After my initial excitement with the Curlsmith Awestruck Definition Cream, I’ve had a chance to experiment a bit more, especially concerning that slight dryness I felt. My first impression of "ok the volume & definition tho?" was absolutely spot on – the definition is incredible! But like I mentioned, my hair felt a little dry. I've since learned that sometimes, a potent defining cream needs a good moisture base. My tip? Don’t skip a lightweight leave-in conditioner beforehand. I found that applying a good, hydrating leave-in first, then going in with the Awestruck Definition Cream, completely changed the game. It’s like creating a perfectly prepped canvas for the cream to work its magic without stripping moisture. This really helped with the "hair does feel a little dry" issue I initially faced, and confirmed my thought to "will add a leave in conditioner next time." I also tried "testing a gel/cream hybrid" approach by adding "a tiny bit of gel" on top, and wow, "this looks promising..." was an understatement! For those days when you need extra hold or humidity protection, layering a light gel as a final step after the cream can lock in that definition and frizz reduction even further. It truly enhances the "medium hold" claim without making my hair feel crunchy. Speaking of claims, the "5x frizz reduction for 3 days" is something I've been actively testing. With the right layering technique (leave-in + cream + optional gel), I've definitely noticed significantly less frizz, even on humid days. The heat and UV protection is a fantastic bonus, giving me peace of mind when I'm out and about or if I decide to diffuse. It’s comforting to know my curls are shielded from environmental stressors. For those of you who might be "curly & confused" or "unaware wavies" looking for a new product, this cream offers a fantastic balance of definition and volume. I found that applying it to very wet hair, then scrunching gently, really helps activate its defining properties. Diffusing on low heat and speed also seems to amplify the volume without disturbing the curl pattern. Overall, my continued experience confirms that the Curlsmith Awestruck Definition Cream is a powerful definer. The key, for me, was adjusting my routine slightly to ensure my hair got enough moisture alongside that amazing hold and definition. If you're looking for defined, voluminous curls and are willing to experiment with layering, I highly recommend giving this a try. It’s truly made a difference in my curly hair routine!