Curly Hair Society

Brand review

Miss Jessie’s

Is it worth the money?

Loved, with a catch74 commenters analysed

Soft, no-crunch definition that reviewers return to for years. The scent is what stops many people.

Most reviewers who use it are devoted: the Pillow Soft Curls cream and Jelly Soft Curls gel are called go-tos and holy grails, and several have used the brand for a decade. The complaints are less about how it works than how it smells. Well over a dozen reviewers describe a strong laundry or fabric-softener scent, a few call it nauseating, and some never got as far as using it. A smaller group found the creams heavy on fine hair, or reacted on their scalp or skin.

More promising for
Waves, curls and coils that want soft definition without crunch, if you can live with the fragrance.
Think twice if
You are sensitive to fragrance, you avoid silicones, or your fine hair is quickly weighed down by creams.

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Find your match

What's most important for your hair?

Fine hair that is easily weighed down

Start with · Curl cream

Feather Soft Curls

5 positive

Why Feather Soft Curls is the one reviewers with fine hair pick over Pillow Soft, and all five who mention it like it. The Leave In Condish is another that fine-haired reviewers say doesn’t weigh curls down. Pillow Soft Curls works for plenty of fine waves, but it is the one reviewers call heavy or greasy, and the Jelly Soft gel weighed down one reviewer’s fine 2B-3A hair.

Drawbacks Expensive; Few reviews so far.

Also consider Leave In Condish

Based on what commenters with similar hair reported. Hair varies, so none of these is guaranteed to suit yours.

What we found

Commenters
74
Product opinions
96
Discussions
4

Each opinion is one person's view of one product, so one commenter can hold several. We classified them from public Reddit discussions as positive, mixed or negative. They are not verified purchases, customer ratings or a representative survey. How we collated them

The full range

6 products reviewed. Full breakdowns are on each review.

Common themes in the reviews

Praised for

  • Soft definition without crunch or a stiff cast
  • Second-day hair that still looks good
  • Staples that reviewers have repurchased for years
Show 2 more
  • Lightweight options for fine hair, such as Feather Soft Curls
  • A range made for many textures, from fine waves to coils

Common complaints

  • The scent, often called laundry, fabric softener or dryer sheets, and for some nauseating
  • Heavy or greasy results on fine hair, for a few
  • Silicones in many of the products
Show 2 more
  • Skin or scalp reactions, for a handful of reviewers
  • Price and availability, especially outside the US

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 for fine hair

    OUAI Wave Spray

    A reviewer with fine, low-porosity hair who found about 30 curly brands too heavy relies on light leave-ins from non-curly brands, this spray among them.

  • For a custard that works

    Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic

    A reviewer for whom Curly Pudding did nothing calls Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic amazing, and says a big bottle lasts a long time.

Every other brand reviewers mentioned (14)

Garnier

  • Fructis Hyaluronic Acid Shampoo and Conditioner Mention

    Part of my updated routine; I wish I could get Miss Jessie's in Canada.

    u/74hehehaha47Original comment

  • Fructis Air Dry Curl Cream Mention

    Part of my updated routine.

    u/74hehehaha47Original commentShop

OUAI

  • Wave Spray Positive

    I use it as a light leave-in.

    u/Feral4SierraFerrellOriginal commentShop

  • Curly products (coconut) Negative

    The coconut curly products are way too heavy, so I don't use them.

    u/Feral4SierraFerrellOriginal comment

Señora Rizos (as written)

  • Product (unspecified) Positive

    I like it too.

    u/blue-highlighterOriginal comment

  • Gel (as written Senora Rizada) Negative

    My hair always feels really dry with it.

    u/AustenNutOriginal comment

Bounce Curl

  • Curl Dupe (brush style, as written) Mention

    Part of my updated routine: I brush style with a Bounce Curl dupe.

    u/74hehehaha47Original comment

Cake Beauty

Cer-100 (as written)

  • Light leave-in (as written) Positive

    I use light leave-ins from non-curly brands like Cer-100.

    u/Feral4SierraFerrellOriginal comment

Oribe

  • Light leave-in (as written) Positive

    I use light leave-ins from non-curly brands like Oribe.

    u/Feral4SierraFerrellOriginal comment

Pantene

  • Alcohol Free Airspray Mention

    Part of my updated routine: I spray it on when I'm done.

    u/74hehehaha47Original commentShop

Philip B

  • Light leave-in (as written) Positive

    I use light leave-ins from non-curly brands like Philip B.

    u/Feral4SierraFerrellOriginal commentShop

Uncle Funky's Daughter

  • Curly Magic Positive

    Amazing; a big bottle that lasts a long time. Expensive, but I really like it.

    u/hbox85Original comment

Various curly brands

  • Whole range (curly brands in general) Negative

    I've tried about 30 curly brands and they make my hair angry; too heavy for fine, low-porosity hair.

    u/Feral4SierraFerrellOriginal comment

Real reviewer experiences

A representative mix, good and bad, in the commenters' own words.

