Current Price $37.00
Highlights
- Curl defining
- Anti-frizz
Details & care
What it is: A curl defining cream that conditions, defines and enhances natural curls.
What it does: The feather-light formula combats frizz, leaving curls looking bouncy, healthy and shiny.
How to use: Distribute the cream evenly through damp hair and dry with a diffuser or leave to dry naturally. For added definition, scrunch into hair when dry. Brush out formula.
- Paraben-free; pthalate-free; sulfate-free
- Made in the UK
- Item #10869751
Ingredients
Aqua/Water/Eau, VP/VA Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Parfum (Fragrance), Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide.
Ingredients are subject to change at the manufacturer's discretion. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging
Shipping & returns
Free shipping. Free returns. All the time. Purchases made online can also be returned or exchanged at any Nordstrom store, free of charge. Read more about our shipping & returns policies.
Gift options
Choose your gift options at checkout. Some items may not be eligible for all gift options.
Delivery
- Email gift message (free)
- Printed gift message (free)
- Fabric gift bag ($5)
Need help finding the perfect gift? We've got you covered.
Most helpful positive review
Feb 6, 2026
Probably the best product I
Probably the best product I have used on my wavy hair
Christine W.
Reposted from Philip Kingsley
Most helpful critical review
July 16, 2024
I really wanted this to be good, but...
This doesnt live up to expectations.
I have little to no definition using this, in fact it made my hair feel dry and rough on the ends, with almost a slight frizz. I know its not my hair condition as other products don't have the same impact.
Claire D.
Reposted from Philip Kingsley
Philip Kingsley response
Thank you for your feedback. Customer feedback is of paramount importance to us at Philip Kingsley and we very much appreciate you taking the time to leave us a review. Our Customer Service will be emailing you shortly to resolve this matter.
5 stars
74%
4 stars
13%
3 stars
5%
2 stars
5%
1 star
3%
Sort by Most Helpful
Christine W.
Reposted from Philip Kingsley
Feb 6, 2026
Probably the best product I
Probably the best product I have used on my wavy hair
Yvonne B.
Reposted from Philip Kingsley
Feb 3, 2026
Not sticky or cripy
I like that it's not sticky or crispy on my hair like some products can be. I would like it if it was a bit stronger to make my hair not frizz for more than a day or so.
But I'll buy it again.
Alison W.
Reposted from Philip Kingsley
Jan 31, 2026
On the day of use
On the day of use my waves were defined yet still had movement which is an improvement compared to other brands - until the point of brushing later in the day. The next day my hair felt dry and brittle. I needed to wash my hair sooner than if I had not used this product as I did not like the feel of it in my hair, especially as it was no longer having the desired effect.
I have been reluctant to use it again which renders this a costly product to just sit in my drawer.
Philip Kingsley response
Thank you for sharing your experience in such detail. For wavy or curly hair, we would not recommend brushing the hair between washes, as this can disrupt the curl pattern and lead to frizz and dryness. We would also suggest applying a leave-in conditioning spray suchas our Daily Damage Defence Spray, before using the Curl Activator. The Curl Activator should then be applied on top. While the Curl Activator is designed to provide hold and definition, it does not add moisture, so pairing it with a leave-in conditioner can help prevent dryness and improve overall feel. Used in this way, the Curl Activator should help enhance definition while still allowing movement, without leaving the hair feeling brittle the following day. Please let us know if there is anything else we can help you with.
Samantha A.
Reposted from Philip Kingsley
Jan 30, 2026
Overnight curls for the win
This is fabulous. I like to do overnight rollers so wasn't sure if this would work for it but OMG it totally does! The curls definition the morning was excellent and I only had to use a really small amount of product so this tube is going to last for ages. This is a game changer for me as it meant I spent so much less time faffing before leaving for work as my hair looked fab from the moment I took the rollers out, big bouncy loose curls straight away.
Anna L.
Reposted from Philip Kingsley
Dec 28, 2025
I do need to use
I do need to use a lot of this product to keep my waves defined as opposed to poofy, and that makes it hard to scrunch out the crunch. But overall I'm happy with how this gel makes my hair look!
Carol T.
Reposted from Philip Kingsley
Dec 15, 2025
It works ok when using
It works ok when using it immediately after washing my hair but it doesn’t hold the style overnight after sleep. Disappointed.
Philip Kingsley response
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are sorry to hear the Curl Activator didn’t hold your style overnight as you’d hoped. Results can vary depending on hair type and styling routine, but we really appreciate you taking the time to let us know about your experience. Your comments have been noted and will be shared with our team.
