Which styler gives you the finish you want?
Choose for hold, softness or volume.

Start with hold or softness

For a shape that lasts, compare stylers that state their hold level. Gels range from flexible to firm. For softer lengths, look at creams that promise conditioning or smoothing, then check whether they also offer the hold you want.

Use mousse or foam for its stated job

Mousse and foam both dispense as an airy product. Look for the volume, curl hold or setting you want, and check where it goes. Read the container before dispensing. Pumps and pressurized cans can need different handling.

Your curls lose their shape

• Apply your styler evenly, including the inner sections, with your hair as wet or damp as the product calls for. Finish drying before judging the hold.
• If a soft-hold cream still leaves too little definition, try a stronger-hold gel or mousse next wash day. Start with one styler so you can tell whether it does the job.

Your hair feels heavy or coated

• On your next wash day, keep your normal cleansing and conditioning but simplify the styling products. Try one styler instead of layering cream, gel and oil.
• Use the starting amount on the package. If it gives a range, begin at the lower end and spread it through small sections before adding more.
• If that still feels too heavy after drying, try a lighter formula. A foam or mousse labeled for volume is one option; check its hold too.

Your gel leaves a stiff coating

• Some gels dry into a firm coating called a cast. Check the roots and inner sections as well as the ends; wait until all of the hair is dry.
• Cup one group of curls in clean, dry hands. Lift gently, press lightly, then open your hands and let the curls fall. Feel the section before repeating.
• Stop when the hair feels soft enough. If you still dislike the finish, try a softer-hold styler next time.

Choose how firmly you want the shape held

For defined curls or a set, look for a styler that names that use. Choose flexible hold for more movement, or firmer hold to keep the shape. Try the suggested starting amount and let your hair dry before judging the result.

Browse styling products. For styling recommendations, share the finish you want, how you dry your hair and your budget.

Separate conditioning from styling

A cream may be a rinse-out conditioner, a leave-in or a styler. For softening lengths after washing, choose a leave-in and apply it where needed. Check its hold claim separately before expecting it to keep curls in shape.

Browse leave-in conditioners. For help choosing a leave-in, describe where your hair feels rough and what you already apply.

Scrunch gel into waves and curls

On detangled hair in your gel’s stated wet or damp condition, spread gel through reachable sections. Cup one curl group from underneath, lift gently, then open your hands and release it. The photos show each action before drying.

Spread mousse through the areas you need

Dispense the amount your product recommends, then spread it across both hands. Apply at the roots, through the lengths or both, according to its use. The illustrated method separates root placement, length application and cleanup.

Smooth cream through the lengths

For a leave-in curl cream used on wet or damp lengths, spread it across both palms. Hold a section lightly between flat palms below the roots, slide toward the ends and open your hands to release. Work through the remaining sections.

Soften a cast after the gel dries

Use this after gel application and drying if the firm coating feels too stiff. The photos show checking for dampness, cupping a curl group, pressing lightly and releasing it. Stop when the hair feels soft enough.