How to Choose the Right Cream/Leave-In for your Curl Type | Curlsmith Cream Comparison

[@GenaMarie]

Which cream is your favorite? Can you spot the differences in my hair? ⤵️ Check out the chart on my blog for a detailed comparison: genamarie.co/2021/08/how-to-choose-the-right-cream-leave-in-for-your-curl-type-curlsmith-cream-comparison/

[@carolinemangum135]

The feather light protein cream DEFINITELY gave me hold! I have super fine, low porosity, low density hair so I’m guessing that’s why. It’s a light hold, just a fluffy, bouncy look, but that works better for low density curls than a strong hold. Now I just need something to seal my curls against the South’s insane humidity 🙃

[@NEChristo]

I have very fine and low density wavy hair and I love the Weightless Air Dry cream. It is the best leave in I’ve ever used. I almost always follow with mousse or gel but I’ve also used it alone and it gives me moisture and some definition without weighing it down. It’s awesome!

[@sarahfranco6802]

Wonderful

[@QueenofMarine]

Wow, this video was so incredibly helpful! I've been wanting to try Curlsmith for a long time but its really expensive to buy a bunch of the products at the same time. I really wanted to make sure that I was choosing the best products for my particular needs before I dropped all that money. I watched your comparison videos and the products I chose turned out to be perfect choices for my hair! I wish I had your comparison videos for all of my hair and beauty products! Thank you!

[@HollyJ211]

I really appreciate when you discuss whether products are good for humid or dry air/ winter or summer conditions. I live in Wisconsin where we get brutally humid summers AND brutally dry winters, so I'm always having to adapt. And thank you for mentioning the flash drying from the Air Dry Cream. I did get that when I tested it out so I will definitely add more water next time since it seems perfect for my fine hair. Thanks for another awesome, informative video!! I just adore Curlsmith products 😍

[@margotskadberg1792]

Hi Gena! I have watched many curly haired youtubers over the years but you are the one I have stuck with. Unlike the more flashy and frankly silly influencers, I like your straightforward, direct approach, your focus on ingredients, and your very applicable styling methods which actually work on my hair. The proof is in the pudding. I live on the West Coast of Canada, just north of Seattle, most of the year and where I live has a similar climate to Seattle. In the winter we spend time in Arizona, which has quite the opposite climate. My hair is high porosity and damaged due to having to cover grey hair, fine but still of a decent density though its starting to thin. I have had good results with the protein containing Curlsmith leave in paired with Bounce Curl light cream gel recently but we haven't had much rain this summer. In the winter it gets very very wet here but rarely does it freeze or snow. Two questions: 1. What type of cream and gel combo would you say would work best in the high humidity but moderate winter temperatures of the Pacific Northwest in the Arizona climate? 2. What would you recommend for a combo for the very dry Arizona climate ? Thanks so much and keep up your stellar work.

[@pondeck]

BC is one of the most beautiful places in the world - the fires out west have been heartbreaking. Hope you haven't been directly affected (tho ik it affects everybody 😢). I may be able to recommend some products to try for the climates you've mentioned, both of which I know well. You may want to avoid glycerin in both humid/wet and in very dry weather, or at least ensure that it's lower in the ingredients or that you're sealing it with something else. Light layers may benefit you... I can recommend a few of my HG's: Soultanicals Frizz Whiz, Curlsmith Flexi Jelly, & you haven't mentioned if you use silicones, but Mixed Chicks Leave-in (esp. with either or both of the other two) may work for you! Best of luck! 🌸🌸🌸

[@GenaMarie]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I am so happy you enjoy my videos and they've helped. Your climate in Canada sounds similar to mine in VA, where we have humid weather most of the year and the winter isn't too dry. I use all the different curl creams but would recommend the 2 protein ones if you're trying to avoid the humectants like glycerin which could cause frizz in the summer. The 2 protein creams are very low in glycerin and don't have other humectants. However I personally don't find humectants to be troublesome when they're in creams, it's more so when it's in the top layer (gel). You could top it with the Shape Up Aqua Gel or the In-Shower Style Fixer (that one has humidity-blocking ingredients). When you're in AZ where it's dry, you could use that same protein cream but go with the Souffle because the film-forming humectants will help lock in moisture. Gels that contain aloe, flaxseed, and other film-forming humectants will help in dry climates.

