*This post contains affiliate links. The products I recommend are ones that I use and love.*
For years, gel has gotten a bad rap.
People assume that using it will make your hair hard, crunchy or leave a dreaded white residue.
The truth is, not all gels are created equal. Many of them are made with alcohol as the primary ingredient, which can cause severe dryness. Due to the natural hair movement, many hair companies are now making their products with natural ingredients which add moisture & shine, along with a great hold.
The best way to apply it to your curls is while your hair is soaking wet, generally after you have washed and detangled. Scrunch and rake through the hair in small sections, especially if you hair hair is thick (like mine).
Resist the temptation to play with your curls while they are still wet. Allow the product to work its magic while your hair dries. After it dries, spritz with a small amount of water, fluff & shake. Watch those curls pop!!
If you have curly hair and you haven’t invested in a great one (or two), then your curls are missing out! Here are 3 reasons why every curly girl should own gel:
Definition
Have you ever looked at someone with curly hair and though, wow her curls are poppin? I know I have. Gel gives curly hair that beautiful defined look. It helps curls do what they were naturally made to do!
Anti-Frizz
Down in the south, humidity is every curly girl’s arch nemesis. It turns a perfectly coiled do into a frizzy hot mess. Using gel keeps all the locks in place and prevents you from the bed head look. My daughters both battle frizz. They both have different textures, so they use different gels.
My oldest has kinky curly curls, so Deva Curl Light Defining Gel works best for her. It’s not sticky and provides a soft hold.
My youngest has wavy curly hair. Products that are too heavy weigh down her hair. Miss Jessie’s Multicultural Clear Gel does the trick for her.
Lasting Power
The longer curly hair gets, the more difficult it can be to maintain a style for days on end. In fact, without gel, you will have to retouch your hair daily to get the ultra defined look. Shea Moisture Curl Gel Souffle is hands down, my favorite gel.
I’ve been using it since I became natural 3 years ago. My hair is never crunchy and is always soft to touch.
People often mistake a week old hair style for a freshly styled do and I credit it all to my gel! What’s your favorite gel?
I use the usual Loreal. Sometimes it is not clear which is better … I’ll try your recommended .. I’ll write how it happened!
I can’t wait to hear what you think! Good luck!