Brand review
Cantu
Is it worth the money?
3.7
Good
82 opinions from 68 people
- Positive
- 52
- Mixed
- 6
- Negative
- 24
How is the Curl Score calculated?
We read 7 public Reddit discussions and logged each person's opinion of each product as positive, mixed or negative, and members add theirs when they review a product here. The Curl Score puts those on a scale of 1 to 5: every opinion positive would be 5, every one negative 1, and an even split 3, with a mixed opinion counting as half positive. Passing mentions aren't opinions, so they don't count, and each person counts once per product. Every brand is scored the same way, but these are comments, not verified purchases or a survey. Sources and method
Divides opinion
Great value. Heavy for fine hair.
Cheap, easy to find and loved on thicker curls and coils, but too heavy for most fine or wavy hair.
The full verdict
Reviewers like the price: a stylist recommends it to all their clients, and in parts of Europe it is one of the few curl brands in shops. The Curl Activator Cream and Curl Cream have loyal fans who report soft, shiny, defined curls for years, and parents use it happily on children's 3A and 4A hair. The complaint that dominates is weight. Reviewer after reviewer with fine or low-porosity hair says the range is too heavy, and several who loved it for years say it suddenly started leaving their hair dry, frizzy or flaky. A few can't stand the fragrance.
- More promising for
- Thick, dense or coily hair, children's curls, and anyone starting out on a budget.
- Think twice if
- Your hair is fine, wavy or low porosity, or you're sensitive to strong fragrance.
Reviewer experiences
A representative mix, good and bad, from the commenters.
- u/Lemoncurdandcheeser/curlyhair, 2026
One of my favourites: it lasts ages, with great results for years. I ask for a bottle every Christmas.
3A; medium porosity and density
- u/stuckmustafinar/curlyhair, 2026
A great introduction to curly care at an amazing price, but not the best brand for my fine hair (it left it looking a little wet, even after I scrunched out the crunch).
Fine hair
- u/Particular-Bag2582r/curlyhair, 2026
I used to love it, then something changed and it leaves my hair dry and brittle. I'm unsure whether the products or my hair changed; a hard pass now.
- u/lobsterbanditor/curlyhair, 2026
In winter, a tiny amount makes my hair soft, defined and shiny.
Fine; low porosity; 2b/3a
- u/kwertykweenr/curlyhair, 2026
The only Cantu product that works for me, though I hate the single-stream sprayer top and spray it into my hand first.
- u/kitsukor/curlyhair, 2026
My holy grail: 3-4 days with very little refreshing. Slimy at first, but I got used to it.
Bleaches hair often (damaged); in the Czech Republic, where Cantu is one of the few easily available curl brands
See all 74 reviews
PositiveCurl CreamReddit comment
One of my favourites: it lasts ages, with great results for years. I ask for a bottle every Christmas.
u/Lemoncurdandcheese3A; medium porosity and densityr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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3A medium porosity and density here, there curl cream is one of my favourites! Lasts me ages and I’ve had great results for years. I haven’t tried much else but I’ll always ask for a bottle at Christmas to keep my going the whole year
MixedBrandReddit comment
A great introduction to curly care at an amazing price, but not the best brand for my fine hair (it left it looking a little wet, even after I scrunched out the crunch).
u/stuckmustafinaFine hairr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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Cantu a great introduction brand to curly care, especially at an amazing price point, but it’s definitely not the best brand for my hair (I have fine hair and despite scrunching out the crunch would, it would leave my hair looking a little wet) Loved the leave in conditioner though!! Especially if I’d recently done any hair style involving heat (But not the avocado version, it’s didn’t smell as good).
NegativeRangeReddit comment
I used to love it, then something changed and it leaves my hair dry and brittle. I'm unsure whether the products or my hair changed; a hard pass now.
u/Particular-Bag2582r/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I used to love cantu. It worked so well for my hair. Then something changed and it makes it dry and brittle. Not sure if it’s the products that changed or my hair, but Cantu is a hard pass for me now.
PositiveCurl Activator CreamReddit comment
In winter, a tiny amount makes my hair soft, defined and shiny.
u/lobsterbanditoFine; low porosity; 2b/3ar/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I have fine, low porosity 2b/3a hair, and most of this line isn’t for me, BUT, in the winter, I use a tiny, tiny bit of the curl activator cream and it makes my hair soft, defined, and shiny.
