Kinky Curly Curl Custard Gel, 8 oz

This is my always go to for a moderate holding gel. The cast it sets when dry is just enough and it scrunches out nice and soft. There is no strong smell and it never feels drying on my 3b curly hair. There is good reason for the fact that this gel has been around and been popular for so many years. Yes, it feels a bit expensive but you really don't have to use much. Plus, sometimes it's just worth it to get the thing that works the best...every time.

My go-to gel. Better than anything else for taming curls, keeping down frizz, and making your “do” look fab

I love the diversity that comprises so-called "African-American" hair (whatever that is). Being a mixed-race people, we know that our hair covers the gamut of texture and appearance. I have type 4 coarse hair (I think that is how it is categorized these days). I was teased for years about my hair being "nappy."Kinky-Curly works marvelously on my hair, interestingly enough. I heard from others that it did not. It softens my hair beautifully. However, I think it depends on the hairstyle that one is rocking. My hair is natural, brushed upward into a bush ball, or what some call an afro-puff. I then put a plastic stretchy band on it to hold it together in the ball. Okay, so I use two products to make this work. I have to use a "stiff" product (Murray's Black Australian beeswax, or Jamaican Mango and Lime Blax Black Wax) to keep the shorter parts of my hair from sticking out. I then apply the Kinky-Curly. It gives an unbelievable crimply and curly appearance to my hair, and along with the other products, so there is just enough stiffness to keep the crimps and style in place. I am sorry not to be able to describe my process better, but this is what works very well for me after years and years of trying to figure. Sadly, I did not even know my hair could actually crimp until Kinky-Curly. There may be other products that would have worked. It is the only one I have found, so far.

I don't think I've seen any reviews that factor climate into the effectiveness of this product, but trust me - if you have highly porous hair (like I do) and you live in a high-altitude or an extremely humid climate, this product may present some problems for you.Since the product relies exclusively on the humectants for moisture and softness (there are no oils in it), the amount of water in the atmosphere will determine whether or not this product moisturizes effectively. If you live in an extremely dry climate, your hair will be extremely dry because there is so little moisture in the atmosphere. If you live in a very humid climate, then your hair might be limp or extremely puffy and difficult to style because of the moisture overload. Also, having too much water in your hair at all times could weaken the strands and cause them to break. So, if your area has climate extremes, you might want to avoid this product. I live in Southern California, so the weather isn't that big a factor for me.That being said, while I consider this product EXTREMELY expensive, it is something I would use again, just because it works very nicely for me and has helped me retain significant length (my hair is 4b).I use this as a hold product, rather than a curl definer. I apply the product, braid or twist my hair and let it dry. I find that I get really good hold, my hair is extremely hydrated because of the intense humectant properties, and I get lots of volume. There is some crunch, but I'm conditioned to believe that crunch = lasting hold, so I don't mind.Even in comfortably moist weather, It might not work for everyone for a variety of other reasons, largely because everyone's idea of a good hair day is different. Some people want their curls to be completely and totally defined at all times (I don't - I like some frizz). Some people hate crunchiness (I don't mind it). Others complain about shrinkage (eh - what can you do?). No one product can satisfy everyone's individual concept of "dream" hair, but for the amount of money this costs, it's not unreasonable to expect greatness. I would say that if the $20+ price tag doesn't bother you, you don't have any exalted expectations and you live in a mild climate, then give it a try. Otherwise, Ecostyler gel mixed with curl activator works pretty similarly and costs less than half as much.

It's a must-have for curls! I love the smell and how it does not make my curls sticky, especially in hot and humid Florida. It is great for super curly hair and loose curls.

I'm really happy with this product. I use it on my biracial kids' hair. I shape their curls with SheaMoisture Curl & Style Milk once a week after washing their hair, and then every morning for the rest of the week I touch up with this gel wherever there's frizz and unraveled curls. I also use it for edge control. It's clear, light and runny and perfect for this task - not too heavy, doesn't gunk up, doesn't flake when dry, doesn't leave any color residue, doesn't make the hair look greasy at all. The Milk is thick and heavy and perfect for the main hold, not so good for daily touch-ups. This gel isn't substantial enough for the main hold, but it's perfect for light touch-ups! The two work perfectly in combination and my kids' curls stay well-defined all week!I'm attaching a photo of my daughter's hair at the end of the day somewhere mid-week. She's 4, very active and rolls around all day, messing up her hair. She also wears a hat now that it's winter. But despite all that, her curls stay in great shape thanks to these two products!

This is pretty good. Hold the curl but they are crunchy. Smells decent