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Curl Defining CreamsHelping You Find the Best
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Curl Defining CreamsHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Curl Creams for Men of 2025 1
  • 10 Best Curl Creams for Men of 2025 2
  • 10 Best Curl Creams for Men of 2025 3
  • 10 Best Curl Creams for Men of 2025 4
  • 10 Best Curl Creams for Men of 2025 5

10 Best Curl Creams for Men of 2025

Navigating the array of men's curl creams can be challenging. That’s why we’ve put together our buying guide to explain the essential criteria to consider when selecting a cream for your curl type and desired style. We will cover factors such as ingredient composition, hold strength, and application ease. At the end, we have compiled a list of our top 10 favorite curl creams for men, selected from among the bestselling options available online, to help you with your search.
Last updated 03/28/2025

Quick List - Top Curl Creams for Men

1

Marc Anthony

Strictly Curls
Strictly Curls

Define and Separate Curls

2

OGX

OGXMoroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream
Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream

Moisturize and Define Your Curls With Natural Shine

3

Cantu

Coconut Curling Cream
Coconut Curling Cream

Rich, Coconut Scented Cream

4

Avenue Man

Curl Defining Cream
Curl Defining Cream

Fragrance-Free Curl Cream

5

SheaMoisture

SheaMoistureCoconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Enhance and Define Curls With Natural Hydration and Shine

Christopher Heffner
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Table of Contents

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Do Men Need a Curl Cream?

Do Men Need a Curl Cream?
Forget the stiff, helmet-head look of gels. Curl cream, specifically formulated for men’s curls and waves, aims for a natural, defined aesthetic. It hydrates, tames frizz, and enhances your hair’s inherent texture without sacrificing movement. Think of it as a conditioning styler, a bridge between care and aesthetics, allowing your curls to look their best while remaining touchable and healthy.

How to Choose Curl Creams for Men

We’ve developed this buying guide to explain the essential criteria for picking the right curl cream for your hair and style.

1

Choose a Curl Cream Designed for You

Choose a Curl Cream Designed for You
Men’s curl creams are more than just rebranded general curl products; they’re tailored to men’s needs and preferences. While they retain the core function of defining and hydrating curls, they distinguish themselves through their formulation and presentation tweaks. Expect a focus on subtle, masculine scents, packaging that prioritizes functionality and understated aesthetics, and products designed for ease of use. Many men’s curl creams aim to deliver a natural, matte finish, avoiding excessive shine, and some may offer a slightly stronger hold for active lifestyles. 
2

Choose Curl Cream Based on Your Hair Type

Beyond simply "curly" or "wavy," your hair presents unique characteristics. Understanding these nuances dictates the type of cream that will serve you best.

Look for Light Creams for Fine Hair

Look for Light Creams for Fine Hair

Fine hair demands a product that adds definition without collapsing under its weight. Opt for lightweight, water-based creams that enhance curl patterns without adding bulk. Ingredients such as aloe vera or light oils can provide hydration without leaving a greasy residue. The goal is to amplify your natural texture, not create a heavy, artificial look.

Look for Richer Creams if You Have Thick Hair

Look for Richer Creams if You Have Thick Hair
Thick hair often battles dryness and frizz, requiring a cream with substantial moisturizing power. Shea butter, argan oil, and other rich emollients can tame unruly strands and define robust curls. These creams offer the necessary control and hydration to manage denser hair, ensuring a polished, well-defined appearance.
3

Consider the Ingredients

Look for ingredients that speak to your specific hair needs.

Prioritize Moisturizing Ingredients if You Have Dry, Frizzy Hair

Prioritize Moisturizing Ingredients if You Have Dry, Frizzy Hair
Regardless of the texture, some men’s hair can use a bit of extra moisture to keep frizz at bay. Seek curl creams rich in glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and natural oils to draw moisture into the hair shaft, smoothing the cuticle and reducing frizz.

