These Expert-Approved Styling Creams Will Give You Juicy, Bouncy Curls

Just like your curls and waves, curl creams aren't one size fits all. While traditional curl creams serve as multitasking stylers that hydrate your hair while defining its curl pattern, many curl-friendly leave-ins are also made with ingredients that help deliver both moisture and style.

And when it comes to the best method for applying your curl cream of choice? "Add in your cream after the shower on wet hair," Irinel de León, brand ambassador at Ouidad tells BAZAAR.com "Apply a quarter-size of product and rake it through your curls, then scrunch. If you can’t hear your hair scrunch, I recommend adding more water to ensure your curls are frizz-free." Curls should be damp but not necessarily dripping wet post shower, but if there's excess moisture, De León suggests scrunching it with a T-shirt or microfiber towel to help avoid frizz. She also recommends using a Denman-style brush to evenly distribute the product while getting even more definition.

For a short list of the best of the best curl creams for every hair type—from 2A to 4C—we pulled together some expert- and editor-approved picks to shop now.