If you’re on a quest for defined, bouncy curls that turn heads, stop scrolling and grab the Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé. This game-changing product is a moisturizer and styling gel in one, delivering hydration, hold, and shine without the crunch.
As someone with curly hair, I’ve battled frizz and flat curls for years, but this soufflé has transformed my routine. Trust me, your curls deserve this love, and I’m here to spill why it’s worth every penny.
My Journey With Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé
Picture this: me, standing in front of my bathroom mirror, hair dripping wet, staring at a jar of Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé like it’s about to reveal the secrets of the universe.
I’d been through countless gels that left my curls crunchy, greasy, or just plain sad.
But the buzz around this product—its vegan ingredients, medium hold, and promise of soft, defined curls—had me intrigued.
So, I scooped out a dollop of the jelly-like texture, rubbed it between my palms, and got to work.
The first thing I noticed was how easily it melted into a serum-like consistency. I used the “praying hands” method, smoothing it over my soaking wet 3B curls, then flipped my head upside down and scrunched like my life depended on it.
The scent?
A subtle, herbal-citrus vibe that didn’t linger too long, which I appreciated since I’m not a fan of overpowering fragrances. As my hair dried, I felt that slight cast forming—a bit stiff, but not helmet-like. Once fully dry, I scrunched out the crunch, and wow. My curls were defined, shiny, and so soft I couldn’t stop touching them.
Day two was even better. My curls held their shape without feeling heavy or gunky, and a quick spritz of water revived them for another day of bounce. I got compliments from friends who swore I’d been to a salon. For someone who used to wash their hair daily to avoid buildup, this was a revelation.
The only hiccup? I used a bit too much the first time, which made my roots look a tad greasy. Lesson learned: a little goes a long way. After a week, I was hooked—this soufflé was my new ride-or-die.
Pros of Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé
- Moisturizes While Styling
You know that struggle of choosing between hydration and hold?
With the Curlsmith Soufflé, you don’t have to.
This isn’t just a styling gel; it’s packed with babassu oil and shea butter that drench your curls in moisture.
My hair felt softer and less prone to dryness, even in humid weather.
It’s like giving your curls a tall glass of water while shaping them into perfect spirals. For anyone with thirsty curls, this dual-action formula is a lifesaver.
- Buildable, Flexible Hold
I love that the Soufflé gives you control over your hold. Want a soft, natural look? Use a small amount. Craving more definition for a twist-out?
Layer it on. The medium hold strikes a perfect balance—it keeps my curls in place without that stiff, plastic feel I’ve gotten from other gels. Once you scrunch out the cast, your curls are bouncy and touchable. It’s like the Goldilocks of curl products: not too weak, not too strong, just right.
- Frizz Control That Actually Works
If frizz is your arch-nemesis, this soufflé is your superhero. The cast it forms while drying locks in moisture and keeps flyaways at bay. I live in a humid climate, and my curls stayed sleek and defined even on muggy days.
Unlike some gels that lose their grip by lunchtime, this one held strong for days. My second- and third-day hair looked almost as good as wash day, which is a miracle for me.
- Clean, Vegan Ingredients
I’m all about products that align with my values, and Curlsmith delivers. No sulfates, silicones, mineral oils, or phthalates—just curl-loving ingredients like aloe, rosemary, and flax seed. It’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free, so I feel good about slathering it on.
Plus, the natural ingredients seem to promote healthier hair over time. After a month of use, my curls looked shinier and felt stronger, which I’m chalking up to the nourishing formula.
- Versatile for All Curl Types
Whether you’ve got loose waves or tight coils, this soufflé adapts to your hair. I’ve got 3B curls, but my friend with 2C waves and my cousin with 4A coils both swear by it.
The lightweight texture doesn’t weigh down finer hair, and it provides enough moisture for coarser textures. It’s like a one-size-fits-all solution for the curly community, which makes it a staple in my house.
Not-So-Good Parts of Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé
- Pricey for Some Budgets
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the price.
At around $27 for an 8-ounce jar, this isn’t the cheapest option on the shelf.
For me, the results justify the cost, but if you’re balling on a budget, it might sting.
I stretch it by using small amounts and pairing it with cheaper leave-ins, but I get why some folks hesitate.
Compared to drugstore gels, it’s a splurge, though the quality makes it worth considering.
- Learning the Right Amount
This soufflé is potent, and there’s a bit of trial and error to nail the perfect amount. My first attempt left my roots greasy because I went overboard. If you’ve got fine hair or a looser curl pattern, over-applying can weigh your curls down or make them look stringy.
It took me a few washes to figure out my sweet spot—about a nickel-sized amount per section. Once you get the hang of it, it’s smooth sailing, but the initial experimentation can be frustrating.
- Temporary Crunch
The cast is a double-edged sword. It’s great for definition and frizz control, but that crunchy feeling while your hair dries can be off-putting. I didn’t mind it since I knew it would scrunch out, but if you’re sensitive to texture, it might bug you.
My mom, who tried it, wasn’t a fan of the stiffness during the drying process, though she loved the final result. It’s a minor gripe, but worth mentioning.
- Jar Packaging Can Be Messy
The jar packaging looks chic, but it’s not the most practical. Scooping out product with wet hands can get messy, and I’ve accidentally gotten water in the jar, which makes me worry about spoilage.
A pump or tube would be easier for on-the-go styling. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re clumsy like me, you might wish for a different container.
Tips For Using Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé
- Apply on Soaking Wet Hair
Trust me, this is non-negotiable.
The soufflé works best when your hair is dripping wet because it helps the product spread evenly and prevents patchiness.
