Five curl experts share their best products for curl defining
IMAGE VIA DAMN GINA
Words by Alyssa Forato
The search for the best curly-girl products is over.
If you’ve clicked on this article, odds are you’re desperate to find a product that will keep your curls in check. Trust me, I know the feeling. For the past 21 years, I’ve struggled to keep my mane looking its best. I was often likened to Hermione Granger in primary school, and while I took that (mostly) as a compliment, I was always keen to find a way to define my curly waves.
I’ve tried what feels like every product under the sun to create a defined wavy curl. Unfortunately, none of the products I’ve tried so far have worked. Instead, I often end up resorting to heat tools in an effort to make my hair look the way I like.
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So I decided to give up on my solo hunt for the best curl/wave-defining products. Instead, I asked five hairstylists and curl experts, who have each given me their two favourite products they use for curl defining.
Neel, owner of Neel Loves Curls
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Innersense I Create Volume
The I Create Volume gel is a salon favourite at Neel Loves Curls. It is super versatile and ideal for all hair types and textures. Applied to the hair after the hydration process is complete, it forms a strong cast on the hair which allows us to form the lovely defined curl clumps that are essential for a good end result.
Innersense Hydrating Hair Masque
The most concentrated product in our hydration range, this hydrating hair masque gets incredible results every time and is great bang for [your] buck based on the small amount of product required. The masque is used in conjunction with the gel to help achieve beautifully defined curls every time.
Sumana, founder of Damn Gina
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Boss Curl Co Control Freak Curl Custard
[I] really love the Control Freak Custard from the Boss Curl Co. They are an Aussie brand based out of WA and they have put a lot of thought in[to] their curl range. Control Freak is a mix of gel and cream helping you define those curls!
Damn Gina Silk Hair Wrap
We curly girls know wash days are an event in itself and we want to preserve all that hard work and curl definition. This silk hair wrap is a perfect addition to maintain those curls for longer and [it] minimises frizz and breakage.
Kim, Master Curl Specialist at Yeah the Curls
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Clever Curl Clever Curl Cream
Clever Curl Cream is an ideal foundation step as it promotes hydrated hair, which is essential to achieve curl definition. It is lightweight and a little goes a long way. Use [it] underneath gel to create long-lasting curls with reduced volume, or use it solo for soft, touchable [and] voluminous curls.
Jessicurl Spiralicious Styling Gel
Jessicurl Spiralicious is my favourite gel. It is a cream-based gel which creates a great cast on curls. Apply a generous amount of gel to sopping wet hair, rake through and use your hands to encourage the curls. Diffuse or air dry completely, before gently scrunching the hair to break the crispy cast to reveal beautifully defined but soft curls.
Phillip Calcagno, Hair Stylist at So Haircutters
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Clever Curl Dry Weather Gel
Two of my favourite products I use and recommend in the salon are by Clever Curl. Both of these products are from a range of eight products to suit various hair types and needs. They’ve been created by Australian curl specialists that have a strong ethos towards sustainability with all the range having more than 77 per cent organic ingredients. They are great value and have various sizes and refillable options.
The first product is the Clever Curl Dry Weather Gel. It’s amazing at bringing out beautiful, defined and hydrated bouncy curls. While providing a great cast or crunch that crunches out with ease to give a luminous lightweight curl.
Clever Curl Wonderfoam
The second product is Clevercurl Wonderfoam. This beautiful product gives your curls a lightweight medium hold that’s long-lasting [and] moisturising with amazing curl definition. I love this product on all hair types. It’s also great for refreshing your curls on the second or third day. It’s easy to apply in the morning and still looks great in the evening. This product will keep your curls healthy and looking gorgeous all day.
Mr.D, owner of Delilah Hair Studio
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Delilah Peppermint Curl Cream
I handcraft the Delilah hair creams in my Footscray studio. The Peppermint Curl Cream is a hydrating and moisturising cream where every single ingredient is hand selected to benefit curls. With our highly concentrated curl cream, a little goes a long way on damp hair. The properties in cocoa butter and glycerin define your curls and keep them hydrated and soft all day long. The incredible formula will give a satin finish but won’t weigh your curls down. The lustre from this product is incredible!
Delilah Sea Salt Curl Cream
This cream is like a day at the beach, but for your curls. This salty solution is turned into a glossy, hydrating gel, which then becomes a highly moisturising curl cream. Containing a rich sorbolene base with grapeseed oil, French clay and Australian sea salt, you will achieve tousled and beachy vibes with just a little amount of this cream on damp hair. Frizziness and dryness aren’t an issue, while the kaolin clay in our Sea Salt Curl Cream keeps your hair excess oil-free and has a semi-matte finish to the hair for that easy and breezy casual look!
For more on how to achieve defined curls, head here.
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