  1. PositivePillow Soft CurlsReddit comment

    The only product I need: soft, defined curls, great second-day hair, and it smells amazing.

    u/theworldizyourclamFine 3A/3Br/curlyhair, 2023Original comment

    Read the full comment

    Ms. Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls. I have fine 3a/3b hair and have tried a litany of products. I only have to use a little bit, and it's all I have to use. Paired with a Denman brush, it gives me big, soft, healthy defined curls, and it smells amazing. I never used to be able to do second day hair, and with a little refresh with water and the cream, my 2nd hair is even better than the first day. This cream has changed my relationship with my hair. Would 1000% recommend.

  2. MixedPillow Soft CurlsReddit comment

    I love the texture, and it's the only frizz-control solution for my fine wavy hair, but I hate the smell so much I'm considering quitting.

    u/quichelorrainebraccofine wavy 2br/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    love texture i get from the pillow soft curls and the leave in condish. theyre the only solution i've found for frizz control for my fine wavy 2b curls. i hate the smell so much though. like im thinking of going back to just having bad hair because of the smell

  3. NegativePillow Soft CurlsReddit comment

    An overwhelming dryer-sheet, powdery smell I can't physically handle.

    u/saltyslippersr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    the pillow soft curls has such an overwhelming dryer sheet powdery smell that I cannot physically handle it, its overpowering

View more reviewer experiences (30)
  1. PositiveLeave In CondishReddit comment

    I've used it as a first step for 6+ years; it doesn't weigh down my fine curls, works alone for air drying, and I get compliments on the smell. I find most other products too heavy, and I dislike some "fresh laundry" scents.

    u/areyoureallyhere2C/3A fine curlsr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    I absolutely love love their leave in condish!! Been using it as first step for 6+ years. I have 2C/3A fine curls and it doesn't weigh them down. I can use it by itself and air dry, and get lots of compliments on the smell. Most of their other products are way too heavy for me and don't like some of the 'fresh laundry' smells to them.

  2. PositiveJelly Soft CurlsReddit comment

    I rake a small blob over the leave-in and finger curl; my curls stay intact all day, even dancing and sweating.

    u/curly_kiwir/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    My number ones to the point that when I visit my partner's folks in the US I buy a year's supply. I use the leave-in condish daily after my shower and it's helped me going from knotty misery on wash days to defined curls with no tangles. I also love the jelly soft curls for after the condish, I rake through a small blob, finger curl, and boom done and the curls stay intact all day. Slightly larger blob for like weddings and stuff where there will be dancing and sweating, but even then it is SO good

  3. NegativeJelly Soft CurlsReddit comment

    Didn't work at all and weighed down my fine hair; I returned it after trying it twice.

    u/gravitationalravefine, 2b-3ar/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    Pillow soft curls is my absolute go to for soft, no crunchy hold whatsoever. My curls are a looser but not weighed down and I personally value volume over neatness. Jelly curls did not work for me at all, it weighed down my fine hair. I think I only tried it twice before I returned it, it was an absolutely not for me. I have fine hair, somewhere between 2b-3a depending on how my hair's attitude is that day.

  4. PositiveMulticultural CurlsReddit comment

    I highly recommend it for low-porosity hair; usually $12–15.

    u/Warm_Cup_873b, 3c, 4a. low porosity. medium to high density. long. blackr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

    Read the full comment

    If you have low porosity hair, I highly recommend Multicultural curls by Miss Jessie's. It usually ranges from $12 to 15

  5. PositiveWhole rangeReddit comment

    They have products for all curl types and kept making Black texture products after blowing up; the best overall except Mizani, with the quality undamaged by popularity.

    u/imhereforthemetar/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    Miss Jessie's genuinely actually has products for all curl types, not just middle of the road curls- and they never stoped making Black texture products after they blew up like other brands. I can't use all of their products, but it's unreal how good their range is. Pillow and feather soft are my holy grails. To me this is best overall except for mizani, and their popularity has not damaged the quality

  6. PositiveMulticultural Curl CreamReddit comment

    It works for me too, though my hair isn't oily; I have about 4 curl patterns.