[@nettejean5912]

Definitely can’t wait to take the quiz. I am trying Curl Smith now and I have been doing the curly girl method since 2019. I have tried so many products. I still can’t figure it out. My hair is a magnet for frizz. Living in Florida doesn’t help🤣! So humid. My hair is dry! It will look great in the AC. Then I walk outside and it expands! I like volume. I just don’t think my hair is thick enough. It’s not fine and it’s course. Takes forever to dry. One day I’ll figure it out. Thanks for this video. I’m subscribing!

[@DreamOfGenie]

I felt like crying after taking the quiz. It decided that I have low porosity and high porosity hair. Added to my confusion and conflict over whether I have protein or moisture overload.

[@samirabourras7735]

This is hands down one of the best videos I have ever seen about curl smith products 😊

[@MiSzCASSiEx3]

this was so great! i was at ulta earlier today in 2024 watching your comparisons since it was BOGO 50%!

[@ssbkd]

Thanks for being so clear with your directions. I definitely learned something new. I’m just starting to follow the curly girl method and can definitely find it overwhelming.

[@lovelyana4003]

This was so helpful in making my decision to use Curl Smith products for the first time. Many thanks 😊

[@jaz1elise]

Amazing, detailed video! I usually love the Hold Me Softly Balm and the Weightless Air Dry Cream but for this year's Black Friday, I ordered the Oil In Cream today to try on my high porosity hair.

[@jennadyan]

Thanks for another great video girl! I know I can always count on you to break down products and explain and help us not waste our money on products that won’t work for our hairs. So far I have only tried the weightless air dry cream and I’m addicted to it! I’ve seen where it’s prob to light for my hair but I’m still very impressed. I did the quiz on their site and they seem to think I have low po hair, which is a first. Though I have noticed my hair not being as high po now that I’ve got rid of the damage and started my journey almost 3 years ago, but I didn’t think I was low po. Lol! 🤷🏻‍♀️ but I’m still not 100% on the porosity part. But I know my hair is high density, coarse, thick and I live on hell’s front porch aka Arkansas. So humidity is high all the time. So I tend to steer clear of glycerin. But enough rambling from me! Thanks again Gena!

[@GenaMarie]

So glad its helpful!

[@madisongalejessop3106]

Imma be real…I always thought I had “thin hair” then when I took this quiz I found out that I actually have coarse, high density hair. I got the travel sizes of the products they recommended and my hair literally changed in the way my hair stayed moisturized for the entire time until my next wash day

[@linziesantana4748]

The curlsmith protein cream does give me a hold by itself, nothing like a gel but it definitely does give a stronger hold compared to other creams!

[@ElizabethRodriguez-sk6sz]

Thank you for this video! I did the Curlsmith quiz and it is amazing! I didn't know my hair was low porosity and coarse. No wonder their multi-tasking conditioner left my hair feeling like straw! Their soufflé does wonders for me and I just purchased the hold me softly as my before-the-gel cream and I love it too.

[@GenaMarie]

Yes!! Your hair type should especially avoid protein. Instead opt for small proteins like amino acids ☺️

[@tangleswithtay6379]

I always pair the hold me softly style balm & curling soufflé!

[@snowflakes215]

Thanks for these videos! I really enjoy this series…have you thought about doing them for the shampoo, conditioners, and deep conditioners? Also, I have used the feather-light cream and it did have a hold for me. I strongly prefer the weightless cream (this has the best smell of all the CurlSmith products along with the hydro jelly!) so I am bummed they didn’t make it in a 2oz. I am stuck with a lot of this cream to use now. When I shower at night I often use this just to give my hair moisture without expecting results.

[@kumikco90]

Ultra now Carrie’s a lot the curlsmith in travel size . The weightless air dry cream and hydro style jelly are some of the latest ones . The newer line strengthen doesn’t have a lot of travel size except for the bond salve.

