Head to head
Curling Custard vs Curl Talk Defining Cream
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Defining Cream edges out Kinky-Curly Curling Custard, 7.8 to 7.7. It wins on texture and feel and value, while the Curling Custard is stronger on results and community love.
Benefit fingerprints
What each one does.
Kinky-Curly Curling Custard
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Defining Cream
Side by side
Every detail, compared.
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- Curl definition
- Frizz control
- Shine
- Curl definition
- Frizz control
- Hydrating
- Shine
- • Wash-and-go styles on curly and coily hair
- • Shoppers avoiding silicones and drying alcohols
- • Pairing with a leave-in such as Knot Today
- • Wavy and curly hair that wants soft definition without crunch
- • Budget shoppers building a cream-plus-gel routine
- • Protein-tolerant curls (a fragrance- and protein-free version exists)
- Strong curl definition and hold shown in wash-and-go demos
- Free of silicones, drying alcohols, petroleum and mineral oil per the brand
- Concentrated formula; brand says a little goes a long way
- Very affordable for a curl cream
- Light enough for fine waves when used sparingly, per the brand and Reddit users
- Free of sulfate surfactants, silicones and parabens
- Technique-sensitive: brand directs application to soaking-wet hair in small sections
- Full ingredient list isn't published on the brand's product page
- Little hold on its own; the brand recommends layering a gel
- Contains protein and fragrance, which some curls don't tolerate
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Affiliate links — we may earn a commission. How we make money
FAQ
Quick answers.
Which is better, Curling Custard or Curl Talk Defining Cream?
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Defining Cream edges out Kinky-Curly Curling Custard, 7.8 to 7.7. It wins on texture and feel and value, while the Curling Custard is stronger on results and community love.
Which costs less?
Kinky-Curly Curling Custard typically sells for about $20.00 and Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Defining Cream for about $10.99, based on retail prices when we last checked.
How do you score them?
Both are scored on the same five-factor rubric (results, formula & ingredients, texture & experience, value, community love), using the formula or specs, verified creator reviews, community consensus and value. Brands can’t pay for placement.