Puddings and custards sound like they belong on the last course of your dinner menu. But these two treats can be transformative in embracing your natural Type 4 curl pattern.
Image source: Instagram, Dayna Bolden.
What’s the difference?
The real difference in custards and puddings are the textures. While both products tend to be creamy, custards may be a bit thicker in consistency or may mimic gel. As with most hair products, it is a game of trial and error until you find which products work best for you. Both custards and puddings can be amazing for smoothing and styling your 4A-4C curls.
Oyin Handmade Whipped Pudding
The Oyin Handmade brand is all natural and effective on most type 4 curls. This pudding is a delightfully whipped mixture of butters and oils, and can be used to add extra moisture on dry hair when added to deep conditioners. Oyin Handmade products are so moisturizing that you can use them on both your hair and skin, especially during the dry, colder seasons.
Design Essentials Natural Honey Curl Forming Custard
The honey, almonds, and avocado in this custard are essentially the holy trifecta of curly success for type 4 hair. You can use this custard to do cute finger curls, or simply smother it in after a wash. To get a super curly look, use a Denman Brush or something similar to comb through your curls after application, and make sure you give your hair enough time to air dry.
Palmers Olive Oil Formula Curl Extend Hair Pudding
The key to curls with type 4 hair is moisture. Because of the coily curl pattern, it’s easy for the hair to dry out and appear lackluster. With an olive oil base, this product allows for multiple alcohol-free styling options that will hold. Try twist-outs or braid-outs with this pudding for ultimate success.
Kinky Curly Curling Custard
This curling custard will give you the consistency of gel, without all of the flaky problems in the morning. The key here is to style on freshly wet hair, and wait until the hair is completely dry. The popular product has wonderful reviews, and is relatively inexpensive.
Lusters Pink Shea Butter Coconut Oil Curl & Twist Pudding
The combination of coconut oil and shea butter makes this pudding great on dry or wet hair. Consider using this product to restyle old hairdos into something new. Using too much may cause your hair to be heavy with oil that may not soak in, so be careful about how much you use. Happy twisting!
Ouidad Curl Immersion Hi-Defining Custard
This gel-like custard is another option for experimenting with your natural curl pattern. It’s best used on very wet hair. You can either spread the custard on from root to tip, or you can part your hair into four sections, and try finger coils and other creative styles.
Creme of Nature Argan Oil Pudding Perfection
Anything with Argan Oil is usually a good bet for type 4 hair. The nutrient-rich oil is perfect for beginners who are experimenting with their natural curls. Because the pudding is oil-based, try a cute twist-out, or braided protective style. Be sure to fluff your roots to add volume.
Fantasia Curly & Coily Curl Custard
A common misconception about type 4 hair is that it cannot “wash & go”. Well that is simply not true. With the Fantasia custard, you can let your curls wash & glow too. After your hair is washed and clean, comb the product through, and let it air dry. You can also use this for awesome braid-outs.
Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil Natural Curly Styling Custard
If you’re nervous to try a custard, start with one that has good old castor oil. The oil locks in any moisture that may have been lost in the washing process. It is a thicker oil, so you will have to use it liberally so that it doesn’t wear down your curls.
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Do you use custards or puddings on your hair? Share with us some of your favorites below in the comments!
