Pattern Beauty Styling Cream Review: Soft Hold for Coils and Curls

Overview

Pattern Beauty Styling Cream is a rich, buttery cream designed to moisturize, define, and smooth textured hair with a soft, flexible hold. It is formulated to reduce frizz, boost shine, and encourage definition without a stiff cast. The texture feels like a dense, velvety cream that melts as you warm it between your palms, which makes it easy to work through coils and curls once the hair is properly wet and detangled.

The formula leans nourishing, with oils and butters that help cushion the cuticle and seal in hydration. It is silicone free and generally considered color safe. The scent reads as a warm floral with a touch of citrus. It is noticeable on application and lingers lightly for a few hours, which will be pleasant for some and too present for scent sensitive users.

In use, this product shines for twist outs, braid outs, and soft, touchable wash and go styles. It will not give you a hard cast or helmet hair. Instead, it leaves curls pliable with a satin sheen and a natural-looking finish. If you want crisp hold or multi-day frizz control in high humidity, you will likely need to pair it with a gel.

Packaging varies by size. The full size typically comes in a jar that is easy to scoop but can be messy in the shower, while the travel size is a more controlled squeeze format. Either way, a little goes a long way, and careful dosing is the difference between bouncy definition and weighed-down roots.

Who it’s for

This styling cream is best for:

• Type 3B to 4C coils and curls that crave moisture first and hold second.
• Medium to high density hair that benefits from slip and emollience during styling.
• Dry, porous, or color-treated hair that loses moisture quickly and needs a cushion of oils and butters.
• Anyone who prefers a soft, flexible finish with movement rather than a strong cast.

You may want to skip or modify if:

• Your hair is fine, easily weighed down, or flat prone at the roots. Use a small, pea-size amount per section and concentrate on mids to ends, or consider a lighter product.
• You want strong, crunchy hold for a long-lasting wash and go in humid weather. Layer a gel on top or choose a higher hold styler.
• You are highly fragrance sensitive. The scent is not overpowering, but it is present.

How it feels and performs

Texture and slip: Out of the jar, the cream is thick and rich, similar to a whipped buttercream. Once emulsified with wet hands, it spreads smoothly and offers decent slip. On tightly coiled hair, it glides best over hair that has been detangled and is dripping wet. On looser curls, it can be applied to damp hair without snagging.

Definition and hold: Expect soft hold. Curls and coils clump nicely, especially when you rake and then smooth with praying hands. There is no hard cast. On day one, the result is defined, touchable curls with a satin finish. By day two or three, definition relaxes into a fluffier look. A light mist of water or a few drops of leave-in reactivates the cream for a quick refresh.

Frizz control: Frizz control is solid on day one in average humidity. In very humid climates, small halo frizz can creep in by mid-day unless you seal with a gel. If frizz control is a high priority, concentrate a tiny extra dab along the crown and edges during styling, and consider a gel topcoat.

Shine and finish: The finish is satin to slightly glossy, not greasy. The cream helps reduce a dull, dry look on porous curls, especially after color or heat exposure.

Volume and weight: This is a nourishing cream with body. It can weigh down fine strands if overused, particularly at the roots. Mids and ends tend to tolerate it well. For more volume, apply away from the scalp, diffuse upside down, and fluff at the roots once fully dry.

Drying time: Because it is rich, drying time may be longer than with lightweight lotions. Diffusing on low heat and low speed helps set definition without shrinkage, and prevents the crown from staying damp too long.

Flaking and buildup: Applied on wet hair and fully smoothed in, it does not flake on its own. Flakes typically occur when layering over products that have high hold resins or when too much product is used on dry hair. If you plan to pair with a gel, test compatibility in the palm of your hand. Clarify weekly or biweekly if you use it often, especially if your water is hard.

Longevity: Expect one to three days of definition depending on your climate, curl pattern, and whether you sleep with a bonnet or pineapple. Twist outs often last longer than wash and go styles with this cream because the hair sets in a defined pattern as it dries.

How to use for best results

Start with clean, well-conditioned hair. This cream locks in hydration best when applied over water-saturated hair and a light leave-in.

