Target New ArrivalsHalloweenClothing, Shoes & AccessoriesHome & DecorKitchen & DiningPatio, Lawn & GardenGroceryHousehold EssentialsBabyBeautyTarget Beauty StudioPersonal CareSports & OutdoorsPetsHealthWellnessSchool & Office SuppliesToys & GamesElectronics & TechVideo GamesBooks, Music & MoviesParty SuppliesGift IdeasGift CardsShop by CommunityTarget OpticalDealsClearanceNew ArrivalsBack to SchoolCollegeTop DealsTarget Circle DealsWeekly AdShop Order PickupShop Same Day DeliveryRegistryRedCardTarget CircleFind Stores
Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard Natural Hair Styling Gel -  8oz - 2 of 3Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard Natural Hair Styling Gel -  8oz - 3 of 3
Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard Natural Hair Styling Gel -  8oz - 1 of 3

Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard Natural Hair Styling Gel - 8oz

20 Questions
$22.99 ($2.87/ounce)

In Stock

Eligible for registries and wish lists
Save 5% every day
With Target Circle™ Card (restrictions apply)

At a glance

About this item

Highlights

  • Keep your natural waves beautiful and shiny with the Original Curling Custard Gel from Kinky Curly
  • All-natural formula provides a deep shine and beautifully conditions hair
  • Curl gel helps eliminate frizz for soft, defined girls
  • Styling gel with botanical formula leaves your hair strengthened
  • Nourishing

Description

Keep your natural waves beautiful and shiny with the Original Curling Custard Gel from Kinky Curly. This styling gel will moisturize your hair, leaving each curl perfectly defined. The all-natural botanical formula is designed to reduce bulk while adding shine and lasting hold, so you can say goodbye to frizzy, untamed curls and enjoy your strengthened and nourished curls.

Utilizing the humectant properties of the agave nectar, Curling Custard will give weight to your hair, define your curls, remove frizz, provide long-lasting hold and shine without ever being greasy, crunchy or drying.

**NOTE- This product is designed to work alone but ultimate curl definition and length can be achieved when used with KNOT TODAY as a leave-in conditioner.

How to Use:

Apply the Kinky-Curly Knot Today (for best results) on very wet hair*. Apply custard evenly in sections to very wet hair^.

Smooth the custard into each section from roots to ends. If sections start to dry out, spray water into hair and then add custard. Thicker tighter curls need more product and loose wavy curls use less.

Use more product for very controlled curls and use less product if you want more fullness and body. Allow hair to air dry, do not touch hair while it is drying or it will start to frizz. Then dry gently scrunch out the crunch.

* If it is not wet enough your hair will dry sticky.
^ If it is not applied evenly you will get frizz.
Hair Type: Curly, Coily
Health Facts: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate-Free, Paraben-Free, Ethyl Alcohol-Free
Product Form: Gel
Beauty Purpose: Curl Enhancing
Features: Lightweight
TCIN: 13044270
UPC: 689076195782
Item Number (DPCI): 063-05-0967
Origin: Made in the USA
If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.

Ingredients:

botanical infusion of water, horsetail, chamomile, nettle, marshmallow, organic aloe vera juice, agave nectar extract, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin e), pectin, citric acid, potassium sorbate, natural fragrance

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 2.82 inches length x 2.91 inches width x 3.06 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.59 pounds

Return details

This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, delivered to the guest, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or picked up by the guest.
See the return policy for complete information.

Q: What does it smell like?

submitted by Ana - 1 year ago
  • A: This has a light citrus smell.

    submitted byBeauty Advisor - 1 year ago
  • A: I’ve used this product many times, and I disagree about tropical scent. I also hate strong fragrances, and pay attention to scent in my products. To me, it smells distinctly like mild slightly sweet vanilla. Kind of like a vanilla scented tea candle, which I find pleasant. This scent fades after it dries, which I prefer over products that have a lasting scent for days.

    submitted byAbby - 6 months ago
  • A: Hi there! This gel has a light tropical scent.

    submitted byhealthshopper - 1 year ago

Q: I have a tapered TWA. How would I use this product to get curl definition?

submitted by HonnyBrown - 9 years ago
  • A: Use the Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave in Conditioner and then apply the Curling Custard to your hair.

    submitted bySjanae90 - 9 years ago
  • A: What works for me is applying the gel to my hair while soaking wet. Apply custard section by section as raking the custard through your hair with your fingers. Similar to how you'd do a wash and go. Hope this helps! This product works better for my curl definition, better than any other product I've used in the past.

