How to Use Hair Gel for Curly Hair

Having curly hair can be both a blessing and a curse. The natural volume and bounce is beautiful, but controlling frizz and achieving definition can be a challenge. Using the right styling products is key to managing curls and bringing out their best look. Hair gel is one product that can make a big difference in styling curly hair.

When used properly, hair gel can help curly hair look smooth, defined, and frizz-free. The key is learning the techniques for applying gel specifically for curl types. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to use hair gel for curly hair.

Benefits of Using Hair Gel on Curly Hair

Before jumping into application tips, let’s look at why hair gel can be so useful for curly locks:

• Defines curls: Hair gel coats each curl and separates strands to bring out definition. This prevents curls from clumping together into a mass of frizz.

• Fights frizz: The thick, creamy texture of hair gel acts like a sealant to smooth the cuticle and control frizz even in humid weather.

• Provides hold: Gel provides a strong hold to maintain the shape of curls all day long without falling flat. The right gel won’t leave hair crunchy or sticky.

• Adds shine: Many gels contain oils and conditioners that add a glossy finish and healthy sheen to curls.

• Enhances volume: Scrunching out the crunch from gel results in touchably soft, voluminous curls.

• Lengthens curls: Stretching and defining curls with gel helps prevent shrinkage for longer looking strands.

• Versatile styling: Hair gel can be used alone or combined with other products like mousse for customized hold.

Now that you know the advantages of using gel for curly hair, let’s go over how to apply it.

Tips for Applying Gel to Curly Hair

Follow these steps for getting perfect results using hair gel on curls:

1. Shampoo and Condition as Usual

• Always start with freshly washed hair – old product buildup will prevent the gel from absorbing properly.

• Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner made for curly hair.

• Finger detangle gently with conditioner in the shower.

• Rinse out conditioner completely so no residue remains.

2. Apply Products to Soaking Wet Hair

• Hair needs to be dripping wet when applying gel.

• Soaking wet hair allows the gel to fully penetrate strands.

• Try using a spray bottle filled with water if hair starts to dry out.

• For extra moisture, apply a leave-in conditioner before the gel.

3. Emulsify the Gel

• Emulsifying helps distribute the gel evenly.

• Rub a dollop of gel between palms until it turns thin and slippery.

• Start with a small amount of gel first – you can always add more.

4. Glaze Gel from Roots to Ends

• Use the praying hands method to glaze gel from roots to ends.

• With palms together, smooth gel down sections of curls from top to bottom.

• Repeat glazing until all hair is evenly coated with gel. Don’t rake or scrub.

5. Scrunch Excess Gel

• With your head upside down, gently scrunch curls up towards the roots.

• This encourages curls to form and prevents flat hair.

• Scrunching also removes any excess gel for a natural finish.

6. Air Dry Completely

• Let hair air dry 100% before touching or styling further.

• Air drying allows the gel cast to fully form as hair dries.

• Sit under a hooded dryer or diffuse on low for faster drying.

7. Scrunch Out the Crunch

• Use fingers to gently scrunch and loosen up the hardened gel cast.

• Try scrunching in a smoothing hair oil or serum to add shine.

• Repeat scrunching until curls feel touchably soft and bouncy.

8. Fluff and Shape Curls

• Carefully shake curls side to side and fluff at the roots to build volume.

• Gently arrange curls without disrupting definition.

• Finish with a light misting of hairspray for extra hold if needed.

Choosing the Right Hair Gel for Curly Hair

With so many gels on the market, it can be tricky choosing one that will work best for your curl type. Here are some things to look for:

• Natural ingredients: Seek out gels with nourishing ingredients like botanical extracts, vegetable proteins, and natural oils for hydrating hold. Avoid harsh alcohols.

• Flexible hold: Opt for a gel that provides control without stiffness or stickiness. Look for terms like “touchable”, “pliable”, or “brushable” hold.

• Frizz protection: Seek out gels made specifically for frizz-prone curly hair. These contain smoothing and sealing ingredients.

• Enhanced moisture: If your curls tend to dryness, look for a gel with built-in conditioners like glycerin, panthenol, aloe vera, etc.

• Minimal crunchy feel: Modern gels provide definition without the rock-hard crunch of traditional formulas.

• Desired finish: Choose maximum hold gels for defined ringlets or flexible hold for touchable definition.

Some top-rated hair gels for curly hair include:

• Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Sulfate Free Smoothing Gel

• DevaCurl Arc Angel Gel

• Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel

• Kinky Curly Curling Custard

• Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

• Aussie Instant Freeze Gel

• Cantu Twisted S Curl Activating Cream Gel

Tips for Specific Curl Types

Applying gel to curly hair follows the same basic steps, but you may need to adjust based on your exact curl type and texture:

Coily Hair:

• Use praying hands to apply gel to soaking wet hair in sections.
• Stretch coils gently as you smooth gel down the length.
• Scrunch well and allow maximum time for drying.
• Gently break the gel cast from ends up to the roots.

Kinky Hair:

• Emulsify an olive oil-enriched curl gel in your hands first.
• Smooth gel in sections, starting from the ends up to roots.
• Let hair air dry stretched out as smooth as possible.
• Break gel cast once fully dry.

Corkscrew Curls:

• Apply gel to dripping wet hair upside down.
• For definition, glaze gel down individual corkscrews.
• Wrap sections around finger to encourage coils as you glaze.
• Allow thorough drying time before scrunching.

Wavy Hair:

• Emulsify a lightweight, flexible hold gel.
• Smooth along the direction of your wave pattern.
• Air dry or gently diffuse until 80% dry.
• Finish drying loose without breaking cast.

Loose Curls:

• Apply gel to wet hair in horizontal sections.
• Smooth gel down full length of curls.
• Twist longer curls around finger to set coils.
• Air dry fully before gently breaking cast.

Tight Curls:

• Work gel through hair in small sections for definition.
• Use a wide-tooth comb for even distribution.
• Allow maximum drying time.
• Break gel cast gently over 30 minutes or more.

Gel Application Mistakes to Avoid

It’s also important to be aware of some common gel application mistakes when styling curly hair:

• Applying gel to dry hair – it won’t absorb or distribute properly.

• Using too much gel – start with a little and work up to the right amount.

• Raking gel through hair – this can cause rough frizz and uneven application.

• Not emulsifying gel – rub it between hands first so it glides onto hair.

• Air drying without breaking the gel cast – curls will be stiff and crunchy.

• Breaking the gel cast too early – wait until hair is 100% dry.

• Scrunching too aggressively – be very gentle when breaking the cast.

• Touching or styling hair before it fully dries – this causes frizz and misshapen curls.

Maintaining Your Gel-Styled Curls

Proper maintenance is key to making your curly gel hairstyle last:

• Only shampoo when needed, like every 2-3 days. Use a gentle, sulfate-free formula.

• Condition hair thoroughly each time you shampoo. Detangle with fingers or a wide-tooth comb.

• Avoid brushing