Curly girls, this one is for you!

Finding the right curl activator can be tough. There are so many products on the market, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve created this article – to help you find the best curl enhancer for your needs.

We want to help you get your natural curls looking their best. With the right curl cream, you’ll have healthy, bouncy curls that will make everyone jealous.

Read our article and find the perfect curl activator for you!

The Top 5 Picks

How Prolific Picks Chooses the Best Curl Activator

You want the best product for your curls but don't know where to start.

There are so many products on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.

Prolific Picks has done the research for you and found the 5 best curl enhancers available. We've gone through many many products and read hundreds of customer reviews to bring you this comprehensive guide. So what are you waiting for?

Let's get started!

We hope you find stuff worth having from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our team and all opinions in this article are our own. Prolific Picks may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business).


Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream

Best for All Hair Types

Cantu

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Why We Love It

Introducing Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream – the perfect solution for styling and nourishing your curly, coily, and wavy hair! This unique product combines 7 essential oils – like shea butter, castor oil, and jojoba oil – to provide you with the ultimate in hydration. Plus, it has been specially designed to enhance definition, add shine, and bring out the best in your naturally curly hair.

Whether you have type 2 waves, type 3 curls, or type 4 coils, their specialized formula is perfect for giving you a defined look that lasts all day long. Plus, it can easily be worked into your daily beauty routine so you can enjoy a touch of added moisture while sculpting healthy tresses simultaneously.

"Everyone in my family has different curls and waves but we all use this product! Controls the frizz" -Meileen Cocco

Things You Want to Know

  • 12 fl oz.
  • The ideal formula for type 2 waves, type 3 curls, and type 4 coils
  • No mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, silicones, phthalates, gluten, paraffin, or propylene
  • Cruelty-free

Ingredients

WATER (AQUA), GLYCERIN, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, PROPANEDIOL BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, PAYQUATERNIUM-11, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), CETYL ALCOHOL, POLYQUATERNIUM-10, PHENOXYETHANOL POLYSORBATE, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL, ETHYLHEYLGLYCERIN, SILK AMINO ACID, CANOLA OIL ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF JUICE (DECOLORIZED), HYDROLYZED SILK, LONICERA CAPRIFOLIUM FLOWER EXTRACT, MACROCYSTIS PYRIFERA EXTRACT SALVIA OFFICINALIS (SAGE) LEAF EXTRACT, VITIS VINIFERA (RED GRAPE)SEED EXTRACT, URTICA DIOICA (NETTLE) EXTRACT, COCOS BUCIFERA (COCONUT) FRUIT EXTRACT PERSWA GRATISIMA (AVOCADO) OIL PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL, SIMMONDIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, MANGIFERA INDICA (MANGO) SEED BUTTER, ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL, MELIA AZADIRACHTA (NEEM) SEED OIL, DAUCUS CAROTA SATIVA SEED OIL, MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA SEED OIL, MANGIFERA INDICA (MANGO) SEED OIL, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED OIL, BENZYL BENZOATE, COUMARIN, HEXYL CINNAMAL.


Marc Anthony Coconut & Shea Nourishing Curl Cream

Best for Dry Hair

Marc Anthony

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Why We Love It

Introducing Marc Anthony's Nourishing Curl Cream! Do you have unruly curls? Or sometimes feel like your hair is taking control? Well, worry no more because this styling cream is here to help.

Crafted with Biotin and a hydrating blend of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, this styling cream will get your frizzy hair or damaged hair under control while giving you a natural finish and soft hold.

The natural ingredients will provide all the hydration you need, leaving your hair feeling soft, smooth, and ready to take on anything life throws at it. So if you're looking for something to tame those manes, look no further and try out Marc Anthony's Nourishing Curl Cream! You won't regret it!

