Without a doubt, Kinky Curly Curling Custard (KCCC) has been one of the most popular hair gels from the USA for curly hair.
But if you’re a beginner, you might have mixed feelings about it—or even hate it.
Here’s why I don’t recommend it for beginners, and if you already have it, these tips will help you get the best results.
Review Summary
| Product | What it does well | How it feels | Key ingredients | Does it have protein? | Does it have glycerine? |
| Kinky Curly Curling Custard | Holds curls well, all year long | Runny, thin jelly like consistency | horsetail, chamomile, nettle, and marshmallow, | No | No |
Common KCCC Complaints
❌ No hold
❌ Flash drying
❌ Greasy, sticky mess
❌ Heavy, weighed-down hair
❌ Hair dries out the next day
❌ Feels like wasted money
I felt the same when I bought it in May 2017 for INR 1,825. This was when I first started caring for my curls.
I had no idea how to troubleshoot it, gave up, and felt I had wasted my money.
Four years later, I tried it again—and finally cracked the KCCC code.
Weighing the Kinky Curly Gel Pros
KCCC is different from regular gels. It has a thin, slimier consistency, and contains natural botanical oils that moisturize, making hair feel heavy when you use too much.
Ingredients like horsetail, nettle, marshmallow, and aloe vera are humectants, which absorb water to keep hair hydrated. But they can also absorb too much water from the air, making hair frizzy.
Pro Tip: Don’t use too much!
Because it needs so much water; if applied on dry or under-moisturized hair, it can pull moisture out, causing dryness.
Pro Tip: Style with KCCC on soaking wet/moisturised hair!
Why KCCC is so loved in the natural hair community
✅ Smells very pretty
✅ Easy on fine, wavy, curly, and coily hair
✅ Excellent for clumping
✅ Leaves hair soft and shiny
✅ Protein-free, coconut-oil free
✅ Glycerin-free
Is KCCC Curly Girl (CG) Approved?
Yes!
KCCC has clean ingredients and is CG-safe.
If you want to try KCCC or any curly hair product, start by following brand instructions.
Watch the official Kinky Curly video.
Here’s how I style with the Kinky Curly Curling Custard.
While I prefer using this hair gel with the leave-in, many with fine hair or thin hair in the community find that it works alone too. Try it diffeerent ways to see what works best for you.
Pro Tips for Using KCCC
✅ Apply on freshly washed, clarified hair.
This gel works best on clean, buildup-free hair. Don’t pre-poo before using KCCC. If you use oils or butters, detox your hair regularly. The brand’s Kinky Curly Come Clean shampoo is clarifying for a reason!
✅ Work on moisturized hair.
Flash drying can happen if hair lacks moisture before application. Deep condition or use a generous amount of their Knot Today leave-in conditioner before using KCCC.
✅ Apply on very wet hair.
For coarse hair, apply on soaking wet hair. For fine or wavy hair, try on damp hair. You can also spray water after applying to ensure hydration.
✅ Use minimal quantities.
This is the most important tip. Scoop small amounts and apply section by section using the praying hands method. If you see lumps in your palms, you’ve used too much.
My Preferred Way to Use KCCC
In this post, I co-washed my hair, applied a small amount of KCCC, and sealed it with a light oil before applying the gel for extra moisture.
Method:
- Dip fingertips into the tub and take a tiny amount.
- Rub between wet palms until fully emulsified.
- Apply to small sections using praying hands on wet hair.
Dos and Don’ts
🎥 Watch Kadian’s video for top pointers for beginners.
✅ Do apply on clean, hydrated hair.
✅ Do use in small amounts.
❌ Don’t expect it to fix dryness alone. Deep condition regularly.
Final Thoughts
Kinky Curly Curling Custard can work beautifully if used correctly, but it’s not the easiest product for beginners. If you want to try it, start small, prep your hair well, and practice until you find what works for your hair.
Have you tried KCCC before? Share your experience below!
Got a product you want me to review next? Let me know in the comments.
Thank you for reading!
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