If you’re chasing soft, defined curls without the frizz or crunch, Paul Mitchell Twirl Around is your new best friend.
This vegan, paraben-free cream-gel styler transformed my wavy hair into bouncy, shiny ringlets that last all day.
It’s a salon-quality gem that’s easy to use and works for all curl types.
Trust me, you’ll want to add this to your routine for curls that turn heads.
Let’s talk about why Twirl Around is worth every penny and how it can level up your hair game.
My Curl Journey with Paul Mitchell Twirl Around
I’ve spent years wrestling with my wavy, frizz-prone hair. It’s the kind of hair that looks promising after a wash but turns into a poofy mess by noon.
I’d tried every curl cream, gel, and mousse under the sun, but nothing gave me the soft, defined curls I craved—until I found Paul Mitchell Twirl Around.
The first time I used it, I was blown away. I applied a small pump to my damp hair after washing, scrunching it in as my stylist recommended. The texture was unique—a creamy gel that felt rich but not heavy.
As my hair air-dried, I noticed my waves transforming into tight, shiny curls with zero crunchiness. By the time it was fully dry, my hair looked fuller, with defined ringlets that bounced when I moved.
The frizz? Gone. Even in humid weather, my curls held their shape all day. I’ve been using Twirl Around for months now, and it’s become my holy grail.
It’s not perfect—sometimes I get tiny white flecks if I overapply—but the results are so good I can’t imagine going back to anything else. My hair feels hydrated, soft, and alive, and I’m obsessed.
What’s cool is how little product you need. One pump spreads easily through my shoulder-length hair, and I can tell it’s working as I scrunch.
The scent is subtle, a faint citrus vibe that doesn’t linger, which I appreciate since I’m sensitive to strong fragrances.
I’ve even noticed my curls look better the more I use it, like my hair’s getting healthier over time.
It’s a game-changer for anyone who’s struggled to tame their curls without weighing them down or making them feel stiff.
Maintenance Tips for Paul Mitchell Twirl Around
- Use Sparingly for Best Results: Less is more with Twirl Around. Start with a single pump for shoulder-length hair, emulsify it in your hands, and scrunch it into damp hair. If you overapply, you risk white flecks or greasy curls. I adjust based on my hair’s length and dryness, adding a tiny bit more for parched ends.
- Apply to Damp, Not Wet, Hair: I get the best results when my hair’s about 80% dry after towel-drying. Applying it to soaking wet hair dilutes the product, and it doesn’t hold as well. Let your hair air-dry slightly, then scrunch in Twirl Around for maximum definition.
- Protect Curls Overnight: To keep my curls looking fresh, I sleep with a silk bonnet. It reduces friction and prevents frizz, so my second-day curls still pop. You can also pineapple your hair loosely on top of your head to preserve shape while you sleep.
- Pair with a Diffuser for Extra Bounce: If I’m in a rush, I diffuse my hair after applying Twirl Around. The low-heat setting enhances curl definition and adds volume without frizz. Just make sure to scrunch gently while diffusing to avoid disrupting the curl pattern.
- Store Properly to Maintain Quality: Keep the bottle tightly closed and stored in a cool, dry place. Exposure to air or heat can cause the product to separate or form globs, which ruins the texture. I also shake the bottle gently before use to ensure the cream and gel are mixed.
Why Paul Mitchell Twirl Around Stands Out
This isn’t just another curl product—it’s a hybrid that combines the best of both worlds. The dual cream-gel formula is what makes Twirl Around special.
The cream hydrates and softens, while the gel defines and holds curls without that dreaded crunchy feel.
Infused with shea butter, apricot seed oil, and wheat protein, it nourishes your hair while taming frizz and enhancing shine. It’s also vegan and paraben-free, which is a big deal for those of us who want clean ingredients.
Paul Mitchell’s been a trusted name since 1980, and their cruelty-free ethos adds to the appeal.