I shower, detangle with a leave-in conditioner, and then apply the soufflé section by section.
If your hair starts to dry while styling, keep a spray bottle handy to re-wet it.
This ensures every curl gets coated and clumped for maximum definition.
- Use the Praying Hands and Scrunching Combo
To get those Instagram-worthy curls, technique matters. Rub a small amount of soufflé between your palms until it melts into a serum. Then, use the praying hands method—smoothing it over each section from root to tip.
Follow up by flipping your head upside down and scrunching upward to encourage curl formation. This combo helps the product distribute evenly and enhances your natural pattern. I’ve found it makes a huge difference in how defined my curls look.
- Scrunch Out the Crunch
Don’t panic when your hair feels crunchy as it dries—it’s just the cast doing its job. Once your curls are 100% dry, gently scrunch upward with clean, dry hands to break the cast. You’ll be left with soft, bouncy curls that feel natural.
I sometimes add a drop of lightweight oil, like Curlsmith Bonding Oil, to my hands before scrunching for extra shine. This step is key to avoiding that stiff, gelled look.
- Refresh for Second-Day Curls
One of the best things about this soufflé is how well it holds up for days. To refresh your curls, lightly mist your hair with water or a curl refresher spray. I use a mix of water and a little leave-in conditioner in a spray bottle.
Then, scrunch gently to revive the shape. If you need extra hold, apply a tiny bit of soufflé to any frizzy areas. This keeps your curls looking fresh without starting from scratch.
- Store Properly to Maintain Quality
To keep your soufflé in tip-top shape, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. I learned the hard way that leaving it in a steamy bathroom can mess with the texture.
Also, avoid getting water in the jar—use a clean spoon or dry fingers to scoop out product. This helps prevent contamination and ensures the formula stays effective for months.
- Pair with Complementary Products
The soufflé plays well with others, so experiment with your routine. I love using it over a leave-in conditioner, like Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream, for extra moisture. If you want more hold, layer it with a stronger gel, like Curlsmith In-Shower Style Fixer.
Just be careful not to overdo it—too many products can weigh your curls down. Test different combos to find what makes your curls sing.
Comparison of Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé With Other Brands
Let’s put the Curlsmith Soufflé in the ring with some heavy hitters: Kinky-Curly Curling Custard, DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel, and Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream. Each has its fans, but here’s how they stack up against my new favorite.
Kinky-Curly Curling Custard is a cult classic for tight curls and coils. It’s got a thicker, jelly-like texture and delivers intense definition with a strong hold. But for my 3B curls, it sometimes felt too heavy, leaving my hair a bit crunchy even after scrunching.
The Curlsmith Soufflé, on the other hand, offers a lighter, more flexible hold that doesn’t sacrifice moisture. If you’ve got finer hair or looser waves, Curlsmith is less likely to weigh you down, though Kinky-Curly might edge out for super tight coils needing extra control.
DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel is another big name, promising defined curls without the stickiness. I liked its lightweight feel and decent hold, but it didn’t hydrate as much as I needed, and my curls started frizzing by day two.
Curlsmith’s Soufflé outshines it in moisture retention, keeping my curls soft and frizz-free for days. Plus, DevaCurl’s higher price point (around $30 for 12 ounces) makes the Soufflé a better value for similar results.
Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream is a budget-friendly option, often under $10. It’s creamy, not a gel, so it’s great for hydration but lacks the hold needed for defined styles like wash-and-gos. I found it left my curls soft but undefined, with frizz creeping in by evening.
The Curlsmith Soufflé combines the best of both worlds—moisture and hold—making it worth the higher price for those who want polished, long-lasting curls.
What sets Curlsmith apart is its versatility. It works across curl types, from 2B waves to 4C coils, and balances hydration with styling power. While Kinky-Curly and DevaCurl lean toward specific textures, and Cantu prioritizes moisture over hold, the Soufflé feels like it was made for everyone.
Plus, its clean, vegan formula gives it an edge over brands with less transparent ingredient lists.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Scoop a small amount of the soufflé and rub it between your palms until it melts into a serum. Apply to soaking wet hair using the praying hands method, smoothing from root to tip. Flip your head upside down and scrunch upward to encourage curls. Let your hair air dry or diffuse, then scrunch out the crunchy cast once fully dry for soft, defined curls.
The Curlsmith Soufflé is a moisturizer and medium-hold styling gel in one. It defines curls, reduces frizz, and adds shine while hydrating with ingredients like babassu oil and shea butter. It forms a temporary cast to lock in moisture and shape, which you scrunch out for bouncy, touchable curls that last for days.
Yes, the Soufflé works for fine hair, but use it sparingly to avoid weighing curls down. Start with a dime-sized amount per section and focus on mid-lengths to ends. Its lightweight texture and buildable hold make it ideal for fine, wavy, or curly hair, delivering definition without heaviness.
The Soufflé is designed for all curl types—wavy (2A-2C), curly (3A-3C), and coily (4A-4C). It’s suitable for various textures and porosities, providing moisture and definition without greasiness. Whether you’ve got loose waves or tight coils, it adapts to enhance your natural pattern.
Final Thoughts On Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé
After weeks of using the Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé, I’m convinced it’s a must-have for anyone with curls. It’s transformed my routine, giving me shiny, defined curls that last days without the heaviness or crunch of other gels.
From its clean ingredients to its versatile hold, it’s a product that delivers on its promises. Don’t let the price scare you—this jar is worth every cent. Grab it, try it, and watch your curls steal the show.