If you’ve ever stood in the hair aisle staring at a shelf full of curly hair products and thought, “Do I really need a cream, gel, and mousse…and then an oil to break off the cast? Maybe I’m doing it wrong – or maybe I need to use more products?” – you are NOT alone! That was me before I started my curl journey, too. And it’s one of the most common frustrations I hear from new clients.

You try one product, and your curls feel crunchy. Another one leaves you frizzy by noon! Even worse, some leave you feeling stringy or can’t keep up with your active little one.

The truth is, there is no universal “best product” for curls. It all comes down to what your specific hair needs, how you want it to feel, and what kind of results you’re going for. Testing your way through a shelf full of curly products can take a lot of time and money. Thankfully for you, I did that so you don’t have to! (Pretty sure my wallet and curls are still crying over it.)

That’s what this guide is for: to help you understand what each curly product type does and how to choose the best one that matches your hair goals. I’ll also include a few of my favorite brands that you can get from any salon and some drugstores. But first…

Choosing The Right Curly Styling Product Starts With These Two Questions

There are a lot of factors that matter when choosing a product. Your hair type and routine play a big part, but those aren’t the only things we need to consider. Before we get into product names or hold levels, ask yourself two important questions:

“Do I want more definition or more volume?”

And…

“How do I want my hair to feel when it’s dry?”

That first question can completely change which type of product will work best. (Which is why it’s one of the first questions I ask my new clients!) If you’re craving smooth, sculpted curls with frizz control, you’re looking for definition. If you’d rather have airy, bouncy curls that move with you, and feel soft and touchable – that’s volume.

Keep that answer in mind and move on to that second question – how do you want your hair to feel? Do you prefer a soft, touchable finish, or are you okay with a little hold or cast if it means your curls last longer?

Those two answers – look and feel – can instantly narrow down which product we’re most likely to reach for.

• Definition + medium to strong hold? You’ll probably want gel.
  
• Volume + softness? Foam is your best friend.
  
• Need support for dry or frizzy ends? You might want to layer mousse on top of another product.
  
• Buying for your child or someone super active? Creams may be the way to go.
  

Knowing the answers to these, along with your hair type and daily routine, is key. It’s how I guide clients behind the chair. And it saves a whole lot of time, money, and half-used bottles ending up in the trash.

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of each.

Foam Hair Products – Soft Volume With A Natural Feel

Foam is one of my favorite stylers for clients who are just getting into curly styling or who want max volume and some definition. A lot of people assume it’s the same as mousse – but it’s not. 

Foam is light, airy, and designed to give volume without compromising definition. My best try at describing it is that it feels like whipped bubbles! It’s great for anyone who wants their curls to feel soft and touchable, and it’s often my first recommendation for clients who want movement and bounce without a strong, structured cast.

If you’re new to styling, foam is a great place to start. It doesn’t require layering, it spreads easily through wet hair, doesn’t make it feel heavy, and it works on just about every curl type. I like to say it gives you that day two look on day one… you know, that slightly unkept and mega flawless look. (IYKYK) It also works well for curlfriends who just need one reliable product they can use daily without overthinking it. You don’t need to mix foam with another product, it’s going to leave your curls feeling soft, hydrated, and full of life.

My go-to foams for curly hair:

• Mizani – super hydrating and great for all textures
• AG Care – lightweight with just enough hold
• THE DOUX – a solid budget-friendly option
  

Mousse Hair Products – Strong Hold for Frizz and Long Wear

Mousse is all about hold. It has a thicker, denser texture than foam, and it’s made to keep things in place. NEVER apply mousse all over the head. This is not a base styler. It gives off a harder, protective cast, and you don’t want that framing your face. 

Instead, I layer mousse on top of another product, focusing only on the mids to ends. That’s where you usually need a little more support, especially if your ends tend to frizz, dry out, or if you’re outside in the elements a lot. This is the product I reach for when someone wants to do their hair on Sunday and still have it looking good four to five days later. Think: strong hold, but still defined. 

When used right, mousse gives you longevity, structure, and that next-level “set it and forget it” finish – especially when paired with your favorite foam, gel, or cream.

But a word of warning for my fine-haired curlfriends – stay clear! I wouldn’t recommend mousse for thin or fine hair because it can feel too heavy and make your hair feel stringy and stale. 

