Top 5 Hair Creams for Permed Hair: Your Best Picks

Do you love your permed hair but hate how it sometimes gets dry and frizzy? You’re not alone! Permed hair needs special care to keep its beautiful waves and curls looking their best. But walking down the hair product aisle can feel like a maze. So many creams promise miracles, but which one is actually right for your permed locks? It’s tough to know where to start, and the wrong cream can leave your hair feeling weighed down or even more damaged.

This is why we’re diving deep into the world of hair creams made just for permed hair. We’ll explore what makes these creams different and why they’re your secret weapon for gorgeous, healthy curls. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for, understand the ingredients that help, and discover some amazing products that will make your permed hair shine.

Get ready to say goodbye to frizz and hello to bouncy, vibrant curls! Let’s find the perfect hair cream to love your permed hair even more.

Top Hair Cream For Permed Hair Recommendations

No. 1
Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Defining Lotion - Light Gel - Curly & Wavy Hair
  • Defined Curls, Zero Crunch: Marc Anthony’s Strictly Curls Curl Defining Lotion is a lightweight styling cream designed to help shape, smooth, and hold curly hair with natural bounce and a soft finish. 8.3 fl oz
  • Powered by Silk Protein & Vitamin E: This moisturizing treatment helps hydrate and condition while enhancing shine and definition for soft curls that look as good as they feel.
  • Perfect for Air-Dry or Heat Styling: Apply evenly to wet or damp hair and gently scrunch. For spiraling curls, gently twist small random sections with your fingers without pulling. Allow to air-dry or lightly diffuse.
  • Frizz Control That Lasts: As one of our most iconic products, our frizz-fighting curly hair lotion works hard to lock in curl shape and resist humidity to help your style hold up effortlessly throughout the day.
SaleNo. 2
Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream, 12 Fl Oz
  • 7 ESSENTIAL OILS: nourish hair with shea butter infused with 7 essential oils
  • SMOOTH STYLE: define & add shine to natural curls, coils & waves
  • GREAT FOR: Type 2 waves, Type 3 curls & Type 4 coils
  • NO HARSH INGREDIENTS: formulated with no mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, silicones, phthalates, gluten, paraffin or propylene
No. 3
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Curls Styling Cream, Soft Hold
  • Soft, Touchable Curls: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control featherlight hair curl cream creates a definition for long-lasting, touchable curls. It is a styling cream for women that helps nourish & hydrate dry, damaged hair for effortless beautiful curls
  • Flexible Hold: This curl cream for curly hair is a blend of lightweight humectants and natural oils like meadowfoam seed, olive, and soybean that nourishes hair with balanced hydration to enhance curls giving a flexible definition
  • Anti-Frizz Hair Styling Cream: This hair cream for curly hair uses high-performance Anti-Frizz Nano Technology and locks out humidity to help achieve frizz-free curls, no matter the climate. Get shiny, hydrated curls with this hair curling cream
  • Ouidad's Rake & Shake Technique: Apply the styling cream by dividing damp hair into sections. Rake a nickel-sized amount of this lightweight curl cream through each section. Shake or crunch to create curls. Let air-dry or blow-dry with a diffuser
No. 4
Hairitage Hydrating Jojoba Oil Curl Cream for Curly Hair - Moisturizing Anti Frizz Styling Product...
  • CURL ENHANCING CREAM—Our Hydrating Jojoba Oil Curl Cream is formulated to hydrate and define your curls, leaving them soft and natural. This curl cream for curly hair also moisturizes your hair, adding shine to dry curls.
  • CURL DEFINING CREAM—Our unique blend of jojoba oil and other nourishing ingredients helps enhance your natural curl pattern for that bounce and shine. Get ready to rock those gorgeous, defined curls.
  • FOR ALL HAIR TYPES—Not only does this curly hair product work for curly hair, but this curl crème works for all hair types! Use this curl cream for wavy and fine fair. This curl styling cream works for men and women looking to embrace their curls.
  • ANTI FRIZZ HAIR PRODUCT—Our curl cream helps reduce frizz while also enhancing and defining curls. This lightweight curl cream will not weigh down your hair or leave any residue behind.
SaleNo. 5
Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie Hair Cream for Thick, Curly Hair Coconut and Hibiscus Sulfate...
  • MORE DEFINITION, BETTER SHINE​ Give hair an instant hydration boost with SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie to define curls, boost shine and reduce frizz in one application
  • MOISTURE RESTORING FORMULA ​Our hydrating blend is infused with Silk Protein, Neem Oil and Coconut Oil
  • FORMULA BENEFITS ​Instantly hydrates to define curls and enhance shine without stripping essential moisture
  • NEW CURLS, BIGGER BOUNCE​ Kiss undefined and frizzy curls goodbye. As soon as this instant hydration drops, watch the definition and bounce show up
No. 6
Cantu Coconut Curling Cream with Shea Butter for Natural Hair, 12 oz
  • DEFINE & STRENGTHEN CURLS: Soften, condition, & lengthen curls
  • AWARD-WINNING FORMULA: Made with lightweight pure shea butter, coconut oil, & 7 other essential oils
  • GREAT FOR: Type 3 curls & Type 4 coils
  • NO HARSH INGREDIENTS: Formulated with no mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, silicones, phthalates, gluten, paraffin or propylene
No. 7
Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Envy, Curl Defining Cream for Curly & Wavy Hair
  • Shape, Define, and Shine: One of our most coveted curly hair creations, Marc Anthony’s Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream helps define natural curl patterns while delivering moisture and softness with every use. 6 fl oz
  • Infused with Avocado Oil & Shea Butter: These rich hydrators help smooth strands, control frizz, enhance bounce, and support healthy-looking curls.
  • Bounce Without the Buildup: Apply to wet or damp hair from root to end, scrunching hair as you go. Use your fingers to enhance the natural movement and allow to air-dry or lightly diffuse for touchable definition without residue.
  • Designed for Coarse & Frizzy Curls: Creamy but never greasy, our curl cream is perfect for all curls, especially for thick or textured hair that needs extra control and definition.
No. 8
Oribe Creme For Style - Styling Cream - Flexible Hold & Tames Frizz - 5oz
  • Adds flexible hold with all-day memory
  • Great for short hairstyles and long lengths
  • Conditions and softens hair
  • Paraben-free, sulfate-free (SLS & SLES), gluten-free, cruelty-free, vegan.

