The Difference Between Curl Cream and Curl Defining Gel

Think back to the time before you fully embraced your natural curls. You probably had no idea what your hair actually needed – was it moisture, definition or both? Different products do different jobs, and finding the right one all depends on your curl goals. Whether you’re after soft, defined curls, frizz-free hold or a perfect balance of both, knowing the difference between curl cream and curl gel can make all the difference. 

The world of curlcare has evolved – think defining gels, nourishing creams, frizz defense … and hybrid cream-gels. With so many options, knowing what to use, when, how and why can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry – we’re here to break it all down and help you find your perfect curl routine. 

Because cream + gel + your curls = the dream team. 

What does curl cream do?

OK, so we’ve all heard of gel, but what is a curl cream? Think of curl cream as your hair’s daily dose of moisture. It’s a luxurious blend of water, emollients and oils designed to deeply nourish curls while enhancing their natural pattern. Unlike heavier styling butters, curl cream is lighter yet deeply moisturising, making it a staple for soft, bouncy curls. Just like our skin craves nourishment, our hair does, too – especially for us curlies. And if your curls tend to run on the dry side, that extra dose of moisture is an absolute must.

Why you need Bouclème curl cream in your routine

The ultimate leave-in conditioner for soft, bouncy and beautifully defined curls, Curl Cream gives your curls the love they deserve with its ultra-nourishing, moisture-packed formula. Designed to hydrate, define and enhance natural curl patterns, our Curl Cream delivers silky, frizz-free results without weighing hair down.

Infused with powerhouse ingredients:

• castor oil strengthens and deeply hydrates

• organic shea butter locks in moisture

• coconut fruit extract smooths strands for a glossy, healthy finish. 

Your curls, but better – velvety, vibrant and full of life. Curl cream lays the perfect foundation for styling, but for longer-lasting definition, it’s time to introduce its perfect partner – curl gel.

What is curl gel?

Think of curl cream as your moisturiser and curl gel as the miracle worker that smoothes curls, sets definition and gives hold. Gel works by creating a light cast or hold around your curls, locking in moisture, enhancing definition and keeping frizz at bay. The right gel will give you hold, bounce and longevity – keeping your curls intact for days. The wrong one? Sticky, stringy, weighed down or – worse – dry and flaky.

Many gels form a temporary cast as they dry, which helps preserve your curl pattern and can be easily softened once you’re ready. Love a good cast? So do we – it’s a sign that your gel is doing its job. When it’s time to break the cast, just “scrunch out the crunch” (it’s not always necessary, but you could use Revive 5 hair oil at this stage: just one pump in your palms, and work in an upward motion). The result? Soft, defined, frizz-free curls that last.

Why Bouclème Curl Defining Gel is a must 

Say hello to our best-selling medium-hold Curl Defining Gel for effortlessly smooth, defined curls – without the crunch. This lightweight, serum-like gel glides through your strands, enhancing definition while locking in moisture. It dries to a soft, flexible cast that holds your curl shape without flaking or stickiness – just long-lasting, touchable definition.

Infused with nourishing ingredients:

• argan oil boosts shine and elasticity

• virgin coconut oil deeply hydrates and strengthens

• linseed extract conditions and enhances natural radiance. 

The result? Bouncy, frizz-free curls that stay effortlessly in place.

Cream or gel or both: how do I know what I need?

Both curl cream and gel help define your curls – but in different ways. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every head of curls is different, and the perfect balance of curl cream and gel depends on your unique hair type.

Do you need both? For most curl types, yes! The magic happens when you find the right balance of moisture and hold for your hair. And no, that balance won’t be the same as your favourite influencer’s – because your hair is unique.

So, how do you figure out what works best for you? Let’s break it down.

Step 1: know your hair type

Before you can master the cream-to-gel ratio, you need to understand your hair’s unique characteristics. Here’s what to consider:

Strand thickness – how thick is each individual strand?

• Fine hair: translucent strands that you can barely feel between finger and thumb

• Medium hair: supple and fairly strong strands

• Coarse hair: substantial, strong, even wiry strands

Hair density – how much hair do you have?

