Our Editors Found the 9 Best Curl Creams for Definition, After a Month of Testing

Curl creams are the link between leave-in conditioners and gels, enhancing definition and maintaining hold on soft, hydrated hair. “They’re a tool for nurturing hair health,” says Dallas-based natural hair stylist LaMonica Williams. “A well-formulated cream empowers people to embrace their texture while addressing common concerns like dryness or shrinkage.”

The reality is stores are lined with tons of creams marketed toward curly hair. Our editors consulted experts to cut through the noise and spent months researching top-rated curl creams. We compiled a list of the best curl creams to put to the test before integrating them into our curly and coily hair routines for an entire month. We closely observed how easy each product was to apply, how well it performed on various hair types, and whether it left our curls hydrated.

Curl creams are the link between leave-in conditioners and gels, enhancing definition and maintaining hold on soft, hydrated hair. “They’re a tool for nurturing hair health,” says Dallas-based natural hair stylist LaMonica Williams. “A well-formulated cream empowers people to embrace their texture while addressing common concerns like dryness or shrinkage.”

The reality is stores are lined with tons of creams marketed toward curly hair. Our editors consulted experts to cut through the noise and spent months researching top-rated curl creams. We compiled a list of the best curl creams to put to the test before integrating them into our curly and coily hair routines for an entire month. We closely observed how easy each product was to apply, how well it performed on various hair types, and whether it left our curls hydrated.

• Ingredients to Look ForIf you’re familiar with curly hair, you’re likely aware of the trial-and-error it can take to perfect your go-to curl cocktail while addressing your hair’s concerns. It can take months (sometimes years) to find the products your curls truly love. New York City-based curly hair specialist Nicolle Lemonds recommends looking for water and glycerin as a top ingredient when shopping for curl creams, along with “lighter seed oils, rice protein, and hydrolyzed shea butter” for lasting softness and defined curls. Williams says a good curl cream also delivers “slip, hydration, definition, and frizz control,” all key factors to pay attention to when picking out your new favorite.

• Our Testing ProcessOur editors spent months researching the best curl creams for all different hair types and textures. After compiling a list of the most coveted, they took them home to incorporate into their weekly hair care routines. For four weeks, ten of our testers evaluated how each curl cream performed on clean hair. They were sure to evenly distribute the product throughout their hair using a wide range of application techniques. We paid close attention to ease of application, hydration, consistency, absorption, definition, and volume. Each of our testers have different curl profiles ranging from thick and color-treated to fine, wavy hair. These nine survived our rigorous testing process.

Curl creams are the link between leave-in conditioners and gels, enhancing definition and maintaining hold on soft, hydrated hair. “They’re a tool for nurturing hair health,” says Dallas-based natural hair stylist LaMonica Williams. “A well-formulated cream empowers people to embrace their texture while addressing common concerns like dryness or shrinkage.”

The reality is stores are lined with tons of creams marketed toward curly hair. Our editors consulted experts to cut through the noise and spent months researching top-rated curl creams. We compiled a list of the best curl creams to put to the test before integrating them into our curly and coily hair routines for an entire month. We closely observed how easy each product was to apply, how well it performed on various hair types, and whether it left our curls hydrated.

• Ingredients to Look ForIf you’re familiar with curly hair, you’re likely aware of the trial-and-error it can take to perfect your go-to curl cocktail while addressing your hair’s concerns. It can take months (sometimes years) to find the products your curls truly love. New York City-based curly hair specialist Nicolle Lemonds recommends looking for water and glycerin as a top ingredient when shopping for curl creams, along with “lighter seed oils, rice protein, and hydrolyzed shea butter” for lasting softness and defined curls. Williams says a good curl cream also delivers “slip, hydration, definition, and frizz control,” all key factors to pay attention to when picking out your new favorite.
• Our Testing ProcessOur editors spent months researching the best curl creams for all different hair types and textures. After compiling a list of the most coveted, they took them home to incorporate into their weekly hair care routines. For four weeks, ten of our testers evaluated how each curl cream performed on clean hair. They were sure to evenly distribute the product throughout their hair using a wide range of application techniques. We paid close attention to ease of application, hydration, consistency, absorption, definition, and volume. Each of our testers have different curl profiles ranging from thick and color-treated to fine, wavy hair. These nine survived our rigorous testing process.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