Avoid Sulfates and Paraben to Maintain Your Hair’s Health

Avoid Sulfates and Paraben to Maintain Your Hair’s Health
Long-term hair health hinges on avoiding harsh chemicals. Sulfates strip natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Opt for curl creams prioritizing natural, nourishing ingredients, ensuring your hair remains strong and vibrant.

Look for a Water-Based Cream That’s Easy to Wash Out

Look for a Water-Based Cream That’s Easy to Wash Out

Product buildup can dull curls and weigh them down. Unlike their oil-heavy counterparts, water-based creams rinse cleanly, preventing residue and maintaining hair’s natural bounce. This ease of removal translates to healthier hair and a more manageable styling routine.

4

Look for Light Hold for Definition Without Stiffness

Look for Light Hold for Definition Without Stiffness
The modern man seeks a natural, touchable hold, not a rigid, sculpted style. Curl creams should enhance curl definition without creating a stiff, unnatural finish. Light-hold formulations offer flexibility and movement, allowing you to style your hair while maintaining its natural flow.
5

Look for Curl Creams That are Easy to Apply

Look for Curl Creams That are Easy to Apply
Opt for products with a smooth, easily spreadable consistency that allows for even distribution throughout the hair. Consider packaging that simplifies application, such as squeeze tubes or pump bottles, which minimize mess and waste. The goal is to find a curl cream that complements your lifestyle and simplifies your grooming process, ensuring consistent use and effortless style.
Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Curl Creams for Men Ranking

We’ve used the criteria discussed in our guide above to select our top curl creams, helping to narrow down the options and help you find the best product to maintain your curls.
Popularity
Filter

Products

Image

Click to purchase

Key features

Details

Recommended Hair

Humectants

Oils

Butters

Aloe Vera

Sulfates

Parabens

Alcohols

Silicone

Water-Based

Gender

Hold Strength

No-Heat Styling

Amount

1

Marc Anthony

Strictly Curls

Marc Anthony Strictly Curls 1

Define and Separate Curls

Wavy、Curly

Unisex

Light

6 fl oz.

2

OGX

OGXMoroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream

OGX Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream 1

Moisturize and Define Your Curls With Natural Shine

Wavy、Curly、Coily、Straight(*1)

(*2)

(*3)

(*4)

(*5)

Unisex

Light

6 fl oz.

3

Cantu

Coconut Curling Cream

Cantu Coconut Curling Cream 1

Rich, Coconut Scented Cream

Wavy、Curly、Coily

Unisex

Light

12 fl oz.

4

Avenue Man

Curl Defining Cream

Avenue Man Curl Defining Cream 1

Fragrance-Free Curl Cream

Wavy、Curly

Men

Light

8 fl oz.

5

SheaMoisture

SheaMoistureCoconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie 1

Enhance and Define Curls With Natural Hydration and Shine

Wavy、Curly

(*1)

(*2)

(*3)

(*4)

Unisex

Light

12 fl oz.

6

Uncle Jimmy

Curl-Kicker Hair

Uncle Jimmy Curl-Kicker Hair 1

Improves Hair Strength and Reduces Frizz

Wavy、Curly、Coily、Straight

Men

Medium

8 fl oz.

7

Mitch

Clean Cut

Mitch Clean Cut 1

Hold and Texture for Shorter Hair

Wavy、Curly、Coily、Straight

Men

Medium

3 fl oz.

8

Moroccanoil

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

Moroccanoil Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream 1

Fragrant and Hydrating

Coily

Unisex

Light

2.5 fl oz.

9

Controlled Chaos

Curl Cream for Men

Controlled Chaos Curl Cream for Men 1

Natural Oils and Sulfate Free

Curly

Men

Light

3.4 fl oz.

10

STMNT Grooming Goods

Curl Cream

STMNT Grooming Goods Curl Cream 1

Light Hold and a Masculine Scent

Wavy、Curly、Coily、Straight

unknown

Men

Light

5.07 fl oz.

