Curly hair can be unpredictable. One day it’s voluminous and defined, the next it’s a frizzy, shapeless mystery. So, it’s not surprising that those of us with curls are on a never-ending quest for products that hydrate, define, and fight frizz, without leaving our hair feeling crunchy or weighed down.
Not an easy journey to go on, but regardless of how many products we try, and how many of those attempts fail, we know we have the classics to fall back on.
John Frieda’s Frizz Ease range has long been a staple in our bathrooms, but there are a few new additions to the Frizz Ease lineup:
- Dream Curls Advanced Hydrating Jelly – a curl-defining gel that promises hydration and hold without stiffness.
- Miraculous Recovery Silk Drench Smoothing Water – a rinse-out treatment that claims to instantly smooth and strengthen hair.
- Dream Curls Oil-Infused Wave Revitalising Spray – a refresh spray designed to bring tired curls and waves back to life.
They say good things come in threes, so I tried all of these three products to see if they are worthy of belonging to the Frizz Ease hall of fame. Here is how they performed (PS: end results at the bottom!):
Dream Curls Advanced Hydrating Jelly (200ml)
The texture is a lightweight, almost serum-like gel, which I took as a good sign—no one wants sticky or crunchy curls. A little goes a long way; I raked a small amount through damp hair and scrunched it upwards. It’s also Curly Girl Method-approved (no silicones, sulphates, or drying alcohols), so it’s friendly for curl-conscious users.
Once dry, my curls looked well-defined, soft, and touchable. There was no stiffness or residue, just bouncy, natural-looking spirals. The hold didn’t make my hair feel weighed down, though for tighter curls, you might need a stronger styling product on top.
The verdict: If you want a lightweight gel that enhances curls without crispiness, this is a winner. Just make sure to use the right amount for your hair type—a little for fine curls, more for thick or coily textures. Available in Boots for £7.99.
Miraculous Recovery Silk Drench Smoothing Water (200ml)
This smoothing water is a liquid rinse-out treatment that acts like a lightweight conditioning mask. After shampooing, I applied it mid-length to ends and worked it through. It foams up slightly, then rinses out almost instantly, which is a nice time-saver.
My hair felt noticeably smoother after just one use. The frizz reduction was real, and my hair looked shinier without feeling coated. It didn’t weigh my curls down, which is a major plus for anyone who struggles with heavy, build-up-prone treatments.
The verdict: A great quick-fix for frizz-prone hair, especially if you don’t want to commit to a heavy mask. Ideal for fine to medium hair types. Available in Boots for £9.99.
Dream Curls Oil-Infused Wave Revitalising Spray
This is meant to be a next-day curl refresher, so I tested it on second-day hair that had lost its shape. A few spritzes, a bit of scrunching, and I let it air dry. The formula includes moringa oil, which helps with moisture, and it’s alcohol-free, so it doesn’t dry out your strands.
It worked well to revive my waves, reducing frizz and adding some softness. It’s not a miracle worker—if your curls are completely flattened, it won’t bring them back from the dead—but for mild refreshes, it does the job nicely. Bonus: it smells great.
The verdict: Perfect for wavy and looser curl types that need a gentle pick-me-up between washes. If you have tighter curls, you may want to layer it with another product for more definition. Available in Boots for £7.99.
The proof is in the hair!
John Frieda’s latest Frizz Ease additions all deliver good results. The Hydrating Jelly is a fantastic everyday curl enhancer, the Revitalising Spray is handy for touch-ups, and the Smoothing Water is a fuss-free way to fight frizz.
While none of them will single-handedly overhaul your hair routine, they work well together and are great additions for anyone looking to maintain defined, healthy curls with minimal effort.
Of course, great curls don’t just come from styling products—healthy hair starts from within. A good diet, the right supplements, and regular trims all play a role in keeping your strands strong and frizz-free. But sometimes, you need products to give your hair that extra push, especially when humidity or styling damage takes a toll.
The Hydrating Jelly is my standout pick. If your haircare routine needs a refresh (or your last haircut left your curls needing extra love), these might be just what you’re looking for.