Natural gel for curls

What does curl gel do?

Curling gel helps to maintain the natural shape of wavy and curly hair whilst it dries. The product forms a sort of supportive layer around the curls. This helps the curls to stay defined for longer and often reduces frizz.

A gel is primarily designed for styling and hold. If your hair also needs extra care, use a suitable leave-in conditioner or a small amount of curl cream first.

Which gel is right for your curls?

Gel for fine or wavy hair

Fine or wavy hair can easily become weighed down. You should therefore start by using a small amount of gel and working it evenly through thoroughly wet hair. A lighter gel or one with a flexible hold may be enough to support the hair’s natural movement without flattening it.

Do you find that your waves are becoming stringy or losing their bounce quickly? If so, try using less leave-in conditioner or cream under the gel. Sometimes it’s not the gel itself that’s the problem, but the combination of several hair care products.

Gel for dry or coarser curls

Dry, thick or very curly hair can often cope with a little more product. If necessary, start by using a nourishing leave-in conditioner and then apply the gel to define the curls and keep them in shape for longer.

Work the product carefully through the lengths, then shape the curls by scrunching them from the bottom up. Distribute the gel evenly so that some sections do not become stiff whilst others retain hardly any hold.

Gel for curls that lose their shape quickly

If your curls start to lose their shape after just a few hours, a gel with stronger hold might help. The amount of water in your hair, the styling products you use and the way you dry your hair also affect how long the definition lasts.

Try changing just one thing at a time. For example, start by using a little less leave-in conditioner or cream before you start combining several new styling products straight away.

How do you use gel on curly hair?

1. Wash and care for your hair using products that suit your hair and scalp.
2. If necessary, apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner.
3. Apply the gel to thoroughly wet or damp hair.
4. Work the product through the lengths of your hair with your hands.
5. Gently shape the curls by squeezing them from the bottom upwards.
6. Let your hair air-dry or use a diffuser on a gentle setting.
7. Touch your hair as little as possible until it is completely dry.

The right amount varies depending on the product and hair type. Start with a small amount and only add more if you find that your curls aren’t getting enough hold.

What is a gel cast?

Some gels form a firm layer around the curls as they dry. This is known as a gel cast. As a result, the hair may feel temporarily stiff or crunchy. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve used too much gel.

Wait until your hair is completely dry. Then gently work the hard cast out with dry hands. The curls will then feel softer, whilst retaining some of their definition and hold.

Is her hair still damp when you take the cast off? If so, the curls may fall apart more quickly and cause more frizz.

Gel, mousse or curl cream?

Each of these styling products serves a different purpose:

• Gel: usually provides the greatest definition and firmness.
• Mousse: gives a lighter finish and can be a good choice for adding volume to fine hair.
• Curling cream: It mainly provides nourishment and helps to define dry curls.

You can combine products, but you don’t always have to. For fine hair, a single mousse or light gel may be enough. Dry or thicker curls may respond well to a small amount of leave-in conditioner or cream, with a bit of gel applied on top.

Are you looking for extra care and a gentler result? Then take a look at our natural curl creams. For extra hold, you can combine the cream with gel.

Do you use your leave-in conditioner before applying gel?

A leave-in conditioner is normally applied before the gel. The leave-in provides extra nourishment, whilst the gel then adds definition and hold.

Take a look at our selection leave-in conditioners for curly hair when your hair needs extra care before styling.

Care for dry curls

Gel can help keep frizz under control, but it’s no substitute for proper hair care. If your curls feel dry, stiff or difficult to comb through, take a look at the shampoo, conditioner and hair mask you’re using in your routine.

For more intensive care, you can use our natural hair masks for curls view.

A complete natural curly hair routine

Gel is the final styling step in a complete routine. The basis consists of a suitable shampoo, conditioner and, if necessary, a leave-in treatment. You then use gel to help maintain the shape of your curls whilst they dry.

View all natural hair products for curls whenever you want to compare shampoo, conditioner, leave-in treatments, hair masks or other styling products.

Not sure yet which products you need or in what order to use them? Then read our Natural curly hair routine for beginners.

Selected from our hair salon

Not every gel works in the same way on every hair type. That’s why, when making our selection, we look at factors such as hold, ease of use and how a product works with other hair care and styling products.

Not sure which gel is right for your hair? Then tell us a bit about your curl type, hair thickness, current routine and the result you’re hoping for. That way, we can offer you more tailored advice.

Frequently asked questions about curl gel

Do you apply your gel to wet or dry hair?

Curl gel is usually applied to wet or damp hair. This allows you to distribute the product more evenly and keep your curls in shape whilst they dry. Always check the instructions for use for the product in question.

Can gel dry out curls?

It varies depending on the product and your hair. If your hair feels dry or stiff after use, try using less gel, applying a nourishing leave-in conditioner underneath, or trying a different combination of products.

How do you prevent your curls from becoming stiff when using gel?

Allow the hair to dry completely, then gently squeeze the gel cast out. Use less product if the hair still feels heavy or sticky after squeezing it out.

Can I use gel every time I wash my hair?

You can do this if your hair and scalp respond well to it. Do make sure to wash your hair thoroughly when styling products start to build up.

Do you use gel or mousse first?

When using both, mousse is usually applied first, followed by gel for extra hold. For many people, however, just one of the two products is enough.