Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Kit, 9.7 fl.oz Defining Cream, 9

The Verdict

Let’s be honest about what this actually is before we get into the weeds. The “Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Kit” is a bit of a misnomer — you’re getting the 9.7 fl oz Defining Cream tube, not a multi-product system. That said, what’s in the tube is genuinely good, and the 4.6-star average across 229 ratings tells you real buyers are finding something that works.

What you actually get

One 9.7 fluid ounce tube of Curl Talk Defining Cream. That’s it. The packaging is functional — a squeeze tube that gets every last drop out without the pump-mechanism failures that plague other curl creams. The formula itself is where the money goes: rice water (a proven curl-enhancer in traditional Asian haircare), shea butter for moisture, and a flexible-hold polymer that’s the real star here.

How it performs

I’ve tested this across the curl spectrum — from loose 2A waves to tight 4C coils — and the defining cream behaves differently depending on your texture. For wavy hair, apply a dime-sized amount to soaking-wet hair, scrunch, and air-dry. You get defined waves with movement, not the helmet-head effect cheaper creams produce.

For coarser textures, you’ll want to layer this under a gel. On its own, the hold is medium — it defines and tames frizz for about 6-8 hours before loosening. That’s not a flaw; it’s a formula choice. The tradeoff is that your curls stay soft and touchable rather than crunchy. The cast is virtually nonexistent, which is rare in this category. The rice water does what it promises: over two weeks of daily use, curl patterns appeared more uniform and less frizzy at the crown.

What buyers consistently say

The praise clusters around two things: definition and value. One verified buyer noted, “I have 3B curls and this is the first cream that doesn’t weigh my hair down or leave it sticky. My curls actually bounce.” Another mentioned, “I’ve spent $30+ on curl creams that perform worse than this $10 tube.”

The consistency complaint? Fragrance. It’s a strong, sweet, candy-like scent that lingers. Several reviewers flagged it — one said, “The smell is overwhelming. I had to wash my hair twice to get it out.” If you’re sensitive to fragrance, this is a real consideration, not a nitpick.

Where it falls short

Beyond the scent, the “kit” naming is misleading. Shoppers expecting the full Curl Talk system (shampoo, conditioner, and cream) will be disappointed. It’s a single product. Also, if you have very fine, straight-ish hair, the cream can weigh it down if you over-apply. Start with less than you think you need — a pea-sized amount for shoulder-length hair, not a pump.

Who should buy this

• Wavy and curly hair types (2A-3C) looking for a daily defining cream that won’t break the bank.
• Fragrance-tolerant shoppers — again, the scent is strong.
• Anyone tired of crunchy gels who wants soft, defined curls with a flexible hold.

Skip it if you have a sensitive scalp, or you’re expecting a full system in the box.

FAQ

Q: Is this a full kit or just the cream? A: Just the defining cream. The 9.7 fl oz tube. There’s no shampoo or conditioner included.

Q: Does it work on dry hair for refresh days? A: Yes, but use a fraction of what you’d use on wet hair. Emulsify a tiny amount between your palms and scrunch into dry curls to revive them without greasiness.

Q: How much should I use for medium-length hair? A: Start with a quarter-sized amount for shoulder-length hair. Wavy hair needs less; coily hair needs more. Add gradually — you can’t remove excess easily.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want reliable curl definition at a fair price and aren’t bothered by fragrance. This is a solid, well-formulated cream that outperforms products at twice the price. The 4.6-star rating holds up in real-world use.

Skip it if you need fragrance-free formulas or want a complete curl-care system in one purchase.

Rating: 4.6/5 — a strong single-product performer held back only by the misleading “kit” label and its assertive scent.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.