If you’re chasing defined, frizz-free curls that shine without feeling like a science experiment gone wrong, Kinky-Curly Curling Custard is your new best friend. This gel is a game-changer for curly hair, delivering moisture, hold, and bounce that lasts.
After years of wrestling with my own curls, I’ve found this custard to be a standout, and I’m excited to share why it’s worth every penny. Trust me, your curls will thank you—grab it now and see the magic for yourself!
My Journey With Kinky-Curly Curling Custard
Picture this: me, standing in my bathroom, hair dripping wet, staring at a jar of Kinky-Curly Curling Custard like it’s about to reveal the secrets of the universe.
I’d been burned by styling products before—gels that left my hair crunchy, creams that did nothing but weigh it down.
But this custard?
It’s been a revelation for my 3B curls, and I’m here to spill the tea on how it transformed my wash days.
My first time using it, I followed the instructions to a T: apply to soaking wet hair. I’d just washed with Kinky-Curly’s Come Clean shampoo and slathered on their Knot Today leave-in conditioner.
With my hair practically a waterfall, I scooped out a small dollop of the custard. The texture was… interesting. It’s slimy, almost like flaxseed gel, but it glides through your strands like a dream. I raked it through small sections, scrunching upward to encourage my curls to pop. The slip was unreal—no tugging, no resistance.
As my hair dried, I noticed a cast forming, like my curls were locked in place by some invisible force field. I was skeptical—would it be crunchy? But after a gentle scrunch, the cast broke, revealing soft, defined spirals that bounced when I moved.
No frizz, no stickiness, just curls that looked like they belonged in a hair commercial. I wore my hair half-up that day, and even after hours of running around, my curls held their shape. By evening, they were still about 80% intact, which is a miracle considering my toddler loves to play hairdresser.
What struck me most was how moisturized my hair felt. Unlike other gels that leave my curls parched by day two, this custard kept them soft and hydrated.
I’ve since perfected my routine, using a spray bottle to refresh my curls on non-wash days, and I’ve gotten three solid days of definition without needing a full wash. It’s not perfect every time—I’ve had to experiment to avoid flakes—but when I get it right, it’s pure curl magic.
The Pros of Kinky-Curly Curling Custard
The hype around this custard isn’t just hot air. It delivers on multiple fronts, making it a staple for curlies across the spectrum. Here’s why I’m obsessed.
- Unbeatable Curl Definition
This custard doesn’t just define your curls—it makes them sing.
Whether you’ve got loose waves or tight coils, it enhances your natural pattern, giving each strand clarity and shape.
My 3B curls, which can sometimes look stringy, transform into plump, springy spirals that hold their form all day.
The custard’s ability to elongate curls is a bonus, especially if you’re dealing with shrinkage.
It’s like giving your hair a megaphone to shout, “Look at me!”
- Moisture That Actually Lasts
Unlike gels that suck the life out of your hair, Kinky-Curly’s custard is a hydration hero. Thanks to ingredients like agave nectar and aloe vera, it locks in moisture without leaving your hair greasy.
My curls stay soft and touchable, even in humid Georgia weather. I’ve gone days without needing to re-moisturize, which is a big deal for someone whose hair used to feel like straw by noon.
- Frizz? What Frizz?
If frizz is your arch-nemesis, this custard is your superhero. It smooths flyaways and keeps your curls looking polished, even in high humidity. I’ve walked through misty mornings and come out looking like I just stepped out of a salon.
The custard’s humectant properties help balance moisture, so your hair doesn’t puff up or lose definition when the weather gets wild.
- Long-Lasting Hold Without Crunch
The cast this custard creates is just right—not too stiff, not too soft. It holds your curls in place without making them feel like they’ve been shellacked. Once you scrunch out the cast, you’re left with bouncy, natural curls that move with you.
I’ve had curls last through workouts, park playdates, and even a windy day, all while staying soft and flexible.
- A Little Goes a Long Way
This stuff is concentrated, so you don’t need to slather it on like you’re frosting a cake. A quarter-sized amount is enough for my shoulder-length hair, meaning that 8-ounce jar lasts months.
Sure, it’s not the cheapest product on the shelf, but when you consider how little you use per application, it’s a solid investment. My wallet doesn’t cry every time I restock.
The Not-So-Good Parts
No product is perfect, and Kinky-Curly Curling Custard has its quirks. Here’s where it falls short and how to navigate the hiccups.
- Tricky Application
This custard demands respect.
