Single Styler Showdown: Custard, Curl Enhancer & Light Hold Gel Review

Finding the perfect single styler for your curls can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. This review dives deep into ten different products – custards, gels, and curl enhancers – to help you navigate the world of curl styling. From light hold gels for a natural, soft look to medium hold gels for longer-lasting definition, and hydrating custards for added shine and nourishment, we put each product to the test. We'll examine their initial hold, longevity throughout the day, and overall impact on curl definition, shine, and feel. This comprehensive showdown will help you determine which product best suits your curl type and desired style.This detailed review provides a candid assessment of each product's performance, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. We explore how different formulas (containing varying amounts of protein, glycerin, and other key ingredients) affect curl formation, hold, and longevity. Discover which products delivered stunning initial results but succumbed to droop later in the day, and which surprised us with unexpectedly strong hold. Whether you prefer a soft, beachy wave or bouncy, defined curls, this single-styler showdown will guide you toward your perfect match.

Pros And Cons

Read more: Tresemme Hair Gel: Top 10 Best Picks

Ignaci Custard: A Hydrating Start

The Ignaci Custard (old formula) impressed with its initial results. My curls were nicely defined, though a bit small. The product, containing protein and oil, left my hair feeling nourished and hydrated. It's glycerin-free, a bonus for many.

However, by the end of the day, the curls had significantly drooped. Despite the droop, the curl clumps held together surprisingly well. This clumping is common with hydrating products on my hair type.

The shine remained throughout the day, a positive aspect of this product. The overall effect was soft, though not the longest-lasting hold.

Mop Top Custard: Stringy But Shiny

The Mop Top Custard, a long-time favorite, yielded mixed results. While initially my hair had large, chunky curls in the front, the back was stringier. I believe my application technique may have contributed to this.

By day's end, the curls had drooped even more than with the Anasi Custard. The overall appearance was soft and wavy, but the lack of lasting hold was a drawback.

Using the complete Mop Top line (shampoo and conditioner) might improve results, based on past experiences. However, even with this, it lacked the hold I desired in a single styler.

My Swagner Flaxseed Gel: A Lavender-Scented Success

My Swagner Flaxseed Gel, with its delightful lavender scent, performed well. My hair was clumpy and incredibly shiny after scrunching out the crunch.

The end-of-day result showed curls that had settled into a soft, beachy wave. The hold was better than expected, and the hair felt amazing.

This product showcased decent longevity; the curls stayed clumped even after the initial droop. Overall a winner for a less-structured, softer look.

Bioterra Gel: Unexpected Hold

The Bioterra Gel, containing shea butter, oils, and polyquaternium-4, surprised me. It provided better hold than anticipated, falling into the medium-hold category.

My hair looked great initially, and it held up well throughout the day compared to other light-hold gels. The product did leave a slightly noticeable film.

While the polyquaternium-4 might build up for some, the shea butter and other nourishing ingredients were beneficial. A good option if you are not prone to build up from those ingredients.

Curl Keeper Original: A High-Maintenance Gem

The Curl Keeper Original gel requires a generous amount for optimal results (four palmfuls were used here). It created impressively chunky, bouncy curls.

The key to success with this gel is using a sufficient amount and styling in an ideal dew point range (40-60°F). Glycerin content means it may perform less well outside this range.

Though initially stunning, the hold decreased over time. The overall performance was solid, especially within the ideal conditions. It's ideal for those who don't mind using a lot of product.

Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Gel: A Drugstore Darling

Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Gel is a drugstore favorite with medium hold and a good balance of protein and glycerin. My hair had great definition initially, with good chunking and some stringy parts.

By the end of the day, the curls had loosened and became stringier. This product proved to be less hydrating than others tested.

The gel performed admirably as a medium hold choice, ideal for those seeking an affordable and easily accessible option with a decent level of hold.

Curlsmith Hydro Style Flexi Jelly: Unexpected Hold

The Curlsmith Hydro Style Flexi Jelly, despite being described as a seven on a hold scale, felt more like a five. It produced small, well-defined curls, although there was initial stringiness. The smaller curls helped to alleviate weight issues.

This gel surprised me with its surprisingly good hold for the day. The curls remained fairly well-defined without significant droop. It performed better than many other products.

It showed unexpectedly strong performance as a single styler, even surpassing its initially perceived hold. It is a good option for enhancing smaller curl clumps and alleviating weight in hair.

Zodos Professionals All About Curls Soft Definition Gel: Light Hold Winner

The Zodos Professionals gel is a true light hold gel, containing protein. My hair initially had some stretch but remained well-chunked and hydrated-looking.

It was one of the more hydrating gels, making for soft curls. Even at the end of the night, after activity, my curls remained soft and loose.

This gel proves that light hold doesn't mean poor performance. It's perfect for achieving soft, defined curls with a more natural look and feel without a lot of product.

Kinky-Curly Curling Custard: A Hydrating Staple

The Kinky-Curly Curling Custard is a very hydrating and nourishing custard. My hair was slightly stringy initially, but still showed nice curl definition.

Significant droop occurred by the end of the day, common with heavily hydrating products. However, the clumps remained together.

This product performs best when paired with a strong hold gel for longer-lasting hold, though a solid single styler in its own right for softer styles.

Uncle Funky's Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulator: A Versatile Enhancer

Uncle Funky's Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulator is a thinner curl enhancer. It provides decent hold and enhances curl definition, even when used alone.

My hair on this particular day was stringier than usual, possibly due to hair condition after a vacation and subsequent treatments. Still, it felt nourished and hydrated.

This product is versatile, usable as a single styler or to enhance definition and hold. Its performance can vary based on hair condition and styling technique.

Overall Conclusions

This single-styler showdown revealed varied performance across different products. Hydrating products like custards provided initial definition and shine but often experienced significant droop.

Gels, particularly those with medium hold, often provided better longevity but could sometimes lead to stringiness. Light hold gels offered softness and hydration without overwhelming the curls.

Choosing the right product depends on individual hair type and desired style. Some products, like the Curlsmith Flexi Jelly, proved to be surprising champions of hold. Others, like the Curl Keeper Original, require specific techniques for optimal results.