As one of the top selling brands in our online store, Kinky Curly has made it’s mark on the world with their must-have product for curly hair – the Curling Custard.  Completely unassuming, the Curling Custard comes in a small pink and white tub, similar to a gel that you might find in the little girl’s hair section.  Don’t let the packaging fool you, the Curling Custard is revolutionary – one of the only products I’ve come across that actually promotes the curl without the heavy, ‘crunchy’ aftermath.  It is also ALL NATURAL, with the Curling Custard being an advanced botanical formula made with ingredients that nourish and strengthen the hair, such as Agave Nectar.  In fact, the entire Kinky Curly line is natural and organic – free of mineral oil, petroleum, parabens, acrylics, wax, silicone, carbomer and alcohol.

Review

I’d like to start by saying that before coming across Kinky Curly, Hair Rules and Carols Daughter I absolutely despised wearing my hair curly.  In the last ten years I have spent hours blow drying and flat ironing, as well as trying out all of the treatments that transform hair from curly to straight.  In hindsight, I believe that my disdain was rooted in a combination of  factors:

1] Very few products available that were effective

2] My hair texture; the hair that frames my face is thin and hangs almost straight, while the crown is filled with tight curls

3] The crunch factor.  Not only does your hair dry hard as a rock, but you are also susceptible to flaking

All of that changed when a co-worker suggested that I try the Kinky Curly Curling Custard.  She promised me that after one application, I would be hooked.  Though I didn’t believe her one bit, a challenge has never failed to entice me.  So, I grabbed a tub, took it home and…well, changed my life.

Kinky Curly suggests that you use the Curling Custard on freshly washed hair, so to provide the perfect canvas for my trial I removed all of the dirt, impurities and product residue from my hair with the Frederic Fekkai Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo. I followed it up with the extra light Philip B. Deep Conditioning Creme Rinse and towel dried.  Instead of keeping my hair tied up in the towel, I immediately began to apply the Curling Custard in my hair.

TIP: Kinky-Curly as well as a number of natural hair bloggers strongly suggest using the entire system together.  COME CLEAN + KNOT TODAY + CURLING CUSTARD. According to the reviews, if you use your ‘preferred’ products [like I did] the results may not be optimal.  The ingredients of the Curling Custard may not agree with your product, causing poor results.

I understand why they call this product a ‘custard’ but it actually feels more like jelly.  Not as thick or clumpy, but exceptionally light and smooth.  The scent is amazing as well, like a cross between coconut and vanilla.  The Curling Custard comes in two different sizes, either 8oz or 16oz, and while it doesn’t sound like a lot, it actually is.  This product is very concentrated, and a little goes a long way.  I learned this the hard way when I over-applied.  My hair reaches my waist, so I assumed that I needed much more than the recommended amount since I have so much hair.  I was wrong. If you apply too much of the product, your hair will end up being flat and feel sticky.

Not a good look.

After the initial fiasco, I started the process again and significantly reduced the amount of product I used.  For my hair, which is thick and extra long, I only needed a small amount for my entire head.  I followed the application directions on the tub – use a little bit at a time, quickly rub between your hands and begin at the roots and work your way down.  You should also try your best to distribute the Curling Custard throughout small sections of your hair, making sure every last strand is coated.

TIP: The Kinky Curly Curling Custard must be applied on soaking wet hair, or you will be left with white flakes and semi-stiff hair.  I know it doesn’t seen logical that the product would penetrate the strand if it’s completely covered with water; but somehow this works.  Hey, I’m not a scientist, just a girl who wants beautiful hair.

After letting my hair air-dry, I was astounded by the results.  Instead of a frizzy, dry mess, my hair looked the best it EVER has.  In fact, it looked even better than it does when it’s straight, and that takes a LOT for me to say.  The Curling Custard was completely soaked into the hair, so when I touched it I couldn’t feel any product at all.  My hair was shiny and extremely soft, like I had a deep leave-in conditioner in it and not a styling product.  There was absolutely no crunch, no hardness and no flakes; and the best part is that you are encouraged to run your fingers through the curls.  Kinky Curly products are known for bringing out your natural curl as opposed to creating one, meaning that the way your hair ends up hanging is the naturally beautiful way it is supposed to.  I have never seen my hair as curly as it was when I used the Curling Custard for the first time, and the curl was consistent around my entire head [including the straight pieces in the front].  The curls were also defined; a result that I have NEVER achieved, even with the use of gel and mousse.  Each one was it’s only springy ringlet, and I absolutely loved it.  There are also a ton of ways to personalize the Curling Custard for your specific styling preference, here are just a few:

1] Lift your hair by quickly flipping your head upside down and back up.

2] Slowly run your fingers through your curls to loosen them up and create additional volume.

3] Do absolutely nothing and embrace the curl!

Since that day, I have used the Kinky Curly Curling Custard almost every day.  Sometimes I use it at night, wrap my hair in a bun and let it dry.  In the morning when I unroll my hair, I find that it has created a shiny, loose curl – often called ‘beach waves.’  I bought the small tub for $17 almost two months ago, and it’s barely half empty.  Again, it is seriously concentrated.  I am so in love with the product that I have started purchasing tubs of the Curling Custard as gifts, and I love that I can use it in my son and niece’s hair as well, since the formula is organic and natural.  So before I close the review out, I will give you the official debut.  Here I am, your Beauty Curator, with a head full of Kinky Curly.