Choosing the Best Hair Cream for Your Permed Locks

Permed hair can be beautiful, but it also needs special care. A good hair cream helps keep your curls defined, bouncy, and healthy. This guide will help you find the perfect cream for your permed hair.

Why Use a Special Cream for Permed Hair?

Perming changes your hair’s structure. It can make it drier and more fragile. Special creams are made to give permed hair the moisture and nourishment it needs. They help protect the curls and prevent frizz.

Key Features to Look For

When you shop for hair cream, keep these features in mind.

Moisturizing Ingredients

  • Glycerin: This ingredient draws moisture from the air into your hair. It keeps your curls hydrated.
  • Natural Oils: Look for oils like coconut oil, shea butter, or argan oil. These oils add deep moisture and make hair soft.
  • Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is soothing. It helps calm frizz and adds a light layer of moisture.

Curl Definition and Hold

  • Creams with ingredients that help shape your curls are great. They keep your perm looking good all day.
  • Some creams offer a light hold. This means your curls stay in place without feeling stiff or sticky.

Frizz Control

  • Frizz is common with permed hair. A good cream will smooth the hair cuticle. This reduces frizz and makes hair look sleeker.

Heat Protection (Optional but helpful)

  • If you use heat tools like a diffuser, a cream with heat protection is a bonus. It shields your hair from damage.

Important Materials to Check

The ingredients in your hair cream matter a lot. Here are some to look for and some to avoid.

Beneficial Ingredients

  • Proteins (like Keratin or Silk Protein): These strengthen the hair shaft. They help repair damage from the perm process.
  • Vitamins (like Vitamin E or B5): These nourish the hair. They promote a healthy scalp and strong strands.
  • Humectants: These pull moisture into the hair. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are good examples.

Ingredients to Be Mindful Of

  • Sulfates: These can strip natural oils. They can make permed hair even drier.
  • Alcohols (certain types): Some alcohols can be drying. Look for fatty alcohols, which are moisturizing.
  • Silicones (heavy ones): While some silicones can smooth hair, heavy ones can build up. This can weigh down curls.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all hair creams are created equal. Here’s what makes a difference.

What Makes a Cream Better

  • Lightweight Formula: A cream that isn’t too heavy is best. It won’t weigh down your curls.
  • Sulfate-Free and Paraben-Free: These formulas are gentler on your hair. They help maintain the perm’s integrity.
  • pH-Balanced: A balanced pH helps keep the hair cuticle smooth. This reduces frizz and adds shine.

What Can Make a Cream Less Effective

  • Heavy, Greasy Texture: This can make curls look limp and oily.
  • Drying Ingredients: Formulas with lots of drying alcohols can damage permed hair further.
  • Lack of Moisturizing Agents: If a cream doesn’t have enough hydration, it won’t help your dry, permed hair.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you use the cream and what you expect from it are important.

How to Use Hair Cream

  • Apply to damp hair after washing.
  • Start with a small amount. You can always add more.
  • Distribute evenly through your hair. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends.
  • Style as usual. You can scrunch your hair to enhance curls.

When to Use Hair Cream

  • Daily Refresh: Use a small amount to revive curls between washes.
  • Styling Aid: Apply before styling to define curls and control frizz.
  • Deep Conditioning: Some creams can be used as a leave-in conditioner for extra moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the main purpose of hair cream for permed hair?

A: Its main purpose is to moisturize, define curls, and control frizz.

Q: Can I use regular hair cream on my perm?

A: It’s better to use a cream made for permed hair. Regular creams might not have the right ingredients.

Q: How often should I use hair cream?

A: You can use it daily or whenever your hair needs moisture and definition.

Q: Will hair cream make my perm fall out?

A: No, a good cream should help maintain your perm. It won’t make it fall out.

Q: What if my hair is fine and permed?

A: Look for lightweight, non-greasy formulas. Avoid heavy oils.

Q: How much cream should I use?

A: Start with a small amount, like a dime-sized portion. Add more if needed.

Q: Can hair cream help with split ends?

A: While it can make split ends look smoother, it won’t actually fix them. Regular trims are still needed.

Q: Is it okay to use hair cream on dry hair?

A: Yes, you can use a small amount to refresh curls and tame frizz on dry hair.

Q: What are parabens and why should I avoid them?

A: Parabens are preservatives. Some people believe they can cause health issues. They can also be drying for hair.

Q: How do I know if a hair cream is working for me?

A: Your hair will feel softer, curls will be more defined, and frizz will be reduced.