The product’s designed for all curl types, from loose waves to tight coils, and it delivers. It’s color-safe, so my dyed hair stays vibrant, and the lightweight hold means my curls stay bouncy without feeling stiff.
The vibrant citrus scent, with notes of lemon, pineapple, and pink grapefruit, is refreshing without overpowering.
What I love most is how it simplifies my routine—just a quick application, and I’m good to go.
It’s like having a salon stylist in a bottle, giving me consistent, frizz-free curls every time.
Pros and Cons of Paul Mitchell Twirl Around
Pros:
- Defines Curls Without Crunch: This stuff gives me soft, touchable curls that don’t feel like they’re cemented in place. The cream-gel combo creates defined ringlets that bounce all day, and I can run my fingers through my hair without hitting a crispy wall. It’s a lifesaver for natural curls.
- Fights Frizz in Any Weather: Humidity used to be my curls’ worst enemy, but Twirl Around keeps frizz at bay. Even on muggy days, my hair stays smooth and defined. The shea butter and apricot seed oil seem to lock in moisture, making my curls look polished no matter the forecast.
- Lightweight and Non-Greasy: I hate products that weigh my hair down, but this one’s super lightweight. A small pump spreads evenly, and my hair never feels greasy or sticky. It’s perfect for my fine, wavy hair, giving volume and shape without that heavy, coated feeling.
- Vegan and Clean Ingredients: Knowing it’s vegan and paraben-free makes me feel good about using it. The formula’s gentle on my color-treated hair, and I love that Paul Mitchell’s cruelty-free. It’s a product I can trust to be kind to my hair and the planet.
- Long-Lasting Bottle: A little goes a long way, so the 5.1-ounce bottle lasts months. I only need one or two pumps per use, even with my thick hair. It’s a great value for a salon-quality product, especially since I don’t have to keep repurchasing.
Cons:
- Can Leave White Flecks if Overapplied: If I get heavy-handed with the product, I sometimes notice tiny white flecks in my hair as it dries. They usually fade, but it’s annoying. Using less and emulsifying it in my hands helps, but it took a few tries to nail the amount.
- Scent Isn’t for Everyone: The citrus scent is subtle, but it’s not as luxurious as the original formula, according to some longtime users. I don’t mind it, but if you’re sensitive to fragrances or prefer something sweeter, it might not be your favorite.
- Less Effective on Longer Hair: When my hair was past my shoulders, I noticed Twirl Around didn’t define my curls as well. It works best on shorter to medium-length hair, at least for me. If you’ve got super long curls, you might need to experiment with application.
- Takes Practice to Perfect: Figuring out the right amount and technique took a bit of trial and error. Too much product made my hair feel greasy, while too little didn’t define my curls enough. Once I got the hang of it, it was smooth sailing, but there’s a slight adjustment period.
- Inconsistent Product Quality: I’ve heard some users say older bottles can arrive discolored or with oily globs, which makes the product feel heavy and gross. I haven’t had this issue, but it’s worth buying from a reputable source like a salon to ensure freshness.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La
Paul Mitchell Twirl Around Vs. Other Brands
- Paul Mitchell Twirl Around Vs. DevaCurl SuperCream
DevaCurl SuperCream is a rich styling cream that hydrates and defines curls with coconut oil and jojoba protein. I loved its creamy texture, but it felt heavier than Twirl Around on my fine hair, leaving some residue.
DevaCurl’s great for tight coils, but it didn’t give me the lightweight bounce I get with Twirl Around.
The scent is tropical and stronger, which I liked but could overwhelm. Twirl Around’s gel-cream hybrid offers better frizz control and a crunch-free finish, making it my pick for versatile, all-day curl definition.
- Paul Mitchell Twirl Around Vs. Ouai Curl Crème
Ouai Curl Crème promises soft, defined curls with babassu and coconut oils. I tried it for a month, and while it hydrated well, my curls lost shape by mid-afternoon, especially in humidity.
Twirl Around’s gel component gives stronger hold without stiffness, and its lighter formula suits my wavy hair better.