SALE

 Pattern Palo Santo Styling Cream at Sephora $49 $12

Jump to Review

Best Voluminizing :

Amika Defining Cream at Amazon $30

Jump to Review

Best Curl Defining :

Briogeo Curl Charisma

Jump to Review

Best Hydrating:

SALE

 Cantu Curl Activator Cream at Amazon $8 $6

Jump to Review

Best Lightweight:

Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream at Amazon $27

Jump to Review

Best for Color-Treated Hair:

Dae Cactus Fruit Styling Cream at Amazon $30

Jump to Review

Best for Coily Hair:

Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard at Amazon $13

Jump to Review

Best for Fine Hair:

Sienna Naturals Dream Curl Cream at Sephora $32

Jump to Review

Best for Frizz:

Verb Curl Cream at Amazon $22

Jump to Review

Best Overall

Pattern Palo Santo Styling Cream

PHOTO: Sephora

$49$12 at Sephora$28 at Patternbeauty.com

Why We Love It: Not only is Tracee Ellis Ross a superstar across fashion and film, but she’s equally as renowned in beauty for her haircare line Pattern Beauty. The palo santo themed counterpart to her OG styling cream, this product is concocted with a nourishing blend of oils and butters to moisturize both curly and coily textures, prevent breakage, and promote hair retention. In addition to addressing the main concerns of natural hair enthusiasts, it shined in our test for the definition, shine, and long-lasting hydration it provides. Our tester was impressed by how soft and juicy her usually frizzy curls looked and felt days after applying the cream to clean, wet hair. The palo santo in the formula is evident in the smell, it’s true to the plant’s woody, subtle core—Sahara noted lots of compliments on her scent when she used this product. What more could you ask for?

Who It’s For: Shea butter, rosemary leaf, sunflower seed oil, castor oil, and hydrolyzed wheat protein are just a few of the star ingredients that make this cream suitable for a wide range of curly hair types and concerns. Whether it’s dryness, frizz, or breakage, the cream tackles all of your potential woes in one application. The creamy, thick consistency is a perfect match for dense, dry hair without being too overpowering. With that said, incorporate this cream into an early morning wash day as it does take a while to dry. We love that it can be used to nourish locs and protective styles too. If you have protein-sensitive strands, this cream may not be the best option. 

Size: 15 oz | Ingredients: Rosemary leaf extract, sunflower seed oil, and shea butter| Sulfate Free: Yes

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Sahara, tester with type 3 hair: “The curl cream defined my curls tremendously. They looked super defined, bouncy, and moisturized after every single use. The product maintained all of my frizz which was one of the main problems I had prior to testing this product.”

Best Voluminizing

Amika Defining Cream

PHOTO: Amazon

$30 at Amazon$30 at Sephora$30 at Kohls.com

Why We Love It: Amika products continuously keep us coming back to the viral brand for “clean,” effective, and inclusive products—cue this curl defining cream. It includes the brand’s universal ingredient: sea buckthorn berry, a plant that is composed of 190 active compounds like vitamin C, A, and E as well as omega-7 which all work to strengthen and protect the hair. The tapioca starch though is the ingredient that helps provide definition and hold. It really works too—it formed voluminous, bouncy curls on our tester’s wavy hair. Though a cream, the consistency is likened to a midweight gel. Talya loved how it gave her symmetrical, frizz-free curls in a few scrunches. After drying down, the products absorbed into her strands easily leaving defined, bouncy strands that smelled powdery and clean.

Who It’s For: With certain curly hair products, definition can cost you volume—but not with this one. On our tester’s loose curls, this product went on more like a gel than a cream. Thus, she was left with a thin cast that takes some fluffing to remove. For those that prefer a softening and defining formula for their curls, our tester recommends something more hydrating. This product didn’t provide any extra moisture to her hair—though, it is important to note that her strands have been lifted from dark brown to copper for over a decade which would cause dryness. The instant volume and definition that it provides is certain. The application is easy, squeeze the product into your hand and coat your hair with your preferred method. Just be reminded, a little goes a long way. After separating to your liking, your hair will be noticeably bigger and bouncier.

