20 Best Curl Activator For Wavy Hair (2023 Updated)

I bought this a few weeks ago. I have wavy hair with some curls mixed in, it can be hard to make it look nice. This stuff is great! It does add more wave and curl, and it also softens and helps with frizz.

Perhaps my favorite thing about it is that it doesn’t feel like I have product in my hair! I don’t wash my hair every day; it’s too long and thick to go through that. But, I don’t feel any residue with this product! I use it like a leave in conditioner after washing my hair.

Between washing, I add a little here and there for frizz, and it works wonderfully! I hope they keep making this forever, I’ve been trying to find a product like this for years! Oh, and it smells great!.

I really love Cantu hair products. They have such a great smell first of all, really tropical smelling usually, that go in really light, and if not you can dilute them with a bit of water. I’m still learning more about my hair, and I’m a perpetually struggling human being hair/financially and in every which way.

Cantu understands. They offer great products for all types of curlies at an extremely affordable price. I immediately gravitated towards them when looking for a line to try out when I first started looking for something to start caring for my curls again.

Would reccomend to anyone!.

4C hair type. I love the soft defined spirals that it produces. It is affordable and accessible for everyone. However, it causes itchy, scaly scalp, ear, and neck rashes. All three were itching profusely throughout several days.

It produced open scabs behind my ears. A doctor’s visit and prescriptions made it for the cost and savings. I do not have sensitive skin so, the reaction was a big surprise. (See picture).

I have a very hard to comb curly big afro hair, i have tried everything that would not work, until i remembered this product. It brings out my curls, it soften my hair, You know when you wash your hair, is impossibly to comb my hair ones is dry out.

Today, i really thank God i did. Is a great product, it does not flaky on your hair as many curly activators does. I recommand this product if you want to make your curls look great. All you do and need is, ones your wash your hair with good shampoo, and let it dry on its own than apply this cream well enough, next day comb your hair out and apply again, you will be surprise that will soften your hair until you wash it again.

Flo.

Love this product. Did the BC and dyed my hair Platinum and my stylist recommend this curl activator for curl definition and moisture. It is also has NO Petroleum, Sulfates, Mineral Oil and it’s Gluten Free!.

I love world of curls activator, I’ve purchased different brands of curl activator but I find this product provides longer moisture. I have to be careful not to use excess amounts as my hair is quite fine and will be weighted down.

I like this formula however I was using Bumble and Bumble prior. a similar product which seems to have been discontinued. This is a close second and works well on my thin curly hair, but I have to use less pumps than with my other formula.

It’s also a bit thicker than my other formula was. A learning curve for sure, but it’s more than an acceptable substitute for a product I can’t buy anymore.

Gives me so much volume ! And makes hair less fluffy after drying. Also if u leave your hair a little bit wet (with this product on them) and separate them in 4 parts and curl them just with ur fingers then fix with a simple hair band, wait till your hair dry out and then let them loose, you’ll see how they actually form beautiful curls.

Good product. Helps define curls and is lightweight. A bit on the expensive side. The container could be bigger.

The first time I used the Curlessence Moisturizing Curl Activator I wasn’t impressed and didn’t appreciate what it was worth. The Curl Activator is mainly for refreshing and moisturizing dry hair or wet styling with soft-hold.

For whatever reason, I didn’t find that it made my twist-outs soft or moist. HOWEVER, the second time around, this product changed my mind and caused me to retry the rest of the collection. The state of my hair and ends during this quarantine left me in desperate need of a true daily moisturizer.

The issue that I consistently faced was SILICONES. My hair hates them for regular maintenance. Every moisturizer I came across either had silicones, was priced too high for my budget, or I had tried it before without good results for my hair type.

I gave up on my search for a moment, only to have an aha moment and remember this Curl Activator sitting in the back of my cabinet. And low and behold, NO CONES!!! So, I used the entire wash-day line, and cocktailed it with other styling products from the collection, as suggested.

