For curly-haired girls and guys, finding the right curl-defining product can be a challenge. Two popular options are Jelly Soft Curls and Pillow Soft Curls – but which creates better defined, frizz-free curls that last?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the key features of Jelly Soft Curls and Pillow Soft Curls, look at the pros and cons of each, and help you decide which is better for your curl type and hair needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Jelly Soft Curls | Pillow Soft Curls |
| Main Benefits | Extreme definition and frizz control | Touchable softness and volume |
| Best For | Tight, coily, thick curls | Loose waves to medium curls |
| Formula | Gel-cream with strong hold | Creamy conditioner with light hold |
| Hold Strength | Very strong, inflexible | Medium, flexible |
| Curl Enhancement | Elongates and defines | Activates and separates |
| Frizz Control | Up to 72 hours | 6-10 hours |
| Ingredients | Polymers, panthenol, glycerin | Conditioners, mild polymers, oils |
| Texture | Thick, gel-like | Lightweight cream |
| Longevity | Multi-day wear | Short term wear |
| Buildup | Can cause buildup on low porosity hair | Minimal buildup |
| Weight | Medium-heavy | Very lightweight |
| Shine | Moderate | High shine |
| Hydration | Deeply moisturizing | Light hydration |
| Crunch Level | High crunch requiring scrunching out | No crunch |
How Jelly Soft Curls and Pillow Soft Curls Work
Both Jelly Soft Curls and Pillow Soft Curls work by providing long-lasting curl definition, frizz control, and touchable softness. But they achieve this through different formulations:
Jelly Soft Curls contains strong hold polymers that wrap around each strand, acting like a cast to lock in moisture and define curls. The jelly-like consistency coats curls evenly and deeply penetrates the hair shaft.
Pillow Soft Curls relies on conditioners and mild hold polymers to make curls touchably soft and bouncy. The creamy formula moisturizes and smooths the cuticle to encourage defined curls.
So Jelly Soft Curls takes a stronger hold approach, while Pillow Soft Curls focuses more on nourishment and subtle shaping.
Also Read: Comparison Between Curly World And Devacurl
Jelly Soft Curls Pros and Cons
Pros of Jelly Soft Curls:
- Provides maximum frizz control and definition for up to 72 hours
- Creates a strong, flexible cast around curls to lock in moisture
- Deeply penetrates strands to hydrate hair from within
- Helps enhance and elongate curl pattern
- Alcohol-free, paraben-free, and safe for color-treated hair
- Gel-cream hybrid formula isn’t overly sticky or crunchy
Cons of Jelly Soft Curls:
- Very strong hold can feel stiff or rigid on some curl types
- Requires thorough scrunching out the crunch
- Not ideal for fine, easily weighed down hair
- Can build up on low porosity hair over time
- Has a strong fruity fragrance some may dislike
The intense curl-locking powers of Jelly Soft Curls make it ideal for coarse, thick, or unruly curls. But it may be too strong for fine, delicate curl types.
Pillow Soft Curls Pros and Cons
Pros of Pillow Soft Curls:
- Provides touchable softness, shine, and lightweight moisture
- Defines curls without stiffness or crunch
- Creamy formula won’t weigh down fine strands
- Builds volume and bounce in limp, flat curls
- Good for enhancing waves and stretched-out curls
- Pleasant floral-coconut scent
- Color-safe and free of parabens, silicones, and sulfates
Cons of Pillow Soft Curls:
- Definition and frizz protection doesn’t last as long
- More prone to humidity frizz throughout the day
- May not have enough hold for coily, kinky hair
- Needs to be applied to soaking wet hair for best results
- Not ideal for very porous, dry hair types
- Contains coconut oil, which can be problematic for some
Pillow Soft Curls excels at boosting shine, volume, and softness for looser curl patterns. But it lacks the intense curl control of Jelly Soft Curls.
Which Is Better for Your Hair?
When choosing between Jelly Soft Curls and Pillow Soft Curls, consider your curl type, hair texture, and styling needs:
Jelly Soft Curls is better for:
- Tightly coiled 3c-4c curls
- Thick or coarse hair textures
- Extreme frizz and humidity resistance
- Long-lasting definition over multiple days
- Enhancing and elongating curls
Pillow Soft Curls is better for:
- Loose wavy to curly hair (2a-3a curl types)
- Fine, thin, or easily weighed down strands
- Touchable softness and volume
- Quick styling and gentle curl enhancement
- Worn-out curls needing reactivation
Those with medium curl patterns and normal textures can experiment with either formula – Jelly Soft for max hold or Pillow Soft for flexibility.
Also Read: Comparison Between OUAI and Ouidad
It also depends when and where you’ll wear your curls. Jelly Soft locks down curls for multi-day wear and humid climates. Pillow Soft is better for casual days or dry environments.
Also Watch This Review Video:
Application Tips for Each Formula
Jelly Soft Curls:
- Evenly coat palms and rake through soaking wet hair from roots to ends
- Use prayer hands to encourage clumping and define curl shape
- Glaze over curls in sections for full coverage
- Let air dry completely before gently scrunching out any crunch
Pillow Soft Curls:
- Emulsify in hands and smooth over wet hair in sections
- Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle and encourage curl formation
- Air dry or gently diffuse until 80% dry
- Finish with a few drops of oil for extra shine and moisture
Don’t be afraid to play around with how much of each product you use. Layering both can provide softness and definition too!
Curl Enhancing Tips for Both Products
To get the most out of Jelly Soft Curls or Pillow Soft Curls, keep these tips in mind:
- Always apply to freshly washed and conditioned hair
- Use a microfiber towel or t-shirt to gently dry hair
- Work in sections for even application and curl separation
- Let hair air dry completely before touching or scrunching
- Finish with a few drops of a nourishing curl oil or serum
- Refresh curls on non-wash days with water and a dime-size amount of product
- Clarify regularly to prevent buildup on low porosity hair
Also Read: Comparison Between Curlsmith Vs. Ouidad
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There is no definitively “better” option – it depends on your curl type, hair needs, and styling preferences. Jelly Soft provides stronger hold and definition, while Pillow Soft focuses more on softness and flexibility.
Jelly Soft Curls deeply conditions curls while providing firm, long-lasting hold to lock in moisture, fight frizz, and enhance definition. The gel-cream formula coats strands to cast curls in place.
Pillow Soft Curls is best suited to loose, wavy, and gently coiled hair ranging from 2a-3a curl types. The lightweight creamy formula won’t provide enough hold for kinky, coily hair.
No, Pillow Soft Curls are designed to provide touchable softness and definition without weighing curls down. The creamy formula moisturizes without being overly rich.
Also Read: Is L’Oreal Elvive Better Than Everpure Purple Shampoo?
The Takeaway
Choosing between Jelly Soft Curls and Pillow Soft Curls means deciding between intense definition and touchable softness. Jelly Soft casts curls firmly in place even in humidity, while Pillow Soft allows for flexibility.
Consider your curl type, hair texture, climate, and styling preferences when deciding which formula fits your needs. Curly hair is unique, so don’t be afraid to test out both options. With the right application techniques, you can enjoy frizz-free, defined curls and soft shine.