Amos Curling Essence: how to use it, and does it revive permed curls?

For the first few days after a perm, curls hold their shape nicely. Over time, though, hair tends to frizz, the curls can look like they have dropped, and the shape often falls unpredictably each morning. A product many people reach for in these moments is Amos Curling Essence.

It is a curling essence suited to those who want springy, defined waves.

What is Amos Curling Essence?

Amos Curling Essence is a hair styling essence used to tidy the curls of wavy or permed hair and to finish the strands with a soft feel.

Rather than a product that simply adds shine like a typical hair oil, it leans toward giving curls a bit more spring and definition. It therefore suits wavy hair — C-curls, S-curls, hippie perms, lovely perms, wave perms — more than straight hair.

The official description also introduces it as a curling essence that combines springy curl styling with a hair-essence finish.

Who looks for Amos Curling Essence

Amos Curling Essence tends to be sought out in the following situations.

• When curls lose their bounce and droop some time after a perm
• When hair frizzes and lifts each morning
• When the wave is there but the shape looks messy
• When hair oil quickly leaves the strands looking greasy and flat
• When stiff-setting wax or gel feels too heavy

In short, it suits those who want to bring out their curls naturally rather than with strong hold.

Key characteristics

The main strength of Amos Curling Essence is that it is easy to use daily.

First, it helps tidy curls naturally. Wavy hair left untreated tends to spread between the curls and look frizzy. Applying the curling essence draws the curl pattern together a little and pulls the overall shape into order.

Second, it sets with little stiffness. Because it is not a strong-hold product like a gel or spray, it works well for those who want a natural wave.

Third, it is approachable for managing permed hair. It needs no separate styling tools — the hair is simply worked with the hands while applying — so it stays easy even for first-time users.

How to use Amos Curling Essence

Amos Curling Essence can be used on both wet and dry hair, though it is best to time the application to the goal.

On wet hair

After shampooing, towel-dry until much of the water is gone. Rather than dripping wet, hair is best when it feels damp to the touch.

Next, dispense a suitable amount into the palm and spread it evenly across both hands. Apply mainly from the mid-lengths to the ends, and avoid applying much near the scalp. Finally, gently cup the curls upward from below with the hands so the curl shape settles more naturally.

When blow-drying, a low or cool setting helps keep the curl direction from collapsing.

On dry hair

On mornings when hair looks frizzy or the curls have spread, it can also be used on dry hair.

Here, applying too much can make the hair look flat, so using only a small amount matters. Spread a thin layer across the palm, then lightly cup only the sections where the curl looks loosened.

On dry hair, cupping the curl ends works better than rubbing the product through the whole head.

How much to apply

For the first use, starting with a small amount rather than a lot is best.

For a bob, a little less than a coin-sized amount; for medium or long hair, about a coin-sized amount is a good starting point. For thick or heavily damaged hair, adding a little at a time is the safer approach.

What matters is not applying a lot at once, but topping up when it falls short. A curling essence styles most naturally when the amount is well controlled.

Strengths

The strengths of Amos Curling Essence are curl definition, a natural finish, and a light daily feel.

Real-user reviews frequently note good curl retention, little tackiness, and curls held naturally without looking flat. Some also mention that it tames frizz and feels light enough for everyday use.

For those managing permed hair for the first time in particular, it is more approachable than oils, waxes, or gels. It suits natural wave styling rather than strong hold.

Points to note

On the other hand, it can disappoint if strong hold is expected.

Amos Curling Essence is closer to a product that tidies curls and makes them look springy than one that holds curls in place all day like a spray. On rainy or humid days, or with thick hair whose curls drop easily, it may not be enough on its own.

Applying a large amount can also feel tacky or flat for some. For fine hair or a scalp that turns oily quickly, using only a small amount focused on the ends is best.

Who it suits

Amos Curling Essence works well for permed hair, wavy hair, frizzy hair, and hair whose curls spread easily.

Satisfaction tends to be higher with styles where the curl shape matters — C-curl perms, S-curl perms, wave perms, hippie perms. It is not a product that creates new curls on straight hair, however, so the effect may feel slight on hair with little wave.

Is Amos Curling Essence worth it?

Amos Curling Essence is recommended for those who want to tidy permed curls naturally.

It suits hair that frizzes and spreads, curls that look limp and loosened, or a morning routine that calls for quick wave tidying. For those who want strong hold, or a completely weightless, barely-there finish, it may differ from expectations.

For those weighing a purchase, trying the 150ml single unit first and then choosing a bundle or discounted set once it suits the hair is a sensible order.

In short, Amos Curling Essence is closer to a product that tidies existing curls more attractively than one that creates new curls. Using it with that distinction in mind makes for a more satisfying result.

Should Amos Curling Essence be applied to wet hair?

It can be used on both wet and dry hair. To shape the curls overall, applying it to towel-dried wet hair works well; to tidy only the frizzy areas in the morning, a small amount on dry hair is better.

Does Amos Curling Essence work on straight hair?

It is not a product that creates curls on straight hair. It is better suited to tidying the curls of wavy or permed hair.

Can it make hair look flat?

Applying too much can make hair look flat. For fine hair or an oily scalp in particular, avoiding the area near the scalp and using only a small amount focused on the ends is best.

Can it be used on men's permed hair?

It can. On men's styles with curl — shadow perms, side-part perms, as perms — a small amount helps reduce frizz and tidy the curls.

Is it a strong-hold product?

It is closer to natural curl tidying than strong hold. For all-day firm hold, using it together with a curl fixer or spray works well.