Let's Jam Custard Flexible Hold Cream Gel Review: Soft Curls, Shine & Flexible Definition

Originally Published April 30, 2012 | Refreshed October 2026

By Lady Carolyn M. Summerset
Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks

A Little Natural Hair Treasure From 2012!

Greetings, my beautiful naturalistas!

Ladies, have you ever gone looking for a new hair product, only to discover that finding it was an adventure all by itself?

Well, that's exactly what happened when I first decided to try SoftSheen-Carson Let's Jam Custard Flexible Hold Cream Gel back in April 2012!

At the time, I was still experimenting with products for my natural hair. I wanted something that would define my curls, provide a little hold, and give me beautiful shine without leaving my strands hard or crunchy.

And you know how we naturalistas can be when we hear about something new!

We just HAVE to investigate! LOL!

My Search for Let's Jam Custard

When I originally discovered this product, it was relatively new to the shelves.

I visited my neighborhood beauty supply store, but they didn't have it.

So I made another stop at Walgreens.

Ladies, wouldn't you know it? There was only ONE jar remaining!

And that poor little jar had a cracked lid!

Well, I wasn't about to let my search end there.

I spoke with the manager, who kindly offered me a 15% discount on the original $5.49 price.

Now, you know I appreciated that!

For a naturalista constantly experimenting with conditioners, gels, and styling creams, finding an affordable product was always a welcome discovery.

And so, my Let's Jam Custard experiment began.

Editor's note: The price mentioned above reflects my original 2012 purchase, not current retail pricing.

What I Wanted From This Product

At that time, my hair had several different curl patterns.

The very front had a looser wave pattern, while other sections featured my familiar 3C curls and tighter coils.

I loved wearing wash-and-go hairstyles, but I wanted something that would offer a little additional definition and control.

My goal was simple:

Soft curls. Beautiful shine. Manageable frizz. And enough hold to maintain the shape of my hairstyle without making my hair feel stiff.

Was that too much to ask?

Apparently not!

How I Applied Let's Jam Custard Cream Gel

I began by co-washing my hair with Adama's Jasmine and Peach Conditioner.

After rinsing, I applied TRESemmé Naturals Conditioner and completed my detangling routine.

I left my hair very wet in preparation for styling.

Next, I placed a small amount of Let's Jam Custard into the palms of my hands and began distributing it through my hair in sections.

I used my wide-tooth shower comb to help with detangling and product distribution, then smoothed the cream gel along my curls.

One thing I learned was that taking time to work through smaller sections helped me achieve better coverage.

After applying the product, I allowed my hair to dry.

And ladies, the next morning?

I was pleasantly surprised!

My Results: Soft, Shiny, Beautifully Defined Hair

I began styling around 9:30 p.m.

By bedtime, my hair had dried enough for me to put on my satin cap.

The following morning, I rubbed a little more product between my palms and gently smoothed it over my curls before fluffing and styling.

And oh, my goodness!

My hair looked AMAZING!

The curls were shiny, smooth, and beautifully defined.

But what really impressed me was the softness.

The product gave my hair a flexible finish rather than the hard, frozen feeling I sometimes experienced with stronger gels.

My looser front sections maintained their waves, while my tighter curls and coils looked more defined.

And my hair still had movement!

Ladies, I love a gorgeous curl, but I also want to be able to move my head without feeling as though my hairstyle has been set in cement! LOL!

This product gave me a finish I genuinely enjoyed.

What Does Flexible Hold Really Mean?

One of the things I appreciated about Let's Jam Custard was its softer styling finish.

A flexible-hold product is designed to help maintain a hairstyle while allowing some natural movement.

For my hair, that meant the curls retained definition without becoming excessively stiff.

Of course, flexible hold does not necessarily mean every strand will remain perfectly in place throughout the day.

Results depend on the product formula, the amount applied, humidity, and your hair's individual characteristics.

