by Portia of huneybflyy.com
Contrary to popular belief, hair gel is not evil. Many people refuse to use gel because they believe that it will cause their hair to break off or fall out. They literally think that their hair will end up on the floor. This is true to an extent, but all gels are not the same. Furthermore, the frequency of use may be the reason why some experience breakage.
If you’re allergic to gel, that’s one thing, but don’t write it off because you had one bad experience several years ago. Gel has evolved over the years and JAM isn’t the only gel out there anymore. There are all kinds of gels that can be used for different hair types. It’s crucial to experiment and figure out which kind of gel to use for your hair. What works for one, may not work for you and that’s okay. Just take a little time and explore your many options.
Once, someone told me that they used Eco Styler Protein gel (the brown one), but their scalp started itching and flaking, so they decided that gel wasn’t for them. They just gave up after only trying one kind of gel from one brand. When I initially started using gel in my hair, I used a variety until I settled on one that my hair loved. It was trial and error. I researched and experimented a lot, which most naturals are used to doing by now. One should have the same mind set when it comes to gel. I personally can’t use Eco Styler Protein gel because my hair does not like protein all that much, but I can use Eco Styler Olive Oil gel. My hair loves it and I don’t have any issues with itching or flaking.
Gel is not intended to be placed on your scalp, so that’s probably why my mystery woman had that issue. Granted, there are some who use it along their hair line to smooth down hair with no issues. However, gel was originally intended for your hair and not your scalp, so keep that in mind when applying it.
In addition to application, the ingredients within hair gel are just as important. If the gel you’re thinking about using has an excessive amount of alcohol and nothing complementary that will provide moisture, then you should stay away from it. It’s been proven that gels that feature ingredients such as argon oil, aloe vera, and jojoba oil provide great moisture for the hair and are not drying. Take a look at some of your gel options and decide which one is right for you!
Flax Seed Gel
Flax seed gel is definitely unique and it’s great for all hair types. Flax seed is high in omega- 3. This fatty acid nourishes the hair and adds shine. Did you know that flax seed can also help with hair loss and dandruff? Unlike the gels you’re used to, flax seed gel actually moisturizes your hair and leaves it feeling soft. This gel is awesome because it holds curls and waves, and you can make it at home. You can’t get any more natural than that!
Aloe is extracted from the Aloe Vera plant and is commonly used for burns. Aloe Vera gel is also used for burns and scrapes. It’s full of vitamins and minerals that are great for hair. Aloe Vera gel is not only moisturizing for your hair, but it also possesses healing properties for your scalp. People that use it, notice that their dandruff disappears. This gel also reduces frizz and leaves your hair free of tangles. Most use Aloe Vera gel for wash ‘n gos because it defines curls and leaves them feeling soft. This would probably be one of the few gels that you should use on your scalp.
This has got to be the most popular gel amongst the natural hair community. There are so many options in the Eco Styler line that you really have to test them out and see which one might be for you. The great thing about Eco Styler gel is that its ingredients are very simple. Eco Styler gel is water based and contains zero alcohol and sulfates. The levels of hold are dependent on which kind of gel you choose. The Eco Styler Krystal gel is supposed to be great for twist outs, but my hair doesn’t love it. It prefers the Eco Styler Olive Oil gel instead which is also great for slicking back your hair.
The name is deceiving because Kinky Curly Custard is more of a gel than custard. None the less, it provides great hold and even provides shine for your kinks and curls. I used this gel for a wash ‘n go once and while I still experienced some shrinkage, my curls were the most defined they had ever been after a wash ‘n go. Some people experience crunchy hair when using Kinky Curly Custard, but I found that if you use less gel and more moisture, then you can eliminate that problem. Less is more when it comes to this gel, but your results may vary.
Giovanni L.A Natural Styling Gel
If your hair is porous, then this is the gel for you. Giovanni L.A. Natural Styling Gel doesn’t have glycerin, which isn’t the best for porous hair. While this styling gel has a firm hold, it does not leave your hair feeling hard and crunchy. Instead, you hair is flexible, but defined. This gel also works really well in humid climates and it helps tame frizz.
As with any product, your results will vary when it comes to hair gel. Your hair may love a particular gel or it may absolutely hate all gels. We don’t want to force our hair to do something it doesn’t want to do, but we don’t want to rule out something based off of one bad experience either.
Remember: It’s important that your hair is moisturized before applying any gel. The gel that you may be using may feature moisturizers, but it’s crucial that your hair is moisturized under your gel. Applying gel alone may dry out your hair and leave it weak causing breakage. Breakage is usually the number one reason why women stop using gel. In reality, they weren’t using it right to begin with. You should never apply any styler without packing on the moisture first. What hair gels are you using at the moment and which do you love?
Does gel play a crucial part in maintaining your hair regimen? Why or Why not?
Portia is a wife and mother who enjoys making things and people look pretty! As a graduate of Rowan University, Portia has an insatiable craving for natural hair, beauty, and fashion, but she also enjoys traveling and home decor. If you’d like to know more about her, visit her blog at huneybflyy.com
