Listen up, curly-haired friends: if you’ve been on the hunt for a styling product that delivers soft, bouncy curls without the crunch, you need to get your hands on Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls.
I’m telling you right now—this lightweight lotion has been a game-changer for me, and I’m betting it’ll win you over too. Whether your curls are tight coils or loose waves, this product promises touchable, fabric-softener-fresh hair that feels as good as it looks.
Trust me, you’ll want to snag this gem from your local Target or online pronto—your curls deserve it!
My Experience With Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls
I’ll never forget the day I first tried Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls.
My hair—a wild mix of 2C and 3A waves and curls—had been throwing a tantrum all winter.
It was dry, flat, and refusing to cooperate with my usual routine.
I’d tried everything from gels to creams, but nothing was bringing the bounce back.
Then, I stumbled across this product in a magazine article raving about solutions for fine, textured hair.
I figured, why not?
I grabbed the 8.5-ounce bottle from Walmart, and let me tell you, it was love at first scrunch.
The moment I squeezed a pea-sized dollop into my hands, I noticed how smooth and light it felt—like a cloud in lotion form. The scent hit me next: a fresh, clean whiff that reminded me of laundry straight off the line. Some folks say it’s strong, but for me, it was just right—not overpowering, just pleasantly crisp.
I started with dripping wet hair fresh from the shower, combed it out with a detangling comb, and then went to town scrunching the product through my ends. That squelching sound as I worked it in?
Pure satisfaction. I flipped my head back, gave the outer layers a light scrunch, and let it air dry while I sipped my morning coffee.
The result?
Oh, my goodness—my curls were soft, shiny, and full of life. No greasy residue, no stiff crunch, just fluffy, touchable waves that made me want to twirl around like a shampoo commercial star. I’ve been using it every other day since, and it’s become my go-to.
The bottle’s huge, and a little goes a long way, so I’m still on my first one months later. Sure, it’s a bit pricier than some drugstore options, but the way it transformed my hair? Worth every penny. I even texted my curly-haired bestie a photo of my results, and she ordered it that same day!
Pros of Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls
- Feather-Light Texture
You know that heavy, weighed-down feeling some products leave behind?
Not here. Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls is as light as it gets—seriously, it feels like you’re applying air to your hair. I love how it sinks in without making my fine curls droop. It’s perfect if you’re tired of thick creams that leave your hair looking flat by lunchtime.
This stuff keeps things bouncy and free, just like the product description promises.
- Crunch-Free Curls
If crunchy curls are your nemesis, you’re in for a treat. This lotion delivers on its “super soft hold” claim with zero stiffness. My curls stay defined but feel like I could run my fingers through them anytime—no helmet-head vibes here.
It’s a relief to finally have a product that lets my hair move naturally while still keeping frizz at bay. You’ll wonder why you ever settled for ramen-noodle curls in the first place.
- Hydration That Shines
Dry curls? Not on this watch. I’ve noticed my hair looks shinier and feels more hydrated since I started using Pillow Soft Curls. It’s not a miracle worker for deep moisture (you’ll still need a good conditioner), but it locks in enough hydration to make my waves pop.
The lightweight formula doesn’t just sit there—it actually makes my hair look healthier, which is a huge win for me during dry seasons.
- Fresh, Clean Scent
Let’s talk about that fabric-softener freshness. I’m obsessed with how clean my hair smells after using this—like I just stepped out of a laundry commercial.
It’s not a heavy perfume that lingers all day, just a subtle, crisp note that fades nicely after drying. If you’re into fresh scents, you’ll love this little bonus. It’s like a mini aromatherapy session every time I style my hair.
- Long-Lasting Value
At around $22 for 8.5 ounces, it might seem steep, but hear me out: this bottle lasts forever. I wash my hair every other day, and a tiny amount—think pea-sized—does the trick. I’ve been using mine for months and haven’t even hit the halfway mark.
Compare that to cheaper products I’d plow through in weeks, and the value starts to add up. You’re investing in quality that stretches further than you’d expect.
Cons of Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls
- Hold Could Be Stronger
Here’s the catch: the soft hold is lovely, but it’s not bulletproof.
On my 2C/3A hair, the definition starts to loosen up by the end of the day, especially if it’s humid out.
If you’re rocking tighter curls or need all-day staying power, you might need to layer this with a gel.
I’ve experimented with using less product, but the hold still fades faster than I’d like.
