11 Best Curl Activators To Check Out
1. Best Affordable:Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream
Cantu Shea Butter Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream is the most affordable curl activator cream. It is formulated with shea butter that smoothens your hair and enhances its natural curl pattern. This curl activator cream activates frizz-free curls, increases volume, and imparts bounce to your amazing curls. It defines, moisturizes, and restores your soft and natural curls. This curl activator works to tackle dandruff and remove the excess oil on the scalp. You can also check this YouTuber’s detailed review to know more about the results after using this product. Pros
Affordable Reduces frizz Enhances the natural curl pattern Increases volume Adds definition Moisturizesthe hair No mineral oil Sulfate-free Paraben-free Gluten-free
Cons
Leaves white residue
2. Best For Dry Hair:Smooth ‘N Shine Polishing Curl Activator Gel
Smooth ‘N Shine Polishing Curl Activator Gel is ideal for extra dry hair. It is enriched with aloe vera and glycerin that help define and smoothen your curls. Aloe vera helps hydrate brittle locks while conditioning and softening dry and damaged hair. The added proteins help strengthen and repair extra-dry hair. For a thorough review of the product, have a look at this YouTuber’s video. Pros
Alcohol-free Softens the hair Hydrates the hair Does not flake
Cons
Sticky formula
3. Best Anti-Frizz:Sofn’Free Curl Activator Lotion
Sofn’Free Curl Activator Lotion is the best curl enhancer for all hair types. It is enriched with glycerin for softness and sheen, vitamin E to promote healthy hair, and panthenol to condition and restore moisture. This 2-in-1 moisturizer and activator moisturize your hair for healthier and thicker curls. This curl-enhancing cream leaves your hair soft while maintaining its natural bounce. It forms and enhances soft curls and controls frizz. This curl activator is infused with a fresh botanical fragrance. Check out this YouTuber’s review of the product if you require more details. Pros
l Moisturizes the hair l Controls frizz l Imparts shine l Fresh botanical fragrance l Easy to apply l Easy to use l Suitable for all hair types
Cons
Poor quality
4. Best For Conditioning:SoftSheen-Carson Care Free Curl Curl Activator
SoftSheen-Carson Care Free Curl is the best curl activator for natural-looking styles and waves. This curl activator rejuvenates your curls. It locks the moisture in your strands without leaving your hair looking oily. The built-in conditioners maintain the proper moisture-oil balance necessary for soft, healthy, and moist curls. It also helps repair split ends, revitalizes lip curls, and conditions your hair. SoftSheen-Carson Care Free is formulated for protecting your hair from dryness and keeping it curly. Pros
Repairs split ends Maintainsmoisture balance Conditions the hair Enhances the natural curl pattern Revitalizes the curls Suitable for all types of curls Pleasant fragrance
Cons
Sticky formula
5. Best For Split Ends:Lustrasilk Curl Max Curl Activator Moisturizer
Lustrasilk Curl Max Curl Activator Moisturizer is the best smoothening product for normal, thick, and coarse curls. It is infused with argan oil that creates a silky soft texture and repairs split ends. This curl moisturizer nourishes and hydrates your tresses and restores their elasticity. It controls frizz, prevents flyaways, and imparts bounce to curls. It gives a natural shape, control, and definition to your curls. Pros
Revitalize the curls Quick penetrating formula Controls frizz Prevents stubborn flyaways Moisturizesthe hair Alcohol-free Non-greasy No build-up Suitable for all types of curls
Cons
May make your hair dry and crunchy
6. Best For Instant Results:Worlds Of Curls Curl Activator
Worlds Of Curls Curl Activator is the best split-end and damage repair hair care product for extra-dry curly hair. It prevents stubborn flyaways and frizz and adds shape, control, and definition to your curls. This curl activator works instantly and is specially formulated to moisturize and condition your hair. It also promotes hair growth. This instant curl activator stimulates and locks your hair into lustrous curls. Worlds Of Curls Curl Activator leaves your hair tangle-free, soft, and curly with a healthy sheen. Pros
Works instantly Non-sticky Moisturizesthe hair Prevents split ends Minimizes breakage Controls frizz Provides curl definition Suitable for extra-dry hair
Cons None
7. Best For Thick Hair:Urban Therapy Twisted Sista Curl Activator Creme
Urban Therapy Twisted Sista Curl Activator Creme is a salon-inspired hair care product for complete curl hydration. It is infused with avocado, coconut, and almond oils that deliver volume, bounce, and definition to your curls. Coconut oil imparts moisture, avocado oil strengthens the curls and controls frizz, and almond oil imparts shine. This curl-defining creme is perfect for thick curls. It provides soft hold without making your hair sticky. Also, it breathes life into tired and saggy curls. Pros
