Best Curl Enhancers For Straight Hair (2025)

Straight-haired people often want curly hair, and vice versa. But while you can't change your hair texture without harsh chemicals, you can use the right hair styling products to lock in curls and add volume and texture.

The best curl-enhancing products for straight hair come in the form of sprays, crèmes, and serums. These are applied before using hot tools and can help urge in some texture. Mousse is one of the most effective curl pre-stylers.

There are also curl-enhancing products that come into play after curling, including shaping and defining gels and creams.

- TRESemmé Flawless Curls Defining Gel

- Bed Head by TIGI On the Rebound Curl Recall Cream

- TRESemmé Flawless Curls Hair Spray

- TRESemmé One Step Styler Curls Crème-Gel

- Bed Head by TIGI Foxy Curls Mousse

- Crown Affair Air Dry Mousse

- Briogeo Style + Treat Hair Styling Volume Foam

- Redken Stay High Mousse

- Rahua’s Aloe Vera Hair Mousse

- Virtue Hydrating Curl Defining Whip

- Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Multiplying Volume Styling Mousse

- Moroccan Oil Root Boost

- Tresemme Plumping Hair Mousse Total Volume Hair Treatment

- Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse

- Bumble and bumble Thickening Full Form Soft Mousse

- Oribe Curl Control Silkening Creme

- Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Cream

- Melanin Haircare Twist-Elongating Style Cream

- Ouai Curl Crème

- PATTERN Palo Santo Styling Cream

- DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler

- Amika Defining Cream

- Bumble & Bumble Curl Defining Cream

- Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard

- Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

Curling irons and wands

Choosing the Right Curling Iron or Wand

When selecting a curling iron or wand, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Barrel Size: If you want to create loose curls or waves, opt for a curling iron with a larger barrel, at least 1 to 2 inches in diameter. For tighter curls, you can use a smaller barrel, but it may take more time.
• Material: Look for a curling iron or wand made of ceramic or tourmaline. These materials help disperse heat evenly and control frizz.
• Heat Settings: Choose a curling iron with adjustable heat settings so you can control the temperature based on your hair type. For fine or colour-treated hair, use a low heat setting below 200 degrees Fahrenheit. For curly or thick hair, you can use a higher heat setting of 200-300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Preparing Your Hair

Before you start curling, there are a few steps to follow to ensure your hair is ready:

• Wash and condition your hair, using a shampoo that provides moisture and a conditioner that won't weigh your hair down.
• Apply a heat protectant gel, spray, or serum to protect your hair from heat damage and frizz.
• Dry your hair completely with a blow dryer before using the curling iron or wand. Wet hair can be damaged more easily by heat.

Curling Techniques

Now for the fun part! Here are some techniques to help you create beautiful curls:

• Flat Wrap: For loose curls with volume, use a 1-inch curling iron and wrap the hair around the barrel without twisting. Keep the hair flat against the barrel by adjusting your hands as you go.
• Lazy Curl: For a wave-like finish, use a 1-inch spring-loaded curling iron. Wrap the hair around the barrel halfway, then switch directions for the rest of the section. This will give you a relaxed, undone look.
• Spiral Curls: For tight spiral curls, start by twisting the hair from root to tip, then wrap the twisted section around the curling iron.
• Red Carpet Waves: This technique combines the flat wrap and spiral curl methods. Start by wrapping the hair around the barrel without twisting, then twist the hair as you continue to wrap it. This will give you defined, elegant waves.
• Beachy Waves: To create beachy waves, use a flat iron. Part your hair into sections, then clamp the flat iron onto a section of hair at the base and twist it away from your face. Gently glide the flat iron down the hair shaft until you reach the ends. Repeat this process on all sections, alternating the direction of the twist for a natural look.

After Care

Once you've created your curls, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they last:

• Use a light hold hairspray to set the curls in place, especially if your hair is fine and healthy.
• If your hair is damaged, wait to apply hairspray until after you've curled it, and be sure to use a heat protectant beforehand.
• For tighter curls, let the curls cool down in place. You can cup each curl in your hand or pin it to your head until it cools to set the curl.
• To create a beachy wave look, use your fingers or a brush to loosen up the curls and give them a more relaxed, natural appearance.

Shampoos and conditioners

• OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Curling Perfection Curl-Defining Cream: This curl-defining cream is designed to define all curl types and hair textures. It is free of parabens and sulfated surfactants, ensuring a gentle yet effective formula.
• Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream: Moroccanoil's curl-defining cream helps create defined and bouncy curls while also providing hydration. It has a thick consistency and works well for wavy hair.
• SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie: This curl-enhancing smoothie is ideal for those with dense curls. It minimizes frizz, defines curls, and moisturizes without feeling sticky or oily. It is also free of sulfates and parabens.
• Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Crème: This leave-in defining crème is suitable for wavy, curly, and coily hair. It helps to enhance curls while providing hydration and reducing frizz. The formula is vegan and cruelty-free.
• Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Multiplying Volume Styling Mousse: This styling mousse is specifically designed for fine hair, adding volume and lift without leaving a sticky or stiff feel. It is ideal for enhancing curls and waves in straight hair.
• Tresemme Plumping Hair Mousse Total Volume Hair Treatment: This hair mousse provides instant volume and lift, making it perfect for adding body and life to straight hair. It is a budget-friendly option, usually priced under $10.
• Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse: This hair mousse has a unique, whipped texture and a sweet, musky scent. It adds volume and thickness to fine hair while also protecting against heat damage.
• Bumble and bumble Thickening Full Form Soft Mousse: This mousse not only volumizes but also moisturizes the hair. It helps to nourish and smoothen dry ends, making it suitable for those with straight hair seeking to enhance their natural texture.
• Rahua Aloe Vera Hair Mousse: Rahua's plant-based, alcohol-free hair mousse provides lift and hold while maintaining shine. It is perfect for creating voluminous blowouts, long-lasting curls, or sleek ponytails. The brand is dedicated to protecting the Amazon Rainforest, saving an acre for every bottle sold.
• Virtue Hydrating Curl Defining Whip: This conditioning mousse is ideal for those with medium to thick straight hair. It enhances curls while reducing frizz and dryness, and it is silicone-free.

