Curl Gel

Gel for curls has become an essential curl care product in the curly community. Using it may require a little practice at first , but once you know how, you can create beautiful, defined curls with the help of a curl gel .

We can't even name our best hair gel for curls because there are so many great curl gels that we love and that all work a little differently. As a guide and to help you find the perfect curl gel for your own curl type and your individual needs, here is a short overview of the topic of curl gel.

What is curl gel?

Curl gel is the go-to product when it comes to giving curls maximum hold and fixation . It works great as a styling gel for curls.

The polymers contained in curl gel dock onto the surface of the hair, wrap around the hair like a film and thus prevent the individual curl strands from falling apart.

Curl gel gives the curls a strong definition and keeps them in shape with ease after the gel dries.

Hair gel for curly hair also helps to lock in and retain the moisture and care that is so important for curls.

Defining curls with gel: What's the point?

Curl gels contain so-called “film formers” in the form of fixing polymers, which can be of natural or synthetic origin. They do exactly what their name implies: they fix the hair in place.

By docking onto the surface of the hair, they cause the hairs to be pulled together by capillary forces. This causes the curls to bunch together.

The polymers then dry to form clear films that are strong and hold the hair together until the film is either removed by washing or the film is broken by mechanical forces on the hair (e.g. combing).

Frizz is prevented and the hair does not start to "fly around" when drying. This ensures better definition of the curl structure so that your curls can really stand out.

Curl gel also provides extra moisture to your hair and at the same time increases the bounce of your curls . A real win for your curls!

Who is a curl gel suitable for?

Curl gel is suitable for all people with curly or wavy hair who are looking for more definition and hold in their hair care and styling routine.

With curl gel you can tame your curly hair and make it easier to control it . Curl gel can also help with dull or matte-looking hair , as it gives your hair shine.

The range of curl gel products is colourful and varied. This means that the perfect hair gel can be found for every curl type and hair thickness.

The correct application of curl gel

• It is best to use the curl gel on very wet hair and first distribute a small amount of the gel in the palms of your hands .
  
  
• Then work the hair gel evenly into wet hair . This works best upside down by kneading the curls from the tips to the roots.
  
  
• You can use styling methods such as praying hands, scrunching or finger coiling . Just be careful not to destroy the curls.
  
  
• Then let your curls air dry or use a diffuser.
  
  
• The curl gel will dry to a gelcast – a hard layer of gel that will make your hair look moist and crunchy.
  
  
• Now it's time to " Scrunch Out The Crunch ." This method involves breaking up the gel cast and scrunching it out of the hair to reveal the full potential of your curly mane. Make sure to only use this method once your hair is 100% dry .
  
  
• After kneading, the final result is visible: velvety and natural-looking curls full of bounce.

What types of hair gel are there for curls?

Curl Gel for light hold

Light gels have a more liquid consistency that is easy to spread through the hair. They contain a lower dosage of holding polymers and are often based on very light, water-based formulas.

This is why the gel cast in a light hold curl gel is usually not as strong and the curls do not become quite as stiff when the cast dries, which is something some curly hair owners prefer. Light gels are good for the " beach wave " style or a less defined, more voluminous look. They also create less shine in the hair due to the small amount of polymers.

curl gels for medium hold

A medium hold curl gel offers the perfect balance in terms of fixation, definition and shine. It contains a balanced dosage of holding polymers and nourishing components. If you are unsure what level of hold your curls prefer , a medium hold curl gel is also a good product to try out first.

It is generally suitable for all curl types and hair thicknesses . The ingredients are usually balanced to provide sufficient hold without weighing down the curls.

Curl gels for strong hold

Strong hold hair gels contain the highest dosage of hold-giving polymers. They offer strong hold and definition and often dry to a very firm gelcast that holds plenty of moisture in the hair. Just what care-hungry curls love!

Strong gels are generally suitable for all curl types , but they also form the strongest gelcast, which requires more vigor than gels and less hold, often with the help of a hair oil.

How long do curls last with curl gel?

How long the curls last with different curl gels depends on the type of polymers they contain. A distinction is made between synthetic and natural polymers .

They have different humidity resistance properties that determine the holding power in humid climates. The higher the humidity resistance of setting polymers, the higher their curl stability (CR). This means your curls will hold for a longer time in high humidity. Often, synthetic polymers are more humidity resistant than natural polymers, which is why the curls/waves are stronger and last longer .

Natural polymers, on the other hand, have the obvious advantage that they are of natural origin and, depending on the formulation, also have excellent holding properties .

There are also many gels that contain mostly natural polymers and increase the hold through a small addition of synthetic polymers.

Everyone has to know their own priorities here: Do you prefer stronger and longer hold or purely natural substances in the products? An 80/20 rule could be the happy medium here, because even synthetic polymers can be washed out of the hair without leaving any residue.