Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm is part of a range that has gained an almost cult following in the last couple of years. Curlsmith appeared all over Instagram, sending out their products to curly-haired people to test and showcase on their Instagram and YouTube accounts.
Their philosophy is to make products that work on a variety of curl types and they have a panel of ‘curlfriends’ that vigorously test all products before launch.
Curlsmith products are choc-full of superfoods and they are all free from silicones, sulphates, parabens, mineral oils, DEAs, drying alcohols, artificial dyes and phthalates.
They are also on a mission to reduce their environmental impact and are working hard to make plastic-free packaging options.
This all sounds great, but is the product itself any good?
Why Hold Me Softly Style Balm?
I wanted to try all of Curlsmith’s products but this one seemed like a good place to start. A lightweight cream that gives soft hold and that I could also pair with other products.
My hair is between wavy and curly and, while I’m always on the lookout for products that will increase definition, I also enjoy the waviness and sometimes I just want to enhance this.
My hair also has a tendency to be dry, so the combination of moisturising ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil and avocado oil was very tempting!
How do you use it?
Apply this product to wet hair. Soaking wet or damp depending on your styling preferences.
You can use it on its own or Curlsmith also recommend using it as an alternative to leave-in conditioner.
The balm contains lots of moisturising ingredients which make it a great product to layer under a firmer hold styling product like a gel. Curlsmith recommends using it under their Curl Defining Souffle.
You can apply it using the praying hands method or simply by scrunching it in.
I have also tried the balm on dry hair – not strictly Curlsmith-recommended – but I have found it works well to smooth out any frizzy areas. I take a small dot of the balm and apply it to areas that need a little smoothing. It doesn’t leave any grease or sit on top of the hair. This means that it is a refresh product, too. Multi-purpose!
Let’s talk curl types for a sec
I’m not a huge fan of the 2/3/4 curl type system but I’m going to use it here for a sec. I consider myself between 2C and 3A which means waves and curls.
Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm is fantastic at defining waves and providing a light hold. I love the way it enhances my waves. If your hair is curlier than 3A you would be best using this to provide moisture underneath another, firmer hold styling product.
A look at the ingredients
A host of beautiful ingredients. This is why Curlsmith say the balm can be used as a leave-in conditioner. It contains coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, apricot kernel oil and aloe vera leaf juice to name just a few.
This blend also means that the balm smells amazing!
Is Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm Curly Girl Method Approved?
Yes! The balm is a blend of moisturising, natural ingredients and without any silicones, sulphates, mineral oils, drying alcohols, artificial dyes, parabens or phthalates.
My Verdict
I love this product. I can use it on its own or under styling products like mousse or gel. I bought the small 59ml tube and it has lasted weeks. The cream is concentrated so you don’t need lots of it. I always go in with a pea-sized amount for each section.
Overall, Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm is great for enhancing soft waves or for moisturising all curl types as a wonderful-smelling moisturising cream under other products. Its additional use as a frizz-calming balm for dry hair gives it extra points!
Buy Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm
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Speak soon,