What is a Curl Soufflé and How to Use It?

Of the multitude of products made for curly hair, curl soufflés are among the least understood. Keep reading to learn about curl soufflés, how to use them, how they compare to curl creams, and more.

What is a Curl Soufflé?

The term “soufflé” describes the texture and malleability of a hair product. A product that is called a soufflé likely has a soft, smooth, and sometimes gelatinous texture. Curl soufflés have a soufflé-like texture and are usually used to define curls.

These curl soufflés are like curl creams in some ways, but they are a different product type entirely — more on this in the next two sections.

Shea moisture curling gel soufflé wash and go

Similarities between Curl Soufflés and Curl Creams

Similarities between curl soufflés and curl creams are few. The typical curl soufflé is used for some of the same benefits as a curl cream. These benefits include curl definition, style, and hold.

Differences Between Curl Soufflés and Curl Creams

There are a few notable differences between curl soufflés and curl creams. First, curl soufflés have a smoother, more gelatinous texture than curl creams. Second, curl soufflés are usually more moisturizing than curl creams since they are formulated with moisturizing ingredients like:

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• Water
• Aloe Vera
• Coconut oil
• Sunflower oil
• Humectants like glycerin and honey

These ingredients are often used in large amounts in curl soufflés. Conversely, curl cream formulas often include heavier butter and oils in high volumes. This is not to say that you’ll never see a soufflé with heavy butter, though; curl soufflés feature a varying selection of ingredients. Third, soufflés more readily penetrate the hair shaft than curl creams.

Is a Curl Soufflé for You?

Curl soufflés are not for all hair types.

Those with thick hair may find that a soufflé isn’t strong enough to tame those strands. This is because soufflés only offer a light hold most of the time. On the other hand, those who have fine hair may find that they love soufflés.

You may benefit from using a curl soufflé if you are looking for a lightweight styler without a harsh hold. People with fine hair often find that lightweight stylers work best. Also, if you need a styler with enhanced moisturizing properties, a curl soufflé may be a good choice for you.

So, a curl souffle is for you if:

• Your hair is fine.
• Hair dryness is an issue for you.
• You desire light to moderate hold.

When and How to Use a Curl Soufflé

Use a curl soufflé exactly like you’d use a curl cream. Use the following steps for the best results.

1. Wash and condition your hair.
2. Apply your favorite leave-In conditioner.
3. Separate your damp hair into four equal sections using a comb or your fingers.
4. Apply your curl soufflé to one of the sections and rake the product through your strands using your fingers or a comb.
5. Repeat the previous step for all of the other sections.
6. Blow-dry your hair with a diffuser or allow it to air-dry.
7. The only way to know for sure if a soufflé will work for you is to try one.

Here are a couple of popular soufflés that people are loving on Amazon:

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Gel Soufflé

ORS Curls Unleashed Amplifying Gel Soufflé

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