Kristina is the founder of Lockenbox & Lockenexpertin. She has been intensively involved with the topic of curly hair care since her youth, when her straight hair suddenly turned into curls.
The internet offers curly-haired people an ideal platform for exchanging care and styling tips. Here, curlies can discover new methods to style and care for their curls even more effectively.
One of these methods is the 1-2-3 gel method. It first appeared on Instagram and Pinterest in the summer of 2019 and has since spread like wildfire. Many curly hair wearers around the world have now tried the new method and achieved impressive curly results.
If your hair is prone to frizz or lacks definition, this layering technique might be just right for you. Let's take a closer look at the 123 Gel Method!
What is the 123 Gel Method?
This hair care method is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
The 1-2-3 Gel Method effectively retains moisture in the hair by applying three different hair gels one after the other over a leave-in or moisturizing curl cream.
If you're worried that this application will make your curls crunchy and hard, you can rest assured: a gel cast isn't a bad thing, but rather a sign of very good hold. You don't have to walk around with "crunchy" curls after drying! The hard protective layer of the gel can be easily kneaded out with your hands and your wonderfully soft and supple curls will appear underneath.
Often, popping the hair is part of the 1-2-3 gel method to define the curls and keep them frizz-free. The result is impressive! A defined mane of curls with bouncy curls that has a silky shine and retains its bounce for a long time.
Expert tip: The 1-2-3 gel method is also an excellent styling routine for environments with high humidity. The various curl gels keep the hair optimally protected from frizz.
If you want to know more about the hair plopping mentioned above, you can find out all the curl secrets about this technique in our guide: The Plopping Method: Curl Plopping Made Easy
Who is the 123 Gel Method suitable for?
The 1-2-3 gel method has the great advantage that it works for any type of natural curl, regardless of the curl texture. Whether your hair is wavy or curly, this care and styling method is suitable for every hair structure.
The best thing about it is that you only have to concentrate on choosing the right products for your curl type. That means suitable leave-ins , curl creams and curl gels. This way you can optimally care for and define your curls and look forward to perfectly defined and voluminous curls.
What are the advantages of the 123 Gel method?
There are many methods for caring for curly hair and if you have curly hair you have probably already tried a few. But what makes the 123 Gel Method so special and is it really worth recommending? We think: "YES!" - and have summarized all the advantages of this curly hair styling technique for you:
- Controls frizz, even in high humidity.
- Shapes and defines the curls.
- Flexible in products – you can use your favorite leave-ins and curl gels.
- Springy curly look that lasts a long time.
- Hydrates and locks in moisture in hair.
- Easy to use.
How does the 123 Gel Method work
From theory we now finally move on to practice. How is the 123 Gel method used? We'll show you step by step.
Before you start, you should wash your hair according to your usual curl routine with a curly shampoo for curly hair. Don't forget to use a suitable conditioner for curls, too.
- In the first step of the 123 Gel Method, you apply a moisturizing curl cream or a hydrating leave-in to your hair. This treatment forms the basis of the styling technique and protects your curls from drying out. The "moisturizer" is often distributed in the hair using the bowl method for curls. We show you how this works in our article: The Bowl Method: Instructions, Effects and Tips .
- Now that your hair is prepped, we come to the 123rd :) Finally, it's time for the curl gels! Apply your favorite curl gels to your hair one at a time. Then scrunch them into damp hair with your hands to bundle and define the curls.
- It is recommended to apply the lightest hold gel first and the strongest hold gel last. If you want, you can pop your hair afterwards to further enhance the curls.
- Dry your curls using your favorite hair drying method, whether that’s letting them air dry or using a diffuser.
- Once your hair is dry, you can smooth or knead out the resulting gel cast with a little hair oil as a finish .
Tips for the 123 Gel Method
If you use the 123 Gel Method regularly, it is advisable to thoroughly cleanse your curls with a clarifying shampoo from time to time.
This prevents build-up and gently removes any product residue from your hair. It's also a great way to nourish your scalp and keep it healthy.
In the Lockenbox shop we offer a selection of wonderful deep cleansing shampoos that will free your curls from build-up and at the same time provide soothing scalp care: Deep cleansing shampoos at Lockenbox.
How often should I use the 123 Gel Method on my curls?
You can use the 123 Gel Method every day you wash your hair to lock moisture in your curls for a long time after washing and to achieve a very strong hold. This will keep your curls vital and in shape until the next time you wash your hair.
Some curly hair wearers use the 123 Gel Method depending on the weather . In humid summer weather or on damp autumn days, this hair care method can provide effective protection against annoying frizz.
Which products do I need?
You only need two different types of products for the 123 Gel Method: a curl cream or leave-in for moisture and three different curl gels for hold and definition. Here are a few suggestions from our curl experts from both product categories:
leave-in conditioner
The Curly Angels Hallelujah Curl Activator is full of nutrients for velvety soft curls.
A popular leave-in conditioner for curly hair is Kurl Nectar by Les Secrets De Loly .
As a true classic in the field of curl leave-ins, the heavenly-smelling and moisturizing Rice Pudding from Ecoslay has long made a name for itself.
curl gel
If you are looking for a protein-free and vitamin-rich curl gel, then Fix My Curls Curl Quenching Flax Seed Gelly is your go-to hair gel. Its valuable ingredients support your overall hair health.
In our opinion, the Flora & Curl Sweet Hibiscus Curl Defining Gel should be in every bathroom cabinet. It gives your curls hold, definition and a silky shine.
The Pretty Curly Girl Magical Flaxseed Gel impresses with its defining gel cast and lots of valuable ingredients.
Conclusion
If you haven't tried the 123 Gel Method for curls yet, we hope we've convinced you to give this styling method a try.
You may be wondering: Why three different gels? Can't I just apply more of a single gel? Well, every hair gel is formulated differently and sensitive curly hair responds particularly well to a variety of different ingredients.
Just try it out. You'll be surprised how bouncy and vital your curls can become with the 123 Gel Method! Let's go Curly! :)
FAQ about the 123 Gel Method
Are there any disadvantages to using the 123 hair gel method?
One potential downside to using the 123 hair gel method is that if used excessively, it can cause hair to become brittle and fragile. That's why it's important to take good care of your locks when washing them. It's also important to choose the right hair gel for your hair type to avoid clumping and hardening of the hair.
Are you ready to take your hair to the next level ? Then take our exciting curl quiz now! We are excited to get to know you and understand your unique hair needs and goals.
With just a few questions, we can put together your perfect curl routine . Whether your hair is slightly wavy, curly or very curly - our curl quiz will find the right products for every hair type.
What are you waiting for? Immerse yourself in the world of the perfect curly look and take part in the quiz now!
Can I combine the 123 hair gel method with other styling products?
Yes, you can combine the 123 Hair Gel Method with other styling products to achieve the look and hold you want. For example, you could use a styling mousse or hairspray to give your hair extra volume or hold.
Would you like to learn more about styling and techniques for your curls? Then take a look at the Locken Magazine .