Size: 6.7 oz | Ingredients: Tapioca starch, oat peptide, and sea buckthorn berry | Sulfate Free: Yes

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Talya, tester with type 2 hair: “I honestly think it’s the most effective curl cream I’ve tried. The other creams and mousses I’ve used just don’t have a strong enough hold and tended to result in frizz or uneven curls. I found the results of this product to be notably more consistent.”

Best Curl Defining

Briogeo Curl Charisma

PHOTO: Briogeo

View on Ulta$24 at Amazon$24 at Nordstrom

Why We Love It: A styling cream that creates defined curls without a crunchy feeling—this Briogeo curl cream is packed with natural ingredients like rice amino acids, avocado oil, and tomato fruit ferment to add protein and definition back to your curls. The tomato fruit ferment is especially interesting because it works to retain moisture and ensure curl formation. Don’t worry, the smell is very tolerable. Our tester says the product applied smoothly to her wet 3a and 3b curls. The consistency is similar to a lotion—not too runny but not too thick. Taylor loved how her curls were formed and shaped after using the product without that super weighed down, stiff look. The ease of application that comes with this cream was a highlight of our testing process—we just wish it added more moisture to dry hair.

Who It’s For: The product is best suited for combating frizz with a long-lasting, lightweight formula. If your curls tend to be dry, have a leave-in conditioner on deck to apply before this cream. Our tester, who has dry hair, didn’t feel like it added enough hydration to her curls on its own. It dried down nicely both when she air-dried her hair and when she diffused. It does contain both keratin and rice amino acids which are great for repairing damage and restoring curls but may cause protein overload with overuse.

Size: 6 oz | Ingredients: Rice amino acids, avocado oil, and tomato fruit | Sulfate Free: Yes

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Taylor, tester with type 3 hair: “I like this cream a lot. It defined my curls well and left them bouncier and less frizzy. I think this cream worked well with the rest of my normal hair care products and helped my hair stay looking great all day.”

Best Hydrating

Cantu Curl Activator Cream

PHOTO: Amazon

$8$6 at Amazon$7 at Walmart$8 at Walgreens

Why We Love It: Want compliments on how good your hair looks? This Cantu cream needs to be in your arsenal. Our tester with long, thick type 3 curls, says it provided an intense amount of moisture. Makes sense—the formula includes seven essential oils, shea butter, and a vitamin B complex. The cream has a medium thickness comparable to a body moisturizer. After testing a few different methods, Alyssa found that the cream really shines when used with lots of water. Instead of applying more product, consider applying more water for soft, defined curls. Alyssa recommends working a dime-sized amount on two separate sections of your hair to maximize the product’s curl-activating capabilities and avoid buildup. On day one, her highlighted curls were perfectly rounded, smooth, and healthy-looking, a testament to the intense hydration of the cream. Her favorite part though was the smell. In fact, she says the light earthy shea butter scent of this curl cream is the “best she’s ever smelled.”

Who It’s For: Split ends, frizz, excessive tangling, and dry, dull texture are all potential signs of dehydrated hair. With the help of water, this curl cream restores hydration and shines instantly. Our tester’s curls were clumped, glossy, and overall healthier-looking when using this curl cream. The one downside is the hold—the definition wears off after the first day of wear. We recommend pairing it with a gel for a longer-lasting finish. 

Size: 12 oz | Ingredients: Shea butter, vitamin B complex | Sulfate Free: Yes

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Alyssa, tester with type 3 hair: “The hydration visibly changed the look of my hair. It was shiny and looked very smooth. When I don’t use this product my curls are sometimes more defined but lackluster.”

