Beauty Pattern Styling Custard Guide: Use It Like a Pro - Top Pick
An educational guide from the Beauty AMZ research team. No hard sell, just what you need to know.
What Pattern styling custard is
PATTERN Beauty Styling Custard is a lightweight, slippy styling product created by Tracee Ellis Ross's brand specifically for curly, coily and tight textured hair in the 3A to 4C range. It is formulated with flaxseed oil, agave, Irish moss and chamomile to detangle while providing hydrated hold, definition and shine. Unlike heavy custards, it stays light enough for looser curls while still serving coily textures. It is designed for both kids and adults and fits into PATTERN's layerable styling system as the versatile detangling and defining step. Combine it with gentle hair habits for lasting improvement. Ask your stylist if you are unsure about compatibility.
How the custard works
The custard's slip comes from its emollient and humectant blend, which lets fingers and tools glide through dense texture without snagging. Agave and Irish moss provide lightweight moisture that hydrates without heaviness. Flaxseed oil contributes soft hold and shine, helping curls clump into defined patterns as they dry. Chamomile soothes the scalp and adds a pleasant natural character. Applied to wet hair, the formula coats each curl evenly, and as water evaporates, the light hold polymers set the curl shape. The result is juicy, touchable definition rather than stiff, crunchy hold. Reassess your routine seasonally as your hair needs change.
How to use it for best definition
Start with clean, soaking wet hair and apply PATTERN Leave In Conditioner as your moisture base. Divide hair into sections, working one at a time. Smooth a generous amount of Styling Custard from root to tip using praying hands, then scrunch to encourage curl formation. For extra hold, layer Curl Gel over the custard before scrunching. For extra moisture on 4B and 4C hair, layer the custard over Styling Cream instead. Allow hair to air dry or diffuse without touching. Once fully dry, fluff the roots gently and scrunch with oiled hands to soften any cast. If irritation occurs, stop use and rinse thoroughly.
Layering tips for every curl type
For 3A to 3C wash and gos, try leave in plus custard plus a touch of gel for definition that lasts days. For high porosity 3B to 4C hair, layer leave in, cream, then custard to seal in maximum moisture. For twist outs and braid outs, apply custard to each section before twisting, adding gel for longer hold. For volume, scrunch Curl Mousse into the roots over the custard. For sleek edges and ponytails, use the Strong Hold Gel over the custard smoothed base. The key principle is building from lightest to heaviest and letting each layer serve its purpose without overloading.
Common mistakes to avoid
Treating the custard as a strong hold gel leads to disappointment when styles fall flat by day two, so layer appropriately. Applying to barely damp hair prevents the even distribution that creates great definition. Buying the entire line before testing the custard alone wastes money if the core product does not suit you. Using too much on fine hair overwhelms looser curls, so scale the amount to your density. Skipping nighttime protection undoes beautiful wash day results, so pineapple or bonnet every night. Finally, impatience with the learning curve is common, since dialing in the right amount takes several wash days.
Recommended Products
These are the products our research team rates highest in this category.
Best for: High porosity curls and coils needing slip plus definition.
PATTERN Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross Styling Custard, 15 oz
- Lightweight slippy custard for detangling and hold
- Flaxseed oil, agave, Irish moss and chamomile
- Hydrated hold, definition and shine
- For curlies, coilies and tight textures 3a to 4c
Pros
- Detangles while providing hold
- Great for high porosity hair
- Works for kids and adults
Cons
- Light hold needs layering for strong styles
- Premium price
Best for: Sampling the PATTERN line to find your favorites.
PATTERN Beauty Styling Bestsellers Kit
- Travel set of top selling stylers
- Includes leave in, mousse, gel, custard and cream minis
- Hydrate, define and hold curls and coils
- Great for wash and gos, braids and locs
Pros
- Try the whole line before committing
- Travel friendly sizes
- Good value versus full sizes
Cons
- Minis run out quickly
- Not the full 15 oz custard
Best for: Adding volume under the styling custard.
PATTERN Beauty Curl Mousse, 8 oz
- Weightless volume with flexible hold
- Defines curls without crunch
- Best for 3B and 3C hair
- Pairs under the styling custard for extra hold
Pros
- Top 20 in hair styling mousses
- Soft hold, crunch free
- Layers well with other PATTERN stylers
Cons
- Not enough hold alone for tight coils
- Pump can clog
Best for: Layering with the custard for maximum moisture and hold.
PATTERN Beauty Styling Cream, 15 oz
- Oil rich cream for moisture and touchable hold
- Shea butter for superior moisture penetration
- Great for protective styles and twist outs
- Best for 4B and 4C hair
Pros
- Rich moisture for dry coils
- Touchable hold, prevents breakage
- Excellent under or over the custard
Cons
- Heavy for fine hair
- Premium price
Ready to Choose?
See our top product picks for pattern styling custard, or jump straight to the head-to-head comparison of the two most popular options.