Instead of using on my twist-outs, I used it to heatlessly style my hair for my updos. Once dry, I felt like I had a whole new head of hair, even while being in desperate need of a trim. I also found that it helped refresh styles without causing too much shrinkage.

I did a twist-out, using Curlessence, in October (6 months post trim), and the Curlessence line was able to give me curl definition in spite of the splits.

Purchased this for my Type 3 Curls and fine to medium texture. Had been looking for a product to help with dryness and help with curl pattern. And this left my curls super soft and hydrated. I don’t like to add gels or mousse and this was perfect for me! Going to be trying the shampoo&Conditioners next can’t wait!! Oh and a little goes a long way!! Must buy!!.

Love Love Love! Lightweight and moisturizing, my hair loved it. I needed a protein-free product 3-4 hair and this line is now my go to! I also needed somethings that did not smell like cake or flowers.

lol! This has a nice tropical scent.

This gel is just okay in winter, but it’s awesome for humid Missouri summers. I use it with Giovanni 2chic Pineapple shampoo and conditioner, as the Ouidad shampoo and conditioner have an ingredient my hair doesn’t like.

I use the Curly Girl application method. I can get at least an extra two days out of my hair with this gel and sometimes three. It reminds me of Biotera gel as far as making my hair feel moisturized rather than dry/crunchy, only it has more hold than Biotera.

After trying different products to find a replacement for the Deva gel I used for years, this will be my go-to gel in the summer.

I received this product in exchange for my honest thoughts and feedback from another company. I have thick and curly hair, it was long but fell out due to health issues so now it’s at an awkward length that I hate! I rarely wear it natural because of this.

But I tried this gel on damp hair right after getting out of the shower with no other products or any heat tools. Wow! Impressed! My hair is so soft and full with a beautiful curl pattern! No crunch, I can run my fingers through it.

And the smell is subtle and pleasant. It took such little product that this bottle will last such a long time; and at the price point ($9. 99) is seriously a steal (since it’s a Ouidad company). I have never had a gel like this, I am in love and will be a future customer.

Thank you!!!.

I have 3a hair with some spots of 2c and 3b. Very fine, but very curly in some spots. I like a lightweight gel that can control the tight curls but not make the looser curls greasy and heavy. This stuff is perfect! Not greasy at all, no flaking, enough hold without being crunchy.

My hair feels soft and not dried out. The smell was pleasant when applying but isn’t overpowering and I don’t smell it all day. I’ve used Ouidad stuff in the past but have always tried other products because it’s just so expensive and requires a trip to the expensive beauty store.

This stuff is a great deal, and I can buy it at Target!.

I have fine, thin 3A curls, about 50% grey. I liked Pura D’or’s Curl Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner so much, I decided to give the curl cream a try. The consistency is very thick, almost a paste. The smell is herbal, not the coconut or flowery smell curl creams tend to have.

(Probably because it’s marketed as a unisex product. ) The smell doesn’t linger once it dries. I was a little hesitant to use such a thick product on fine, thin hair, but it works. I used a pea-sized amount on wet shoulder length hair and my hair isn’t weighed down at all.

In fact, I have more volume than normal. My curls are bouncy, shiny and soft. I used gel over the cream because my hair frizzes up if you look at it too hard, so I can’t speak to the curl cream’s ability to prevent frizz.

It definitely moisturizes.

I really like Pura D’or products so I was excited to try this one, however it’s just not good for me. It made my hair greasy and stringy and gross looking. I tried it a second time and just used a tiny amount and still hated it.

I accidentally got a little bit on my scalp and it stung. Luckily Vitacost gave me a refund.

Originally bought this from the company directly & i was skeptical at first because let’s face it trying a new product is always nerve wracking because it’s always hit or miss. I’ve got to say i was pleasantly surprised.

I SWEAR by the Devaurl Coconut Styling Cream & I’ve got to say this gave me similar results and for an even better price. It does not have a strong hold the way Devacurl does but honestly i prefer my curls lightweight so it works for me.

