Belles Boucles Care Cream vs Belles Boucles Gel: a comparison and practical guide

Focus on the Belles Boucles Keratin AA & Linseed Gel Care Cream

The Belles Boucles Care Cream is a leave-in treatment designed for curly, frizzy, wavy or kinky hair, which is often dry and sensitive to changes in humidity. Its organic and vegan formula combines active ingredients derived from sustainable biotechnologies, including AA keratin, which strengthens the hair fibre, and hyaluronic acid, renowned for its moisturising properties. Alongside this duo, plant-based oils (Piqui, Moringa, Coconut and Castor) and mango butter help nourish the hair fibre, whilst linseed and chia gels help define curls and minimise frizz. Lightweight and non-greasy, this cream adds suppleness and shine, and styles curls without weighing the hair down. It fits easily into a daily routine to maintain the natural shape of curls and preserve their softness.

Focus on the Belles Boucles Hyaluronic Acid & Linseed Gel

The Belles Boucles Gel is a treatment designed to maintain the hair’s natural moisture, define curls and preserve their natural hold. Its gel formula forms a protective layer around the hair, helping it to resist humidity, which tends to cause frizz. Its organic formula combines hyaluronic acid, organic aloe vera, and linseed and chia seeds – rich in mucilage and minerals – which form a protective film against dehydration. This action helps to maintain the hair’s suppleness, smooth the surface of the hair fibre and minimise frizz. Its fresh, non-sticky texture leaves curls supple, shiny and perfectly defined, without weighing them down.

Texture, consistency and feel

The Belles Boucles Care Cream has a rich yet light texture that is easy to work through the hair. It melts into the hair shaft without leaving a greasy film, leaving the hair feeling soft and silky. Ideal for dry or thick hair, it provides an immediate conditioning effect and makes detangling easier. The Belles Boucles Gel, which has a lighter consistency, features a refreshing, gel-like texture. It envelops curls in a moisturising, coating veil that dries without leaving any residue, for a light, airy finish. Its non-sticky formula leaves hair supple and perfectly defined, without any stiff, cardboard-like feel. The cream provides comfort and nourishment, whilst the gel offers freshness and definition: two complementary textures for supple, well-behaved curls.

Effects on curls: definition, support, hold

The Care Cream works deep within the hair fibre. It strengthens, nourishes and restores shape to curls whilst minimising frizz. Hair is left more supple and shiny. The Gel, on the other hand, works on the surface. Its natural film, made from linseed, chia and aloe vera, helps maintain the shape of the curls and prolongs their hold over time. It holds without stiffening and preserves a supple, natural finish. One reshapes and softens, the other defines and strengthens hold: together, they ensure structured, lightweight curls all day long.

Hydration, nourishment and care

The Care Cream intensely nourishes the hair fibre thanks to the synergy of Piqui, Moringa, Coconut and Castor plant oils, combined with Mango butter. This complex strengthens the hair fibre, reduces breakage and restores shine. At the same time, hyaluronic acid and linseed and chia gels help to retain moisture and protect the hair from drying out. The lighter-textured gel envelops the hair fibre in a moisturising film that keeps curls supple and shiny all day long. The first deeply nourishes and strengthens, whilst the second moisturises and maintains moisture balance: together, they help restore the hair’s vitality and softness.

Customisation options

Both Belles Boucles products can be adapted to suit individual needs and preferences. The Care Cream is easy to personalise: simply add a few drops of plant-based oil, a strengthening active ingredient or a natural fragrance to create a bespoke treatment that is more nourishing or delicately scented. The Gel, meanwhile, can be used on its own or enriched with moisturising active ingredients, plant-based oils or fragrances to create a styling gel suited to your hair texture. Their natural formulation and supple texture allow for these adjustments without compromising the quality or lightness of your curls.

Ingredients and safety

Both formulas are made up of over 99% naturally derived ingredients and are certified organic under the COSMOS standard. Suitable for all types of textured hair – whether wavy, curly, kinky or frizzy – the Cream and Gel can be used from the age of three. Their gentle, non-irritating formula ensures safe use for the whole family. As with any cosmetic product, a patch test is recommended before first use.

Depending on your hair type

• Fine or thin hair: opt for the Belles Boucles Gel, which is light and moisturising, defining curls without weighing them down.

• Thick, frizzy or very dry hair: opt for the Belles Boucles Care Cream, which is richer and more coating, or combine both products for nourished, supple and well-defined curls.

• Porous or damaged hair: the Care Cream helps to strengthen the hair fibre, seal the cuticles and lock in moisture.

• Mixed hair (oily roots, dry ends) : apply the Care Cream to the lengths only, then finish with a light layer of Gelée to maintain the shape of the curls.

Depending on your main need

• Nourishment and repair: the Care Cream provides fortifying active ingredients such as Keratin AA, plant oils and mango butter. It restores the hair fibre and restores suppleness to the curls.

• Definition and long-lasting hold: the Gel sculpts the natural shape of the curls, tames frizz and ensures a supple, shiny and even finish throughout the day.

