Not Your Mother’s Curl Defining Cream Review: Is It Worth It?

Listen up, curly-haired friends—if you’re on the hunt for a product that’ll tame your frizz, define your curls, and make your hair smell like a citrusy dream, you need to grab Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Defining Cream right now.

I’m serious—this stuff has been a game-changer for me, and I’m betting it’ll win you over too. Whether your curls are loose waves or tight coils, this cream promises to deliver bounce, moisture, and shine without the junk (think sulfates, silicones, or parabens).

Trust me, your curls deserve this, so let’s get into my experience and why it’s worth your next shopping trip.

My Experience With Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Defining Cream

I’ll never forget the first time I squeezed this cream into my hands.

The scent hit me first—bright lemon mixed with soft jasmine and a hint of sandalwood.

It’s like a mini spa moment every time I use it.

I’ve got 2C/3A curls—wavy at the crown, curlier underneath—and my hair’s always been a frizzy mess without the right product.

So, I was cautiously hopeful when I decided to give this a whirl.

After my shower, with my hair still dripping wet, I grabbed a quarter-sized dollop of the cream.

It’s lightweight, not gloopy, which I appreciated because heavy products make my curls droop like sad noodles. I worked it through from roots to ends, scrunching as I went.

Instantly, I noticed my curls starting to clump together—none of that stringy, undefined nonsense I’d dealt with before. I let my hair air-dry (because who has time to diffuse every day?), and a few hours later, I caught my reflection and did a double take.

My curls were bouncy, shiny, and—dare I say it—defined! No crunch, no stickiness, just soft, natural-looking waves and curls that held their shape all day.

Over the next few weeks, I played around with it. Some days, I’d pair it with the Curl Talk Sculpting Gel for extra hold (pro tip: it’s a killer combo). Other days, I’d use it solo on second-day hair to refresh my curls. Every time, it delivered.

My frizz was tamed, my hair felt hydrated, and I didn’t have to wrestle with greasy residue. It’s become my go-to, and honestly, I’m kicking myself for not trying it sooner. If you’re like me—new to the curly hair game or just tired of products that overpromise and underdeliver—this cream might just be your new best friend.

Pros of Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Defining Cream

• Lightweight Texture That Won’t Weigh You Down: You know that sinking feeling when a product turns your curls into limp, heavy strands? Yeah, that’s not happening here. This cream is so light it feels like nothing’s there, yet it still gets the job done. My fine curls stay bouncy and full, not flattened or greasy. If your hair gets weighed down easily, you’ll love how this keeps things airy and natural.
• Frizz Control That Actually Works: Frizz is my arch-nemesis, especially on humid days. But this cream? It’s like a superhero shield. The Rice Curl Complex—fancy name, I know—seals in moisture and keeps those flyaways in check. I’ve walked through misty mornings and sweaty afternoons, and my curls still look polished. It’s not a miracle worker (humidity’s tough!), but it’s the best frizz-fighter I’ve tried in a while.
• Smells Like a Dream: Can we talk about the scent for a sec? Citrus-jasmine with a warm sandalwood kick—it’s intoxicating. Every time I scrunch it in, I feel like I’m treating myself. It’s not overpowering, just a subtle boost that lingers softly. If you’re into products that double as aromatherapy, this one’s a winner.
• Defines Curls Without the Crunch: I hate that crispy, gelled-up look some products leave behind. This cream defines my curls without making them feel like I shellacked them. They stay soft and touchable, with just enough hold to last through my day. Whether I’m rocking loose waves or tighter ringlets, it enhances what I’ve got naturally—no stiffness required.
• Good Vibes Ingredients: No sulfates, silicones, parabens, or drying alcohols? Yes, please! I love that it’s curly-girl friendly and cruelty-free. The keratin amino acids and rice blend make my hair feel conditioned and healthy, not stripped or coated in junk. It’s a guilt-free choice that still delivers results.

Cons of Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Defining Cream

• Not Enough Hold for Tighter Curls: I’ve got 2C/3A hair, and this works great for me, but I can see it falling short if you’ve got 4A-4C coils. It’s more about definition than hardcore hold. My friend with 3C hair tried it and said her curls looked nice but flattened out by midday. If you need serious structure, you might need to layer it with a gel.
• Can Feel a Bit Sticky During Application: When I first rub it between my palms, it’s got a slight tackiness. It’s not a dealbreaker—once it dries, I don’t notice it—but in the moment, it can feel a little off. If you’re super sensitive to texture, that might bug you until you get used to it.
• Humidity Test Isn’t Perfect: I bragged about the frizz control earlier, but let’s be real: nothing’s invincible against a steamy summer day. In high humidity, my curls held up better than usual, but I still had some puffiness creeping in. It’s solid, not flawless, so don’t expect it to defy nature completely.
• Scent Might Not Be for Everyone: I adore the citrus-jasmine vibe, but my sister (who borrowed it once) said it was “too floral” for her. It’s subtle, not a punch in the face, but if you’re picky about smells—or prefer unscented stuff—this might not be your jam.