These shampoos and conditioners offer a range of benefits, from defining curls to adding volume and enhancing shine. It is important to choose products that are suitable for your hair type and texture to achieve the best results.

Mousses and texturizers

• Bed Head by TIGI Foxy Curls Mousse: An effective foam to scrunch into your hair to create solid curls.
• Crown Affair Air Dry Mousse: This mousse adds texture to straight hair without the need for styling tools. It combines texturizing Bolivian pink salt, hydrating Tsubaki meadow oils, and a strengthening plant protein blend.
• Briogeo Style + Treat Hair Styling Volume Foam: This versatile, multitasking styling foam is perfect for bouncy blowouts and air-dried touchable definition. It also doubles as a heat protectant up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Redken Stay High Mousse: This lightweight gel-to-mousse formula works for all hair types and textures, providing a 24-hour defined curl hold without weighing the hair down.
• Rahua's Aloe Vera Hair Mousse: This plant-based, alcohol-free mousse provides lift and hold while maintaining shine. It is perfect for voluminous blowouts, long-lasting curls, and sleek ponytails.

In addition to mousses, texturizing sprays or foams can also help create texture and enhance curls. These products can include salt sprays, which add grit to the hair and help it hold a new shape.

Curl-enhancing sprays

• Kérastase Curl Manifesto Curl Refreshing & Restyling Spray: A lightweight, curl-refreshing spray that quickly rehydrates and redefines second-day curls for softer, bouncier, and more voluminous hair with reduced frizz and added shine.
• Curlsmith Strong Hold Flawless Finish Hairspray: A hairspray that is perfect for finishing styles, controlling frizz, and creating stunning updos. It is buildable, smells amazing, and holds hair in place all day without leaving any residue.
• Oribe Superfine Strong Hair Spray: A high-performance hair spray with a strong hold and control to help your favorite hairstyles last. It leaves hair looking and feeling natural and sprays a very fine mist.
• Davines This Is An Extra Strong Hair Spray: An extra-strong-hold hairspray with anti-humidity properties to lock in your style for longer. It provides maximum hold, leaving hair shiny, secure, and resistant to frizz and humidity.
• Living Proof Control Hairspray: A hairspray that delivers all-day firm hold with touchability and movement. It has just the right amount of control and is perfect for hair that won't hold curls in humid/rainy weather.
• Oribe Tres Set Structure Spray: An innovative mist-to-mousse setting spray that adds structure, memory, and volume for soft, touchable hair and all-day hold. It's perfect for hair that doesn't hold a curl or needs a volume boost.

So, if you're looking to enhance your curls, these sprays are a great option to consider!

Defining creams

OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Curling Perfection Curl-Defining Cream

OGX's curl-defining cream is a popular choice, with over 10,000 bought in the past month. It's free of parabens and sulfated surfactants and promises to define all curl types and hair textures. The hero ingredient is argan oil, which adds shine and moisture to your curls.

Bumble and Bumble Curl Defining Cream

Bumble and Bumble's curl-defining cream is a hydrating, nourishing, and defining formula. It has a thick consistency but feels lightweight once distributed throughout the hair. The UV filters in the formula shield hair from sun damage, leaving hair feeling soft and moisturised. However, some reviewers note that it can leave hair feeling crunchy if you use too much.

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

Moroccanoil's curl-defining cream is perfect if you're looking to skip the hair dryer. It works well on both diffused and air-dried hair, leaving curls bouncy and full. The argan oil in the formula keeps curls from frizzing out, and it's easy to work through the hair. However, the baby powder scent may be off-putting for some.

Cake Beauty Curl Defining Cream

Cake Beauty's Curl Friend is a sweetly-scented defining cream that's highly-rated for fine hair. It's lightweight and defines curls even in high humidity. However, some reviewers say they didn't like the fragrance.

SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

SheaMoisture's curl-enhancing smoothie is a cult favourite. It's formulated with moisturising coconut oil, strengthening silk protein, and smoothing neem seed oil. It works on twist-outs and wash-and-go styles, leaving type-3 and type-4 curls hydrated and clumped. However, it may be too rich for fine hair.

Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer

Aveda's curl enhancer is a great prep step for creating curls in straight hair. It has over 2,400 reviews on Nordstrom, averaging almost five stars. One reviewer said, "I have very straight hair, but this product really helps when I want to add a bit of curl. It's the best product I've found that makes my normally flat hair hold a curl." However, some reviewers found it runny and sticky.

Frequently asked questions