Ouai’s chic packaging and floral scent are a vibe, but Twirl Around delivers longer-lasting definition and frizz control. If you need intense moisture, Ouai’s solid, but for hold and shine, Twirl Around wins.
- Paul Mitchell Twirl Around Vs. Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
Moroccanoil’s Curl Defining Cream uses argan oil to enhance curls and fight frizz. It left my hair soft and shiny, but the hold wasn’t as strong as Twirl Around’s, and my curls flattened by evening.
The signature Moroccanoil scent is divine but lingers longer than Twirl Around’s neutral citrus. For my fine hair, Moroccanoil felt a tad heavy, while Twirl Around’s lightweight gel-cream keeps curls bouncy.
If you prioritize hydration over hold, Moroccanoil’s great, but Twirl Around’s better for lasting definition.
- Paul Mitchell Twirl Around Vs. Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer
Aveda’s Be Curly Curl Enhancer boosts curls with wheat protein and organic aloe. It defined my waves well, but I needed more product than with Twirl Around, and it didn’t tame frizz as effectively in humid weather.
Aveda’s earthy scent is pleasant but stronger than Twirl Around’s subtle citrus. The cream texture feels luxurious, but Twirl Around’s dual formula gives me softer, more touchable curls without weighing them down.
For lightweight, crunch-free hold, Twirl Around is my go-to over Aveda’s heavier feel.
- Paul Mitchell Twirl Around Vs. Bumble and Bumble Curl Defining Cream
Bumble and Bumble’s Curl Defining Cream hydrates with avocado and wheat germ oils, creating soft curls. I liked its smooth texture, but it didn’t hold my waves as well as Twirl Around, especially on humid days.
The scent is fresh but fades faster than Twirl Around’s. Bumble’s cream is great for thick curls but felt heavy on my fine hair, while Twirl Around’s gel-cream hybrid keeps things light and defined. For versatile, frizz-free curls that last, Twirl Around outperforms Bumble’s looser hold.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Marc Anthony Curls
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Apply a small pump to clean, damp hair—about 80% dry works best. Emulsify it in your hands, then scrunch or twirl it through your hair, focusing on mid-lengths to ends. Style as desired, either air-drying or diffusing on low heat. Don’t overdo it; one pump is enough for shoulder-length hair. Twirl sections around your finger for extra definition. My curls pop when I scrunch gently and let them dry naturally.
Paul Mitchell products on Amazon can be legit, but authenticity varies by seller. I’ve had good experiences with Amazon’s official Paul Mitchell store, but third-party sellers sometimes ship old or counterfeit products. Check reviews, seller ratings, and return policies. For guaranteed authenticity, buy from a Paul Mitchell salon or their official website. It’s worth the extra effort to ensure you’re getting the real deal.
Yes, apply Twirl Around before diffusing to define curls and reduce frizz. Scrunch it into damp hair, then diffuse on low heat to set the curls without disrupting their shape. I find diffusing after Twirl Around enhances bounce and volume. Just avoid high heat, which can cause frizz. Gently cup your hair with the diffuser and scrunch upward for the best results.
To finger twirl, apply Twirl Around to damp hair, then take a small section and twirl it around your finger, starting at the root and moving to the end. Release gently to let the curl set. Repeat across your head, focusing on areas needing definition. I do this after scrunching for extra-tight ringlets. Air-dry or diffuse to lock in the shape. It’s a quick way to boost curl clarity.
Final Thoughts
I’m hooked on Paul Mitchell Twirl Around, and you will be too. This cream-gel styler delivers soft, defined curls that stay frizz-free all day, no matter the weather.
It’s lightweight, vegan, and easy to use, making it perfect for any curl type.
From the first pump, my hair transformed into shiny, bouncy ringlets I can’t stop touching.
Grab this gem and say goodbye to crunchy, lifeless curls. Your hair deserves this kind of love, so make Twirl Around your go-to for flawless curls.
