TLDR Review: SheaMoisture Curling Gel Souffle
Verdict
If you have thick, curly hair and want a gel that offers a medium hold with hydration and a pleasant scent, SheaMoisture Curling Gel Souffle can perform well if applied sparingly and with the right technique. However, be warned that the recent reformulation has made the product thicker and messier to apply, with some users finding it less moisturizing and leaving an unwanted residue. If you’re sensitive to product feel or value hydration very highly, you may want to consider experimenting with diluting it or pairing it with complementary moisturizing products from the same line for best results. For alternative curl gels with a lighter, less gummy texture and consistent hydration, you might want to explore other SheaMoisture options or similar brands that emphasize moisture retention without the thick gel balls.
- Top pro:
- Provides about 5 days of reasonable hold when applied correctly, making it a reliable styling choice for thick, curly hair.
- Top con:
- Reformulation has made the texture extremely thick and gelatin-like, complicating smooth application and causing messiness due to medium-sized gel balls that don’t melt easily with hand heat.
Pros
- •Provides about 5 days of reasonable hold when applied correctly, making it a reliable styling choice for thick, curly hair.
- •Lightweight and non-sticky formula, which enhances comfort and usability without weighing hair down.
- •Pleasant scent adds to the overall enjoyable experience of using the product.
- •Leaves curls shiny, hydrated, and well-defined with a slight crunch that can be scrunched out after drying for natural bounce.
- •Works well when layered with other SheaMoisture products like leave-in conditioner, argan oil, and curl-enhancing cream or mousse for best results.
- •Suitable across a range of curl types, from 3A to 4C, offering a light hold that preserves natural curl pattern beautifully.
- •When used with proper technique (wet/damp hair and prayer hands method), curls come out fantastic and moisturized.
- •Product feels high quality and is praised for overall effectiveness in protecting and enhancing curls.
Cons
- •Reformulation has made the texture extremely thick and gelatin-like, complicating smooth application and causing messiness due to medium-sized gel balls that don’t melt easily with hand heat.
- •Leaves a noticeable residue or strange film on hair and sometimes on clothing or bathroom surfaces, which can be frustrating to clean.
- •Applying too much product results in an uncomfortable, crunchy feel that can be tough to scrunch out if overdone.
- •Some users report the new formula lacks moisture retention, especially in dry climates, and feels like it includes cheap fillers like glycerin, corn syrup, and pectin.
- •Without dilution (e.g., water), the gel can cause poor texture and heaviness on hair.
- •Recent changes have disappointed users who preferred the original formula’s balance of hydration and hold.
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How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from 1 retailer in ShopSavvy's price data, most recently seen Oct 11, 2026.
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