Best Lightweight

Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream

PHOTO: Ulta

$27 at Amazon$26 at Ulta$27$13 at Sephora

Why We Love It: Most natural hair enthusiasts likely recall the era of YouTube tutorials where creators from all over the world recorded themselves embracing their natural textures. Whether it was a new hot oil treatment or the LOC method explained, these creators built an entire community around taking care of natural hair. What many don’t know is that Curlsmith got its start at the forefront of this movement. The brand’s quick haircare tips and recipe videos eventually evolved into a full line of intuitive, vegan hair products. This styling cream from their scalp recipe collection is a favorite of ours. Upon initial application, it provided everything our tester looks for in a curl cream: great slip, absorption, definition, volume, and a soft hold. She loved the consistency of the product—it added a slick, wet texture to her curls that made her detangling process easy as Sunday morning. The way it dried down was even more promising: a pillow soft feel with defined curls that lasted well in between washes to match. 

Who It’s For: Though claiming to be a hybrid of a leave-in and a cream, it’s comparable to a gel. Our tester loved how lightweight it felt on her hair while maintaining her curls. Since her hair tends to be dry, she agreed that a bit more hydration would’ve given this cream a perfect score—a refresh day may be needed depending on your texture. Another highlight? This cream is curated with scalp health in mind, perfect for people who frequently experience clogged hair follicles or product buildup. 

Size: 8 oz | Ingredients: Babassu, murumuru, and hyaluronic acid | Sulfate Free: Yes

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Danielle, tester with type 3 hair: “The finish is one of the things I liked most about the cream as it’s undetectable while making my curls look great.”

Best for Color-Treated Hair

Dae Cactus Fruit Styling Cream

PHOTO: Sephora

$30 at Amazon$30$18 at Sephora

Why We Love It: Whether the goal is a shiny Brazilian blowout look or soft, defined curls, this multitasking cream from Dae has you covered. Inspired by a warm, summer day, it has a citrusy sweet scent that is evident as soon as you twist the lid off. Once you get past the nice but potent smell, you’ll find an extremely moisturizing cream thanks to the shea butter and meadowfoam seed oil concocted into the formula. Our tester was ready to throw her go-to mousse to the side after testing it. She loved how well the thick consistency hydrated and softened her hair without weighing it down. She was able to achieve the best definition and volume when she scrunched the product into her semi-dry 2b waves. The beauty of this cream is that it functions just as well with heat-styling. When our tester brushed out her defined waves and went in with a hot iron, she could feel the difference—her curls felt both protected and locked into place. The versatility is impressive as the cream smooths, moisturizes, and adds shine.

Who It’s For: This hair cream is perfect for color-treated curls, which are prone to dryness and breakage. As a result of the nourishing blend of oils and plant extracts, it leaves your hair soft and moisturized whether curly or straightened without a greasy finish. When spending a meal’s worth on hair care, you want your products to offer versatility. This one delivers. The smell is quite powerful so if you’re into hair being an extension of your signature scent—cue the hair perfume trend—then this is up your alley. Sensitive noses, we forewarned you. 

Size: 5 oz | Ingredients: Dragon fruit, prickly pear seed oil, and meadowfoam seed oil | Sulfate Free: Yes 

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Rachel, tester with type 2 hair: “Dae made my hair feel full of moisture but did not weigh it down. I felt very confident all day in my curls and my hair felt and looked healthy.”

Best for Coily Hair

Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard

PHOTO: Ulta

$13 at Amazon$14 at Ulta$13 at Target

Why We Love It: Despite a growing beauty landscape, coily hair textures remain underserved. So when our editors had the opportunity to test this Black woman-founded curling custard that was specifically crafted with “thick, curly type 4 hair,” they took it. The formula pairs a range of humectants with natural, organic ingredients to promote hydration, shine, and volume. Our tester appreciated how nourishing it was to her normally dry ends. The custard has a sweet scent that lingers in a pleasant, nonirritating way. The long-lasting definition of the product is equally noteworthy—the honey-like consistency made our tester’s coils pop and minimized frizz. The curls held up all day when he applied the custard to towel-dried hair. The application process is less than stellar due to the sticky feel of the product, but the results make it worthwhile.

Who It’s For: Mielle Organics has experienced its fair share of highs and lows on the internet. While this custard worked well on our tester’s hair, our editors agree that the brand’s past controversy highlights the importance of thoroughly reviewing product labels to ensure the ingredients align with your personal hair and health concerns. In our tester’s experience, it addressed dryness and frizz well without causing buildup or irritation. While she went for the wash ‘n go look, it can easily be incorporated into a twist-out or braid-out routine. The hydrating properties are a great match for dense, dry strands.