PositiveSecond-day refresh sprayReddit comment
The only Cantu product that works for me, though I hate the single-stream sprayer top and spray it into my hand first.
u/kwertykweenr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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Same!! It’s the only one of their products that actually works for me. Everything else I tried from them is too heavy or just doesn’t work for my hair. ETA: I will say, I hate the sprayer top on it. It comes out in a single stream so I have to spray it into my hand and then spread it on my hair.
PositiveStyling gelReddit comment
My holy grail: 3-4 days with very little refreshing. Slimy at first, but I got used to it.
u/kitsukoBleaches hair often (damaged); in the Czech Republic, where Cantu is one of the few easily available curl brandsr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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As one of the only easily available curly hair products where I am (CZ), I love them. I use the shampoo, leave in and styling gel. The shampoo is fine, Idk if its as cleansing as it claims, but it is fine. I prefer using DM’s cleansing shampoo in the blue tube. The leave in is great. I tried a few others and this one is the one I come back to. I scoop out about a medium to large coin sized amount and put it in my wet hair. The styling gel is my HG tho. I can get 3-4 days out of my hair with very little refreshing and ive even had a few days where I didnt even need to refresh. Its kinda slimey which was a bit off putting at first, but ive since gotten used to it. I bleach my hair often and have damaged hair from that but I get fluffy, nice loose curls/waves from using cantu products.
PositiveRangeReddit comment
Great and affordable.
u/NaturalCollection488r/CurlyHairUK, 2026Original comment
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Honestly. We use cantu and it's great. Affordable. Only curls are selling to a particular audience. The influencer type. Doesn't mean it's a better product.
PositiveGelReddit comment
My favorite, along with Olaplex 7.
u/ChicUnicornr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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Olaplex 7 Cantu gel
PositiveWhole rangeReddit comment
I get better results with Cantu.
u/ChicUnicornr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I use cantu and gives me better results
PositiveWhole rangeReddit comment
Cantu is great for curly hair and very affordable at Target; my stylist recommends the line to all their clients.
u/Ambitious-Serve-2548r/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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Have you tried any of the Cantu products? They are great for curly hair and super affordable at Target. My stylist even tells all her clients about the line even though she's supposed to push the salon brands.
PositiveWhole rangeReddit comment
I love Cantu.
u/Commercial-Ad-6518r/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I Love the brand in front of you, cantu
PositiveTwist and Lock GelReddit comment
Brilliant; about £6 in the UK for a tub the same size as KC.
u/EskimoQuinn_22r/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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Cantu! Not as expensive- or it isn't in the uk anyway, their twist and lock in gel is brilliant, 6 quid for a tub the same size as that one you're holding !
PositiveTwist and Lock GelReddit comment
Very similar to KC (light but strong hold), and a container lasts forever, though I'm not a fan of the rest of the Cantu line.
u/lomo3973c coarse hairr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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CANTÙ TWIST AND LOCK GEL! I don't use Cantù, not a fan of the line but I swear it's sooo similar in how light but strong with the hold and a container lasts me forever (3c coarse hair)
PositiveWeightless rangeReddit comment
I like the weightless range.
u/LibertySmashr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I like the weightless range, excluding the cream which doesn’t really work for me
PositiveConditionersReddit comment
I like the conditioners.
u/SionnachBaineann2cr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I do like their conditioners and 2nd say spray, but their lightweight gel doesn’t like being scrunched and gets all crusty 🥲
PositiveLeave-in conditionerReddit comment
Great; it's the one I keep coming back to after trying others.
u/kitsukoBleaches hair often (damaged); in the Czech Republic, where Cantu is one of the few easily available curl brandsr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
PositiveRangeReddit comment
I really like it.
u/borgcubecubedr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I really like it!
PositiveShine & Define CustardReddit comment
My absolute hero styler.
u/ellsbells27Fine hairr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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It’s all way too heavy in every way for my fine hair EXCEPT the shine and define custard which is my absolute hero styler!!
PositiveAvocado GelReddit comment
I like it.
u/brenegade2b/c; super denser/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I like the avocado gel and I have the curl activating cream which I will use when my ends feel dry. 2b/c hair super dense hair
PositiveKids Curl CreamReddit comment
All I use on my son's hair; I love it, and it smells good.
u/mom-to2boysUses on her sons’ hairr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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The kids curl cream is all I use on my sons hair. I love it and it smells good
PositiveThermal ProtectorReddit comment
I like it a lot; it's the only Cantu product that has worked for me.
u/violetreclinerr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I like the thermal protector a lot (not listed here) but that’s the only thing that’s worked for me.