Also i’d like to add i have crazy curly hair & i live in Florida where it’s humid ALL THE TIME & my hair stays phenomenal. It does have a pretty strong smell in a good way. Not quite as great smelling like Devacurl but it’s not obnoxious.

I would definitely recommend this to all my curlies out there. Do not hesitate just give it a shot, it will not disappoint.

Left my hair flat and frizzy. I have S-curl pattern, sometimes even tighter curl pattern depending on the climate, and the length hits me below my shoulders. I live in New Mexico, (Albuquerque), and we have negative-zero humidity here, and hard water.

So that poses some serious challenges when it comes to keeping my hair hydrated, bouncy and supple. HOWEVER: Be-Curly left my hair super FRIZZY and FLAT. LIFELESS. It looks charred. Burned. I have been using the Sap Moss Shampoo and Conditioner, and i absolutely love what it’s been doing for my hair out here, on the high desert.

BUT when i incorported BeCurly, it drained the life out of my hair. Please tell me, how it’s possible to have frizzy hair with zero humidity. I’ll tell you how— it’s this BeCurly formula– it dried out my hair.

Took out all the mouisture and conditioning that the Sap Moss shampoo and conditioner had put in. What a waste of money and effort. And the Aveda return process is too annoying for me. I can’t find my packing slip, and I REFUSE TO PAY FOR RETURN SHPPING COSTS on something that has failed me so completely.

I would give it a half star, to be honest. Not even worth a full star.

I turned to Aveda after committing to high-quality, eco-friendly hair care products. Be Curly Curl Enhancer does not disappoint! My aging hair is wavy-curly and this gives my curls a lovely bounce that lasts.

The fragrance is delicate and not overpowering, which is such a nice change of pace from other products I’ve used. My only complaint is that it feels just a bit heavy. The directions suggest “generous” use but I find I need to be very careful or it weighs my hair down and takes forever to dry.

Even so, my hair looks and feels so healthy. I plan to not run out!.

I have 4b/4c natural hair and I tried this product after seeing others use it online. This product does define my curls but it doesn’t work too well unless you mix in some hair gel or hairspray. The curls were not weighed down either but they were somewhat crunchy.

My hair is naturally dry and I was expecting this moisturizer to help but I noticed no difference in the moister of hair before and after using this. It could because I have very dry hair, not because of the product.

I will say that my hair was slightly sticky but the stickiness went away after a bit. As for the smell, I didn’t really notice much of one. Overall, I think it’s just an okay product on its own, but when mixed with something else the results are really pretty.

I would recommend it but take those points into consideration if you have type 4 hair. TLDR: The product does not condition my very dry 4c/4b hair and only defines curls well when mixed with something like gel or hairspray.

Luster’s S Curl NO DRIP Curl Activator Moisturizer. This is a great hair product for all types of hair. Works great on waves and finger waves also. My kids are biracial and it works great in their hair.

It keeps their hair moisturized without leaving that greasy oily feeling. It is great on permed hair also. I have permed hair and it works great on my hair also. It has a Anti Frizz Formula it is Paraben Free and also Mineral Oil Free.

I would recommend this product if you are looking for a new Curl moisturizer.

This is the best spray in conditioner I have found to polish damaged hair and reactivate soft curls after blow drying. It still leaves hair prone to getting a bit tangled and sticky but not nearly as bad as some other products.

This product is usually used by African-Americans but I am Caucasian and find it very helpful with my long hair. I spray and scrunch on dry hair and it does the trick! I get shine, curl, and taming of split ends from it and would definitely recommend over many pricier and stickier or less effective products.

Luster used to have a mousse I loved as well but I guess they don’t make it anymore.

I am a 67-year-old lady with curly and thin hair. I had never used a curl activator before and saw this at my Walmart. I used it after shampooing and conditioning my hair. I applied this product after the shower but before wrapping my hair.

Well, I definitely applied too much. I ended up rinsing my hair out leaving some of the activator still in my hair. I rewrapped my hair with a tee shirt for about 15 minutes. I then lightly combed my hair out and scrunched some and then air dried my hair.