If you don’t apply it to soaking wet hair, you’re asking for trouble—think sticky residue or white flakes that scream “product overload.”
I learned this the hard way when I tried using it on damp hair and ended up with a frizzy mess.
You’ve got to commit to the wet-hair method, which can be a hassle if you’re not styling right out of the shower.
- Flakes If You Overdo It
Less is more with this custard. If you get heavy-handed, you might notice white flakes once your hair dries, especially if your hair is fine or low-porosity. I’ve had to play Goldilocks to find the “just right” amount for my hair.
Start with a tiny bit and build up gradually to avoid looking like you’ve got dandruff.
- Not Ideal for All Hair Types
While it works wonders for my 3B curls and some type 4 hair, it’s not a universal fit. If you’ve got fine, wavy hair or super low-porosity strands, the custard’s thickness can weigh you down or feel too heavy.
My friend with 2C waves tried it and said her hair looked flat, not defined. You might need to experiment to see if it vibes with your hair’s personality.
- Pricey Upfront Cost
Let’s be real: at around $20 for an 8-ounce jar, this isn’t a budget buy. For curlies on a tight wallet, the upfront cost can sting, especially if you’re used to drugstore gels.
But since a little goes a long way, I’ve found it balances out over time. Still, it’s a barrier for some, and I wish it were more accessible.
Tips For Kinky-Curly Curling Custard
To get the most out of this custard, you need a game plan. These tips will help you slay your curl routine and keep your hair looking fabulous.
- Start with Soaking Wet Hair: I can’t stress this enough: your hair needs to be drenched. Think post-shower, water-dripping-down-your-back wet. This ensures the custard spreads evenly and locks in moisture. If you’re styling later in the day, grab a spray bottle and soak your hair section by section. Trust me, it’s the difference between flawless curls and a flaky disaster.
- Layer with a Leave-In Conditioner: For next-level results, pair the custard with a leave-in conditioner like Kinky-Curly’s Knot Today. I apply the leave-in first to detangle and hydrate, then follow with the custard to seal everything in. This combo keeps my curls moisturized and defined for days. If you’re using another brand’s leave-in, make sure it’s lightweight to avoid buildup.
- Scrunch, Don’t Comb: Once you’ve applied the custard, ditch the comb. Scrunching upward with your fingers encourages your curls to clump and form defined spirals. I section my hair, smooth the custard from roots to ends, then scrunch like my life depends on it. This method preserves my curl pattern and minimizes frizz.
- Refresh Curls on Non-Wash Days: To stretch your style to day two or three, refresh with a spray bottle. I mist my hair lightly, add a tiny bit of leave-in conditioner, then smooth a thin layer of custard over frizzy sections using the prayer-hands method. Scrunch gently, and your curls will bounce back to life. No need to rewash unless your hair feels weighed down.
- Deep Condition Regularly: This custard loves hydrated hair, so keep your strands in top shape with weekly deep conditioning. I use a rich mask like DevaCurl’s Heaven in Hair to restore moisture and elasticity. Healthy hair makes the custard work even better, giving you shinier, more defined curls.
- Avoid Touching While Drying: Patience is key. Once you’ve applied the custard, let your hair air-dry or diffuse without touching it. Messing with wet hair can disrupt the cast and invite frizz. I’ve learned to keep my hands off until it’s fully dry, then scrunch out the crunch for soft, bouncy curls.
Comparison of Kinky-Curly Curling Custard With Other Brands
I’ve tried my fair share of curl products, and while Kinky-Curly Curling Custard is my ride-or-die, it’s worth seeing how it stacks up against other popular options: Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly, Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Gel, and Not Your Mother’s Curl Defining Cream.
Let’s break it down to see which product reigns supreme for your curls. Each comparison focuses on key factors like definition, hold, moisture, and ease of use, so you can decide what’s best for your hair.
- Kinky-Curly Curling Custard Vs. Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly
When it comes to curl definition, Kinky-Curly and Curls Blueberry Bliss go head-to-head, but they cater to slightly different needs.
Kinky-Curly’s custard is a gel-like product that creates a cast, locking in tight, defined curls that pop on my 3B hair.
Its slippery texture glides through wet strands, ensuring every curl is coated and elongated.
The result?
Shiny, frizz-free spirals that hold up in humid Georgia weather.
Blueberry Bliss, on the other hand, is a lightweight jelly that’s fantastic for finer curls or waves, like 2C or 3A.
It defines without weighing hair down, but I’ve noticed it doesn’t have the same staying power.
