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This is what 6 different curl definers actually do to your hair
We've got the pics to prove it...
Having curly hair doesn’t automatically equate to a mane of glossy, tumbling curls or coils, unfortunately. To have enviously formed spirals often takes a lot of product and a little manipulation, to avoid looking like a) a poodle or b) a bale of hay. If you’ve ever straightened your curly hair (like me), you’ll know the hassle it can be to get your ringlets back in formation, but curl definers are our biggest hair saviour, and I’ve found a few that’ll have those spirals kicking in no time at all.
We all know that a picture is worth a thousand words, so here are the before-and-after snaps...
Bouclème Curl Defining Gel, £15
They say: "This moisturising gel smoothes the cuticle, and defines curls without flaking or stickiness. It dries hard, creating a ‘cast’ around the curls. Once curls are fully dry, flip head forward shake at the roots for volume and scrunch to release. Curls are left shiny, super soft, and bouncy."
Here's what we thought...
Bouclème Curl Defining Gel, £15
Bouclème Curl Defining Gel, Space, NK, £15
Formula: This the only product that I tested that didn’t come in a tub. Interesting. At first I thought it would be a plus, but then quickly realised that it was less jarring (get it?) to scoop more product out of an open jar than it was to have to keep squeezing more out of a bottle. The consistency is quite runny so I was worried it wouldn’t have good hold for my 4a coils but I was pleasantly surprised.
Curl Factor: With a bit of manipulation my curls got into formation pretty quickly. The curls were more ringlety than my hair normally goes, which I found a bit strange, but I kinda dug it.
Staying power: The product dried pretty quickly because it wasn’t too thick and left me with bouncy ringlets I could finger comb for more volume.
Bumble and bumble Bb. Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil, £25
They say: "This frizz-fighting gelee combines the hold of a gel with the hydration of an oil – for glossy, elongated curls with movement. The formula is packed with an exotic blend of Brazilian oils to help add moisture and shine."
Here's what we thought...
Bumble and bumble Bb. Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil, £25
Bumble and bumble Bb. Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil, Space NK, £25
Formula: First of all, if, like me, smell is a huge deal to you this could make or break your love for this product. Because, no matter how great it is, the scent is the overwhelming factor. It’s so heavily perfumed - dear lord. It’s hard to get away from because it’s saturating the entirety of your head. The texture of the product is nice enough but for a ‘gel-oil’ all I really felt was gel.
Curl Factor: This one really loosened my curls and made them fluffy AF. It’s different to any of the others because they are literally for forming uniformed curls but this mainly just elongated them slightly.
Staying Power: I tested the anti-humidity bit (picture a stuffy shower room) and I have to say, the curls didn’t shrink as much as usual, so I was impressed with that.
Design Essentials Coconut & Monoi Curl Defining Gelee, £10.00
They say: "The Curl Defining Gelee is formulated with Sunflower, Marshmallow Root and Aloe botanicals for supreme detangling, nourishment and body, Curl Defining Gelee instantly hydrates and enhances curls for any style."
Here's what we thought...
Design Essentials Coconut & Monoi Curl Defining Gelee, £10.00
Design Essentials Coconut & Monoi Curl Defining Gelee, Amazon.com, £10
Formula: This one is really runny and slippery to work with but I like the fact it’s fine to apply it to wet or damp hair. I applied a generous amount and despite how runny it is the product clung to my curls and required a small amount of manipulation to help them to form.
Curl Factor: Poppin’! Once dry, the curls were super-defined with hardly any frizz. I was ridiculously impressed.
Staying Power: Stayed almost frizz-free for a few days but I did have to re-wet some areas that had frizzed up a bit.
Cantu Shea Butter Define & Shine Custard, £7
They say: "Made with 100% Pure Shea Butter and formulated without harsh ingredients, Cantu for Natural Hair restores your real, authentic beauty."
Here's what we thought...
Cantu Shea Butter Define & Shine Custard, £7
Cantu Shea Butter Define & Shine, British Curlies, £7
Formula: Tropical vacay here I come. This smells like a beachy fruit mocktail and if it was normal (and not harmful) to eat your own hair I probably would. This formula reminds me of the inside of a McDs apple pie (without the chunks of apple) and had to be applied to soaking wet hair in small sections so it was a bit time-consuming and messy.
Curl Factor: I liked my curls with this product, although it was a little bit more ringlety than I prefer.
Staying Power: The more I played with my hairstyle, the frizzer it got, which is a given for most Afro styles, but it just kind of frizzed out of the curls, sadly. I will say though, the shine and moisture made a huge difference and it was way easier to work with.
KeraCare Natural Textures Defining Custard, £8.55
They say: "The perfect companion to help care for your curls and coils to minimise frizz and maximise shine. Formulated with ultra-caring ingredients this rich cream defines curls and leaves your style with a long lasting shine."
Here's what we thought...
KeraCare Natural Textures Defining Custard, £8.55
KeraCare Natural Textures Defining Custard, Look Fantastic, £8.55
Formula: The texture of this felt a bit like silky custard (hence the name I guess). I loved the consistency - it was easy to smooth over my hands and distribute through the hair. The main drawback is that your hair has to be soaking wet when you apply this one, like really dripping, or the product doesn’t take to the hair well.
Curl Factor: I loved my curls - they were super cute, defined and had minimum frizz.
Staying Power: Took pretty long to dry (we’re talking hours) but once it did the curls were popping for a few days with minimum frizz.
Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, £12.95
They say: "This curl enhancing smoothie, defines curls, reduces frizz and smoothes hair for a soft silky feel. Coconut and Neem Oils restore moisture and create brilliant shine. Nutrient rich vegetable butters conditioner hair without weighing it down for bouncy, healthy curls."
Here's what we thought...
Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, £12.95
Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Amazon, £12.95
Formula: Reading the spec of this product it says it’s for ‘wavy and curly hair’. I knew from that moment this wasn’t going to work as great on my hair as I had initially hoped. Things that are designed for anything looser than a 4a texture isn’t going to work for me as looser curls don’t require as much hold in products.
Curl Factor: I felt like this didn’t so much define my curls as hydrate them so that frizz was calmed a bit through that.
Keeks Reid is the Acting Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
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