"This is the only curl cream that I have found that will soften and define my curls. I have dry, color-treated hair that is thick but fine texture. My second purchase. Love it!" - Julie

Things You Want to Know

  • 5.9 fl oz.
  • Color safe
  • Paraben-free, SLS-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free

Ingredients

Aqua/Water/Eau, Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Stearyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Cetrimonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Dimethicone, Parfum (Fragrance), Isopropyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Acetate, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Coumarin, Polyquaternium-55, Cellulose, Biotin


Shea Moisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream

Best for Thick Curly Hair

Shea Moisture

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Why We Love It

Introducing SheaMoisture’s Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie - your go-to product for beautiful, bouncy, curly hair with reduced frizz! They created this innovative smoothie for thick and curly hair that will condition your tresses without weighing them down.

It’s their number one curl-defining cream and is specially crafted from Silk Protein, Neem, and Coconut Oils to not only reduce frizz but also create a brilliant shine throughout your entire head. SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie will help restore moisture and give defined curls, bounce, and long-lasting frizz control.

"I have incredibly curly, poofy, thick, insane hair, and this cream is one of the amazing products I'm using to keep it from being dry and frizzy. It's wonderful. Would definitely recommend." - Chelle

Things You Want to Know

  • 12 oz.
  • Silicone Free, Phthalates Free, Mineral Oil Free, Sulfate Free, & Paraben Free
  • Natural & sustainably produced
  • Cruelty-free

Ingredients

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice, Water, Glycerin (Vegetable), Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*", Cetrimonium Chloride, Polysorbate 60, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Oleth-10, Panthenol, Peg-150 Stearate, Steareth-20, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend), Triethyl Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Benzoic Acid *Certified Organic Ingredient "Fair Trade Ingredient


amika: curl corps defining cream

Best for Fine Type 2 Hair

amika:

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Why We Love It

With the amika: curl corps defining cream, your locks will look mess-free and flawless all day long - no matter what the weather throws at you!

This super light formula soothes and hydrates your curly and wavy hair while providing a medium hold that won't make them hard or brittle. This weather-proofing cream helps to boost lock fullness, taming any flyaways with a soft, glossy finish.

Formulated with tapioca starch for definition and soft hold plus Oat peptide for moisture clocking and shine - your curls will thank you! Renowned for its amazing properties, they have even included super-fruit Sea Buckthorn Berry in their formulation to bring you the very best in natural haircare solutions.

And if you need even more convincing, it has been voted Best Natural/Curly Hair Styling Brand in Nylon's Beauty Hit List Awards 2018!

"Disclaimer: I am one of those white girls with frizzy hair that spent the pandemic trying to figure out a curly hair routine. I have the most dreadful baby 2A wave to my hair, just enough to make it look a frizzy mess but not enough to do anything close to nice looking without product. I've tried a bunch of different products, and this is the only one that was light enough for my fine hair but strong enough to bring out my waves." - Mary

Things You Want to Know

  • 200 ml
  • Free of talcum, sulfates, sodium chloride, parabens, and artificial colors.
  • Safe for color-treated, Brazilian-treated, and Keratin-treated hair

Ingredients

water/eau/aqua, cetearyl alcohol, glycerin, behentrimonium chloride*, tapioca starch, ppg-3 benzyl ether myristate, hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn/argousier) fruit/seed oil, avena sativa (oat/avoine) peptide, hydrolyzed jojoba protein, panthenol, tocopherol, laurdimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed wheat protein, laurdimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed wheat starch, cetrimonium chloride*, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, sorbic acid, ceteareth-20, laureth-4, ethyl macadamiate, aminomethyl propanol, propylene glycol, sodium benzoate, malic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, 1,2 hexanediol, pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, isopropyl alcohol, fragrance/parfum, benzyl benzoate, hydroxycitronellal, limonene, citronellol, coumarin *antistatic agent/agent antistatique

Mielle Organics Curl Smoothie

Best for Thick Type 4 Hair

Mielle

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Why We Love It

Are you ready to treat your thick, curly type 4 hair to a luxurious and pampering experience? Then Mielle Organics Curl Smoothie is the perfect choice for you! It's an ultra-rich formula carefully crafted with wholesome ingredients like pomegranate extract and honey.