    submitted byMegan - 9 years ago
  • A: I agree with Megan's comment. I have a TWA as well. Hair should be very wet. When you find the right ratio between water and the product, you will get GREAT curl definition. It may take a couple of times of experimenting, but when you get it down, you won't be disappointed.

    submitted byShaun - 7 years ago

Q: Should this be used daily with the leave in conditioner for a refresh?

submitted by KJ - 10 months ago
  • A: It works best if you were to refresh with just water. This product rehydrates well.

    submitted byAbby - 6 months ago
  • A: Hi there! This product is not reccomended to be used daily as over-moisturizing can cause potential frizz. I hope this helps!

    submitted byBrand Expert - 9 months ago

Q: How effective is it for eliminating frizz?

submitted by KT - 2 years ago
  • A: Eliminating frizz altogether is not attainable for curly hair but this product is the best I've used and gives really good definition that gets better with time

    submitted byPattyL - 2 years ago
  • A: Hi KT! Very effective. This styling gel provides the ultimate shine and mositure to define those curls. Thank you for your interest!

    submitted byhealthshopper - 2 years ago

Q: Can this gel be used with a curling cream and a diffuser? I usually use my cream, a gel, then diffuse. Does this well work for that or is it supposed to be on its own?

submitted by Carol - 6 years ago
  • A: Yes it can be used as curling cream with a diffuser.

    submitted byUltra - 6 years ago
    Brand expert
  • A: Curling creams are not necessary to use with this gel and may cause flaking. If layering is desired it's best to use their leave in conditioner Knot Today.

    submitted byTi - 2 months ago

Q: Is this cruelty free?

submitted by Anonymous - 7 years ago
  • A: Yes this product is cruelty free

    submitted byAlex J - 7 years ago
  • A: Yes it can be used with a diffuser.

    submitted byTi - 2 months ago

Q: Does this have a strong fragrance?

submitted by Andie - 8 years ago
  • A: I don't think it's strong. It has a sweet candy, kinda like cotton candy smell.

    submitted byErica C - 7 years ago
  • A: It's a pretty faint fragrance to my nose. Nice, but definitely very light and not anything that will compete with other fragrances.

    submitted byCarolH - 7 years ago

Q: Does this product have a strong and moisturizing hold?

submitted by Liv - 9 years ago
  • A: I have used Kinky Curly for the past 2 years. The Kinky Curly Custard does NOT rub off. Yes, it has a Strong and Moisturizing hold.

    submitted bySjanae90 - 9 years ago
  • A: I think so. Their are stronger holds with general styling gels but those don't curl your hair. Kinky Curly has a pretty good hold that rubs off fairly easily (it doesn't stay through the night).

    submitted byAnnette - 9 years ago

Q: How long can it hold on your hair? Like I can do my hair now with the products that I use and it can last a couple days before I have to do it again..

submitted by Sheena - 10 months ago
  • A: Hi there! Many reviewers have stated that this gel holds between 2-4 days! I hope this helps!

    submitted byBrand Expert - 10 months ago

Q: Is this light enough to use on cherub curls? I need a lightweight product with firm hold.

submitted by Ibcb - 1 year ago
  • A: Hi there! This product is great for cherub curls. Thank you for your inquiry!

    submitted byhealthshopper - 1 year ago

Additional product information and recommendations

Discover more options

Skip to next section

Frequently bought together

Skip to next section

Guests also viewed

Skip to next section

Guests are saying

This hair gel is highly praised for its ability to provide a flexible hold, enhance curls, and reduce frizz, making it a favorite among guests with various hair types, especially textured and curly hair. Many guests appreciate its pleasant scent and moisturizing properties, which help maintain shine and definition without leaving hair crunchy. However, some guests express concerns about the product's size and price, suggesting it may not be the best value for everyone.
    Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
    4.5 out of 5 stars with 995 reviews
    effectiveness: 4.43 out of 5
    quality: 4.42 out of 5
    value: 4.05 out of 5
    82% would recommend
    341 recommendations
    5 out of 5 stars
    8 September, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    The best custard for my daughters low porosity curly hair
    Jennifer
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    13 August, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    Provides a good and flexible hold. It says on the label to apply to wet hair to prevent frizz. It definitely helped with my frizz and made my curls/waves stand out more. It has a pleasant and not overwhelming scent as well. Highly recommend.
    Lena
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    11 August, 2026Verified purchase

    For frizzy curls!