    u/Expensive-Bet-39484 curl patternsr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

    Read the full comment

    Mine too! But my hair isn't oily. I have like 4 curl patterns in my hair. [Note: product inferred from parent comment]

  7. PositiveJelly Soft CurlsReddit comment

    My favourite too.

    u/lilac_meddowLoose 2a/b, Very Long, Dark Brown, thick/softr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

    Read the full comment

    Same here. [Note: product inferred from parent comment]

  8. PositiveWhole rangeReddit comment

    I've repurchased it many times and used it for years; probably my favourite natural hair brand, and every product is great.

    u/islandgirl_94r/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    I love Miss Jessies. I have repurchased rheir products so many times. They are probably my favorite natural hair brand. I've been using them for years and always go back to them. Every single product is great

  9. PositiveBaby Buttermilk ConditionerReddit comment

    I love it: on my second bottle with a third in reserve. Not too heavy, but super moisturising.

    u/AustenNut3c/4a, low-porosity, high-densityr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

    Read the full comment

    I have 3c/4a, low-porosity, high-density hair, and I love the Baby Buttermilk conditioner. I'm now on my second bottle and have a third in reserve. It's not too heavy, but it's super moisturizing. I've tried the Senora Rizada gel, but my hair always feels really dry with it.

  10. PositiveMixed CurlsReddit comment

    My holy grail (and I'm not even mixed).

    u/growingconsciousnessr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    mixed curls (im not mixed lol) is my holy grail! [Note: brand inferred from thread]

  11. MixedWhole rangeReddit comment

    I enjoyed some of the lighter formulas, but I hate many of the scents (the clean linen laundry smell gives me migraines).

    u/cloudkotr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    I enjoyed some of their lighter formulas, but I really hate a lot of the scents. Some of them smell like that clean linen laundry smell, it makes me get a migraine. I really wish more hair care products in general were just unscented or did not have a bunch of fake scent added. It can be a big allergy or irritant for many.

  12. MixedWhole rangeReddit comment

    I've used it off and on since about 2010 and like the line, but the scents are strongly distinct and many products contain silicones.

    u/FormalMarzipan252low porosity half-grey 3Br/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    I've used them since probably 2010. They've got a great line with something for everyone (white chick with low porosity half-grey 3B and I've used and liked Jelly Soft, Quick Curls, Feather Soft, MultiCultural Curls and the leave in conditioner; I feel like I've tried others too) but the scents are an enormous drawback if you're at all sensitive to strong smells - I'm not, generally, in hair care but they're still too much - and if you're strictly CG most of their stuff has silicones or other no-nos. But thanks to this thread I'm fighting with myself not to add a tube of Feather Soft to my Amazon cart, if that tells you anything.

  13. MixedWhole rangeReddit comment

    I love them, but I hate the tariffs and price gouging: $25–50 in Canada, and they no longer ship to Canada.

    u/eikoebir/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    Love them. Hate the tarrifs. Hate the price gouging. 25-50$ in Canada is wild. Have to pay my mom to export it for me. They also no longer do shipping to Canada. Very bitter.

  14. MentionWhole rangeReddit comment

    A lot of their products contain silicones, so be careful if you avoid them.

    u/erratic_bonsair/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    A lot of their products contain silicones, so if you avoid those you need to be careful.

  15. NegativeWhole rangeReddit comment

    The fragrance was way too much and a non-starter once I got pregnant; I couldn't go back.

    u/tweedlefeedr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    Same the fragrance was way too much for me, and when I got pregnant it was an absolute non starter. Couldn't go back to it afterwards.

  16. NegativeProductReddit comment

    I have a tube that's basically untouched because of the smell; I wish it were neutral.

    u/kittybiscuits11r/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    As someone who has a tube basically untouched for this reason, your description was immaculate. No notes. I wish it was just neutral. :/ [Note: product inferred from parent comment]

  17. NegativeWhole rangeReddit comment

    The worst product I've used on my hair; I don't understand how others use it.

    u/snrooksr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    So many people love these but i feel like it's the worst product ive used for my hair!! How are yall using it [Note: product inferred from post]

  18. NegativeWhole rangeReddit comment

    It didn't work for me either.

    u/Chaos_Icer/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    It didn't work for me either :/ [Note: product inferred from parent comment]

  19. NegativeWhole rangeReddit comment

    Update: I found Miss Jessie's was making my hair flaky; I suspect the linalool.

    u/Ithilwen37r/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    Update: turns out Miss Jessie's is what was making my hair so flaky. Pretty sure it's the linalool. Alas! I've been testing out the pillow soft curl cream this week. I'm still ambivalent. My hair isn't crunchy but it feels slightly greasy. On the other hand I've also been dealing with a seb derm flare up so my hair and scalp have been wonky. I'm not a fan of the scent but it fades once my hair dries a bit.

