curling custard for 4c hair
Ever since my big chop in 2020, I have used the spring season to try out new cute 4c hairstyles on my short hair. And this spring is no different.
Even though my hair is in that awkward length stage, I figured now is the time to at least find out what my curls look like defined. I mean, can I become a wash-and-go babe? Probably not.
But I can at least try.
Which is exactly what we’re doing today. Today I’m trying out curling custard for 4c hair.
What is the best curling custard for 4c hair?
First things first, when choosing the best curling custard for my hair, one thing was very important to me. That it is formulated specifically for 4c hair.
Not 4a, or 4b, but 4c.
Why? Because most products that are considered the “best curl creams” care for women with soft curls, not tight coils. So, I took my time to research different curl-defining products and found that the best curling custard for 4c hair is Aunt Jackie’s Curls and Coils Curl La La Defining Curl Custard!
This curling custard defines, shapes, and conditions your curls to perfection thanks to key ingredients like olive oil and shea butter. If you know, you know!
Once you apply this custard following your shampoo and conditioner you will feel how soft and luscious your coils get. The curls hold for hours and look moist and healthy. No slipping or stickiness either.
I found it to be perfect for my frizzy 4c hair, as it beautifully defined my curls without making them look too crunchy. And oh, it doesn’t just work but also smells wonderful.
What is curling custard?
Curling custard is a popular hair product, designed to define and enhance curls and coils for women with a natural hair texture. Especially for those of us with 4c hair, which is known for being tightly coiled but undefined.
Curling custard is a styling product that you apply to damp hair or wet hair and then scrunch or twist to create defined curls. It is typically made with natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter.
If you have coily hair and are looking for a way to enhance your natural curls, curling custard can be a great option.
What’s the difference between curl gel and curl custard?
Curl gel and curl custard are both curly hair products that you can use on your 4c hair to enhance and define frizz-free curls.
However, they have different consistencies and are formulated with different ingredients, which affects the look and feel of your style depending on your curl type.
Curl gel is typically a lightweight, clear, or translucent product that is designed to provide hold and definition without weighing down your natural hair. It often contains ingredients like polymers and resins, which create a strong hold that helps to keep your curls in place.
It is best for women with fine or wavy hair.
Curl custard, on the other hand, is a thicker, creamier product that is designed to provide hold and definition while also moisturizing your natural hair. It is best suited for women with coarse thick hair or dry hair.
Depending on the curl definition you desire and your unique hair type, one product may work better than the other. The best thing you can do is to try out the different products and see which one works best for you.
Benefits of curling custard for 4c hair
While there are many different ways and different products that will help you define your curls, curling custard is supposed to be one of the best products for multiple reasons, including:
1. Definition and Hold
One of the main benefits of using curling custard on your natural hair is that it helps you define your natural curl pattern. As mentioned above, most of us 4c girls don’t know what our curls look like, because they are often tangled or frizzy.
A good curling pudding or custard can change that. It gives your hair a more polished and put-together look because your curls are clearly defined.
2. Moisture
Another benefit of curling and coil custard is that it provides moisture. As we all know 4c hair tends to be more brittle and dry, so it needs all the moisture it can get. Especially in styling products which tend to be drying.
Luckily, many curling custards contain organic ingredients such as different natural oils and fatty acids, which help to hydrate and nourish your hair, leaving it soft and manageable.
3. Versatility
The third reason why you should use curling custard is that it can be used for a variety of styles. Braid outs, twist outs, finger coils and even wash and go’s, are just a few of them.
With a good curling custard you can switch up your hairstyle regularly. Making it a great product to add to your collection.
4. Hold
Another benefit of curling custard is its gel-like texture. While it doesn’t have the heavy consistency of a gel, it provides a similar hold.
Therefore, it lasts longer than a hair mousse but doesn’t weigh your hair down like a styling gel.
Curling custard can maintain your hairstyle for longer periods of time. That in turn reduced the need for frequent touch-ups and reduces the risk of natural hair damage.
Overall, curling custard is an amazing product for women with tight curls. And now that I gave you more than one good reason to try out the product, let’s dive into the application.
How do you use curling custard on 4c hair?
Now that you know the benefits of 4c hair, it’s time to try it out for yourself. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use curling cream on 4c hair:
- Before applying curling custard to your 4c hair, make sure your hair is clean. If it’s wash day, use a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup, and then follow up with a deep conditioner to hydrate and strengthen your hair.
- Next, moisturize and detangle your hair. Start by applying a leave-in conditioner to your natural hair to provide extra moisture and make it easier to work with. Then use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to gently detangle your 4c hair and distribute the product throughout your hair.
- Now that your 4c hair is cleaned, moisturized, and detangled, take a small amount of curling custard and apply it to a section of your hair. Start at the ends and work your way up to your roots. Use your fingers to rake the product through your hair and make sure to coat each strand.
- Once the product is evenly distributed, use your fingers or a styling tool like a Denman Brush to define your curls and coils. Start at the ends of your hair and work your way up. To encourage curl definition, you can twist or shingle each section. Repeat the process of applying and defining until you have styled your entire head.
- After you have applied the curling custard to all of your hair, allow it to air dry for a couple of hours, or use a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment. For best results, avoid touching your natural hair during that time to prevent frizz or disturb the curl pattern.
- Once your hair is completely dry, it’s time to fluff it out and style it as desired. Of course, remember to use a hair oil or serum to add shine to your hair. And if desired, use edge control to lay your edges.
That’s it. Applying curling custard to your hair is easy and quick. However, you may need a little bit of practice until you are able to create a beautiful wash-and-go. Check out this tutorial for visual help.
Until then, you can try alternative techniques to create curls in your 4c hair.
How can I make my 4c hair curly?
The beauty of 4c hair is that it’s so versatile. Even though our natural curl pattern may not be defined right away, there are many techniques that can help bring it out.
Here are some of my favorites:
- Twist your hair: The first technique to achieve curls in 4c hair is by twisting them into two-strand twists. Once your hair has been in that style for a couple of hours or even overnight, you’ll achieve soft curls after you unwrap them.
- Finger coil your hair: One way to define your curls is to finger coil your hair. Here you twist small sections of your natural hair around your finger to create defined curls. Once all of your hair is twisted, you air dry or use a hair dryer.
- Braid your hair: Another way, similar to twist-outs, to enhance your natural curl pattern is to braid your hair in small sections and braid each section. Allow your hair to air dry, then unravel the braids to reveal defined curls.
- Use Flexi Rods or Perm Rods: Lastly, you can use different rods to create defined curls in your natural 4c hair. Simply wrap small sections of your hair around the rods and then let it air dry or use a hair dryer to speed up the process. Once you remove the rods, you’ll notice super bouncy curls.
These are some simple but effective techniques to achieve curls. And you can use curling custard with each of them for a firm hold and the best results.
So, take some time to experiment to find the techniques and products that work best for you.