Bounce Curl vs Curlsmith 2024 (The Definitive Guide)

We're positive you've seen Bounce Curl and Curlsmith on the shelves at your local beauty store or hair salon before.

Which is better, you ask? That's what we'll be finding out today as we compare the two side-by-side. Bounce Curl vs Curlsmith - let’s get into it.

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Bounce Curl Light Creme Gel vs Curlsmith Curl Defining Souffle

If you have curly hair, you’re likely aware by now how difficult it can be to find the best product lineup for your mane. With factors such as curl pattern, hair porosity, and thickness to consider, you may find yourself playing trial and error with dozens of cremes, gels, and mousses.

But what if we told you that you don’t need every styling product on the shelf to achieve your best hair day? Between crème-gel hybrid picks like Bounce Curl’s Light Hold Crème Gel and Curlsmith’s Curl Defining Style Souffle, you might just be able to narrow down your options tremendously. Let’s break down the details of both.

2024 update: Bounce Curl has a new look! The formula appears to be unchanged, though. Just be wary that packaging may vary from retailer to retailer.

If you struggle with your curls being weighed down but suffer with frizz when not providing ample moisture, Bounce Curl’s Light Hold Crème Gel could be the unicorn you’ve been looking for. This lightweight gel highlights the use of black seed oil in their formula to lend nourishment (and volume!) without creating limp curls.

What’s more: you can use it again the next day for a refresh. Best of all? It’s suitable for all curl types. But there’s a slight caveat: though this styling superstar can work well solo, Bounce Curl advises using other products from the brand should you need some backup for your locks.

On the other hand, if you feel that your curls are dry and stringy, Curlsmith’s Curl Defining Style Souffle can help with that. Their site refers to it as a “silky custard” that’s made with babassu and shea to provide moisture, definition, and a buildable hold. Curlsmith notes that your hair may initially feel crunchy upon drying, but you can easily scrunch out the crunch for a voluminous, bouncy finish. Luckily, this enriching crème-gel is also ideal for all curl types, textures, and porosities.

Guest editor and esteemed author, Hanna Mallette, took the two for a personal trial for us. Hanna, known for her dynamic curls and candid reviews, immediately noticed Bounce Curl's Light Hold Crème Gel lived up to its promise. Its black seed oil formula provided her curls with just the right balance of nourishment and volume, without any heaviness. She was particularly impressed with how refreshed her curls looked the next day, proving the gel's versatility for different styling needs.

However, when it came to Curlsmith's Curl Defining Style Souffle, Hanna found an unexpected favorite. Despite the initial crunchiness, which was easily scrunched out, she discovered that the 'silky custard' texture of Curlsmith offered an unparalleled level of moisture and definition to her dry curls. The babassu and shea blend not only defined her curls but also left them feeling deeply nourished and bouncy.

While Hanna appreciated Bounce Curl's lightweight formula and next-day refresh capabilities, it was Curlsmith's Curl Defining Style Souffle that won her over. Its ability to transform dry, stringy curls into well-defined, moisturized locks made it her go-to product for her curl care routine. Hanna's experience suggests that for those with particularly dry curls seeking deep hydration and definition, Curlsmith might just be the superior choice.

This article was originally published on November 8th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on February 14th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.