Cantu Coconut Curling Crème Review: Soft, Defined Natural Curls Without the Crunch!
Originally Published June 8, 2012 | Refreshed October 2026
By Lady Carolyn M. Summerset
Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks
A Little Coconut Love for My Natural Curls!
Greetings, my beautiful naturalistas!
Ladies, today we're taking another trip down memory lane to revisit one of my early discoveries along my natural hair journey: Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Crème!
Back in June 2012, I was browsing the hair care aisle at Walmart when this little jar caught my attention.
Now, ladies, you know how it goes. You walk into the store for one thing, but somehow that natural hair aisle starts calling your name! LOL!
I was already familiar with Cantu's leave-in conditioner, which had earned a place in my product rotation. So, when I spotted the Coconut Curling Crème, I thought, "Well, this might be worth a try!"
I was searching for something that would give my curls a little definition, a little hold, and plenty of softness.
But would this creamy styler deliver?
Let's revisit my experience!
Understanding My Natural Hair Texture
At the time of this review, my natural hair consisted of several beautiful textures.
The front was approximately 3B, while the back included 3C curls and some tighter 4A coils.
I was, and still am, a lover of wash-and-go hairstyles!
My curls naturally form without much persuasion, but I enjoy products that help maintain their definition and minimize unwanted frizz.
What I didn't want was a product that would leave my hair feeling stiff, sticky, or weighed down.
I wanted movement!
I wanted bounce!
And most importantly, I wanted soft, touchable curls.
How I Applied Cantu Coconut Curling Crème
My routine began with freshly co-washed hair.
After cleansing, I applied my leave-in conditioner and divided my hair into approximately eight large twists.
At that point in my journey, I often prepared my hair the night before styling.
I would cover my hair with a processing cap and scarf, allowing it to remain damp until morning.
When I was ready to style, I applied the Cantu Coconut Curling Crème to my damp curls.
The cream was thicker than the Cantu leave-in conditioner I had previously used, but it distributed smoothly.
And ladies, the fragrance!
It had a light coconut scent that I found quite pleasant.
I began with approximately two quarter-sized amounts, distributing the product throughout my hair rather than applying too much at once.
That turned out to be a very wise decision!
The Results: Soft, Bouncy Curls!
Ladies, one thing I appreciated immediately was how soft my curls felt.
The cream gave my hair a light, flexible hold without making my strands feel frozen in place.
My curls retained their shape while still having movement.
And that's something I especially enjoy in a wash-and-go.
I could touch my hair without feeling as though I was disturbing a stiff hairstyle.
I also appreciated the creamy consistency because it helped my strands feel conditioned and manageable.
For my particular hair texture, the product offered a pleasant balance between softness and definition.
However, I discovered something important during the application process.
With this curling cream, a little went a long way!
When Too Much Product Becomes Too Much of a Good Thing
Now, my beautiful naturalistas, we need to talk about product application!
One thing I noticed was that applying too much Cantu Coconut Curling Crème could leave my hair looking limp or feeling greasy.
And that's certainly not what I wanted.
My natural curls have plenty of personality, and I enjoy their volume and movement.
Using more product didn't necessarily give me better results.
In fact, I discovered that beginning with a small amount and gradually adding more where needed was a much better approach.
That's still an important lesson for anyone experimenting with rich styling creams.
Start small.
Distribute evenly.
And pay attention to how your hair responds.
You can always add a little more product, but removing too much often means starting your styling routine over.
What I Loved About the Product
Looking back at my original review, there were several qualities that made this curling cream stand out.
Creamy consistency: The formula spread easily through my damp curls.
Soft finish: My hair felt touchable rather than stiff.
Flexible hold: My curls maintained definition while still moving naturally.
Pleasant fragrance: I enjoyed the light coconut scent.
Manageability: My hair felt conditioned and easier to style.
A little went a long way: I didn't need a large amount to see results.
These observations reflect my experience with the version I purchased in 2012. Product formulations, packaging, and availability may change over time.
What I Would Do Differently Today
As I've grown in my understanding of natural hair care, I've learned that styling products work best when chosen according to what our individual strands need.
For example, not every head of curly hair needs several layers of leave-in conditioner and styling cream.
Sometimes combining too many rich products can leave hair coated or weighed down.
Today, I would begin with freshly cleansed, conditioned hair, apply a small amount of leave-in if needed, and then test the curling cream in sections.
I would also avoid sleeping with a non-breathable plastic processing cap overnight as a regular practice. A satin bonnet or scarf is generally a more comfortable option for protecting styled hair while sleeping.
If I wanted additional hold, I might experiment with a compatible styling gel, testing a small section first to see how the products worked together.
After all, curl definition shouldn't come at the expense of comfort or manageability.
Curl Cream Versus Styling Gel: What's the Difference?
One of the things I noticed during my early natural hair journey was that creams and gels didn't always produce the same results.
A curling cream often emphasizes softness, conditioning, and light definition, depending on its formula.
A styling gel may provide a stronger hold and help maintain a defined style for longer.
Neither is automatically better.
It depends on your goals.
If you love soft, fluffy curls with natural movement, a curling cream may be an excellent styling choice.
If you're looking for greater hold and longer-lasting definition, you may prefer a gel or a combination of products that work well together.
For me, this particular Cantu curling cream was most enjoyable when I wanted a soft, flexible finish.
My Final Thoughts: Would I Use It Again?
Ladies, looking back at my original 2012 experience, I was pleased with Cantu Coconut Curling Crème.
I appreciated the coconut fragrance, creamy texture, and the way it helped my curls feel soft and bouncy.
I also learned that controlling the amount applied was essential.
Too much could weigh my hair down.
Just enough?
Beautiful, touchable curls!
At the time, I considered it a worthwhile addition to my natural hair product collection, particularly when I wanted flexibility rather than a firm gel hold.
Would I have purchased it again back then?
Absolutely!
But remember, my friends, the best product isn't necessarily the most expensive or the most popular.
It's the one that works for your hair, your preferences, and your routine.
And sometimes we discover those favorites through a little trial and error!
Continue Your Natural Hair Journey
If you're interested in creating beautiful wash-and-go styles and maintaining healthy, manageable natural curls, enjoy these related Crowning Glory articles.
The Ultimate 3C & 4A Wash-and-Go: Beautiful Curl Definition Without All the Frizz!
Discover practical styling techniques for naturally defined curls.
10 Ways to Keep Your Natural Hair Moisturized
Explore moisture-care habits for soft, manageable textured hair.
Combating Frizz: Why Your Natural Hair Gets Frizzy & How to Keep Your Curls Beautifully Defined
Learn ways to manage frizz while embracing your natural texture.
Let's Talk, Ladies!
Have you tried Cantu Coconut Curling Crème?
Do you prefer a rich styling cream or a stronger-hold gel for your wash-and-go hairstyles?
And here's something else I'd love to know.
Have you ever discovered that using LESS product actually gave you BETTER results?
Share your experiences in the comments!
Because here at Crowning Glory, we learn, grow, and celebrate our beautiful natural hair together.
Remember, my beautiful naturalistas:
Soft curls, healthy hair habits, and confidence in your natural texture are always in style!
Until next time…
Happy Curls to You, My Friend!
Lady Carolyn M. Summerset
Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks
© 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
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