[@gisellepuchiorta8783]

I'm so glad I came across this video. It's very informative. I have very fine, low density, high porosity, salt and pepper hair. I use the Curlsmith blue airdry leave in. Works very well on my hair. but I feel I need more moisture. I think my grey strands need the moisture, but my non-silver strands are healthier. It's difficult to tell what my hair needs overall because of my grey strands. Any suggestions? Also, I air dry my hair because I live in a boat and don't use the blower. No AC so it gets pretty hot. Which means by day two my hair is in a bun. Is keeping my hair in a bun too much harmful to my hair? Thanks for sharing your vidoes and knowledge with us. They are so helpful.

[@maylavernebarnes2007]

Thanks Gena Marie for such a thorough review. I have type 4 low density/fine hair. I have been using Curlsmith products the last three months and like using the Multi Tasker Conditioner, Oil-In-Cream, Hold Me Softy Style Balm, In-Shower Style Fixer, the Styling Souffle, and the Intense Serum. I also have new protein gel and samplesI of the Weightless Cream and Hydro Gel. I have been trying different combinations along with my other Curlsmith products. I will try some of your combos to see how they work on my hair. 💙💜🧡

[@sopitaa783]

This video is literally so good!!!! You're doing the work of god out here lol. Super informative, helpful, the visuals accompany the info perfectly, and I was able to follow along perfectly. I was feeling super unsure about what to buy but I've been eyeing curlsmith for a while now. Feeling super exciting now! Thank you!!!!

[@cierrac3688]

Weightless air dry cream for me all day every day. I also love to layer the Hold me softly balm over the air dry cream.

[@GenaMarie]

Love that idea!

[@colleencathrae6523]

I could see some subtle differences 😉. I absolutely love the multitasking conditioner, I use it the most as a deep conditioner but sometimes As a leave in. (Even with fine low to medium density hair I use a leave in and a cream). I also enjoy the protein cream and have paired it with the air dry cream and the the multitasking conditioner. My damaged/fine/white hair loves protein 😉

[@irmaradinson2320]

I am the same my hair loves protein. I need to use the multitask to see the difference

[@StormyDay]

Thank you so much, you work so hard! I hate to say this and maybe it’s because I am only 5 months into transitioning, but absolutely HATED the Hold Me Softly Balm, but I used it with the Curl Styling Soufflé. May be too heavy of a gel for me, the quiz told me that the Hold Me Softly was the right one but maybe I should try it with the 2 Curlsmith gels I love, the Shape Up Aqua Gel or the Hydro Style Flexi Jelly. Both are fantastic! It’s probably not a good idea to use 2 things from the same line, so maybe my hair isn’t ready for that yet (actually I only have problems with the canopy, the rest of my hair is in much better condition and is much thicker and it doesn’t hardly ever frizz except by the nape of my neck). The Multitasking Cream is my Curlsmith Holy Grail, I do not use this as a leave-in, it is by far the best conditioner! I use 2 conditioners, always and if I forget to use this one, it shows! I think adding a moisturizing conditioner along with the protein in this one is a win-win I find I rarely have to use a protein treatment. When I used the Featherlight cream I used it with the Moisture Memory Reactivator and it came out great. When I used it with another gel, it was way too dry. I am a 3a with medium texture and mixed density but I have the poofiest hair so I may try that one you used for the 3c hair. I actually like it a bit weighed down. I need more volume at the roots, but I NEVER EVER have problems with volume elsewhere! Too much volume! I look like Grace Jones! ☺️

[@tinacross9055]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video Gena I usually don't use a leave in because it always weighs my hair down now I can't wait to try the weight less moisture leave in and see how that works

[@cathyh675]

I definitely found the protein cream to be drier. I needed that early in summer. Now with the higher humidity I switched to a moisturizing curl cream.

[@saralyons1808]

The 3 in 1 protein strength leave in conditioner is one of my favorite products along with the air dry cream!

