In the curly hair space, millions of dollars are spent on marketing to tell you what your curly, wavy, and coily hair needs. Unfortunately, because of this, many to try to “influence you” and make you feel like you need an extensive range of products like primers, elixirs, creams, gels, oils, foams, refreshers, and more. The list is incredibly long just to achieve a good hair day.
I fell into that trap about four years ago. After moving from Austin, Texas, to Boston, Massachusetts, the humidity had other plans for my hair. The frizz became unbearable, and my styles had zero longevity. I spent months researching, poring over forums, Facebook groups, and websites, and then hundreds of dollars on products that still did not deliver what I needed. That was until I found the one product that changed everything for me, but more on that shortly.
In this post, I will cover what curly hair gel actually is, how it differs from curl creams and balms, and how to use gel on curly hair to get the definition, shine, and longevity your curls deserve.
What Exactly is Gel For Curly Hair?
There are a few different products that fall under the gel category, so it is worth clarifying what we mean when we talk about gel in the curly hair space. We are not talking about the kind of gel used for short, spiky styles that freeze hair in place with a wet sheen.
Curly hair gel is different. It is designed to encapsulate curl clumps and create what is known as a curl cast. This cast forms a barrier around each curl, locking out frizz, adding shine, and protecting the curl shape as it dries. Once your hair is fully dry, you are left with smooth, defined, beautiful curls.
What Is the Difference Between Curl Creams and Curl Gels?
This is one of the most common questions I get at the salon, and the answer is simpler than you might think.
Curl creams and balms are excellent for hydration and moisture. They soften the hair and give it a natural, touchable finish. But if you want curls with real definition, bounce, and hold, a cream alone might not help you achieve that.
A curly hair gel, on the other hand, has a holding ingredient that forms a protective outer layer around each curl, keeping it in shape as it dries. In the past, this meant stiff, crunchy curls that were not exactly pleasant. But modern curl gel formulas have come a long way. Today, you can get all the hold and definition of a gel without any of the crunch, and that changes everything.
Benefits of Using Gels on Curly Hair
I could talk about the benefits of curl gel on wavy and curly hair all day long, but I’ll give you 3 reasons you should be using a gel.
Volume
If you want to make your wavy or curly hair look fuller and more voluminous, you can use a curly hair gel. The gel will help your hair form chunky curls that stack on top of each other, creating a beautiful and voluminous effect when they dry. The curls look big and well-defined without looking messy.
Shine
Using a curly hair gel can also make your hair look shiny. Unlike a curl cream which is usually absorbed by the hair and doesn't leave much shine, a gel reflects light, giving your hair a glossy appearance. So applying some curl gel in the hair can add radiance to your curls thus creating a perfect shiny hair day.
Longevity
A curly hair gel is going to give you many more days of that perfected look. When applied correctly and thoroughly throughout the hair, my clients & I can easily get 3 days out of my waves and curls.
A curly hair gel has a holding ingredient in it, which helps hold a curl in place by forming an outer protective layer on it.
How to Use Gel on Curly Hair: Routines by Hair Type
Our ultimate desires and goals with curly hair are very personal, and everyone has an individual preference when it comes to the techniques and products used. However, I wanted to provide some easy steps which can be a great starting point for everyone.
If you have fine hair:
Step 1: I recommend starting with a volumizing mousse as your first step. DESIGNME PUFF.ME Volumizing Mousse is a favorite because it’s alcohol-free. I use a generous amount and scrunch it in. This gives a weightless hold that plumps the hair.
Step 2: Follow with the BOUNCE.ME Curl Spray Gel, an incredibly lightweight liquid gel that is the perfect step for adding definition, hold, and longevity to your hair. Simply spray each section of hair, and then style it your way, whether that means finger coiling, scrunching, or using a Denman styling brush.
If you have medium to thick hair:
Step 1: I recommend starting with FAB.ME leave-in treatment while you’re still in the shower. Scrunch the product and distribute it evenly throughout your wet hair.
Step 2: Next step would be to use BOUNCE.ME curl balm (a cream and gel hybrid). I apply the balm to my hands, and then sandwich sections of the hair through my hands from root to tip to ensure even application. This is my holy-grail styling product for curly hair. It works on ALL my clients and gives them everything they have been missing.
Step 3: After using the curl balm, I sometimes spritz a small amount of BOUNCE.ME curl spray gel as a finishing touch before diffusing to increase the hold of the balm.
As for me personally, the BOUNCE.ME Curl Balm is the product I cannot live without. Why use a separate cream and gel when one product gives you the best of both? It simplified my routine and transformed my hair. At DESIGNME our slogan is “We Design the Product, You Design the Beauty”, so don’t be afraid to mix and match to personalize your perfect hair day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use curly hair gel on straight hair?
Yes, a light application of curl gel on straight hair can add shine and help control frizz, but it works best on wavy, curly, and coily hair types, where it can enhance the natural texture and pattern.
Do I have to scrunch out the cast after using curl gel?
Yes, and this step is essential. Once your hair is completely dry, scrunch the cast out gently with your hands or a microfiber cloth. This releases the curl from its protective coating, giving you soft, defined curls instead of stiff ones.
Can I use curl gel without a diffuser?
Absolutely. Air drying with curl gel works well, especially if you want a more natural, relaxed result. Just make sure not to touch your hair while it is drying, as this disrupts the cast and causes frizz. Diffusing on a low heat setting gives you more volume and faster results, but both methods work.
Sarah Heath is from Boston, Massachusetts and is a true hair enthusiast. Throughout her 14 years as a salon professional, she has mastered the art of balancing a behind-the-chair career while sharing professional education around the country for leading industry brands. Her love for DESIGNME was instant and she is so excited to share the love and bring accessible education to all.