Size: 12 oz | Ingredients: Pomegranate extract, honey, citrus extracts, babassu and coconut oil | Sulfate Free: Yes

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Marissa, tester with type 3 hair: “My ends are usually always dry and I end up using a hair oil to help control the dryness and frizz after using my styling products. I did notice a difference in hydration once using the custard and didn’t have to use the oil after the first week.”

Best for Fine Hair

Sienna Naturals Dream Curl Cream

PHOTO: Sephora

$32 at SephoraView on Siennanaturals.com

Why We Love It: An Issa Rae-backed haircare line, Sienna Naturals is all about earth-friendly, quality products. Everything in the brand’s portfolio is developed with their signature “Rooted Technology” which includes natural ingredients, ancestral rituals, and dermatologist testing. The line offers products that actually work without harsh chemicals—which brings us to this dreamy curl cream. Its impactful ingredients—shea butter, mango seed butter, and a host of unique plant extracts—nourish the hair from root to tip, promoting scalp health, shine, and definition. Packed into a squeezable tube, the product has a milky, lotion-like consistency that is lightweight and sticky. When our tester scrunched it into her fine, wavy hair, her strands were more defined and voluminous compared to other products she’s used. She loved that she was able to maintain the look multiple days in a row before having to wash her hair.

Who It’s For: Dream curls aren’t limited to thick hair textures as proved by this Sienna Naturals curl cream. It worked wonders for clumping loose, frizzy hair. Other hair textures are welcome too—this product claims to be color-treated, curly, and coily hair-friendly. We suggest pairing it with a more hydrating leave-in conditioner, as it did leave our tester’s hair feeling crunchy. If there was one thorn in the testing process, Mariya would point to the squeeze bottle—she felt like it is better suited for a pump so that you can control how much product comes out.

Size: 6 oz | Ingredients: Shea butter and mango seed butter | Sulfate Free: Yes

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• PHOTO: InStyle / Mariya Ginzburg
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Mariya, tester with type 2 hair: “I think my curls came out more defined and with greater volume. I did not have frizz issues with this product and curls seemed to last all day. I went several days without washing using this cream!”

Best for Frizz

Verb Curl Cream

PHOTO: Amazon

$22 at Amazon$22 at Sephora$22 at Ulta

Why We Love It: Believe it or not, reducing frizz without getting stringy, weighed down curls is possible thanks to this Verb Curl Cream. It all starts with the moisturizing nature—it’s formulated using sunflower seed extract, castor oil, and jojoba oil, which help to soften, hydrate, and protect the hair shaft. Our tester has color-treated curls that are difficult to keep moisturized, so she was wowed by the way this curl cream helped her retain moisture. Subsequently, there was no frizz in sight—she loved how soft and smooth her hair looked and felt throughout the testing process. Despite its deeply penetrating ingredients, the cream is super lightweight and nongreasy. It has a salon-like sweet smell and an equally pleasant consistency. After sealing the deal with a hair diffuser, our tester was able to achieve fluffy curls.

Who It’s For: This product will work well on dehydrated hair whether color-treated or low porosity. Due to the lightweight formula, definition is not a strong suit of this curl cream. If you can’t seem to solve frizz, start with an intensive moisturizing cream like this one before layering a more defining product on top for smooth, pillow soft curls. Our tester had to follow her cream application with a mousse or gel to obtain the definition she likes. 

Size: 5.3 oz | Ingredients: Sunflower seed extract, jojoba oil, castor oil, and shea butter | Sulfate Free: Yes

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Shannon, tester with type 2 and 3 hair: “This curl cream helped lock moisture in between washes which allowed my hair to stay smooth and soft looking.”

