Bounce Curl vs Curlsmith 2023 (The Definitive Guide)

We're positive you've seen Bounce Curl and Curlsmith on the shelves at your local beauty store or hair salon before.

Which is better, you ask? That's what we'll be finding out today as we compare the two side-by-side. Bounce Curl vs Curlsmith - let’s get into it.

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Bounce Curl Light Creme Gel vs Curlsmith Curl Defining Souffle

If you have curly hair, you’re likely aware by now how difficult it can be to find the best product lineup for your mane. With factors such as curl pattern, hair porosity, and thickness to consider, you may find yourself playing trial and error with dozens of cremes, gels, and mousses.

But what if we told you that you don’t need every styling product on the shelf to achieve your best hair day? Between crème-gel hybrid picks like Bounce Curl’s Light Hold Crème Gel and Curlsmith’s Curl Defining Style Souffle, you might just be able to narrow down your options tremendously. Let’s break down the details of both.

Comparison

If you struggle with your curls being weighed down but suffer with frizz when not providing ample moisture, Bounce Curl’s Light Hold Crème Gel could be the unicorn you’ve been looking for. This lightweight gel highlights the use of black seed oil in their formula to lend nourishment (and volume!) without creating limp curls. What’s more: you can use it again the next day for a refresh. Best of all? It’s suitable for all curl types. But there’s a slight caveat: though this styling superstar can work well solo, Bounce Curl advises using other products from the brand should you need some backup for your locks.

On the other hand, if you feel that your curls are dry and stringy, Curlsmith’s Curl Defining Style Souffle can help with that. Their site refers to it as a “silky custard” that’s made with babassu and shea to provide moisture, definition, and a buildable hold. Curlsmith notes that your hair may initially feel crunchy upon drying, but you can easily scrunch out the crunch for a voluminous, bouncy finish. Luckily, this enriching crème-gel is also ideal for all curl types, textures, and porosities.

According to their respective websites, the ratings for each reflect rather effective results. Bounce Curl has a 5-star rating with 1,169 reviews, while Curlsmith falls slightly behind with 4.4 stars and 440 reviews. There’s also a slight gap in price between the two, with the Light Hold Crème at $18.99 for an 8oz bottle and the Curl Defining Styling Souffle at $27 for an 8oz jar.

Conclusion

Sure, both are hybrid formulas that aim to achieve the same results, but they take different approaches. Curlsmith has a lower rating and a higher price, giving Bounce Curl the lead. However, it’s not over until we take a closer look at each company’s business ethics.

Bounce Curl’s approach to being more eco-friendly focuses greatly on their packaging, which is now derived from sugarcane. For any items where they’re unable to use their sugarcane packaging, they will use post-consumer resin, which is made from used, recycled, and repurposed plastic. Not to mention, every product container by Bounce Curl is recyclable. And regarding their vegan and cruelty-free stances, rest assured that they’re both.

As for Curlsmith, their brand is also dedicated to sustainability. Their global team works remotely and 90% of their products are made in the United States—efforts which diminish the size of their carbon footprint. They’re also certified cruelty-free by PETA and all their formulas are vegan.

Although both companies are making efforts to help the environment, we appreciate Bounce Curl working at a more granular level via their packaging. Thus, it looks like we have a clear winner. But, of course, choose what’s best for your tresses.