By mid-afternoon, my curls start to frizz with Blueberry Bliss, especially on muggy days.
Moisture is where Kinky-Curly pulls ahead. Its agave nectar and aloe vera keep my hair hydrated for days, while Blueberry Bliss feels less nourishing, requiring a heavier leave-in underneath.
Application-wise, Kinky-Curly demands wet hair and a bit of finesse to avoid flakes, whereas Blueberry Bliss is more forgiving on damp hair. If you’ve got thicker, thirstier curls, Kinky-Curly is your pick. For finer hair or looser waves, Blueberry Bliss might be the better bet, though its hold won’t last as long.
- Kinky-Curly Curling Custard Vs. Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Gel
Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Gel is the budget darling of the curl world, and I’ve used it when my wallet was feeling the pinch.
At under $5, it’s a steal, but it’s a completely different beast from Kinky-Curly.
Eco Style excels at slicking back edges or creating super-defined styles like slicked ponytails.
Its thick, clear gel gives a firm hold, but that’s where the magic ends for me.
On my 3B curls, it dries crunchy and leaves my hair feeling parched, like it’s begging for a drink. Kinky-Curly, with its moisturizing ingredients, keeps my curls soft and bouncy, with a flexible cast that scrunches out beautifully.
Definition is decent with Eco Style, but it doesn’t elongate curls or reduce frizz as well as Kinky-Curly. I’ve also had issues with flaking when I use too much Eco Style, especially in humid conditions. Kinky-Curly can flake too, but it’s easier to avoid with proper application.
Eco Style’s biggest perk is its accessibility—you can grab it at any drugstore—but it’s not a multitasker. If you’re after moisture, shine, and long-lasting curls, Kinky-Curly’s custard is worth the splurge over Eco Style’s one-note performance.
- Kinky-Curly Curling Custard Vs. Not Your Mother’s Curl Defining Cream
Not Your Mother’s Curl Defining Cream is a creamy, non-gel alternative that’s great for curlies who hate the cast of traditional gels.
I’ve used it for softer, more natural-looking curls, and it’s a solid choice for low-maintenance routines.
The cream smooths frizz and adds a touch of definition, but it doesn’t hold a candle to Kinky-Curly’s sculpting power.
My 3B curls look looser and less defined with Not Your Mother’s, and by day’s end, they’re fluffier than I’d like.
Kinky-Curly’s custard, with its firm hold, keeps my spirals intact through toddler hair-tussling and windy days.
Moisture-wise, Not Your Mother’s is decent but not as long-lasting. My hair feels soft initially, but it dries out faster than with Kinky-Curly’s hydrating formula.
Application is easier with the cream—you can slap it on damp or wet hair without much fuss—but it lacks the precision Kinky-Curly offers for wash-and-go styles.
If you prefer a low-hold, tousled look or have looser waves, Not Your Mother’s is a great pick. But for tight curls craving structure and shine, Kinky-Curly’s custard is the clear winner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, it’s fantastic for curly hair when used correctly. The custard’s natural ingredients, like agave nectar and aloe vera, nourish and moisturize without greasiness. It defines curls, reduces frizz, and provides hold without drying out your strands. However, if you have fine or low-porosity hair, use it sparingly to avoid buildup or heaviness.
Mostly, yes. It’s free of silicones, sulfates, parabens, and mineral oils, making it compatible with the Curly Girl Method. Some purists note it contains a small amount of isopropyl alcohol, but it’s unlikely to dry out your hair. For most curlies, it’s a safe bet for CGM routines.
Apply it to soaking wet hair for best results. Start with a leave-in conditioner, then section your hair and smooth a small amount of custard through each section from roots to ends. Scrunch upward to encourage curls, then air-dry or diffuse without touching. Scrunch out the cast once dry for soft, defined curls.
The scent is light and clean, with a subtle tropical vibe—think faint vanilla or coconut without being overpowering. It’s not heavily perfumed, so it won’t clash with your other products or linger all day. I find it pleasant but neutral, perfect for sensitive noses.
Conclusion: Your Curls Deserve This
Kinky-Curly Curling Custard isn’t just a product—it’s a curl revolution. From its moisture-packed formula to its frizz-fighting superpowers, it’s transformed my hair routine and given me curls I’m proud to flaunt.
Whether you’re a curly newbie or a seasoned pro, this custard delivers definition, shine, and hold that’s worth the splurge. Don’t settle for lackluster curls—grab a jar, embrace the wet-hair method, and watch your hair steal the show.
Your curls are begging for it!