• Low density: easily see your scalp when parting your hair

• Medium density: somewhat visible scalp

• High density: hardly see your scalp

Porosity – how well does your hair absorb moisture?

• Low porosity: takes several minutes to get fully wet – read Bouclème’s guide to low porosity hair.

• Medium porosity: takes around a minute

• High porosity: soaks up water in seconds – discover our best products for high porosity hair here.

Curl type – wavy, curly or coily? 

While curl pattern is less important than the factors above, it can still help fine-tune your product choices. Work out your curly hair pattern here.

How to apply curl cream and gel based on your hair type

Finding the perfect balance of curl cream and gel depends on your unique hair type, porosity and texture. Whether your curls crave extra moisture, need more hold or fall somewhere in between, here’s how to tailor your application for the best results.

Fine strands or low density

• Go light on curl cream – a little goes a long way.

• Use a lightweight gel to define and hold without weighing curls down.

• Apply products on soaking wet hair for the best definition.

Coarse/thick strands or high density

• Your curls crave moisture. Use a generous amount of curl cream.

• Layer a strong-hold gel to keep curls defined for longer.

• Apply products on damp hair for better absorption.

What about porosity?

• Low porosity: use lightweight creams and gels that absorb easily. Apply with heat or steam to help products penetrate.

• High porosity: opt for richer, more nourishing creams to prevent moisture loss. Layer with gel to seal everything in.

Step 2: how to use curl cream and gel

For the ultimate hydrated, frizz-free curls, layering cream and gel is the best approach. Curl cream infuses moisture and enhances the curl pattern, while gel locks in that hydration and provides long-lasting definition. Great curls start with great technique, and we’ve got the perfect routine to keep your curls hydrated, defined and frizz-free.

Here’s how we apply curl cream and gel for the best results:

1. Always start with freshly cleansed and conditioned hair – no rough towels here. Instead, reach for a 100% cotton T-shirt or Curl Towel to gently absorb excess water without disrupting your curl pattern. Hair should be damp to slightly dripping wet; that’s when it’s primed for styling.

2. Next, section the hair into four parts using butterfly clips for better product distribution.

3. Then, it’s time for the star of the show: Curl Cream. A little goes a long way here, so apply depending on the thickness and length of your hair. Rub them together to evenly distribute the product and finger-rake it through each section. Starting just below the roots, smooth the cream down to the ends, ensuring every strand is coated. Think of it like applying conditioner – you want every curl to get its fair share of hydration.

4. Keep working the cream through the hair for another minute or two, gently massaging it in until curls are detangled, clumped and juicy – never stringy or dry. Once the cream has done its job, move on to Curl Defining Gel.

5. Gel is the finishing touch, the step that locks everything in. Use about a third of the amount of gel as the cream – again, depending on your hair’s texture and thickness – and repeat the same application method: section by section, raking it through from top to ends. For extra definition, finish with the “praying hands” method, smoothing gel over each section to encourage curl formation.

6. Now, it’s hands off. Diffuse for around 20 minutes, letting the curls set undisturbed. Once dry, scrunch out any crunch with a touch of oil, leaving behind soft, defined, long-lasting curls. 

And that’s how it’s done!

3 Opt for the best curl products

Not all curl creams and gels are created equal, and the difference often comes down to the ingredients. The right formula can keep your curls hydrated, defined and full of life, while the wrong one can leave them dry, dull or weighed down. That’s why it’s essential to check the label before you buy.

Our Curl Cream includes castor oil to hydrate and strengthen, organic shea butter to help lock in moisture and coconut fruit extract to smooth, while Curl Defining Gel features argan oil to boost shine and elasticity, virgin coconut oil to moisturise and strengthen and linseed extract to condition and improve shine.

And there you have it – your foolproof guide to curl cream and gel! It’s all about understanding your hair and finding the perfect balance for you. Experiment, tweak and, most importantly, have fun with it. 

Shop Curl Cream + Curl Defining Gel now.