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Marc Anthony
Strictly Curls

Strictly Curls 1
Source:amazon.com
Strictly Curls 2
Lowest price
$7.67
Low Mid
Lowest price
$7.67
Low Mid
Recommended HairWavy、Curly
Humectants
Oils
Butters
Aloe Vera
Sulfates
Parabens
Alcohols
Silicone
Water-Based
Hold Strength
Light
No-Heat Styling

Define and Separate Curls

This cream is formulated to address the needs of pronounced curl patterns, aiming to define and separate individual curls while minimizing frizz. It delivers a moderate hydration level, targeting the hair shaft to enhance elasticity and manageability. The product's consistency provides a flexible hold, allowing natural movement without stiffness. It is formulated to be applied to damp hair, distributing evenly to promote consistent curl formation.   
GenderUnisex
Amount6 fl oz.
Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

OGX
OGXMoroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream

Lowest price
$7.00
Recommended HairWavy、Curly、Coily、Straight(*1)
Humectants
Oils(*2)
Butters
Aloe Vera
Sulfates
(*3)
Parabens
(*4)
Alcohols
(*5)
Silicone
Water-Based
Hold Strength
Light
No-Heat Styling

Moisturize and Define Your Curls With Natural Shine

This curl-defining cream from OGX is a popular hair styling product designed to enhance and define curls while combating frizz. Formulated with cold-pressed Moroccan argan oil, this cream deeply moisturizes and nourishes hair, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and shiny. It effectively tames flyaways and defines curls.

GenderUnisex
Amount6 fl oz.

本注釈においては事業者からの情報提供を含みます

1
Ideal for all hair textures and curl types
2
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
3
Formulated without: Sulfated surfactants
4
Formulated without: Parabens
5
Cetearyl Alcohol
No.3

Cantu
Coconut Curling Cream

Lowest price
$5.97
Recommended HairWavy、Curly、Coily
Humectants
Oils
Butters
Aloe Vera
Sulfates
Parabens
Alcohols
Silicone
Water-Based
Hold Strength
Light
No-Heat Styling

Rich, Coconut Scented Cream

This cream is formulated with shea butter and coconut oil, emphasizing intense hydration for dry or coarse hair textures. The composition targets the hair's moisture retention, aiming to reduce breakage and promote healthy curl patterns. It delivers a medium hold, designed to define curls without creating a stiff or crunchy feel. The product's consistency is rich and intended for thorough application on damp hair to ensure even distribution and maximum moisture absorption.   
GenderUnisex
Amount12 fl oz.
No.4

Avenue Man
Curl Defining Cream

Lowest price
$26.99
High Mid
Recommended HairWavy、Curly
Humectants
Oils
Butters
Aloe Vera
Sulfates
Parabens
Alcohols
Silicone
Water-Based
Hold Strength
Light
No-Heat Styling

Fragrance-Free Curl Cream

This product is designed specifically for men's curly hair, focusing on providing a natural, matte finish. It aims to define curls and control frizz without adding excessive shine or weight. The formulation offers a light to medium hold, allowing for flexible styling and natural movement. The product's consistency is intended for easy application on damp hair, simplifying styling.

GenderMen
Amount8 fl oz.
No.5

SheaMoisture
SheaMoistureCoconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Lowest price
$10.97
Recommended HairWavy、Curly
Humectants
Oils(*1)
Butters(*2)
Aloe Vera(*3)
Sulfates
Parabens
Alcohols
(*4)
Silicone
Water-Based
Hold Strength
Light
No-Heat Styling

Enhance and Define Curls With Natural Hydration and Shine

SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie is formulated to provide deep hydration and enhanced definition for wavy and curly hair. The blend of neem oil, coconut oil, and silk protein works together to condition dry, lifeless hair while adding shine and reducing frizz. This rich formula helps smooth unruly ends, leaving your curls lustrous and bouncy without weighing them down. Free from silicones, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil, it's a natural choice for those seeking healthier hair care options. This curl-enhancing smoothie is designed to leave your hair soft, silky, and well-defined, catering especially to thick, curly, and wavy hair types. 

GenderUnisex
Amount12 fl oz.