But for someone like me, who preferred touchable curls, that was part of the appeal.

What I Loved About Let's Jam Custard

Looking back at my original review, several things stood out.

First, the shine. My curls looked noticeably glossy after styling.

Second, the definition. The product helped my different curl patterns look smoother and more organized.

Third, the softness. I appreciated being able to enjoy definition without an excessively crunchy finish.

And finally, I loved that my curls had movement.

For me, that was a winning combination!

What I Didn't Love Quite as Much

Now, ladies, every product has its little quirks.

And this one was no exception.

The biggest challenge was determining exactly how much to use.

Too much product could leave the hair weighed down, particularly on finer or looser sections.

The fragrance was another consideration. While scent preferences vary, some people may find fragranced styling products overwhelming.

I also noticed that I used more product than I was initially comfortable applying.

Although the jar provided several applications, I learned that a smaller amount worked best when applied carefully and evenly.

My advice? Start with a little and add more only when needed.

A Lesson About Natural Hair and Product Application

One of the most valuable lessons I've learned throughout my natural hair journey is that application technique matters.

Sometimes we blame a product when the real issue is how much we're using, whether our hair is wet or damp, or how well the product works with the conditioner underneath.

For this particular review, I applied Let's Jam Custard over conditioned, very wet hair.

That combination worked beautifully for me.

However, products can behave differently when layered together, so it's always wise to experiment with small amounts before applying a new combination throughout your hair.

And remember, ladies, more product does not automatically mean more moisture or better definition!

Would I Recommend Let's Jam Custard?

Based on my experience in 2012, I was genuinely impressed.

The product gave me softness, shine, flexible definition, and movement.

It delivered the styling finish I was searching for at that stage of my natural hair journey.

Would every curly-haired woman have the same experience?

Not necessarily.

Different textures, strand thicknesses, porosities, and styling routines can produce different results.

And because product formulations can change over time, today's version should be evaluated according to its current ingredients and directions.

Still, I remember how delighted I was when I styled my curls the next morning.

That feeling was part of what made experimenting with natural hair products so much fun!

My Final Thoughts

When I revisit these early reviews, I'm reminded of just how much I was learning about my natural hair.

Every new conditioner, curling cream, and styling gel offered an opportunity to understand my curls a little better.

Some products became favorites.

Others taught me what my hair didn't particularly enjoy.

And a few surprised me in the most wonderful ways!

Let's Jam Custard Flexible Hold Cream Gel was one of those pleasant surprises.

It reminded me that beautiful curl definition doesn't always require a stiff, heavy finish.

Sometimes, all we want is a little softness, shine, and freedom for those curls to move!

And ladies, there's nothing wrong with that!

Continue Your Natural Hair Journey

For more natural hair inspiration, product experiences, and curl care tips, explore these Crowning Glory articles:

The Ultimate 3C & 4A Wash-and-Go: Beautiful Curl Definition Without All the Frizz!

Discover techniques for creating defined, beautiful curls while managing frizz.

Combating Frizz: Why Your Natural Hair Gets Frizzy & How to Keep Your Curls Beautifully Defined

Explore ways to manage frizz while embracing your natural curl texture.

10 Ways to Keep Your Natural Hair Moisturized

Learn practical ways to help your natural strands stay soft and manageable.

Let's Talk, Ladies!

Have you ever used Let's Jam Custard Cream Gel?

Did you enjoy its flexible hold, or do you prefer a stronger gel that keeps every curl in place?

And here's another question:

Do you prefer soft, touchable curls or a firmer hold that lasts several days?

I'd love to hear your experiences in the comments!

Because here at Crowning Glory, our hair journeys may be different, but we can always learn something from one another.

Until next time, my beautiful naturalistas…

Happy Curls to You, My Friend!

Lady Carolyn M. Summerset
Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks

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© 2026 Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks by Lady Carolyn M. Summerset. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or republished without prior written permission of the author.