Beauty Miss Jessies Compared: Coily Custard Versus Jelly Soft Curls
Coily Custard and Jelly Soft Curls are the two most popular Miss Jessies stylers. The custard is a rich emulsion for tight coils. The jelly is a soft-hold gel for versatile definition. Below we compare them directly. This head-to-head covers texture, hold, best curl types, and value.
| Factor | Miss Jessie's Coily Custard Emulsion | Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls Lotion |
|---|---|---|
| Product type | Creamy styling emulsion | Soft-hold styling gel |
| Hold level | Medium with soft finish | Soft to medium |
| Moisture | Rich and nourishing | Light hydration |
| Best curl types | Coily to tight curly | Wavy to curly |
| Shine | High shine finish | Natural shine |
| Volume | Defined, controlled | Soft, touchable volume |
| Ease of use | Needs damp hair technique | Very forgiving |
| Price | Check price | Check price |
Our Verdict
Choose Coily Custard for tight coils that need rich definition. It is the best match for 3C to 4C hair. Choose Jelly Soft Curls for looser patterns and softer hold. It is more forgiving for beginners. Many coilies use both. Apply the custard first, then the jelly for extra hold. That combo gives definition that lasts for days.
More Top Picks in This Category
Not sold on either of these two? Here are more bestselling options worth considering.
Best for: Coily Custard fans who never want to run out.
Miss Jessie's Coily Custard, Pack of 2
- Two jars of the Coily Custard
- Same cult-favorite emulsion formula
- Defines coils with lasting shine
- Great for wash-and-go routines
Pros
- Better value than buying twice
- Spare jar ready when one runs out
- Consistent formula across jars
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- Two jars expire if stored too long
- Heavy commitment for first-timers
Best for: Wash-and-go curls that want soft, natural hold.
Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls Gel
- Soft-hold gel for touchable curls
- Defines without crunch
- Works across curl types
- Layer over leave-in for best results
Pros
- No hard gel cast
- Curls stay defined for days
- Affordable for the quality
Cons
- Soft hold needs refreshing in humidity
- Can feel tacky before drying
- Not for sleek styles
Best for: Multi-textured hair that needs a cream-plus-gel routine.
Miss Jessie's Multicultural Curls and Jelly Soft Curls Bundle
- Cream plus gel styling duo
- Multicultural Curls hydrates and defines
- Jelly Soft Curls locks in shape
- Covers multiple curl patterns
Pros
- Two-step routine in one purchase
- Works on mixed curl patterns
- Good value versus separate bottles
Cons
- May be too much for fine waves
- Two products to learn
- Scent from both can combine strongly
Want the Full Picture?
How Much Product to Use: Dosing by Length and Density
Over-application is the number one complaint with curl creams and custards, and the right amount depends on length and density, not the label's vague "generous amount." The dosing guide: for short coily hair, a dime-sized amount per section; for medium length, a nickel-sized amount; for long hair, a quarter-sized amount, always distributed across four to six sections rather than globbed on at once. Density multiplies this: very dense hair needs more sections with the same per-section amount, not bigger globs, since distribution is what prevents the crunchy, flaky cast that over-application causes. The products on this page, Coily Custard and Jelly Soft Curls, are both concentrated stylers where a little goes far, and using too much is the main cause of the white residue and crunch people blame on the formula. The fix for over-application without rewashing: dampen the hair lightly and smooth a tiny amount of water-based leave-in over the crunchy areas, which reactivates the product and distributes it. Our almond hair oil comparison covers lighter oil options for sealing after the styler sets.
Oiling for Fine Hair: The Weighed-Down Next-Day Problem
Fine hair and heavy oils are a difficult pairing, and the standard oiling advice ignores fine-haired buyers completely. The picks that work: lightweight oils like grapeseed, sweet almond, or argan in small amounts, never heavy castor or coconut oil near the roots. The application that avoids the weighed-down next day: oil the ends only, keeping product at least two inches from the scalp, and use two to three drops total, warmed between the palms and smoothed over the canopy. The timing trick is oiling on damp hair right after washing rather than on dry hair between washes, since damp hair absorbs the oil instead of wearing it. If hair still looks weighed down the next day, the fix is a light dry shampoo at the roots in the morning, not skipping oil entirely, since fine hair still needs the end protection. For coily custard users with fine strands, the Jelly Soft Curls gel is the lighter of the two options on this page and layers better under a minimal oil seal. The 7-oils-in-one comparison breaks down blended oil options by weight.
Pre-Wash Oiling vs Post-Wash Sealing: Two Different Jobs
Oiling before washing and oiling after washing are distinct methods that solve different problems, and confusing them is why oiling "does not work" for many people. Pre-wash oiling, applying oil to dry hair 30 minutes to a few hours before shampooing, protects the hair from the swelling and cuticle lifting that water causes during washing; it suits porous, damaged, or high-porosity hair that gets rough every wash day. Coconut and olive oils work best here since they penetrate the shaft. Post-wash sealing, applying a small amount of oil to damp hair after conditioning, locks in the moisture from the wash and adds shine; it suits all hair types but especially dry ends that lose moisture between washes. Lightweight sealing oils like argan or jojoba work best here since they sit on the surface without greasiness. The hair types that benefit from both: very dry, coily, or damaged hair can pre-wash oil for protection and post-wash seal for moisture retention. The hair types that should pick one: fine or oily hair should choose post-wash sealing only, since pre-wash oiling often leaves residue that weighs it down.