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Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard Hair Styling Gel - 8oz: Ethyl Alcohol-Free, Paraben-Free, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate-Free - 2 of 3Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard Hair Styling Gel - 8oz: Ethyl Alcohol-Free, Paraben-Free, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate-Free - 3 of 3
Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard Hair Styling Gel - 8oz: Ethyl Alcohol-Free, Paraben-Free, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate-Free - 1 of 3

Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard Hair Styling Gel - 8oz: Ethyl Alcohol-Free, Paraben-Free, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate-Free

$22.99 ($2.87/ounce)

In Stock

Eligible for registries and wish lists

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: Hi there! This gel has a light tropical scent.

    submitted byTarget Brand Expert - 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 - 4 months 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 - 8 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 - 7 months ago
  • A: It works best if you were to refresh with just water. This product rehydrates well.

    submitted byAbby - 4 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 - 6 months ago

Q: How effective is it for eliminating frizz?

submitted by KT - 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 byTarget Brand Expert - 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

Q: Does this have a strong fragrance?

submitted by Andie - 7 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 - 6 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 - 8 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 - 8 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 - 8 months ago
  • A: Hi there! Many reviewers have stated that this gel holds between 2-4 days! I hope this helps!

    submitted byBrand Expert - 8 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 byTarget Brand Expert - 1 year ago

Q: My hair is wavy. Is this product good for wavy hair?

submitted by New To The Hair Game - 1 year ago
  • A: Hi there! Yes, this product is meant for wavy, curly, and texured hair types! Thank you for your interest!

    submitted byTarget Brand Expert - 1 year ago

Q: Is this ok to use for 3b curly hair

submitted by Heyy - 2 years ago
  • A: Hi there! This is great for 3b curly hair, yes! This product is best used on curly/wavy and textured hair types! Thank you!

    submitted byTarget Brand Expert - 1 year ago

Additional product information and recommendations

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Frequently bought together

Guests are saying

This product is highly praised for its ability to enhance and define curls, making it a favorite among guests with various hair types, especially those with curly and coily textures. Many appreciate its moisturizing properties and the fact that a little goes a long way, providing long-lasting hold without leaving hair crunchy. However, some guests express concerns about the price and occasional flaking. Overall, it stands out as a reliable choice for achieving beautiful, bouncy curls.
    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 984 reviews
    effectiveness: 4.42 out of 5
    quality: 4.41 out of 5
    value: 4.06 out of 5
    81% would recommend
    336 recommendations
    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.
    Did you find this review helpful?
    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
    3 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
    4 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
    13 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
    5 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?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    25 October, 2025Verified purchase

    The Best.

    Kinky-Curly is the plbeat product for curly hair. You can apply it after a wash and it last for 2 days with a refresher on the second day.
    Laura
    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
    8 October, 2025Verified purchase

    perfect for curly hair

    love this for my curly hair, it locks in the moisture
    LX
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    6 October, 2025Verified purchase

    Amazing Gel

    This is the best gel I’ve ever used for my curly hair! And trust me, I’ve tried lots of others. I use a leave in conditioner first and get my hair really hydrated then scrunch in the Kinky-Curly curling custard. It leaves the perfect cast, but can easily be broken with a little scrunch once it’s dry. Worth every penny!
    Charmin
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    3 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    29 September, 2025Verified purchase

    Finally!

    Okay so let me start off by saying I have really curly frizzy Hawaiian hair and I also live in Hawaii which the humidity can be rough at times. I’ve tried so many products under the sun and could never find the right one for me. After trying this product I can definitely say it’s worked better than so many products I’ve tried. I’m thinking about trying the leave in from this brand to add a little more to the curls. I was able to sleep in it and just refresh the next morning by a little spray of water and just a small bit of the gel again. It doesn’t flake and it’s not super crunchy either. As for the smell I’ve seen mixed reviews but I honestly don’t mind it. It has a sweet smell but nothing overwhelming. I’d say give it a try!
    kristoni
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 4 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    3 out of 5 stars
    14 September, 2025Verified purchase

    Gives the BEST definition but...

    This gel is probably the only gel that gives me the definition I want. I get about 5 days out of wearing my curls before I need to refresh. The product is moisturizing with natural ingredients. However, I don’t like that this gel flakes after washing. This gel flakes SO MUCH, oh my god. Also, it creates clumps and sticky residue even after drying. Another downside is that the price is incredibly high for the amount of product you get ($23 for a gel that will only cover maybe 4-5 wash days?) Unfortunately, for me, the cons are beginning to outweigh the pros. If these two things weren’t a recurring issue, I would use this gel long term.
    Tatiana
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 3 out of 5
    value: 3 out of 5
    9 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    4 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    10 September, 2025Verified purchase

    Defined Curls!!!

    I have used this product for a few years now and it works great for my natural curly hair. As a woman of color it’s not always easy to find a product that defines my curls and has a good hold without leaving my hair crunchy. I pair this with the kinky curly leave in and it hands down is my go to hair products. The only downfall is it’s a bit pricey but for a quality product I don’t mind spending a little more.
    SWhite
    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
    8 September, 2025

    Curling custar

    I love this stuff I use it every once a week bc after my hair is done drying this makes it stay and makes in crunchy but u have to use hair oil after!!
    Sofia
    3 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

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