PositiveShampoo, conditioner & detangling sprayReddit comment
It makes washing and caring for my hair much easier and keeps it looking good for a whole week. I think it suits dense curls and coils more than waves.
u/Emerald-Daisyr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I use the shampoo, conditioner and detangling spray and it all makes washing and taking care of my hair much easier with my disability and keeps it looking good for a whole week! It’s definitely more for dense curls and coils than it is for wavy hair though!
PositiveFoamy mousseReddit comment
It smells nice and is lightweight; I still use a different brand's gel over it. I prefer it to Aussie mousse.
u/Get_off_critterr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I like the foamy mousse. It smells nice and is lightweight. Ill use a gel over it still (different brand). I like it better than aussie mousse
PositiveCream gelsReddit comment
I love them.
u/dammitlindsay3a; fine strands but a lot of hairr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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3a, fine but a ton of it. I love the cream gels. The rest of the stuff is a little heavy. The deep conditioners are great at their price point.
PositiveDeep conditionersReddit comment
Great at their price point.
u/dammitlindsay3a; fine strands but a lot of hairr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
PositiveRangeReddit comment
My child's hair thrives on it.
u/aliveinjoburg2Child: 4A; high porosity; thickr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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My 4A high porosity thick haired child thrives.
PositiveConditionerReddit comment
I use it on my 3A kid and love it; I expected it to be too heavy, but it works fine.
u/DaphnaaaChild: 3Ar/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I use the conditioner for my kid (3A curl type) and I love it. At first I thought it would be too heavy but it seems to work fine.
PositiveLeave-in conditionerReddit comment
I use it after every shower; it helps smooth everything.
u/Hopelessly_romantic2r/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I use the leave in conditioner after every shower. It helps smooth everything. I don’t know my hair type though.
PositiveSmooth GelReddit comment
Doing its job so far: with a little water refresh in the morning, it still holds my curls for a day.
u/konkon1997Fine; high porosity; 2Cr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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Just tried Cantu Smooth Gel medium Hold for my fine hair, high poros 2C. Its doing its job so far. A little bit of water refresher in the morning and the Gel still holds my curls for a day.
PositiveRangeReddit comment
Very good for hair that needs slightly heavier products.
u/LadyB5091r/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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Very good products for hair that needs slightly heavier products.🙂
PositiveWave Whip Curling MousseReddit comment
I used to love it, but it became hard to find where I live, so I moved on.
u/gemmajaws2C/3A; medium/coarser/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I used to love the Wave Whip Curling Mousse, the one that is more of a foam but it became hard to find here so I moved onto other products.
PositiveShampoo & conditionerReddit comment
I've used them for about 5 years, since my daughter suggested moving off DevaCurl, and I noticed a huge difference right away. I now pair them with the Kinky-Curly leave-in.
u/West_Illustrator_4683B-ish; very frizz-proner/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I have 3B - ish hair that’s super prone to frizz and no amount of moisture really weighs it down (well, I would if I like bathed it in product). I have used cantu shampoo and conditioner for the last 5 years I think. Made the change after my daughter suggested moving away from devacurl and noticed a huge difference right away. Currently using the shampoo and conditioner, and Kinky Curly leave-in. Air dry and fluff the roots a bit as it dries and it comes out decent for a good three days with just a refresh in the mornings with some water.
PositiveLeave-in conditionerReddit comment
I loved it, especially after heat styling.
u/stuckmustafinaFine hairr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
PositiveGelReddit comment
The only product that keeps frizz at bay on humid days.
u/rrhodes76Low porosityr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I have low porosity hair and the Cantù gel is the only product that works to keep frizz at bay on humid days.
MixedCurl Activator CreamReddit comment
I used to really enjoy it, but my technique and preferences have changed, so I'm unsure it would still work.
u/deafwhilereadingr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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Same here! I used to really enjoy it but my technique and preferences have changed a lot. So I don’t know if it would still work for me
MixedRangeReddit comment
I loved it around 2012, but it eventually became too heavy (around 2015-16); I'm unsure whether the formula or my hair changed.
u/Ninauposkitzipxpe2C/3A; mid-back; brown; thickr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I have 2c-3a and I used to LOVE Cantu back in like 2012. I don’t know if their formula changed or my hair changed but it eventually was too heavy. I think around 2015-2016 was when I had to stop.
