The hold comes from plant-based bio-polymers — flax seed, chia seed, and naturally derived film-formers — not the petroleum-based synthetic polymers like PVP and polyquaterniums that most gels and custards use. That means the custard holds curls cleanly, washes out without buildup, and meets Curly Girl Method standards. You get lasting definition from plant sources, not synthetic film-formers.

Yes. The custard sets to a soft cast — much lighter than a strong-hold gel — and once your hair is dry, you scrunch it gently with your palms to break the cast. This leaves curls defined, springy, and touchable, not crunchy or stiff. The moisturizing flax, chia, argan, and avocado oils keep the finish soft.

Yes — this is the everyday styler in the Ashba range. The medium-strong, plant-based hold is designed for daily defined curls in normal weather. It washes out cleanly with no buildup, so daily use is fine. Save the Curl Defining Gel for humid days and monsoon when you need stronger, humidity-proof hold.

Both. As a curl enhancing and curl defining custard, it does two jobs: it enhances your natural curl pattern by encouraging curls to clump and form, and it defines and holds that pattern through the day. Among curl enhancing products, the custard stands out because it adds medium-strong hold so the definition lasts — making it one of the better options for anyone searching for the best curl defining cream or best cream for curly hair that actually holds, not just softens.

It works best on medium to coarse curls. Fine hair can find the custard too heavy and may lose volume — the Curl Styling Serum or Curl Volumizing Foam are lighter and better suited. For wavy hair, use the custard only if your waves are coarse; fine or loose waves should use a lighter styler to avoid weighing them down.

Use a generous coin-to-tablespoon amount depending on hair length and density. Apply to soaking wet hair after your leave-in, section by section, smoothing with praying hands and then raking and scrunching to form clumps. Too little and curls won’t hold; too much and they take longer to dry. Coarse or long hair needs more than fine or short hair.

Yes. Flax seeds and chia seeds are hero ingredients, providing natural curl-defining hold — effectively a flaxseed hair gel and chia seed gel for curly hair in one. They’re combined with argan oil, avocado oil, and jojoba esters for moisture and shine. This is a genuine seed-gel-based custard, not a synthetic formula with flaxseed added as a marketing claim.

Yes. It works as a curl defining custard for men with curly or coily hair — gender-neutral and formulated for hold and curl pattern, not gender. For shorter hair, use less and work it through with your fingers. Men with curly hair get defined, daily hold and frizz control without the wet-look stiffness of drugstore gels.

Yes. Apply Ashba Leave-In Conditioner (or Curl Moisture Milk for coarse hair) first for moisture, then the custard for definition and hold. On humid days, you can layer a little Curl Defining Gel over the custard for extra humidity-proof hold. Always layer wettest and lightest first, finishing with the styler that provides hold.