Controls frizz Moisturizesthe hair Strengthensthe curls Imparts shine Adds curl definition Adds volume Suitable for thick hair
Cons
Unpleasant fragrance
8. Best For Detangling:Creme Of Nature With Argan Oil Curl Activator Creme
Creme Of Nature With Argan Oil Curl Activator Creme is a high-quality curl activator for natural hair. The creamy formula of this curl activator defines and smoothens your curls while leaving them springy. It offers a soft and flexible hold for defined curls. This curl-defining creme controls frizz and rehydrates your hair to give you defined and bouncy curls with an exotic shine. Pros
Reduces frizz Good for detangling the hair Revives dry curls Sulfate-free Silicone-free No mineral oil No petrolatum
Cons
Thick formula Difficult to use
9. Best For Breakage:Luster’s S-Curl “No Drip” Curl Activator Moisturizer
Luster’s S-Curl “No Drip” Curl Activator is a great curl moisturizer. This coily curl activator is infused with vitamin B5 and glycerine that eliminate breakage and keep your curls soft with a healthy sheen. It is suitable for curly, wavy, and natural hair. The S-Curl Activator is formulated with the special No Drip Formula that allows you to use it without fear of residue. Pros
Reduces frizz Eliminates breakage Imparts long-lasting shine Paraben-free No mineral oil
Cons
Greasy formula
10. Best Lightweight:Joico ISO Bouncy Spray Curl Activator
Joico ISO Bouncy Spray Curl Activator is a lightweight curl reactivator. This curl enhancer contains a rich blend of polymers that provide weightless curl revival. It offers a medium hold for healthy curls. This long-lasting hairspray is suitable for natural hair and textured tresses. It leaves them looking smooth and shiny. Pros
l Lightweight l Provides medium hold l Imparts bouncy spiral curls l Softens and smoothens the hair l Cruelty-free l Suitable for all hair types
Cons
Sticky formula Maymake your hair crunchy Not suitable fine, wavy hair
11. Best UV Protection:Marc Daniels ProfessionalEnhance Define Curls Curl Control Serum
Marc Daniels Professional Enhance Define Curls Curl Control Serum is a great styling product for curly and wavy hair. It is infused with chamomile extract that hydrates and repairs dry, frizzy hair. It locks in moisture, leaving your curly hair soft, healthy, and manageable. The pro-vitamin B5 in it promotes scalp health and encourages hair growth. This ultra-rich curl control serum infuses moisture into your hair. It also strengthens each strand and goes deep into the hair cuticle to reduce frizz without weighing your hair down. The added UV protection agents protect your hair from UV rays and free radicals. Pros
l Eliminatesfrizz l Hydratesthe hair l Restores curl definition l Detangles the hair l UV protection l Vegan l Cruelty-free l Suitable for all hair types
Cons None Curl activators are becoming increasingly popular, and there are a variety of options available on the market. If you are looking to add some waves to your hair, curl activators are a great way to do it. However, before you take the plunge and buy one, it is important to know what to look for. In this buying guide, you will learn the key points to note before purchasing curl activators.
What To Look For When Buying Curl Activators
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Oyendrila Kanjilal, has a keen interest in hair care. She loves to explore various hair care products and says that one should invest in the best hair care products for shiny and lustrous hair. The list of best curl activators is compiled by her after thorough research and after reading many customer reviews online. These curl activators are a great way to keep frizz dryness at bay and add a bouncy moisturized look to your tresses. How often should you use a curl activator? Use a curl activator once or twice weekly. Does curl activator grow hair? Yes. Curl activators contain humectants that draw moisture into your hair and hydrate them. As a result, they increase hair growth and soften its texture. Do you put a curl activator on wet hair? Yes. Apply a curl activator on wet hair to lock the moisture, hold the curls better, and prevent frizz. Can I use a curl activator on relaxed hair? Yes. Use a curl activator on relaxed hair to define and enhance your natural curls. Can I use a curl activator on straight hair? No. Curl activators do not create curls or coils but enhance the existing ones. Therefore, using the product on straight hair is ineffective. Will it be okay to bleach my hair if I have a curl activator in it? Yes. Brush the hair properly after applying the curl activators, then bleach it to reduce the damage. What is the difference between curl activators and curl enhancers? Curl enhancers control frizz, enhance your waves, and hold the hairstyle. On the other hand, curl activators tame frizz, add shine and moisture to the curls, and soften your hair.