[@kathyskurls]

The feather light protein cream wash day was the bomb on you

[@juliegaillard1209]

Thank you for this awesome informative and specific video for Curlsmith creams and the Styling Souffle! Very helpful!!

[@GenaMarie]

You are so welcome!

[@kita3256]

Thanks Gena! I just bought my first Curlsmith product yesterday. I got the air dry cream. I haven’t tried it yet. But I hope I love it! I can’t wait to take the quiz! 😊

[@GenaMarie]

It’s a good one!

[@gisellelopez4682]

I wasn’t sure what products to buy so I bought a whole bunch lol I wish this video would of popped up sooner but I’m excited to try all of them and see which one I like better on my wavy hair. Thank you for this video. It’s a big help. I’m new to treating my waves so i felt so lost on deciding what products to use with each other. New sub here ☺️

[@VengefulAngeI]

I've never tried just the protein cream, but I do know it has hold, because I've felt the cast starting when doing a more time consuming application technique. I can also use this with their volumizing foam and get decent hold with just those 2 products!

[@Italianqueen1966]

Great video 🤟!! Thank you for the comparison. Hopefully, I’ll find one that will work well in humidity. Still trying to adjust after blow dry and straightening for so many years. I fought curly hair all my life! Have a great day💯

[@GenaMarie]

The Multi-tasking Conditioner and the Feather Light protein cream are best for humidity because they have the lowest amount of humectants 😊

[@Italianqueen1966]

Thank you Gena❤️

[@AK-dj2td]

This review was very helpful, thank you!

[@pondeck]

Gena, you're a star for doing these comparison videos, & I've been enjoying your channel for awhile! 🌟 I was just shouting out your Curlsmith gels comparison video, hoping that some tighter textured channels closer to my hair type might follow suit! I love the Curlsmith gels that I've tried, but haven't yet tried the creams -- I wish they'd switch out the sodium hydroxide that they use in the creams. I know it's a miniscule amount as a preservative, but I've been thinking that, just on principle, such a great brand ought to reconsider the use of lye in some of their products (the gels are free of it, thankfully!). Question for you: have you tried their hair makeup, & if so would you say the result in terms of hold & feel is comparable to the In Shower Style Fixer ( since the ingredients are similar). Thanks for another thorough video, & you look beautiful as always! xo 😘

[@pondeck]

Oof, here's the missing question-mark at the end of my question above: '?' 😂 I'm a Curlsmith stan - the Flexi Jelly is my HG & I'm SO happy they've made it in a 16oz bottle! I've also tried & loved the hold of the gold hair makeup, so I've been curious if the Style Fixer is similar & would make a good extra topper whevever I might need one. Ppl have gotten such disparate results with the Style Fixer! Might just hafta try it & see! Tysm again! 😘

[@tinaroon8806]

Hi Gena, I really enjoy & appreciate your very straightforward approach to hair care, especially when you break down each ingredient. Thank you. I have been meaning to give the air-dry cream by curlsmith a try unfortunately keep forgetting that when it's time to purchase more leave in. My hair really likes their clarifying kit & the bonding salve. What protein would be good to use after the weightless air dry cream?

[@PandoricaLost]

I love the oil in cream but I don't use it alone because it's not enough for the LOC method. I pair it with the Weightless, the serum and the souffle.

[@GenaMarie]

Great to know!

[@florl.delgado4093]

This was VERY nice of you. Thank you, sweet Gena. 💕 P.S. Can't afford high end.

[@ginaprice2370]

What is best for natural grey hair?

[@amyd4444]

Thank you for this comparison! I have been waiting and researching this brand to start the investment (i am currently almost only using drugstore brands) so this is a great help. I still am confused on climate - i am in a totally medium dew points area, which seems like it should be the easiest, but i can never find the right balance in the ingredients and my finer hair still is frizzy and stringy when i try to refresh. I took the CS quiz and am getting my list ready so …. 🤞🤞🤞

[@GenaMarie]

yes this is an ideal climate! not too humid or too dry. You should be able to use a variety of products.

