tldr; Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm is a popular, easy-to-use cream that effectively helps with frizz and is often integrated into multi-step styling routines.
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Best praise vs top criticism for Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm
“Fine, wavy, medium density, mixed porosity. Curlsmith products are pricy, and extremely hit-or-miss, but at least they offer travel sizes. Here’s what I’ve tried… **Air Dry Cream** - Not a curl cream: but a basic leave in conditioner. Too heavy for me and lacked slip. Smells like fruity candy. Broke me out, but my BF likes it so that’s a win. 3/5 **Shine Jelly** - (Frag-free version of the Hydro Flexi Jelly). Easy to apply, but hard to work with because it feels like scrunching in water. Not enough hold for me and made my hair limp and sticky. 1/5 **Effortless Waves Spray** - Very strong floral / abrasive citrus fragrance, zero hold, weirdly oily. My cats avoided me every time I used it. Worked slightly worse than water for refreshing. 0/5 **Shine Gel** (Frag-free version of the In Shower Style Fixer). Bit of a learning curve because it’s so thick and sticky, but holds my curl clumps in place like nothing else. Fantastic grit, gives me amazing definition, volume, and crazy hold. Worth every penny. 4.5/5 **Defrizzion Dryer & XXL Diffuser** Overpriced, but I bought it on sale. Doesn’t dry my hair *so much faster* than a regular dryer, but the massive diffuser is extremely convenient, the heat settings are perfect, and it’s a treat to use. No regrets. 4/5”
“Second this with curlsmith and innersense both LOL fell into the hype and tried a 1-2 products from both brands and it strongly disagreed with my hair- hard to keep trying other products from them as both are very pricy brands”
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81 Reddit opinions analyzed • Last updated 4/4/2026