your hair strands.” Besides enhancing your natural curl pattern, the Best Curl Enhancing Products for Wavy Hair also uplifts and accentuates your hair’s inherent curl formation, remarks Irinel de León, a celebrity hairstylist and Ouidad brand ambassador.
“Moreover, curl enhancing products typically offer heightened hydration and contain conditioning elements that empower your curls to showcase their optimal state.” So without further ado, let’s dive into the top-rated curl enhancing products currently dominating the market.
Best Curl Enhancing Products for Wavy Hair 2023
MoroccanOil Curl Defining Cream
I couldn’t resist giving the Moroccan Oil Curl Defining Cream, a renowned brand, a try when considering the best curl enhancer product. This is not just a high-quality curl definer for straight hair, but hands down, one of the premium curl enhancer products I have ever explored for wavy hair. What struck me was the beautifully lightweight nature of the cream.
Even with its nourishing argan oil formula, my type-2b hair never felt burdened. If frizz is causing you headaches, this “best curl enhancing products for wavy hair” the Moroccan Oil Curl Defining Cream is here to provide a solution. It also contains hydrolyzed keratin protein to help mend split ends. My application technique was straightforward – I applied a dab of the product on my wet hair and let it air dry. (Feel free to use a diffuser if you prefer). And there it was! My coarse 2b hair transformed into luscious, bouncy, incredulously soft curls.
Additionally, the distinctive musky-floral scent was an added sensory pleasure. However, I must highlight a minor issue with this curling cream. It contains silicones! So, I recommend using a clarifying shampoo or an apple cider vinegar rinse once a week to prevent potential product build-up.
Pros:
- It is incredibly lightweight yet nourishing in its application.
- A small amount of the product works wonders.
- It is enriched with beneficial elements like argan oil.
Cons:
- The addition of perfumes may not be to everyone’s liking.
- It may not be a match for hyper-sensitive scalps.
- Long-term use of silicones can weigh down your hair.
Cantu Curl Enhancer Activator Cream
A Contender for the Best Curl Enhancer Product with my 2b waves, I was initially skeptical, questioning if this Cantu offering would prove too heavy for my hair. Yet, it delivered perfectly! On examining the ingredient label, I was thrilled to discover that this ‘best curl enhancing products for wavy hair’ candidate was completely free of silicones.
What a win! Afro hair, however, presents its own unique challenges. Even softer curl textures like type-3 hair tend to be more porous and require special attention. My recommendation, thus, leans towards this product for those with coarser African American hair.
Alternatively, something richly nourishing like the Shea Moisture cream could be a great choice. This product also earns my commendation for its absence of parabens and mineral oils – exactly what my sensitive scalp requires! But, it doesn’t stop there; it isn’t just for wavy hair. Even those with type-4 hair textures will appreciate the rich shea butter formula.
However, I feel obligated to share a note of caution. The Cantu Activator cream might not be the top choice if you’re searching for the best curl enhancer product for finer hair; it could potentially weigh down delicate strands. So, my advice would be to primarily use it if you have wavy, thick hair. Its strength lies in taming frizz and inducing volume. And it has an irresistible coconut aroma – who could ask for more
Pros:
- Equally effective for both type 3 and type 4 hair.
- Devoid of any added preservatives or silicones.
- Sports a delightful, non-overpowering coconut aroma.
Cons:
- May prove to be too burdensome for 1c and 2a wavy hair, leading to hair weighing down.
Davines Love Curl Enhancing Shampoo
Let’s clarify this point – while no shampoo holds the magical power to convert wavy hair to curly, the Davines Love Curl Enhancing Shampoo can certainly amp up your curl definition. Named as a best curl enhancing products for wavy hair, it deserves a spot on my list for boasting two key qualities.
First, its formula is brimming with minerals while being exceptionally hydrating. Consequently, it has the potential to manage frizz and counteract dullness, with the mineral content playing a crucial role in upgrading curl definition.
Now, to answer the question on everyone’s lips: yes, this shampoo is unequivocally sulfate-free. However, it contains mild surfactants, thus I’d advise against its use if you sport color-treated hair. From the outset, my hair became noticeably softer, glossier, and healthier, revealing impressively quick results. I appreciated how it spared my waves from becoming hard or crunchy, which other products like gels or creams have been known to cause.
Pros:
- Cleanses hair without resorting to sulfates.
- Avoids causing waves to turn crunchy, unlike some creams/gels.
- Cleanses hair conscientiously, without dehydrating or frizzing it.
- Eschews silicones that could potentially weigh hair down.
Cons:
- Pricier than some of the other wave-enhancing products.
- Package contains a modest quantity of product.
Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream
The Best Curl Enhancer Product for curl hair. In my repertoire of the best curl enhancer products, the Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream deserves a special mention. This standout product has won my affection for numerous reasons.
Firstly, it’s wonderfully effective for 2b, 3a, and 4 hair types, making it a versatile option for all curly hair enthusiasts. Plus, it is adaptable to a broad range of weather conditions, preserving your curls in both humid and dry environments. What’s the highlight? This curl enhancer is clear of sulfates, parabens, silicones, and alcohol – ingredients typically found in conventional hair products that can potentially harm your hair.
Therefore, don’t hesitate to use it on your color-treated or permed hair for it’s completely safe! The composition of this best curl enhancing products for wavy hair is dominated by natural elements like glycerin and sea buckthorn oil, which are known to combat hair frizz effectively.
Additionally, the inclusion of hydrolyzed wheat protein and tapioca starch are key for achieving and maintaining curl definition, without the off-putting crunchiness that frequently results from the use of rice starch. Admittedly, the Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream might seem pricey, particularly if compared to similar curl enhancer creams such as Cantu and Miss Jessie’s. However, for those grappling with scalp sensitivity and processed, damaged hair, the investment in this top curl enhancing product is justifiable and worthwhile.
Pros:
- It’s safe for use on color-treated and permed hair.
- The ingredients list consists primarily of natural, organic compounds.
- Its lightweight consistency also caters to 1c and 2a wavy hair.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other hair creams