It’s a trade-off for that non-crunchy finish.
- Scent Might Not Be for Everyone
I adore the clean, laundry-like smell, but I get it—it’s not universal. Some folks find it too strong when they first apply it, even if it mellows out later. If you’re sensitive to fragrances, this could be a dealbreaker.
I didn’t mind it, but I can see how it might catch you off guard if you’re not expecting that fabric-softener punch right out of the tube.
- Darkening Effect on Some Hair
This one threw me for a loop: after a few uses, I noticed my light brown curls looked a tad darker. It’s not drastic, but it made my hair seem less “clean” by day’s end. If you’ve got lighter hair or hate that weighed-down look, you might need to play with the amount you use.
I’ve dialed it back near my roots, and that’s helped, but it’s worth noting.
- Price Tag Stings a Bit
Let’s be real—$22 isn’t pocket change for a hair product. Compared to drugstore staples, it’s on the higher end, and that might make you hesitate. I justify it with how long it lasts, but if you’re on a tight budget, it could feel like a splurge.
You’re paying for the quality, no doubt, but it’s not the most wallet-friendly option out there.
Tips For Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls
- Start with Wet Hair: You want the best results? Don’t skimp on the water. I’ve found that applying this to dripping wet hair straight out of the shower is the key to killer curls. Rewet with a spray bottle if you’re refreshing day-two hair—it makes a huge difference. The product spreads better and locks in that definition when your strands are soaked. Trust me, dry hair just doesn’t cut it here.
- Scrunch, Don’t Rub: Here’s a little trick I’ve perfected: scrunching is your friend. Rub a small amount between your hands, flip your head upside down, and gently scrunch it through your ends. That squelching noise means it’s working its magic. Avoid rubbing it in like lotion—you’ll kill the curl pattern. Keep it light and let your hands guide those waves into place.
- Microfiber Towel Magic: After applying, grab a microfiber towel and scrunch again to soak up excess water. It’s a game-changer for setting the shape without frizz. I used to air dry without this step and ended up with a fuzzy mess—now my curls stay smooth and fluffy. If you don’t have a microfiber towel, an old T-shirt works too. You’ll thank me later.
- Refresh with Care: Day-two curls need love too. I spritz my hair with water until it’s damp, add a tiny dab of Pillow Soft Curls, and scrunch again. Don’t overdo it—too much product can build up and leave your hair looking greasy. Less is more here, and it keeps that soft, fresh vibe going strong. It’s my secret to stretching a wash day without starting over.
- Avoid the Scalp: Keep this stuff away from your roots unless you want buildup city. I focus on my mid-lengths and ends to avoid that weighed-down feel near my scalp. It’s lightweight, sure, but piling it on up top can make your hair look flatter than you’d like. Stick to the curly bits, and you’ll keep the volume where it counts.
Comparison of Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls With Other Brands
Let’s put Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls under the microscope and see how it stacks up against some curly hair staples I’ve road-tested over the years: Aunt Jackie’s Don’t Shrink Gel, Curls Blueberry Bliss Control Jelly, Bounce Curl Light Creme Gel, and Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream.
I’m breaking this down with all the juicy details—think of it as me spilling the tea on what worked, what didn’t, and why Miss Jessie’s keeps stealing my heart. Grab a snack, because we’re going all in!
- Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls Vs. Aunt Jackie’s Don’t Shrink Gel
Aunt Jackie’s Don’t Shrink Gel has been in my stash for ages—it’s a $8 miracle for stretching out my 2C/3A curls when I want them to look longer and sleeker.
The gel’s got flaxseed and a firm hold that locks my waves into place, which is awesome if I’m going for that defined, elongated vibe.
But here’s the rub: it’s sticky going on, and even after it dries, I sometimes catch a slight crunch that makes my hair feel less “me.” Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls, though?
It’s the total opposite. At $22, it’s pricier, but you’re getting that feather-light lotion that spreads like a dream—no stickiness, no crunch, just soft, fluffy curls that beg to be touched. I’ve scrunched it in on wet hair and watched my waves bounce back to life, while Aunt Jackie’s can leave them feeling a bit stiff.
If your goal is stretch and hold, Aunt Jackie’s has the edge, but for that pillowy softness I crave, Miss Jessie’s wins every time.
- Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls Vs. Curls Blueberry Bliss Control Jelly
Next up, Curls Blueberry Bliss Control Jelly—it’s a $15 treat that smells like a blueberry smoothie and promises frizz-free, defined curls.
I’ve used it on humid days when my hair’s plotting a frizz takeover, and it delivers.
The jelly’s thicker than Miss Jessie’s, with a slick consistency that coats my curls and keeps them shiny and in line.
My 3A sections especially love the control—it’s like a shield against chaos.
But it’s not perfect: it can weigh my finer waves down if I overdo it, and the hold has a subtle stiffness that’s not quite as touchable as I’d like.
Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls, meanwhile, feels like a whisper on my hair—light, airy, and zero crunch. That fresh, laundry-like scent beats out the fruity blast of Blueberry Bliss for me too.
If you’re battling humidity and need hardcore frizz defense, Curls might edge ahead, but for that soft, breezy curl life, I’m sticking with Miss Jessie’s.
- Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls Vs. Bounce Curl Light Creme Gel
Bounce Curl Light Creme Gel is my clean-beauty fling—it’s $26, sulfate- and silicone-free, and all about that natural curl boost.
I tried it when I was curious about Curly Girl Method-approved stuff, and it’s legit.
The texture’s light for a gel, defining my waves without making them feel coated, and the hold lasts longer than Miss Jessie’s soft grip—think all-day bounce even on busy days.
It’s got a faint herbal scent that’s chill, but here’s the catch: it can get a little tacky as I apply it, and it doesn’t quite hit that “pillow soft” mark. Miss Jessie’s, with its lotion-like smoothness and fabric-softener freshness, feels more luxurious—like I’m pampering my curls, not just styling them.
Bounce Curl’s hold and clean ingredients are clutch if you’re strict about CG rules, but for that dreamy, touchable finish that makes me smile in the mirror, Pillow Soft Curls has my vote.
- Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls Vs. Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream
Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream is the $7 drugstore darling I’ve leaned on when my curls were screaming for moisture.
It’s thick, creamy, and loaded with shea butter—my 3A curls soak it up like a sponge, leaving them hydrated and plump.
The coconut scent is a cozy bonus, and it defines tighter curls like nobody’s business.
But for my finer 2C waves? It’s a gamble. Too much, and my hair’s greasy by noon; too little, and it doesn’t spread evenly.
Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls flips that whole experience—it’s lightweight, non-greasy, and dries fast, giving me fluffy curls without the heaviness. Cantu’s a hydration champ and a steal for coarser hair types, but it can’t touch the airy, crunch-free magic I get from Miss Jessie’s.
If moisture’s your mission, Cantu’s your ride-or-die; for soft, effortless waves, I’m Team Pillow Soft every day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls isn’t designed for hair growth. It’s a styling lotion focused on defining and softening curls, not stimulating your scalp or follicles. I haven’t noticed any length boost from using it—it’s all about making what you’ve got look fabulous. For growth, you’d need something with targeted ingredients like biotin or oils, not a curl cream.
Not quite. The Curly Girl Method folks would point out that Pillow Soft Curls has silicones, which aren’t CG-approved since they can build up without sulfate shampoos to remove them. I don’t follow CG strictly, so it doesn’t bother me, but if you’re a die-hard, you might skip this one or tweak your routine to make it work.
This stuff shines for wavy to curly hair—think 2A to 3C. My 2C/3A mix loves it, and I’ve seen it work wonders on friends with looser waves and tighter curls alike. If you’ve got 4-type coils, it might not hold strong enough on its own, but paired with a gel, it could still soften things up. It’s versatile, but best for those chasing big, fluffy curls.
I wouldn’t use it on little ones. It’s not marketed as baby-safe, and the fragrance plus styling focus make it more suited for adults or older kids. Miss Jessie’s has a Baby Buttercreme that’s gentler for tiny curls—I’ve heard great things about that one from mom friends. For my own curls, Pillow Soft Curls is perfect, but I’d steer clear for babies.
Wrapping Up
So, here’s the deal: Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls is a must-buy if you’re craving soft, bouncy curls that feel as good as they look. I’ve been hooked since day one, and I can’t recommend it enough for anyone tired of crunchy, heavy styling products.
Grab it online or at your nearest store—your hair will thank you. With its lightweight magic and fresh scent, it’s the curly hair hero you didn’t know you needed. Go get it, and let’s rock those pillow-soft curls together!