This Under-$10 Curl Cream Works So Much Better Than Pricier Alternatives — Here’s Why I Keep Adding It To My Cart

Published November 19, 2024

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In the beauty world, we often discuss combination skin — but what about combination hair? Spoiler alert: that’s what I’ve been blessed with. In relation to texture, my hair can swing in different directions from one day to the next. It’s what I like to describe as the “perfect” combination of wavy, curly, straight yet kinky at the front — and, let’s not forget, sometimes frizzy. Technically speaking, it falls somewhere within the 2c to 3a texture range. As for hair type, it’s sometimes dry but also oily. Who else can relate?

In my time not only as an avid beauty product consumer, but also as a writer and editor in the space, I’ve been on a quest to achieve some consistency with my hair. This journey has led to a lot of trial and error, but the one product I keep returning to year after year is the OGX Moroccan Curling Perfection Cream.

OGX Moroccan Curling Perfection Cream, $7.97

Don’t be fooled by the name — even though it’s marketed as a curl cream, it is, in fact, suitable for most hair types and textures. Packed with argan oil, this pillowy-soft cream provides hydration and shine — without the crunch. Best applied to damp, towel-dried hair and worked through to the ends, it yields softer, more defined texture. Whether you decide to air-dry or hit it with some light diffusing after, remember to give your strands a good scrunch as you apply it.

I’ve found that a little goes a long way with this rich, moisturizing cream, which helps eliminate frizz and leaves hair feeling smooth and nourished. I’ve particularly championed this because it’s not only affordable but also formulated without parabens and offers a sulfate-free system that can assist in strengthening strands overall. Its formula combines texture enhancers, conditioning agents and safe fatty alcohols — ones that don’t pose a risk of drying out the hair — along with ingredients which hold hair in place without any unpleasant stiffness or greasiness. In my case, I would say that it’s even more effective at encouraging my hair’s natural curl pattern than some salon-brand treatments. No other product I’ve tried works quite as well as the OGX Moroccan Curling Cream at delivering touchable, softly defined curls and beachy waves. A bonus? The citrus-fresh scent it possesses is one that’s worth noting. It doesn’t have an artificial, perfume-like fragrance; instead, it leaves hair smelling like a vacation without being overpowering.

As I previously mentioned, this cream can work for most textures and densities. As one reviewer with “curly on the bottom half and almost straight on the top half” notes, “I have tried a number of curling creams in an attempt to make it wavy all over my head, all to no avail. This one actually works!” Other testers with 1c or 2a hair have also given it a go, while another happy customer with natural, 4c hair raves, “It leaves [my hair] so wonderfully hydrated, soft and manageable.” And let’s not forget those who are in the 3b to 3c range: “I have 3b/c, not thin but not thick, low porosity hair and it tames my frizz so well but also leaves my hair soft and moisturized.”

With thousands of 5-star reviews and currently under $10 at Amazon, don’t just take our word for it. If you’re after something to enhance the look, feel and texture of your hair — even if it’s not naturally curly — give a dollop of this a go, and see how well your tresses respond.

Jasmin is a writer, editor, and creative strategist who has experience curating shoppable product roundups and search-forward commerce guides, covering fashion, beauty, home, and streaming. Originally from the U.K., she moved to New York and began her career in media at BuzzFeed, where she started as a Branded Creative Producer and later transitioned to the Shopping team as an Associate Editor, falling in love with writing playful, conversational copy about unique and stylish products. After over a decade on the East Coast, she relocated to Los Angeles, where she held the role of Senior Commerce Editor at Rolling Stone. Her work has focused on providing strategic guidance as a manager, optimizing content for SEO and social, and driving engagement and conversions for brands and publications. When she’s not helping readers (or friends) discover their new favorite products, you can find her pursuing her other great passions: seeking out live music and quirky new restaurants in cities across the U.S. and overseas.