My favorite mousse brand for curly hair:

• Oribe – gives a glossy look, and still has a strong hold without as much firmness as other brands. It’s on the pricier side, but you definitely get what you pay for!

Gel Hair Products – Sculpted Definition With Some Bounce

Gel is perfect for anyone who prioritizes definition! It smooths frizz, holds your curl pattern in place, and gives your hair a refined, sculpted silhouette, with a little bounce.

When applying it, make sure your hair is wet, not damp. Section it (no bigger than two inches), rake the gel from root to end, scrunch a little, and move on to the next section. There’s no fancy way it needs to be done – just whatever works best for you to reach, apply, and style. Once it dries, you’ll get movement, bounce, and a more polished finish with longer-lasting hold.

The fact that you don’t have to be too precise is what makes gel a great stand-alone styling product. Something I appreciate! I’m not a stylist who cocktails a bunch of products together – I’m very “less is more, let the curls do the talking” person. As a mom and someone who’s on their feet all day in the salon, I’m going to go with a simple routine when I can! Gel lets you do that.

My go-to gels for curly hair:

• Oribe
• Ouidad
• AG Care
• Redken

Curly Cream Hair Products – Heavy Hydration for the Right Hair Type

Truthfully, I’m not a big fan of cream styling products. Most styling creams are packed with emollients (aka, oils meant to soften and moisturize). Sounds great, but for the majority of us, it’s too much. Cream products can leave our curls feeling heavy, greasy, and sometimes even waxy on certain hair types. Cream hair products are designed to soften and hydrate, not necessarily define or hold, so I’m pretty selective about when I use them.

That said, there is a time and place for everything. I almost always reach for cream stylers when working with kids. Young kids’ curls are usually thirstier from playing hard, sleeping hard, and sometimes needing to be washed more often. They need a little extra TLC, and cream gives that hydration boost without needing a full styling routine. 

I might also recommend cream products for adults who are super active or always wearing their hair up. Think: athletes, nurses, moms – people who don’t always have time for a long styling process and need something that gives moisture fast.

Another thing to know – cream doesn’t play well with others. Because of the oil content, it doesn’t mix well with gels, mousses, or foams, and can actually cause separation in your styling products. Think of emollients as oil, and any other product as water. Yeah, not the best duo, needless to say, lol! So if you’re using cream, let it do its thing solo.

My most recommended creams for curly hair:

• AG Care
• Rizo’s Curls
• Ouidad

How to Build a Curly Hair Routine Without Overdoing It

You do not need five different stylers in your routine. I always tell clients, your curls don’t need a cocktail menu – they need clarity. Most of the time, I’m recommending one to two products that match your volume and definition goals. 

If you’re someone who needs extra hold or is working in Florida humidity (hey there), mousse can be layered on the mid to ends, on top of foam, gel, or cream to seal those cuticles down more. No need for those 10 step hair routines you see online! At that point, you’re just piling on products that cancel each other out and weigh your hair down.

What to Avoid in Curly Hair Products

Let’s talk ingredients. If your product is packed with parabens, sulfates, or silicones, it’s probably doing more harm than good. These dry out your curls, mess with your scalp, and coat the hair in buildup that prevents real moisture from sinking in.

I also don’t recommend most drugstore curl brands. Shea Moisture, Cantu, Aussie, and Garnier Fructis? Throw them away, sis! They’re mostly water and filler, and you end up using so much that you’re repurchasing constantly. It feels cheap up front, but it adds up fast and rarely gives you the results you’re looking for.

Salon-grade products are more concentrated, more effective, and go further. And no, you don’t need a $100 hair routine! There are great brands out there at different price points. If you need help picking, I’ve got recommendations in this post and my favorite products in an Amazon Storefront that won’t break the bank but will give you the results you actually want.

Let’s Figure It Out Together

If picking the right product still feels overwhelming, that’s okay. Most of my clients felt the same way until we sat down, walked through their routine, and matched their curls with the right support. Sometimes, all it takes is someone who knows what to look for.

Whether you’re brand new to styling or you’ve got a shelf full of half-used products you’re not sure what to do with – I’ve got you. If you’re in Jacksonville, FL you can book one of my Signature Curl Experience. A consultation where we’ll go over your routine, hair type, and what you’re trying to achieve – and we’ll skip the trial-and-error entirely. Bring your questions, and let’s build a curl routine that actually works for your texture, lifestyle, and goals.