My hair turned out wonderful. It was curly and soft and shiny. I did not notice a smell at all. I really like this stuff and plan to continue figuring out how much to use. It’s not expensive so I think it would be worth trying if you have curly hair.

I was super excited to try this for a number of reasons but the biggest one was of course my curls. Which I did notice a hange in for the better. But this specific product made my hair harder to comb and it really was hard to get the curls separated after using this product.

It made my hair more stiff and knotted. It has a nice light scent and it works wonders on my one year old son’s curls. It just wasn’t a great fit for my course frizzy thick hair. But his curls have maximized and are so amazing and shiny it is perfect for him!.

I am a white European/Native American mix female with hair that has a heavy wave/loose curl depending on humidity/moisture, with natural coils at the nape of my neck/behind my ears. Normally, my hair loses a substantial amount of curl as it air dries.

I have 2 small kids and don’t have time to spend a lot of time/effort on my hair. –That being said. WOW!! There was a NOTICEABLE difference in the quality of my curls after using this. My only negative thing today is just something I didn’t realize – because the product is so thick, LESS IS MORE.

I am an avid user of Cantu! It is the only thing I have found that calms my hair without making it stiff or giving me dandruff. My normal routine with Cantu works the same with the new avocado coconut cream.

I use a little bit of water on my hands with the cream to help spread it throughout my hair. I also use a wide tooth comb and comb it through just to make sure every strand is coated but not saturated, you can overdo it.

This blend does feel slightly thicker so it did take a little extra “working in” but isn’t a big deal. I was so happy when I found this new curling cream to try and Cantu does not disappoint.

This product is excellent for those who have curly hair. It does not contain alcohol and its texture is a mixture as if it were gel cream. Do not leave artificial appearance in hair. Fix the bunches avoiding frizz and keeps all day beautiful and curly.

Curly fix it the best! The smell is a little much for me but man does this product deliver! I use it on med. to course curl for a moisture curl hold! One of my go to for salon life! I just wish they would adjust the smell!.

Didn’t take any of the tangles out of my hair. Made my hair feel dry.

This isn’t necessarily a bad curl cream, but I do think it’s overpriced and so I probably won’t repurchase. This cream doesn’t really give me any extra curl, which is the main reason I bought it, so that’s a bit of a let down.

It does make my hair soft though and provides some hold, so there’s that. It also smells nice, not at all like pet shampoo like some people have said. More like something sweet, like a baked good, I can’t quite put my finger on what it reminds me of.

This cream does give a specific look, at least for me, and that’s definition but with separation. If you’re looking for big curl clumps this probably isn’t the product for you, but if you like smaller clumps (not stringy, just smaller), you’ll like this.

Luckily that’s the look I’m going for because I have layers, if I use a product that makes big clumps I end up looking like I barely have any hair. The best thing about this cream in my opinion is that it doesn’t weigh down my very fine hair even if I use a lot of it (it comes out fast!).

Not many products for curls can be used liberally on fine hair, so if your strands are fine and you like the smaller clump look this would probably be the perfect product for you!.

I’m extremely new to CGM as I had straight hair for the first 23 years of my life and in the past 2 years it’s gotten wavier and wavier. I have fine but dense 2B hair that is a little past shoulder length with medium-high porosity from coloring.

I still color my hair every month and a half and use shampoo and conditioner with all the bad stuff. I got this product on a whim because of the sale and I’m so glad I did! I used it for the first time last night after washing and micro plopping to remove excess water.

I then scrunched in about a quarter sized amount of recoil and then microplopped again for about 10-15 minutes. After that I air dried and went to bed with it down but on a silk pillowcase. This morning I brushed it out (I’m not ready to give up brushing and my hair holds a curl pretty well).

I wish I could add a picture because my hair looks so good. Even the front pieces that never waved look amazing! I still have a very straight layer of hair underneath but I think that’s just my curl pattern.

Received this in a subscription box about 6 months ago and have been playing with it. My situation – still trying to figure out my hair. My natural hair, with no products added, is a mix of 2a/2b, and the random 2c clump or ringlet curl at the ends of my hair.