本注釈においては事業者からの情報提供を含みます

1
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Seed Oil, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
2
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter
3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
4
Cetearyl Alcohol
No.6

Uncle Jimmy
Curl-Kicker Hair

Lowest price
$13.93
Mid
Recommended HairWavy、Curly、Coily、Straight
Humectants
Oils
Butters
Aloe Vera
Sulfates
Parabens
Alcohols
Silicone
Water-Based
Hold Strength
Medium
No-Heat Styling

Improves Hair Strength and Reduces Frizz

Formulated with a blend of natural oils, this product moisturizes and defines curls while promoting scalp health. It offers a flexible hold, maintaining natural movement without stiffness. Its composition addresses issues of dryness and frizz, focusing on adding hydration. Unlike many products, this curl cream was designed specifically for men.

GenderMen
Amount8 fl oz.
No.7

Mitch
Clean Cut

Lowest price
$24.00
High Mid
Recommended HairWavy、Curly、Coily、Straight
Humectants
Oils
Butters
Aloe Vera
Sulfates
Parabens
Alcohols
Silicone
Water-Based
Hold Strength
Medium
No-Heat Styling

Hold and Texture for Shorter Hair

This styling cream provides a medium hold and a natural satin finish. While not solely designed for curls, it may enhance wave patterns, particularly for shorter styles. The formulation aims to offer control and definition without excessive shine. The texture is designed for ease of application and flexible styling.
GenderMen
Amount3 fl oz.
No.8

Moroccanoil
Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

Lowest price
$13.60
Mid
Recommended HairCoily
Humectants
Oils
Butters
Aloe Vera
Sulfates
Parabens
Alcohols
Silicone
Water-Based
Hold Strength
Light
No-Heat Styling

Fragrant and Hydrating

Infused with argan oil, this cream enhances curl definition and adds shine. It offers a light hold and aims to control frizz and maintain curl separation. This product features Moroccanoil’s “Fragrance Originale” and vegetable proteins. 
GenderUnisex
Amount2.5 fl oz.
No.9

Controlled Chaos
Curl Cream for Men

Lowest price
$19.99
High Mid
Recommended HairCurly
Humectants
Oils
Butters
Aloe Vera
Sulfates
Parabens
Alcohols
Silicone
Water-Based
Hold Strength
Light
No-Heat Styling

Natural Oils and Sulfate Free

This product is specifically formulated for men with curly hair. It is designed to define curls, control frizz, and enhance the natural look of hair. The formula is crafted to leave hair feeling soft and natural, with a light hold to keep your style in place. As a water-soluble product, it washes out easily.   
GenderMen
Amount3.4 fl oz.
No.10

STMNT Grooming Goods
Curl Cream

Lowest price
$21.95
High Mid
Recommended HairWavy、Curly、Coily、Straight
Humectants
Oils
Butters
Aloe Vera
Sulfates
Parabens
Alcohols
unknown
Silicone
Water-Based
Hold Strength
Light
No-Heat Styling

Light Hold and a Masculine Scent

This product from STMNT provides a light, flexible hold that enhances natural texture. It focuses on defining curls and waves without making the hair feel stiff. The aroma of coconut, sandalwood, and orris is intended to be fresh but not overpowering.
GenderMen
Amount5.07 fl oz.

Determining Your Hair Type

Determining Your Hair Type

Determining curly hair's thickness involves assessing the density of hair strands on the scalp and the diameter of individual strands. Density refers to the number of hairs per square inch; thick hair feels dense and full, making it difficult to see the scalp, while thin hair allows the scalp to be more visible. 


Strand diameter, however, relates to the width of individual hairs. Fine strands are delicate and thin, whereas coarse strands are robust and thick. To differentiate, observe how much of your scalp is visible and feel a section of hair between your fingers. If it feels voluminous and dense, it's likely thick. If it feels sparse or delicate, it's likely thin.

Top 5 Curl Creams for Men

No. 1: Marc AnthonyStrictly Curls

No. 2: OGXOGXMoroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream

No. 3: CantuCoconut Curling Cream

No. 4: Avenue ManCurl Defining Cream

No. 5: SheaMoistureSheaMoistureCoconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

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