1. Prep: After cleansing, apply a light leave-in and detangle thoroughly. Keep a spray bottle nearby so each section stays wet.
2. Section: Divide hair into four to eight sections depending on density. Clip away what you are not working on.
3. Emulsify: Scoop a small amount, about a pea to almond size per section. Rub between palms with a few drops of water until the cream feels silky and more spreadable.
4. Apply: Rake through from mids to ends, then smooth with praying hands. For extra clumping on coily strands, use a shingling motion, gently smoothing small sections between fingers.
5. Define: For twist outs, twist immediately while hair is wet. For a wash and go, gently scrunch upward to encourage curl formation.
6. Dry: Air dry or diffuse on low. Avoid touching until fully dry to preserve definition. Once dry, scrunch out any stiffness and fluff at the roots for volume.

Pairing for more hold: If you need stronger frizz control, layer a small amount of gel over the cream while hair is still wet. Start with a dime size per section to avoid crunch and flakes. Focus gel on the outer canopy, edges, and ends. Let dry completely before breaking any cast.

Refreshing on day two: Lightly mist hair with water or a water and leave-in mix. Emulsify a pea-sized amount of cream with wet hands and skim over frizzy areas. Avoid adding cream to the roots. Let air dry, then fluff.

Tips to avoid weigh down:

• Use less than you think. You can always add more, but it is hard to remove excess without rewashing.
• Keep the cream off the scalp. Concentrate on mids and ends.
• If your strands are fine, consider diluting the cream with a few drops of water in your palms before applying.
• Diffuse the last 10 to 15 minutes to encourage lift at the roots.

Pros and cons

• Pros
• Soft, touchable hold that keeps curls flexible and bouncy.
• Rich moisture that helps reduce dryness and dullness on textured hair.
• Great for twist outs and braid outs with smooth, frizz-reduced definition.
• Satin, non-greasy finish with healthy-looking shine.
• Plays well with many gels when applied on wet hair and allowed to dry fully.

• Cons
• Can weigh down fine or low-density hair if overapplied, especially at the roots.
• Soft hold means less staying power in high humidity without a gel topper.
• Scent lingers for a few hours and may be too noticeable for some.
• Jar packaging is easy to scoop but can be messy in the shower and encourages overuse.

Final verdict

Pattern Beauty Styling Cream succeeds at what it promises: soft, moisturized definition for coils and curls with a flexible, natural finish. It is an excellent everyday styler for twist outs, braid outs, and soft wash and go looks, and it is especially helpful for textured hair that feels dry or looks dull between washes. If your hair is fine or you crave strong hold, use a light hand and consider pairing with a gel on the outer layers. Everyone else will likely appreciate the plush moisture, satin sheen, and movable definition. For many curl patterns, it hits the sweet spot between care and control.

See also

For a similar soft hold and definition, explore our detailed best curl creams for wavy 2A–2C hair.

• If you want to add volume along with definition, consider our guide on the hair mousses that define curls.
• Learn how Camille Rose Curl Maker performs as another styling cream alternative for coils and curls.
• Maintain your style longer with insights into the best hairspray for curly hair.
• Start with the right base by choosing the best shampoo for curly hair that fights frizz to complement your styling routine.

 

FAQ

Does Pattern Beauty Styling Cream work for twist outs on 4C hair?

Yes. Its rich, buttery texture smooths and clumps coils well for twist outs and braid outs. Apply on wet, detangled hair, twist in small sections, and allow to dry fully. You will get soft, defined results with a satin finish. For longer hold, lightly layer a compatible gel on top before drying.

Will this cream weigh down fine curls?

It can if you apply too much or apply at the roots. Start with a pea-sized amount per section, emulsify with water in your hands, and focus on mids to ends. Diffuse for lift and avoid reapplying at the scalp on refresh days.

Can I use it alone for a wash and go in humid weather?

You can, but expect soft hold and some halo frizz as the day goes on in higher humidity. For better frizz control, add a thin layer of gel over the cream while hair is wet, especially over the canopy and ends, then let dry completely before scrunching out any cast.

Does Pattern Beauty Styling Cream flake when layered with gel?

Not typically, but compatibility varies by gel formula and how much product you use. Always do a quick palm test: mix a dab of cream and a dab of gel in your hands. If the blend stays smooth, you are good to go. Apply to wet hair and avoid overworking the hair once it starts to dry.

How much should I use for shoulder-length, dense curls?

Start with an almond-sized amount split across four to six sections, which means about a pea-sized dab per section. You can add a touch more to the outer layers if you see frizz, but resist coating the roots. Using less usually gives better bounce and longevity.

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