  20. NegativeWhole rangeReddit comment

    This line, and most curly-branded products, are trash for my fine curly hair; the only one I use is a gel marketed as curl.

    u/GlitteringLocalityfine curly hairr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    I really don't use curly hair brands. I don't understand this and why people think they must. It depends on your hair type. For people like me with fine curly hair one does not need it to say 'curly' to work. The only 'curl' product I use is a gel. This line and most curly based products are trash for me.

  21. PositivePillow Soft CurlsReddit comment

    I love it.

    u/spaceboundziggyr/curlyhair, 2023Original comment

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    LOVEEE Miss Jessie!!

  22. PositiveRangeReddit comment

    I love it.

    u/tatortotsnfiresauce3C with some 3B; lots of hair, fairly thin strandsr/curlyhair, 2023Original comment

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    I love uncle funkys daughter, curlsmith, ouidad, Camille rose, bounce curl, miss Jessie’s, alikay naturals, rizos curls, kinky curly knot today, and my favorite is MOP TOP! I have 3c & some 3b hair a lot of hair but the strands are fairly thin.

  23. PositiveMulticultural Curls Clear gelReddit comment

    Amazing, and deceptively lightweight.

    u/jbus409Fine curlsr/curlyhair, 2023Original comment

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    Aussie Miracle Curl Co-wash. I use it daily since my fine curls will not last for more than a day. Once a week...ish I do a clarifying wash and deep condition. As for stylers...I hoard Mixed Chicks Curl Sculptor. I buybit whenever I see it at Marshalls/ TJMaxx.i use it in the shower on wet hair before I quasi-plop. Also....Miss Jessie's Multicultural Curls Clear. Amazing gel and so deceivingly light weight!

  24. PositiveRangeReddit comment

    I like anything from the brand.

    u/dani_aka_moanar/curlyhair, 2023Original comment

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    anything Mielle or Ms Jessie’s

  25. Hasn't used itWhole rangeReddit comment

    It smells so strong that opening it set off my wife's asthma, so I've never tried it.

    u/Usagi_Rose_Universer/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    They smell so strong that me just opening it set off my wife's asthma so I've never been able to try it. Idk why it needs to be so scented.

  26. Hasn't used itWhole rangeReddit comment

    It smells like cheap hand sanitiser with fragrance added; I've never tried the products because I can't get past the smell.

    u/ack5379r/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    To me it smells like really really cheap hand sanitizer that 'fragrance' was added to to cover up the musk. I've never tried the products because I'm so sensitive to smell and I can't get past it. Like if hand sanitizer was made with tequila and then you added bath and body works to it

  27. NegativeCoily CustardReddit comment

    The only miss from the brand for me, though I know many people love it.

    u/blue-highlighterr/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    Jelly soft curls is my girllllll. I was put on by a friend 10 years ago and she's still my #1. I've tried other products here and there, usually when I want more of a cast or a lower price, but jelly soft curls is always the standard and what I compare a new product to. Nowadays I'm more likely to add a product to my routine (leave in/mousse) rather than try to replace miss jessie's. I also like señora rizos and pillow soft curls, but the latter doesn't agree with my scalp. Coily custard is the only miss from the brand for me, but I know a lot of people love it too

  28. PositiveCoily CustardReddit comment

    Great slip and hold without drying; I use it over a curl cream.

    u/Ninjen333r/curlyhair, 2023Original comment

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    Miss Jesse's Coily Custard as a gel over my curling cream. Great slip for finger curling and great hold, but not drying. Love this stuff forever.

  29. NegativeCurly PuddingReddit comment

    It did nothing for me.

    u/hbox85r/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    Curly pudding did nothing for me. I'm using Uncle Funky's Daughter Curly Magic gel and it's amazing!

  30. NegativeCurly PuddingReddit comment

    I hate it: it smells weird and weighs my hair down.

    u/Deem216r/curlyhair, 2026Original comment

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    The leave in conditioner, jelly soft curls and green quick curls are regular staples in my routine. hate the curly pudding, smells weird to me and weighs down my hair.

Comments on a single product are on that product's review: start from the full range.

How we collated these reviews

Drawn from 77 comments in 4 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 Miss Jessie’s · US. A long-running American curl and coil brand with a cult following, and a scent that divides it. 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