MixedRangeReddit comment
It leaves no flakes and is lightweight, but doesn't work for my curls (I tried the shampoo, conditioner, thermal protector and leave-in); mousse works better for me.
u/SpiteInternational333Br/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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3B hair. It doesn’t leave any flakes and is light weight but doesn’t work for my curls. Products I tried: Shampoo and conditioner, thermal protector and leave in conditioner My curls seem to work better with mousse but I have not found a good one.
MixedRangeReddit comment
OK, but the smell is honestly the best part.
u/IClaudiaI3a; chin length; black; thickr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I’ve used this brand before it’s okay but the smell is honestly the best part
MentionShampooReddit comment
Fine, but I'm unsure it's as cleansing as claimed; I prefer a different cleansing shampoo.
u/kitsukoBleaches hair often (damaged); in the Czech Republic, where Cantu is one of the few easily available curl brandsr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
MentionAvocado leave-in conditionerReddit comment
It didn't smell as good as the regular version.
u/stuckmustafinaFine hairr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
NegativeWhole rangeReddit comment
A disaster for my fine hair, though OK for my partner's coarser hair.
u/tevta_fine hairr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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Cantu was a disaster for my fine hair. It is ok for my parner with coarser hair.
NegativeWhole rangeReddit comment
Terrible; it contains lots of chemicals you don't want touching your hair.
u/Localveggier/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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Cantù is terrible and contains lots of chemicals you don't want touching your hair
NegativeRangeReddit comment
Every product I've tried is way too heavy for my hair.
u/musicbox081Medium porosity; 2C-3A; medium thickness and densityr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I need links to the previous days, I wanna see all the conversations!! Every Cantu product I’ve tried so far is way too heavy for my hair. I have medium porosity hair, 2C-3A, and I always say ‘medium" thickness and density - not fine or coarse, not thin or particularly thick.
NegativeWeightless creamReddit comment
The cream in the weightless range doesn't really work for me.
u/LibertySmashr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
NegativeRangeReddit comment
It's not made for my really fine, low-porosity hair, and I accept that.
u/gravityholdingReally fine; low porosity; 2C-3Ar/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I have really fine low porosity 2C-3A hair... this brand was not made for me, and I accept that lol
NegativeRangeReddit comment
Same: it isn't for me, and I took far too long to admit it.
u/youre_not_fleensr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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Same! Took me way too long to admit to myself 😭
NegativeRangeReddit comment
Everything else I've tried is too heavy or doesn't work for my hair.
u/kwertykweenr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
NegativeLightweight gelReddit comment
It doesn't like being scrunched, and it gets all crusty.
u/SionnachBaineann2cr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
NegativeRangeReddit comment
Not for my very thin, fine hair.
u/bluepoesyVery thin, fine hairr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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Not for my very thin fine hair.
NegativeRangeReddit comment
I loved it at first as a cheaper option, then suddenly it was a no.
u/Iverbeaverr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I was looking for this comment! Initially loved it as a cheaper option and all of a sudden it was a no bueno.
NegativeRangeReddit comment
I used it a long time, but recently my hair has been super frizzy with it; I wonder if my low porosity is a factor.
u/MeanderingLobsterLow porosityr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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Oh my gosh.. i thought it was just me. I’ve been using this for a long time but recently my hair has been super frizzy using Cantu. I also have low porosity hair so maybe that’s also a factor.
NegativeRangeReddit comment
It gives me instant flakes; a no.
u/bxyayar/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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Gives me instant flakes, it’s a no for me.
NegativeRangeReddit comment
Everything else is way too heavy for fine hair.
u/ellsbells27Fine hairr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
NegativeRangeReddit comment
Most of the line isn't for me.
u/lobsterbanditoFine; low porosity; 2b/3ar/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
NegativeRangeReddit comment
I couldn't bear the scent and threw the product away.
u/StellaBella70r/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I cannot bear the scent, had to throw it away.
NegativeRangeReddit comment
I can't stand the added fragrance; it's too much.
u/notyouraveragedesi_r/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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Cannot stand the smell/fragrance they add. Too much!
