Remember the infamous Jheri Curl? (Of course you do”>. Well Jheri Curl could not have been the sensation that it became without one necessary component: curl activators. Jheri curls are a chemical relaxing system that was created by Jheri Redding who was a hairdresser, chemist, and hair care product entrepreneur. It became hugely popular when Comer Cottrell made it available to the masses in the early 70’s. The Jheri Curl could not be what it was without the curl activator that was necessary to keep the hair moist. Curl activator died down around the 90’s but there seems to be a resurgence of it and some naturals are loving it. The reason being is the main ingredients in curl activators are humectants, which is often glycerin. We love glycerin! Some activators are also formulated with another one of our favorites, aloe vera.
Curl activators are great at retaining moisture so they can be used as a moisturizer, detangler, and curl enhancer. Just like anything in the hair care aisles, we have to be cautious of which ones to buy. Some have the drying alcohols that can dry out your tresses. This is why I created a list of ten amazing curl activators that will moisturize, provide slip, and enhance your curls!
Top 10 Co-Washes and Cleansing Conditioners
Lustrasilk Curl Max Curl Activator Moisturizer
Made with water, glycerin, sorbitol (humectant”>, cetrimonium chloride (emulsifying or conditioning agents”>, and hydrolyzed collagen (humectant”> to provide nourishment and hydration to your tresses. Restore your hair’s elasticity while revitalizing your curls, all with an alcohol-free curl activator. It penetrates quickly and will add shine and softness to your tresses.
Smooth ‘n Shine Polishing Curl Activator Gel for Extra Dry Hair
Define and smooth your hair with water, glycerin, aloe vera extract, hydrolyzed wheat protein, hyaluronic acid (a powerful and safe humectant”>, and panthenol in this curl activating gel. The unique blend of glycerin and aloe vera will condition and soften your tresses while the wheat protein strengthen it. Remember to go easy on protein in the rest of your regimen while using this product!
Care Free Curl Gold Instant Curl Activator
Water, propylene glycol (effective humectant”>, glycerin, fatty alcohol, and polyquaternium 11, which allows hair to hold its style, are formulated in this dual acting curl activator. It moisturizes your coils and curls without being greasy or stiff. Restore your moisture and smooth out the frizz.
Twisted Sista Curl Activator
Say farewell to frizz with a curl activator that takes your hair to another level with water, apricot kernel oil, glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride which is derived from coconut oil as a glycerin and emollient, and hydrogenated soybean polyglycerides, which are smoothing and conditioning agents.
Luster’s S-Curl No Drip Curl Activator Moisturizer
Deionized water, glycerin, fatty alcohol, propylene glycol (a humectant”>, argan oil, and olive oil make up the first ingredients in this frizz eliminating activator. You get softer, stronger hair that is free from breakage and hold a natural sheen. The no drip formula is absorbed into the hair shaft to condition and soothe without a greasy feeling.
AG Hair Re Coil Curl Activator
Get ultra-defined curls, coils, and waves with this amazing curl activator. It has water, fatty alcohols, and stearalkonium chloride (a coconut derived emulsifier”> that aid in cultivating your coils and curls without the crunch. Gain silky, soft tresses with loads of movement and shine.
Lustrasilk Right on Curl Activator & Moisturizer
Made with water, glycerin, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate (humectant”>, and cetrimonium chloride (emulsifying or conditioning agents”> to give your hair the sheen and softness it deserves. Here is a rich moisturizing formula that quickly penetrates and revitalizes your tresses without a greasy buildup.
Cantu Shea Butter Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream
Cantu has a cream that will define, moisturize, and restore your curls and coils with water, glycerin, polyquaternium-10 (increasing hair body”>, and stearalkonium chloride (coconut derived emulsifier”>. Your hair will be smoother, frizz free, and full of life from this formula made with shea butter.
Hawaiian Silky Do Anyway You Want It Cream Moisturizing Curl Activator
If you are a fan of mineral oil (yes there are some of you out there”>, then this may be the right curl activator for you. There is water, glycerin, propylene glycol (humectant”>, and PEG-75 lanolin in this curl activator that will enhance the look and feel of your tresses. Gain manageability, style, body, and shine without tangles and snag.
Philip Kingsley Curl Activator
This curl activator is for curlies and coilies looking for “perfect” curls. This is a light formula that is non-sticky and provides excellent definition, hold, and shine. Get movement, smoothness, and separated coils and curls.
