Although the warm weather humidity always effortlessly adds in nice definition to my curly-wavy hair, when I really want my hair to be the curliest it can be, a curl definer is essential.

iStockphoto.com / Oleh_Slobodeniuk

Curl definers come in various forms, from a spray to a gel to a cream. Sometimes they are built into gels or other styling products, in which case layering a curl definer isn’t necessary. However, there are also standalone definers that may be an extra step, but the definition and added benefits they provide make it worth it. Below are some of my personal curly-wavy favorites.

1. Jessicurl Rockin Ringlets Styling Potion

Even though this product has no hold, the thin, lightweight serum layered underneath a gel helps define limp waves for maximum definition. Free of alcohols and silicones, it defines curly or wavy hair without drying it out.

2. Ouidad Vitalcurl Tress Effects Styling Gel

This is Ouidad’s strongest hold gel, infused with hydrolyzed collagen, pro-vitamin B5, and clove oil to seal in moisture to leave curl patterns consistent and defined. This has been one of my favorite holy grail gels for years. Whenever I use it, I never need to layer with extra defining product — it prevents frizz, and my hair doesn’t feel stiff or crunchy at all!

3. Raw Curls Firm Hold Gel

Another one of my very favorite gels, not only does this one have strong hold without crunch or stiffness, it makes my frizz vanish while my waves get bouncier. For maximum frizz reduction, I like to layer over Raw Curls Anti-Frizz Spray.

4. DevaCurl Wave Maker Touchable Texture Whip

Aside from the addictive fruit candy fragrance, I have defined, separated textured curls  that feel lightweight and frizz-free every time I layer this cream with gel. A little goes a long way; the moringa seed and passion flower extracts inside help keep hair healthy, too.

5. SheaMoisture Yucca and Plantain Wave Defining Lotion

A lightweight lotion I somehow can wear without a gel on top, this lotion leaves my hair feeling so soft, nicely defined and the shea butter, yucca and plantain extracts even help strengthen hair to reduce breakage.

6. Inahsi Naturals Rock Your Curls Curl Enhancing Cream

This cream is thicker than others on this list, so those with finer hair: don’t be heavy-handed. That being said, I like to use this instead of a leave in, under my gel for curls that are super defined, super moisturized, super strong but not super frizzy! I also know wavy friends who like this and don’t even need the gel on top!

7. Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Creme

This is a favorite leave-in of mine because it never weighs my hair down, adds bounce and shine, and preps hair for a styler applied on top. The quinoa extract helps define the texture while rice amino acids and avocado oil fight frizz.

8. Innersense Quiet Calm Curl Control

This organic styling cream fights frizz, defines curls and smoothes hair texture with star ingredients of Shea Butter, Orange Flower Oil, Wheatgrass and Rooibos Tea. I use this cream under gel, since it does not have enough hold aline for my frizzy waves but finer hair can probably use it solo. This cream also doubles as a protector if you decide to blow dry your hair.

What’s your Holy Grail curl definer? Share it in the comments!

Need to shop curl definers? Visit our styling creme recommendations for all your wavy-curly needs at SHOP NaturallyCurly.

Read My 6 Must-Know Spring and Summer Tips for Healthier Hair

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