A favorite product among curly girls has also been filled with a lot of controversy when it comes to achieving hair growth.
Hair gel is a must for many looking to control their naturally curly hair but to have the control, do you have to give up healthy hair?
One reason it is often advised to stay away from gels is because of the alcohol content in it which can be drying, and dry hair is more prone to breakage. While this is not stunting your growth, breakage will make your hair growth journey come to a standstill and cause frustration.
The easiest solution to this problem is to start using a gel without alcohol in the ingredient list. This can be a bit of a challenge but as more people start demanding products sans alcohol we are starting to see more coming on the market.
Products to try that are free of alcohols
- Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel
- Curl Junkie Pattern Pusha
- Ecostyler Professional Styling Gel With Olive Oil
Another reason gel is said to be a no go is because of the hard cast that can form over the hair, or the crunch factor. The hardness that forms can cause hairs to become stuck together, leading to major tangles for some. Say you’re on Day 2 hair, if you try to brush out your hair you may accidentally pull out more hair than you mean to, because all of your strands have been “glued” together. Also, If you run into a tangle with gel in your hair, you run the risk of pulling your hair out while trying to remove tangles. As a general rule it is best to detangle in the shower with a good amount of conditioner or you can use a product that won’t cause a hard cast to form.
Products that will hold without the crunch
People also stray away from gels because it can cause a layer of build up over your scalp, which if left untouched may cause blockage of hair follicles. The main thing to remember about this is that almost all products that you are using will eventually cause build up if not properly removed. To keep your scalp healthy and clear of any build up, it is important to do a clarifying treatment every 6 weeks or so to make sure you can get your hair back to a natural state, free from product buildup.
Products to clarify your hair with
- Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo
- Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
- Jane Carter Solution Renewable Difference Shampoo
When it comes to gel there haven’t been any studies that directly link gel to stunting hair growth, however, it’s important to listen to your hair and make sure you are keeping it healthy if you are looking to grow it out. If you are starting to see breakage and you are an avid gel user, try out one with no alcohol. If you are starting to see thinning, try out a product that gives you hold without the crunch and lastly don’t forget to clarify your hair to make sure you scalp is clean and healthy.
Want to see more of my curl journey? Follow me on ig @ThePolishedCurl!
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