    If you have textured coily curly hair or really frizzy hair you need this!!! I have used this in the past but I could not get over how small the product is for the price. I came back to this product after trying many gels that didn’t work for my hair and this smoothed my hair so much I will never get another gel again. If you have textured hair that’s really frizzy (I have 3c- 4a hair) u need this!!! This works really well in the humidity and heat and it smooths my hair and makes it glossy. I have coily hair so my hair normally looks dull and this with the leave in conditioner made my hair super shiny. This is the best! I’m going to buy the 16oz one from their website it’s a better deal since it’s $29 for twice the product.
    Paloma
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 3 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    11 August, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    Great for hold with natural curls!
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 4 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    10 August, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    This product is crucial to my daily Natural Hair regimen and I was low on my last jar. It arrived just in time on a Sunday! :-)
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 3 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    3 out of 5 stars
    27 July, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    I love the gel but hate the price and packaging. Pretty sure they changed the sizing from 16 oz to 8 oz and charged the same thing. Also, the packaging to open the product is annoying. You have to use scissors to cut all the way across the plastic to open it since there’s no perforation. I expect better for a product this $$$.
    Jess
    effectiveness: 4 out of 5
    quality: 4 out of 5
    value: 2 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    26 July, 2026Verified purchase

    Love this product!

    This product is great for my husband’s Puerto Rican curl. This product is a jelly, custard consistency and smells great!
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    11 July, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    I love using this after my leave in conditioner for hold! It works really well in humidity and keeps frizz at bay. For reference I have wavy hair that's fine and protein sensitive.
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    21 June, 2026Verified purchase

    Great hold, delicious smell

    Love the smell and the hold! It smells like coconut and I don’t have to apply a ton to coat my hair. It leaves a crunchy hold but I like that to help tame frizz and keep the hold for day 2. It’s a bit pricey though.
    Rod
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 4 out of 5
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    30 May, 2026

    Perfect product for high humidity climates

    I have 2-C / 3-A hair. It’s thin, fragile, and extremely fine from perimenopause. I live in a hot climate where the 99% humidity is occasionally interrupted by rain. The air is basically like walking through soup. I use this custard along with the Knot Today leave-in conditioner by the same brand and it is the ONLY THING that keeps me from being frizzy, frazzled, tragic looking disaster. It’s nourishing, strong, resilient, easily refreshed, and still weightless enough for ultra fine hair to keep its volume. My daughter has 3-A/3-B hair with more density and thickness per strand, medium to light brown color. Her hair loves it too and on her darker hair there’s still no trace of flaking or product residue. It washes out easily without needing a harsh shampoo. We use the Lush “Honey I Washed My Hair” shampoo bar 1-2 times per week and it rinses away without a trace.
    KZ
    5 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    30 April, 2026Verified purchase

    Perfect!

    This is the only stuff that works on my sons bi racial hair! It’s really enhances his curls and stays put. No reside!
    Ashley
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    26 April, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    I love this stuff curls last me 5 days or more pairing with their leave in I have 3b hair
    tiana
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    6 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    4 April, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    Love this!
    Jennifer
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    3 March, 2026Verified purchase

    Ms.

    I have used this product before and it is very good. Would recommend it highly.
    Corinthian
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    4 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    2 March, 2026Verified purchase

    A little goes a long way!

    I'll admit this is pricey, but I've had the same 8oz tub for like 6 months now because a little goes a long way, and I still have a third left. You really only need a little bit of this stuff per section of hair. Controls my frizz and makes my curls bouncy and shiny!
    Mel
    effectiveness: 4 out of 5
    quality: 4 out of 5
    value: 4 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    19 January, 2026Verified purchase

    Good product

    My daughter uses this to help bring out the natural curl she has. Seems to work pretty good.
    Marcia
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    18 January, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    This used to be 11.99 at target . Now it is 22.99 Go get it at Meijer for 16.99 . Best price I’ve found . Works extremely well for curls , hold and doesn’t dry hair . It’s fabulous but not at Targets price !!!
    Jamaica
    14 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    4 January, 2026Verified purchase

    Buy it!

    Do not hesitate, guaranteed THE BEST hair gel for curly hair, I’m 43 y/o so I have tried it ALL. curls defined, not crunchy, all natural leaving the hair soft. And yes, agree, I don’t know what’s going on with the price but it is outrageous!!
    KAREN
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 4 out of 5
    5 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    4 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    24 December, 2025

    Double the price-insane

    Great product, however the price is ridiculous! It basically doubled.
    Karlie
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 1 out of 5
    6 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    17 December, 2025Verified purchase

    Stop searching for another

    This is the best gel for curly hair! Tried and true!
    Adriana
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?

    Get top deals, latest trends, and more.