Througout the day though, it all tends to straighten out to 2a. As I’ve been expirementing with wav/curly products to try to enhance/preserve the waves, most products are too heavy for my fine hair and straighten it more (and it feels dirty).

This does not do that! When I use a small amount of this, mixed with a small amount of leave-in conditioner, my hair feels awesome – it just also hasn’t made much difference throughout my day. It has helped preserve the style if I do overnight no-heat curl or heated curls, but it wasn’t answer I was hoping for (and I’ve tried it in conjuction, and in different orders, with many products).

My hair has a curl when it’s wet but seems to weigh down once it dry and combed out. I decided to try this curl activator. I have a lot of hair and had to use a good amount on the pump. I placed it on wet hair.

When it was dry I noticed the curls stay more defined and bunched together rather then a mess it is without it. I made sure I did not comb much to keep some of the wave. However, with some brushing It does weaken the curl.

The smell is decent and not overpowering nor is it too much like a chemical scent. There are some brands that can make me sneeze but not the AU 2nd Day curl activation. My hair also feels smooth after use but one should gage how much is good for their hair.

Overuse can leave a sticky film. This is a good curl activator but it’s not long lasting if you have heavy hair. It worked for my hair to about the earlier part of the day. I have not paired other hair products with this to see if the curls with be sustained for a longer time.

Overall this product works for the majority of they day and is worth a try.

I wish Aussie would specify that this product is for African-American, or natural hair that is 3c to 4c in texture. This is an amazing and affordable product for the right hair textures. Unfortunately, there are bad reviews from people with hair textures that this product is not best intended for.

I usually look for products for my hair that specify they are intended for African American hair. I somehow stumbled upon this product and I fell in love! It smells great, is inexpensive, and usually easy to find in plenty of retailers.

I am a huge fan! I use this product on my wet 4b hair and let it dry naturally for curly wash and wear. I will place this product on my daughters 3c hair while wet and blow dry straight. It is shiny and moisturized without being greasy, flakey or drying.

I love all Aussie products! They really focus on providing products that meet specific hair needs. I have dry hair that is long and naturally curly. I love my curls, but I hate frizz! I find the way to keep my hair frizz free is to use products that are targeted toward preventing that.

Aussie Miracle Curls 2nd Day Curl Activator works exceptionally well on curly hair. It’s so easy to use and yields beautiful, frizz free curls that last all day long. Simply spray your dry hair, run your fingers through it, and then scrunch.

Your curls will feel soft, moisturized, and have a lovely scent too. The ingredients are excellent, and this is a must have for us curly girls! It also works really well when on vacation. You can skip that shampoo and just spray your hair and have fresh beautiful curls!.

I received this product as part of an influencer voxbox and have been trying it for a few weeks and I absolutely love it. I’ve tried so many curl activators/enhancers over the past few years and when I tried this one the results were almost immediate even after sleeping on wet hair overnight.

It doesn’t leave any sticky residue on your hairs after application and it doesn’t leave your hair greasy or oily. The smell is amazing and lasts a long time which is always a plus. I’ve found that the size of the bottle and cap are great for travel, fits perfectly in a travel accessory bag! My only negative for this is that it is a little bit difficult to squeeze the product out of the bottle which can lead to using more than you’d like.

Overall I would definitely recommend this to any of my fellow wavy/curly haired gals!.

I got this as a sampler, as I’m always on the lookout for products that can help bring back my curls, and I was pleasantly surprised with this product. I use it every time I get my hair wet as it helps form my curls and brings them back to the springiness they once knew.

I didn’t have a problem with the scent and found it pleasant. I believe I will buy a full-size version of this as I can’t seem to get enough, and it has helped so much. I would recommend at least giving this a try.

I’m not as knowledgeable as some of my other reviewers regarding my hair, so I cannot provide an accurate account of the status and kind of curl I produce. From what I’ve read, this is more for curly girls who want to embrace their curliness and not for waves.

However, that’s just a guess.