As naturals we are spoiled for choice when it comes to our products – specifically our gels. No matter how picky our curls are there is something for everyone be it all natural, paraben free or silicon laden for extra slip.
Because of all of this choice, when the time comes to try something new, we often find ourselves with a ridiculously long wish-list trying to make the hard decision between groceries or hair products.
While we can’t tell you exactly what products will work for your hair we can give you some pointers to help you choose a great new gel to experiment with by letting you know which one outshine the others in each category.
6 Essential Gels for Natural Hair
Aloe Vera
A Healthy Gel
When it comes to doing what a regular gel does, like providing hold or taming frizz, aloe simply doesn’t have what it takes. But what it lacks in holding power it more than makes up by being beneficial to the health of our hair.
Aloe vera gel is slightly acidic and helps to close the cuticle of the hair shaft to help it maintain moisture and increase shine. To incorporate this gel into your regimen you could use it as an ingredient in homemade spritzes or mix it in with leave-ins and stylers.
Put It On Your Ends
Ever had those frizzy fluffy ends? Most women simply cut them off but many naturals have had great success in nursing fluffy ends back to smoothness by adding aloe vera gel to their leave-ins. After a week of consistent use their ends were back on track.
Flaxseed Gel
A Homemade Gel
From YouYube to blogs to forums this gel is much raved about because of its effectiveness.
It clumps and defines like a dream and provides the perfect hold without leaving you with helmet hair. Best of all, a bag of flaxseeds, which can make several batches of this gel, is under $5! So, it won’t require you selling your first born to afford to use it consistently.
Here is a great recipe for flaxseed gel.
EcoStyler
An Economical Gel
In this economy almost every curly is trying to save a buck here or there which is why this gel should be on every curlies must-try list; because it’s just that cheap.
For a few dollars you can get a trough load of this gel and experiment to your heart’s content.
Plus, if for some strange reason you absolutely, positively can’t find a use for it there will be no love lost because you paid less than $5.
SoftSheen Carson Let’s Jam!
Local Beauty Supply Gem
As a natural who does not live in the US, I get how hard it is to get your hands on the popular hair care products when your local beauty supply store (BSS”> doesn’t sell them and shipping can cost more than the product itself.
Plus, if you live in the UK the fear of incurring customs and duties charges is enough to keep you up at night.
However, this does not mean that you are limited in your choice. Thanks to the natural hair revolution more and more hair care companies are beginning to formulate products to help us care for our curls, and best of all those products can be found in our local hair stores.
One such product that has received a lot of good reviews is Let’s Jam Custard Cream Gel which provides hold and moisture and best of all is CG friendly.
Curling Custard & Curls In A Bottle
Holy Grail Gels
There are some gels in the natural haired community that are so talked about and revered that they have achieved Holy Grail status. There are tons of YouTube videos and blog posts dedicated to singing their praises and documenting their abilities. Whilst it’s true that what works for one curly may not work for the other if so many women are hyping these products and you’re looking to experiment you might as well start with one of these; Kinky Curly Curling Custard and Curl Junkie Curls In a Bottle.
What gel do you think should win each category and what’s your all-time favorite?
