I use this £6.99 curl cream when I don’t feel like blow-drying

If you’re searching for the best curl cream for air-dried hair, stop right there – I’ve found your winner.

Straightening my hair is part of my daily routine, but when it’s hot outside during summer, even I want to keep my hands off the heat tools – so most of the time, air drying is the order of the day.

I have small curls and quite fine hair, but quite a lot of it. Using a hairdryer in the summer (when I don’t want to straighten my hair right after) is not only a waste of time, but also a waste of electricity. Besides, my curls look best when I let them air dry. To make sure they last all day, don’t unravel, and come out beautifully defined, I always rely on a curl cream.

My latest product bestie used to be only a summer holiday favourite – I like to run it through my hair after swimming for defined, air-dried curls – but now I also reach for it on a day-to-day basis, when the weather’s warmer. And best of all, it costs under £7.

Enter: the Frizz Ease Dream Curls Defining Curl Cream by John Frieda – aka, the secret to soft, non-frizzy curls.

Take it from me… I’ve also tested curling sprays and mousses, but they often make my curls look stiff and crispy.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Defining Crème

What does curl cream do?

Not only does curl cream make my hair look more defined, it also gives it shine and reduces frizz. But most of all, it’s how the hair feels. I can touch my curls without them feeling stiff. They are soft, and look natural and bouncy rather than overly ‘styled’.

I particularly love the John Frieda offering because it feels moisturising while still giving hold to the hair, which is everything I need during the summer months – when my hair can feel dryer thanks to sun, sea and chlorine.

How do I use curl cream?

It’s really simple. After washing my hair, I leave it in a microfibre towel turban for a few minutes to allow it to dry a little. Then, I put about a pea-sized amount of the product in the palm of my hand (which is more than enough for my fine-haired bob). After rubbing it evenly in my hands, I work the cream into my hair from the ends up. Now, you could reach for the diffuser. In my case, I just let the hair air dry.

The result:

My conclusion – this is definitely one of the best curl creams for air-dried curly hair from the drugstore. And pssst: I’ve also heard it also works great on wavy hair to define waves and make them last.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Defining Crème

A version of this article originally appeared on GLAMOUR DE.