NegativeRangeReddit comment
The rest is a little heavy.
u/dammitlindsay3a; fine strands but a lot of hairr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
NegativeStyling productsReddit comment
All the other styling products I tried were too heavy.
u/bloodofmy_bloodr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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Cantu styling products I’ve tried have all been too heavy for me except the argan oil leave in conditioner that I use, but still I use it sparingly only a few times a week
NegativeRangeReddit comment
Mediocre AF.
u/AstroJimir/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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Mediocre AF
PositiveCurl CreamReddit comment
Applied on dripping-wet hair with gel: my best hair days this year.
u/FootAccurate3575r/curlyhair, 2023Original comment
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I use the curl cream while my hair is still dripping wet and then use gel to finger curl the pieces that usually frizz and it’s been great. I’ve had my best hair days this year. The bowl method also does wonders. I get compliments everytime I do my hair that way
PositiveCurl Activator CreamReddit comment
The shiniest, most defined curls every time; I've used it for years.
u/coIdwarkidr/curlyhair, 2023Original comment
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Yes, this product is absolutely goated. Gives me the most shiny defined curls without fail everytime and I’ve been using it for years.
PositiveAvocado Hydrating ConditionerReddit comment
My favourite conditioner; heavier than Knot Today.
u/VariationNo5419r/curlyhair, 2023Original comment
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Conditioners: * Cantu Avocado Hydrating Conditioner * Kinky Curly Knot Today Kinky Curly is more light-weight than the Cantu. On Amazon Kinky Curly is advertised as a leave-in. I usually rinse it out, but I can see how you could use it as a leave-in.
PositiveLeave-in conditioner creamsReddit comment
Gives me better frizz control than the NYM gel.
u/DumpstahKat3A-3B, high porosity, thick, medium densityr/curlyhair, 2023Original comment
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3A-3B, high porosity, thick Out of all their products I've tried, the gel is the only thing I didn't like. However, many people love that gel. My low density hair just doesn't like it. My hair is pretty solidly medium density, and it also doesn't like that gel. It just doesn't really do anything for me. I get better frizz control from thick leave-in conditioner creams like Cantu and better definition from mousses. I think it is probably ideal for people who are more about intensive styling routines like plopping + diffusing, but not so much for people like me who mostly want to let their hair do whatever it wants while just boosting definition and tamping down frizz with product.
MixedCurl CreamReddit comment
I used it for years, but my hair was always frizzy by the end of the day.
u/heyalllondon18r/curlyhair, 2023Original comment
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I used this religiously for years but my hair always ended up frizzy by the end of the day.
MentionRangeReddit comment
I keep it on hand as a budget stopgap when better products are unaffordable.
u/tatortotsnfiresaucer/curlyhair, 2023Original comment
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Definitely bougie not a lot of product for the cost but the bougie products are definitely superior. I buy shea moisture and cantu to keep on hand when I can’t afford better products but when I can buy the better products I definitely do!
MentionRangeReddit comment
I used it until it ran out, then switched.
u/alyasi23r/curlyhair, 2023Original comment
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Used cantu until it ran out. Recently started using asiam leave in paired with eco styling gel olive oil and my hair has been more curly than ever and it actually looks good
NegativeCurl CreamReddit comment
Weighs my curls down a lot.
u/arrowkatr/curlyhair, 2023Original comment
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Ugh I wish this worked for me, as I have a ton of it. It weighs my curls down so much though.
PositiveSecond-day refresh sprayReddit comment
I stand by it: it keeps me going between washes.
u/bonniesansgame2b-2c; medium; high density; high porosity; finer/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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i stand by their second day refresh spray. keeps me going between washes!
PositiveSecond-day refresh sprayReddit comment
Agreed, the sprayer is the worst, so I apply it with my hands, and it's still in my routine.
u/bonniesansgame2b-2c; medium; high density; high porosity; finer/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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YES!! the sprayer is the worst! i just apply with my hands but even doing that it is incredible
PositiveSecond-day refresh sprayReddit comment
Agreed, and it smells delicious.
u/SionnachBaineann2cr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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Yessss and I smells delicious! 2c girl here.
