Ever since I started my natural hair journey, I haven’t been able to find a gel that my hair likes. Most of the gels I’ve tried have left my hair dry and crispy, and my curls stiff. My hair is very dense, but my strands are fine and easily weighed down. I was constantly looking for a product that would give me soft, defined curls with movement and bounce. After a lot of trial and error, I realized that curling custard was what I was looking for.
Custard and gel are actually pretty similar but have a few key differences. Custard typically has a creamier consistency, and is designed to provide more moisture and definition to Afro-textured hair. It is often made with ingredients like aloe vera, flaxseed, and marshmallow root (which my hair loves), and define the natural texture of hair without weighing it down. Gel, on the other hand, has a more lightweight and sticky texture, and is formulated to provide a stronger hold.
If you have fine strands and your hair tends to get dry quickly, I highly recommend trying out a custard. While you may not get that locked in hold of a gel, your hair will retain moisture, while having fluffier definition.
Here are my two favorite custards that keep my hair soft and defined all week:
Kinky Curly Curling Custard ($18) – This product is my holy grail. I always get the best twist outs with this custard and the definition and moisture last all week. What I love most about this product are the ingredients which include aloe vera, marshmallow root, and chamomile. This is definitely on the pricier side but a little goes a long way! My tip is to apply this on soaking wet hair after using the Kinky Curly Knot Today leave in conditioner. This has a lighter hold, so your hair will have a fluffier look. If you want some extra hold, try a mousse on top.
Pattern Beauty Styling Custard ($25) – I was hesitant to try a celebrity brand but this product really surprised me. At $25 for 15 oz, it’s more cost effective than the Kinky Curly, so it’s a good one to have in your arsenal. I really love the effect this product has on my hair. It gives me a lot of hold, definition, and volume. My hair really stayed moisturized the entire week without having to spritz my hair with water. The only downside of this product for me is the smell – it’s highly fragranced but it does fade away after about a day.
Do you use custard over gel? Leave your favorite custards in the comments!
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