Curly hair isn't just a texture—it’s a personality. From soft spirals to voluminous coils, every curl type has its own rhythm and needs. That’s why choosing the right curly hair oil and curl cream (and knowing how to use them together) is essential for achieving your most defined, hydrated, frizz-free look yet.
Let’s break it down, layer by layer.
Why Curl-Specific Oils & Creams Make All the Difference
Curly hair craves moisture, but not all products deliver the goods in the right way. Traditional oils or creams not made for curls can sit heavy or coat the hair without penetrating where it counts. The right curly hair oil is lightweight, nutrient-rich, and formulated to strengthen strands without weighing them down. Meanwhile, a curl cream helps shape and soften curls while enhancing bounce and shine.
That’s why formulas like NYM Curl Talk Strengthening Oil (just launched!) and NYM Curl Talk Defining Cream are so essential. They're made with curl-conscious ingredients like argan oil, squalane, and rice curl complex to nourish, define, and protect your texture from root to tip.
When to Apply Hair Oil vs. Curl Cream in Your Routine
The big question: Should you use hail oil or curl cream first?
The answer lies in your hair’s porosity and needs. Curl cream typically goes on damp hair after leave-in conditioner to define curls and begin the moisture-sealing process. Curly hair oil is often applied after to lock it all in and add a smooth, glossy finish. It is also frequently used to help gently break a gel cast after hair has fully dried.
For maximum benefits, apply your curl cream on damp hair and follow with oil once your curls are about 70–80% dry to help seal in moisture without disrupting your curl pattern.
The LOC vs. LCO Method: Which One is Right for You?
Both the LOC (Leave-in, Oil, Cream) and LCO (Leave-in, Cream, Oil) methods are designed to layer moisture in the most effective way. But which one should you use?
- Fine curly hair or looser waves? LCO is usually better. It layers moisture without weighing hair down.
- Thick, high-porosity curls or coils? LOC can lock in deep hydration for longer-lasting results.
Experiment with both, but always watch how your curls react. The goal is juicy, defined curls that feel soft, not greasy or overloaded.
How to Layer Products for Frizz-Free, Long-Lasting Definition
Learning how to layer hair products the right way is key to getting frizz-free, defined curls that last all day (and beyond).
Here's a solid order to follow:
- Start with a leave-in conditioner like Curl Talk Leave-In Conditioner for a hydration base.
- Apply your NYM curl cream to define your curl pattern and smooth the cuticle.
- Follow with a curly hair oil like Curl Talk Strengthening Oil to finish, lock in hydration, and add shine, while also delivering frizz control for curly hair that resists humidity all day.
Bonus: Add a mousse like Curl Talk Activating Mousse for extra volume or a gel like Curl Talk Sculpting Gel if you want extra hold. Just remember: Lightest to heaviest is the rule of thumb.
Pro Tip: Once your curls are fully dry and a gel or mousse cast has formed, use a lightweight curly hair oil (hint, we have that product) to gently "scrunch out the crunch." This means breaking the hard outer shell (or cast) that forms from stylers like gels or mousses, revealing soft, touchable, defined curls underneath. Apply a few drops of oil to your palms, rub them together, and scrunch upward to release the cast while maintaining your style. This is a key step in many curly hair routines for lasting curl definition and shine.
Our Favorite NYM Curly Hair Oil and Styling Cream
If you’re looking for the best curly hair products that are clean, effective, and budget-friendly, NYM has you covered:
- Curl Talk Strengthening Oil (brand new!): Packed with biotin, watermelon seed oil, and argan oil—one of the best oils for curly hair—for stronger, frizz-free curls with zero weight or crunch. It’s the ultimate finish for shine, definition, and moisture lock.
- Curl Talk Defining Cream: The NYM curl cream OG. Lightweight, hydrating, and powered by rice curl complex to boost curl definition while taming frizz.
- Curl Talk Hi-Moisture Whipped Cream: A luxe pick if your curls need a hydration rescue, especially for medium to thick curl types.
- Curl Talk Frizz Control Moisturizing Lotion: Great for dry, frizz-prone curls needing soft moisture and extra slip.
Real Routine: A Step-by-Step Guide for Different Curl Types
Wondering how to put this all into practice? Here’s a quick breakdown based on curl type:
Wavy Hair (Type 2A–2C)
- Leave-in + small amount of curl cream on damp hair
- Air dry or diffuse
- Finish with a few drops of curly hair oil to smooth flyaways
Curly Hair (Type 3A–3C)
- Leave-in + generous amount of NYM curl cream
- Finger coil or scrunch for definition
- Once dry, scrunch in curly hair oil for softness and shine
Coily Hair (Type 4A–4C)
- Leave-in + cream (or even LOC method)
- Apply curl cream section by section
- Use oil on ends to prevent breakage and help with sealing in moisture, a crucial step for curl longevity and hydration retention—especially for high-porosity or coily textures.
Don’t forget, if you are practicing the casting technique, using curly hair oil to “break the cast” is key to maintain your curl pattern and provide that extra shine!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Hair Oil
Even the best oil for curly hair can fall short if used incorrectly. Avoid these common missteps:
- Overusing oil on fine curly hair: A few drops go a long way!
- Applying oil before hydrating: Always moisturize first, then seal in moisture.
- Using oil as a detangler: It can actually make tangles worse if not layered over conditioner or cream.
- Applying on dirty buildup: Use a clarifying wash weekly to reset your routine.
What Results to Expect After a Week of Consistent Use
Commit to your curly hair styling routine and in just 7 days, you’ll likely see:
- Smoother, more defined curls with less frizz and visible improvements in curl definition, elasticity, and bounce
- Improved elasticity and reduced breakage
- Long-lasting moisture retention
- Better curl clumping and shine
- Easier second- (and third-) day styling
Using curly hair oil and curl cream together gives your curls what they really need: moisture, structure, protection, and flexibility. Whether you're doing a wash-and-go or building a twist-out that lasts, these two product types work best in tandem.
Final Thought: Hydrated curls are happy curls. Mastering how to use curly hair oil, curl cream, the LOC or LCO method, and breaking the cast puts the power back in your hands—and lets your curls shine, bounce, and speak for themselves.
Ready to step into your defined, dreamy curl era? Explore the full Curl Talk lineup at notyourmothers.com.