PositiveSecond-day sprayReddit comment
I like it.
u/SionnachBaineann2cr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
PositiveArgan Oil leave-in conditionerReddit comment
I keep coming back to it, and sometimes my hair looks even better on refresh days. Only Cantu and NYM gel keep my hair behaving.
u/traveldogmom13Wavy-curly; hair gets dry and frizzy in humidityr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I don’t know much about my hair but it’s wavy curly. I have tried a LOT of products because my hair gets dry and frizzy with the humidity. I keep coming back to Cantù leave-in conditioner with argon oil. Sometimes my hair looks even better on refresh days. I just tried the new Skala my daughter recommended and my hair was flat and frizzy at the end of day one. Cantù and NYM gel seem to be the only products my hair behaves with.
PositiveArgan Oil Leave-In Conditioning CreamReddit comment
I've used it for years; it gives great definition without being too heavy (though it may stretch my curls).
u/1247888.0Fine, damaged (colored) hairr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
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I have been using the argan oil leave in cream for years and I love it. I have fine but damaged (colored) hair and I love the definition it gives me. It’s not too heavy, but I do also like my curls more stretched out so maybe it’s doing that and I like it. I can use it and nothing else, and my hair looks fantastic.
PositiveArgan Oil leave-in conditionerReddit comment
The one product that works for me, used sparingly a few times a week.
u/bloodofmy_bloodr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment
Comments on a single product are on that product's review: start from the products below.
The products
2 products reviewed, best liked first.
Best liked: rated by at least 4 people, more than half of them positive.
What reviewers say
- Praised: Cheap and easy to find
- Praised: Soft, shiny, defined curls on thicker hair
- Complaint: Too heavy for fine or wavy hair
- Complaint: Stopped working for some long-time users
Show 6 more
- Praised: Works on children's curls
- Praised: A refresh spray that keeps curls going between washes
- Praised: A nice smell, for many
- Complaint: Flakes or dryness, for a few
- Complaint: Strong added fragrance
- Complaint: A refresh spray with a single-stream nozzle
Find your match
What matters most for your hair?
Amazon links on this page are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. How this works
Fine hair that is easily weighed down
Why This is where Cantu gets most of its bad reviews.
But too heavy for some.
Reviewers with fine 2C to 3A hair say every product is way too heavy, or that it left their hair looking wet. The exceptions are small amounts: a reviewer with fine, low-porosity hair uses a tiny amount of the Curl Activator Cream in winter, and fine-haired fans of the Curl Cream use less of it with a gel on top. The second-day refresh spray is the product fine-haired reviewers single out as the one that works.
Probably skip Curl Cream
Thick, dense or coily hair
Why This is what the brand suits best.
But slow to dry.
Reviewers say it's very good for hair that needs heavier products, a parent's 4A child thrives on it, and a reviewer with dense curls says it keeps their hair looking good for a whole week. The Curl Cream sets curls soft, though it is slow to dry.
Also consider Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream
Starting out on a budget
Why Reviewers call it a great introduction to curly care at an amazing price.
But too heavy for some.
Start with the Curl Activator Cream, the most-reviewed product, or the Curl Cream under a gel. Be aware that one reviewer found the Curl Cream dried their hair out badly, and another found the brand made them flake.
Also consider Curl Cream
Based on what commenters with similar hair reported. Hair varies.
Better alternatives
What some of the same reviewers switched to, and why. A single mention is a lead, not a verdict.
For a lighter leave-in
Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner
A reviewer who rinses it out finds it lighter than Cantu, and another now pairs it with Cantu's shampoo and conditioner.
Mentioned by 40 commentersRead reviewAmazon (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
How we collated these reviews
Drawn from 73 comments in 7 Reddit discussions below. We read every comment in each, logged each product a commenter had an opinion on, and classified each opinion as positive, mixed or negative. This is public commentary, not verified purchases or customer ratings. Our full method
About Cantu · US. A drugstore shea butter brand that is many people's first curl product, sold cheaply almost everywhere. We collated what curly-haired reviewers say about it, product by product, so you can tell what will suit your hair before you buy.
Sources
- Your opinion on popular curly hair brands. Day 4; Cantu
- What are your best hair products that you swear by?
- $19 pushed it but at $23 I just can't. Love it and looking for recommendations for something similar but <$15
- Marc Anthony Strictly Curls or Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk
- Is Only Curls worth the price?
- Your favorite curly hair styling product?
- What do we think of Not Your Mothers??