Maintenance Tips For Using Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Defining Cream

1. Apply It Right on Wet Hair: Here’s the trick: don’t wait for your hair to dry out a bit. Use this cream straight out of the shower while your curls are soaked. I scrunch it in section by section, and it locks in that moisture right where it counts. If I apply it to damp-but-not-wet hair, the definition’s not as sharp. Wet hair’s your canvas—paint it up!
2. Pair It with a Leave-In for Extra Moisture: If your hair’s on the drier side (mine gets parched in winter), layer this over a leave-in conditioner. I use the Curl Talk Leave-In sometimes, and it’s like a hydration booster shot. The cream defines, the leave-in softens—together, they’re unstoppable. Experiment with what your curls crave, but this combo’s been clutch for me.
3. Refresh with Water and a Dab: Second-day curls can be tricky, but I’ve cracked the code. Spritz your hair with water—just enough to wake it up—then add a tiny bit of this cream. Scrunch it in, and boom, your curls are back in action. It’s lightweight enough that it won’t build up or feel gross, even on day three.
4. Don’t Overdo It: Less is more, trust me. I got greedy once and slathered on too much, and my curls looked slicked-down instead of bouncy. Start with a quarter-sized amount (maybe more if your hair’s long or thick), and build up if you need to. You’ll find your sweet spot after a couple tries.
5. Protect It Overnight: You’ve got these gorgeous curls—don’t let your pillow ruin them! I pineapple my hair (high, loose ponytail) with a silk scrunchie and sleep on a satin pillowcase. In the morning, my curls are still intact, and a quick scrunch with this cream refreshes them. It’s low effort, big reward.

Comparison of Not Your Mother’s Curl Defining Cream With Other Curly Hair Brands

I’ve pitted Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Defining Cream against some heavy hitters in the curly hair world—SheaMoisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Cantu’s Shea Butter Curl Cream, and Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Air Dry Cream.

Let’s break it down and see how they stack up, one-on-one, based on my real-world testing. Spoiler: NYM holds its own in some surprising ways!

• Not Your Mother’s Vs. SheaMoisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie

SheaMoisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie is a thick, buttery dream—loaded with shea butter and oils that 3B-4C curl types swear by.

I tried it, and yeah, it’s hydrating as heck, but my 2C/3A curls?

They drowned under the weight. My hair felt greasy and lost its bounce by noon.

Not Your Mother’s, on the other hand, keeps things light and airy.

The Rice Curl Complex defines without dragging me down, making it a better fit for finer curls like mine.

If you’ve got tighter, thirstier coils, SheaMoisture might edge out, but for lightweight definition, NYM wins my vote.

• Not Your Mother’s Vs. Cantu’s Shea Butter Curl Cream

Cantu’s Shea Butter Curl Cream is a budget-friendly gem I leaned on during dry winter months.

The moisture is top-notch—shea butter and coconut oil leave my hair soft and happy.

But the hold? It’s weak sauce. My curls flattened out fast, lacking that pop I crave.

Not Your Mother’s Defining Cream steps up with better definition and bounce that lasts all day.

It’s not as heavy, so it doesn’t weigh my waves down, and the scent (citrus-jasmine vs. Cantu’s sweet vibe) feels fresher to me.

For hydration alone, Cantu’s solid, but NYM takes the crown for shape and longevity.

• Not Your Mother’s Vs. Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Air Dry Cream

Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Air Dry Cream and I go way back—it’s light, affordable, and tames frizz like a champ. I used it for ages, and it kept my hair soft, but the definition was just… okay.

My waves looked more “meh” than “wow,” lacking that extra oomph. Enter Not Your Mother’s: it’s just as lightweight but dials up the curl-clumping power. The shine and bounce I get from NYM make my mirror checks way more fun.

Garnier’s great for a low-key day, but if you want your curls to stand out—not just behave—Not Your Mother’s pulls ahead.

So, where does this leave us?

Not Your Mother’s Defining Cream strikes a sweet spot. It’s not as heavy as SheaMoisture, so my finer curls stay perky. It’s got more staying power than Cantu, keeping my waves alive longer. And it outshines Garnier with definition that turns heads.

It’s not about one being “better” across the board—your curl type and goals matter—but for me, NYM’s balance of moisture, hold, and that killer scent makes it the one I reach for most. You’ve got to try it against your faves to see where it lands for you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping Up

So, here’s the deal: if you want defined, frizz-free curls that smell amazing and feel soft, Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Defining Cream is calling your name. I’ve put it through the wringer, and it’s earned its spot on my shelf. It’s not perfect—tighter curls might need more—but for most of us, it’s a steal for the price.

Head to your nearest store or click that “add to cart” button online. Your curls will thank you, and I’ll be over here cheering you on!