These natural sources of nourishment help moisturize your hair while strengthening the follicles from the roots to the tips. This gentle cream helps detangle and define curls, so you can swing them around confidently without worrying about frizz!

Plus, regular use may help promote thicker hair growth for bouncy, silky smooth curls that look luscious and feel equally delectable. Mielle Organics Curl Smoothie is the best way to show your curly tresses some love and attention they deserve!

"Smells great. Hair is well-defined and soft. I received the product today, fell in love, and just ordered more. It's been so hard to find good products for coily hair and now that this works, Mielle will be the only brand I buy." - Alan Edmonson

Things You Want to Know

  • 12 oz.
  • Small Business Brand

Ingredients

Water (Aqua, Eau), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut ) Oil, Glycerin, Isoprpyl Myristate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Stearyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-11, Fragrance (Parfum), Ceteareth-20, Dimethicone, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, *Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Oil, *Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Fruit Oil, *Copaiferi Officianalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin, *Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Panthenol, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Honey (Mel, Miel), Propanediol, Polyquaternium-37, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate Dicaprylate, Steareth-2, Oleth-10, Aminomethyl Propaol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Disodium EDTA, Limonene, Linolool, Benzyl Alcohol

Best Curl Activator FAQs

You want to find the best curl activator, but you're not sure where to start.

We've created a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions about curl activators so that you can make an informed decision before you buy. With this information, you'll be able to find the perfect curl activator for your needs and get long-lasting curls without any fuss.

What are curl activators?

Curl activators are products that are used to help define and enhance curls. They can be used on both wet and dry hair, and they typically come in the form of a cream or gel. Curl activators often contain ingredients that help to moisturize and condition the hair.

How do I use a curl activator?

To use a shine curl activator cream, start by applying it to clean wet hair. You can then either air-dry your hair or use a diffuser to dry it. Once your hair is dry, you can style it as usual. If you find that your hair is not as curly as you would like, you can apply more products or use a curling iron to define your curls.

What are some tips for using curl activators?

Here are a few tips for using curl activators:

-Start with a small amount of product and add more if needed.

-Apply the product evenly throughout your hair.

-Be sure to focus on the roots and ends of your hair.

-If your hair is fine, use a light-hold product to avoid weighing down your curls.

-If your hair is thick or coarse, use a heavier-hold product to help control frizz.

Are there any risks associated with using curl activators?

There are no known risks associated with using curl activators. However, as with any haircare product, it is always advisable to perform a patch test before using it on your entire head of hair. This will help to ensure that you do not have an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the product.

How do curl activators work?

Curl activators work by coating the hair shaft and helping to bind the natural curl pattern together. This provides definition and enhances the natural shape of the curls.

Are curl activators safe to use?

Yes, curl activators are safe to use on all hair types. However, it is always best to test a small amount on a small section of hair before applying it to the entire head.

How often should I use a curl activator?

How often you use a curl activator will depend on your natural hair type and texture. If you have fine, delicate curls, you may only need to use them once or twice a week. However, if you have thicker, coarser curls, you may need to use them daily or every other day.

Are there any drawbacks to using curl activators?

One potential drawback of using curl activators is that they can sometimes make the hair feel crunchy or stiff. This is usually due to overuse or using a product that is too heavy for your particular hair type. Another potential issue is that some curl activators can cause build-up on the scalp, which can lead to irritation or dandruff. If this happens, simply switch to a different product or reduce the frequency with which you use it.

Which Curl Activator Is Best For You?

Don’t forget to click on the links below for the product you liked best! We hope this article helped you find the perfect curl activator for your hair type.

Happy Shopping!

The Prolific Picks Team


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