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.
If you have curly hair, you've probably come across the terms "curl gel" and "curl cream" while browsing through various curl products. But what's the difference between these two products? Is it all just a question of consistency?
We want to take a closer look at both to find out how curl gels and curl creams work . Because only if you, as a curly girl or wavy girl, know what a product is suitable for and how best to use it, can you find the perfect hair care routine for your individual curl needs.
What is curl gel?
A gel describes a combination of at least two different substances - a liquid and a solid component. In the case of hair care substances, solid particles are bound in a liquid component.
Curl gel contains so-called film formers, which form a smooth protective film around the hair when applied. As soon as the gel dries , the liquid component evaporates or the moisture is absorbed by the hair. What remains is a gel cast - a clear film made of solid particles that surrounds the hair.
This protective film locks moisture into the hair and prevents frizz. Curly hair gains definition and is easy to control. Many gels leave a firm, stiff film around the hair when it dries. This coating is not a cause for concern, but rather a sign that the curl gel is working well.
This so-called gel cast can be kneaded out very quickly and easily with your hands and, if desired, with a few drops of hair oil. Underneath, wonderfully velvety and beautifully bouncy curls emerge.
If you are still looking for the perfect hair oil companion, then take a look at the hair oils at Lockenbox.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of curl gel?
Advantages:
- Definition and control: Curl gel gives curly hair definition and control by holding the curls and giving them shape.
- Frizz reduction: Curl gel is a good choice when it comes to reducing frizz. It forms a protective layer around the hair that prevents it from "flying around".
- Retains moisture: The gel for curls helps to hydrate the hair for a long time and keeps the moisture in the hair thanks to the enveloping protective film.
Disadvantages:
- Sticky hair or build-up : If too much gel is used or the gel is not suitable for your hair structure, the hair may feel sticky or there may be visible and tangible residue in the hair.
- Crispy & Crunchy : Some people with natural curls love the hard gel cast around their hair and enjoy the strong definition and protection from frizz. But even though the cast can be kneaded out, other curly girls just don't like it and prefer to use other curl products like curl spray or curl mousse.
- Too heavy: If you apply too much curling gel or a gel that is too rich, it can weigh down fine hair too much. As a result, the curls can fall out and the hair loses definition.
Who is curl gel suitable for?
Curl gel is primarily suitable for people who want sufficient definition and control for their curls and waves. Whether curls or waves, a curl gel can help to shape the hair and give the hairstyle more texture .
People with very fine or straight hair can also make curl gel their best friend. Fine hair in particular tends to fall apart quickly and with a fine hair structure you have to be careful not to use a curl cream that is too rich.
But curl gel has the great advantage that it works on all types of curls - even wavy hair. Curl shaping is supported by a curl gel for every type of curl. Curl gel is particularly effective for very curly , rather dry and thick hair. Curly girls with afro hair and strong curls also benefit from a protective curl gel. We have a special category for strong curls and afro hair - feel free to take a look.
Our experts at Lockenbox are regularly on the lookout for the best curl gels for every type of curl. You can find all newcomers and bestsellers from the curl gel category here: Curl Gel
If you are unsure which product is suitable for you or your curls, take part in our curl quiz . After answering a few questions, which we evaluate, we will suggest suitable products . You can then take a closer look at these. And if you still have questions, please feel free to contact us.
What is curl cream?
Curl cream is a care product specially developed for curly hair and a perfect companion in curly hair care. The word cream is used in cosmetics and hair care for an emulsion of oil and water.
In the case of a curl cream, caring and nourishing ingredients such as natural oils are emulsified with a moisturizing water-based component. In this way, curl cream nourishes the hair from the inside out and at the same time promotes the natural curl structure through hydration.
Curl cream also scores with its ability to close the outer cuticle layer of the hair, which makes the hair wonderfully smooth and the moisture is better retained in the hair.
A good curl cream protects against environmental influences such as
- UV rays from the sun
- or chlorinated water.
By using a curl cream, your curls will gain more structure and have a velvety shine . Curl cream also ensures that the hair becomes beautifully soft after use. In this state, the curls can be optimally defined.
Expert tip: This definition can then be enclosed and enhanced with a curl gel.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of curl cream?
Advantages:
- More intense curl structure: Using curl cream with its nourishing ingredients can strengthen and improve your curl pattern. This will make your curls bounce even more beautifully.
- Moisture Boost: Curl cream is a wonderful moisturizer and hydrates the hair from the inside out with every use.
- Velvety shimmer: The emulsion of moisturizing oils and ingredients gives a silky shine and ensures a healthy appearance of your curls.
Disadvantages:
- Too weak definition and no hold: In contrast to a curl gel, curl cream contains fewer hold-giving ingredients. If you need strong definition and want to style your hair into shape, special styling products for curls are more suitable.
- Sometimes too rich: A curl cream should always be tailored to the individual curl type. If your hair is fine and gets greasy quickly, a curl cream can quickly be too rich and make your hair look oily and stringy.
- Pay attention to good ingredients: There are numerous curl creams on the market, but not all of them contain beneficial and optimal ingredients for your curly hair. Especially with a curl cream that you regularly apply to your hair as a care product, you should pay attention to safe and high-quality ingredients.
Who is curl cream suitable for?
This essential care product is very suitable for the regular care of any curly mane. As always, however, it depends on the ingredients. Make sure to use a curl cream that is neither too light nor too heavy.
To achieve the best results, it is important to make the right choice. The curl cream should be tailored to your individual hair type and curl structure .
Dry curly hair benefits from the use of rich and moisturizing care. Fine and well-nourished curls and waves benefit more from light curl creams that do not weigh down the hair.
Whether dry or fine, at Lockenbox you will find the right curl cream for every hair need. Browse through our hand-selected selection of high-quality curl creams .
Can I use curl cream and curl gel?
Definitely! Curl cream and curl gel can be the perfect curl care duo to take your hair care routine to the next level. Both products have the ability to complement each other perfectly in their effects!
We would like to encourage you to try out curl cream and curl gel in combination. Wash your hair as usual and, depending on the instructions on the product, add the required amount of curl cream to your hair and knead it into your curls.
Instead of kneading with your hands, you can also use the bowl method . You can find out how this works here: The bowl method: instructions, effects and tips
With the curl cream you have now given your hair plenty of care and moisture. To lock in this moisture and define the hair, it is now time to use the curl gel. You can apply it using styling methods such as praying hands , scrunching or finger coiling .
If these terms don't mean anything to you, you can find out everything you need to know in our ultimate Curly ABC . The curl gel locks in the moisture and care brought into the hair by the curl cream and your curls also get plenty of definition and hold.
Conclusion
Both curl products, whether curl cream or curl gel, have their place in the care routine for curly or wavy hair. In this guide, we have compared both products to illustrate the differences and advantages and disadvantages.
A curl cream is more of a product with mainly caring properties, while a curl gel is primarily used in the area of curl styling. Creams and gels each have their own place in the care of curly hair. Both have very individual effects and are used differently.
Especially when combined, both products can play to their strengths and help you to have wonderfully defined and healthy curls.
FAQ
Which product is better for fine hair: curl gel or curl cream?
For fine hair, curl cream is often more suitable than curl gel as it makes the hair softer and more voluminous without weighing it down. Curl cream also helps to smooth the hair and reduce frizz, whereas curl gel often tends to make the hair stiff and sticky.
Are curl gels and curl creams suitable for all curl types?
Yes, both curl gel and curl cream can be used on all curl types, from slightly wavy hair to very curly hair. However, the choice between the two products depends on the individual hair texture and styling preferences.
It remains interesting - read on :)