[@msammy6914]

I don't know if I'm just using it incorrectly but the air dry cream leaves my hair feeling very wet and stringy; my hair never wants to dry-which is surprising because I have high-porosity hair that dries extremely quickly. For reference, I have fine, low-density, high-porosity, 3B hair, and I only use about a dime size amount for all of my hair. I have had better luck with the feather light protein cream and the new volumizing leave-in.

[@Elektra2070]

Can you compare CurlSmith to Pattern Beauty? Thank you friend

[@roselindthomas1]

Thank you for the video. Mid week I need something to moisturize my type 4 high porosity natural hair. I'm definitely going to give the oil and cream a try...but I was wondering about the humectants...? Not looking for my hair to look dry. What are your thoughts?

[@kqu752]

So helpful! Thanks 👍🏻

[@Haley-hz9gj]

Excellent video!!!

[@TitianTexan]

Do you use the oil in cream alone or do you need to pair it with something? I live in a very humid environment and thought to try this, but as you said, it weighs my hair down. So, maybe I could use it alone? Thanks Gina! :)

[@PattyCabanillas-ez6le]

I’m so confused between using the feather lite or weightless air dry cream. My hair is bleached blonde so it’s very dry and high porosity but it’s also fine and not super thick. I feel when I use moisturizing products my curls get too soft and a mushy but when I don’t use any moisturize my curls get very dry in the 3rd ray and very frizzy.

[@kakashi2801]

Hi Does the Curlsmith weightless air dry cream also lock in moisture? I can't find much information about this aside from manes by mell saying that it does? So I don't need to lock in the moisture after and just that product is enough?

[@karen8785-d3y]

I thick wavy curly hair trying to get my curly hair back to normal after I have the the Brazil blowout

[@deniseruffini1688]

Love the protein cream & totally disliked the soufflé. The protein cream decreased my frizz dramatically

[@tinaroon8806]

I have very fine medium to low porosity hair and it's becoming thin on top.

[@alexavasquez1992]

I do feel like curl pattern is important in determining how wet your hair should be during styling - What are your thoughts on water and clumping?

[@Secorad]

I felt like the air dry cream, made my hair look wet, maybe I put too much in?

[@DeepThought42]

Hi Gena do you have medium to coarse or fine hair? I'm confused as I was just watching a lot of your videos from last year when you said you have fine hair in most of them. I have fine hair with even lower density than yours so like following curlies with similar hair as get the best ideas and advice that way.

[@GenaMarie]

I have have medium and have coarse textured hair. However since I have low density hair, I still treat my hair like it's fine sometimes because it can get weighed down as I don't have a lot of hair. I still share lots of tips and recommend products for fine curly hair because of this. A lot of times you'll hear me say "if you have fine hair..." in videos because I know a lot of my viewers do so I always keep that in mind when making recommendations. I, just like many others, may have use the terms "fine" and "thin or low density" hair interchangeably in older videos back when I first started my curly hair journey and was still learning about these differences and my hair type. I got a hair analysis done by MyManBio a couple years ago and that's when I learned my hair is actually medium to coarse. 😊

[@dja8081]

Can it curl up 1a-2b hairtypes?

[@mariannavenera1508]

Yours ???? Medium to coarse ??? Definitely find

[@GenaMarie]

I recommend watching my hair analysis video where I share the test results from MyManeBio where they examined my hair strands to determine medium to coarse. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6bOaml7p8yGg5Y There is a difference between texture (fine, medium, coarse) and density (low, medium, high). I have low-density hair, meaning it's thin and I don't have many hairs on it. However, it is medium to coarse textured, meaning the individual strands are thicker. The cool thing about curly hair is we're all so unique! We can't go off of what we imagine a standard appearance of "fine" looks like. ❤

[@sassyt1545]

I hate taking the time to take a quiz and in order to get the results, you have to give them your email. Just what I need, more junk mail. Nope.

[@ashantimeije7604]

You can click on skip under the space where you have to type in your email. You still get the results without mentioning your email!!

[@jenlovesjesus]

If you don't think curl type is important, then why is that in the title? No offense, but it's misleading. If you weren't going to advise on which curl creams are best according to curl type, then your video title shouldn't say that.