• What to Keep in Mind
  • Hair Texture: The first step in deciding which curl cream is right for you is identifying your hair type. After all, each curl pattern needs different products and care. “If you have looser, wavier curls, you’ll want a lightweight cream with medium hold,” says Lacy Redway, a SheaMoisture Education Partner and celebrity hairstylist. “If you have tighter curls and coils, you’ll want to use a more moisturizing cream with strong curl definition.” Williams recommends that finer curl types prioritize water-based creams that don’t weigh down your strands. On the other hand, she says thicker, coarser curl types—which are prone to dryness and breakage—should look for richer creams with butters and oils for moisture retention. Our experts also note that texture informs the way your curl cream should be applied. “For fine hair, lighten the product with a water spray bottle then mist it all over your hair,” advises Redway. “When applying to thick hair, I want the product to feel a tad slippery which tells me if I have enough on to lock in the moisture. Medium hair should have a tad slip without weighing down the hair.”
  • Scalp Sensitivities: Avoid applying hair care products directly to your scalp, especially if you experience flakiness or dryness. Lemonds recommends addressing any potential scalp concerns with a dermatologist before buying hair care products. “Going to a specialist to test for allergies is best if you tend to get reactions from a lot of products. Then you can know which specific ingredients to avoid,” she advises.
  • Fragrance: Like with any hair product, a curl cream is no good to you if you can’t stand the fragrance. Check the packaging and make sure that you’re either choosing a fragrance-free option, or one with a scent that you actually like. Hair retains a ton of smell (pro tip: spray perfume in your hair for a more long-lasting fragrance every day), so whatever product you use is going to stick around. It doesn’t matter how magical a curl cream is if you can’t stomach the scent.

Your Questions, Answered

How do I apply curl cream?

Quick research will reveal that there are a variety of ways to apply curl creams. Technique does matter but ultimately, you’ll have to tailor your application method to your curls’ needs. For fine hair, Williams advises scrunching the product into your curls. For low-porosity, dense hair she recommends sectioning damp hair into sections and using the praying hands method to evenly distribute product. For high-porosity hair, she applies cream generously then seals it with an oil before going in with a curly hair brush to enhance clumping. 

Lemonds’ preferred method is different—she likes to apply curl creams to soaking wet hair to maximize definition and moisture. She recommends keeping products in the shower so that you can apply them as soon as you wet your hair. “I like the rake and shake method for the bounciest defined curls,” she says. “Go through section by section—four quadrants will be good for thinner hair while six or more works for thicker denser hair types.” She agrees with Williams on using the praying hands method for a smooth finish and on using lots of scrunching for fine hair.

Redway likes to work with towel-dried hair. She emulsifies the product in her hands before massaging it through the hair in a continuous, raking motion. Afterward, she uses the finger coiling method to help curls form before using a diffuser or blow-dryer to set it into place. She encourages people with thicker hair textures to not be afraid to mix an oil or gel in with the cream to assist with moisture retention and frizz.

Can I use curl cream on color-treated hair?

Yes, but you’ll want to reach for products that are color-safe and work specifically to address fading. Williams says creams that are “enriched with protective ingredients like sunflower seed extract or keratin to maintain vibrancy and prevent dryness” are a green flag for color-treated curls.

How do I layer curl creams?

You’ve conquered the task of picking out a new curl cream but how do you know which products in your arsenal you can use it with? Williams recommends conducting a compatibility test. “Mix a small amount of the products on the back of your hand,” she says. “If they blend smoothly without clumping, they’re less likely to cause flaking.” In general, it’s best practice to opt for water-based, silicone-free creams and follow the recommended application amount to avoid excessive buildup.

• Why Shop With UsEssence Wiley is a fashion and beauty writer at InStyle. She regularly reports on the best of the best beauty products, even testing some herself. Wiley has natural, color-treated, type 4 curls and is always looking for new products that help retain moisture and reduce breakage. We pulled from months of research and testing conducted by our editors to rank the products highlighted in this article. Ten editors with varying curl profiles used these products for four weeks each to test them thoroughly and narrow the list down to the best of the best.For this story, Wiley interviewed the following hairstylists who specialize in curly hair.
  • LaMonica Williams is a Dallas-based natural hair stylist.
  • Nicolle Lemonds is a New York City-based curly hair specialist.
  • Lacy Redway is a SheaMoisture Education Partner and celebrity hairstylist.

By 

Essence Wiley

Essence Wiley

Essence aims to be a source of representation for minority women who may not see themselves represented in fashion and beauty media. She has bylines in ESSENCE, The Root, and NaturallyCurly.com. 

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