• Complete care: use the Care Cream to nourish and protect, then the Gel to lock in moisture and prolong the hold of your curls.

Depending on the season or climate

• Dry or cold winter: the Care Cream protects the hair fibre from drying out and helps keep curls supple and manageable.

• Hot or humid summer: the Gel creates a natural barrier that protects curls from humid air and preserves their suppleness, shape and shine.

• Mid-season: alternate or combine the two products according to your current needs, adjusting the quantities to find the right balance between lightness and nourishment.

Practical examples

• For a light daily routine: apply a small amount of Belles Boucles Gel to damp hair, then leave to dry naturally for supple, airy curls.

• For a special occasion or a long-lasting style: combine the Nourishing Care Cream to nourish your hair with the Gel to strengthen the hold and smooth down flyaways.

• To refresh your hair between washes: lightly dampen your hair with a little water or a floral hydrosol, then apply a touch of Belles Boucles Gel to reactivate the shape of your curls and restore their natural suppleness.

When and how to apply the Belles Boucles Cream

The Belles Boucles Care Cream is applied to wet or damp hair, after washing or to revive curls between washes. Take a small amount of product and work it through the lengths section by section. Smooth the strands with a comb or your fingers to distribute the cream evenly, then ‘scrunch’ the curls (working from the bottom up) to enhance their natural shape. Then leave to air-dry for a soft, natural finish, or use a hairdryer fitted with a diffuser for extra volume and hold. Thanks to its light, non-greasy texture, the cream is easy to apply and leaves hair soft, shiny and light. For longer-lasting hold, it can be used in combination with the Belles Boucles Gel, applied immediately afterwards whilst hair is still damp.

When and how to apply the Belles Boucles Gel

The Belles Boucles Gel can be used on damp or slightly towel-dried hair, either on its own or after applying the cream. Take a small amount of product and distribute it evenly along the lengths. Shape the curls with your fingertips to revive their natural form, then leave to air-dry or use a diffuser on a low heat setting. Its light, non-sticky texture dries quickly without leaving the hair stiff, for a supple, shiny and natural finish. It can also be used on dry hair to revive curls between washes: lightly dampen the hair, apply a small amount of gel, then reshape the curls with your fingers. Versatile, the Gel can also be used to smooth down unruly strands or create sleek, close-to-the-scalp styles, thanks to its fluid, easy-to-work texture.

After washing

1. Apply the Belles Boucles Care Cream: on wet or damp hair, work a small amount of product through section by section, then smooth through with a comb or your fingers to ensure the hair shaft is fully coated.

2. Shape the curls: scrunch them (lift them up with your hands) to bring out their natural shape.

3. Apply the Belles Boucles Gel: on hair that is still damp, work it through evenly from the mid-lengths to the ends to moisturise the hair shaft and preserve the shape of the curls.

4. Dry your hair: let it air-dry for a soft, natural look, or use a diffuser for extra volume.

A refreshing routine between washes

1. Lightly dampen your hair: spray a little water or floral hydrosol to relax the hair fibre and soften the curls.

2. Apply the Belles Boucles Gel: work a small amount through the lengths, then reshape the curls by ‘scrunching’ them with your fingertips.

3. Leave to air-dry: your curls will regain their shape, shine and softness, without any heavy residue.

4. Nourish the ends if necessary: if your hair is very dry, apply a small amount of Nourishing Cream to nourish the ends and keep them supple.

Both Belles Boucles products are made from natural ingredients and are suitable for all hair types, including the most sensitive. Their gentle formula, free from silicones and synthetic colourants, allows for regular use by women, men and children aged three and over. Before first use, it is recommended that you carry out a skin tolerance test, particularly if you have a reactive scalp or are prone to allergies. As with any hair care product, avoid direct contact with the eyes and rinse thoroughly with clean water in the event of accidental contact. The products should be stored away from heat and light, in their tightly sealed packaging, to preserve the stability and effectiveness of the natural active ingredients. When used as part of a suitable routine, the Nourishing Cream and Belles Boucles Gel guarantee optimal results whilst respecting the hair fibre and the balance of the scalp.

To achieve supple, well-defined curls, the key lies in consistency and striking a balance between hydration and nourishment. The Belles Boucles Care Cream and the Belles Boucles Gel have been designed to work together: the former nourishes and strengthens the hair fibre, whilst the latter locks in and preserves moisture. By alternating or combining the two depending on your hair’s current needs, you provide your hair with a comprehensive routine that is both restorative and respectful of its natural balance. Avoid overloading your hair: a small amount of product is sufficient for each step. Always apply to hair that has been thoroughly detangled and dampened, to ensure the product is distributed evenly and to achieve uniform, well-defined curls. Finally, take the time to observe how your hair responds: depending on the season, the weather or its porosity, it may require more hydration or nourishment. Adjusting the amounts you use is the best way to respect your hair’s natural balance and preserve its beauty day after day.

Laetitia is an editorial communications consultant specialising in beauty and wellness content. Passionate about natural cosmetics, she works with brands that share her vision of authentic and responsible beauty. Always on the lookout for the latest developments, she enjoys analysing trends and innovations in the sector.