This really comes down to the formulation of the product. This is the number one concern followed closely by the gels making the hair hard. If there is one fear of using hair gels that many naturals have it’s the dreaded “f” word – flaking. Certain ingredients can be added to soften the film formed by the polymer without a huge compromise in the performance of the product. Because of all of the factors that can contribute to a complete “gel-fail” there is a lot of research and development that goes into the manufacture of polymers used in hair care products. Others don’t flake at all but provide a softer hold that can be susceptible to moisture and frizz in humid conditions. Some polymers provide great hold but they’re too brittle and can cause flaking. What do we NOT want the gel to do? Provide a stiff, crunchy, inflexible hold and flake (especially in excessive amounts). What do we want the gel to do? Clump the curls, define and hold them in place. However you’ll need to find the right type of gel to enhance your curls.Īs a consumer, one of the main challenges with hair gels is assessing whether or not the gel is going to do what you want it to do without doing what you DON’T want it to do. In my opinion there is nothing like a good hair gel for defining curls, giving them staying power, providing shine and minimizing frizz. This hold will typically last until the bonds are broken through combing, brushing or touching the hair, or until the product is washed out. Once the water in the product evaporates the polymers dry to form clear films which not only help to maintain the curl, but add shine. The more clumping I see happening, the better the final result. This creates the desired “clumping” effect. Īs the product is applied to the hair, the polymers are deposited onto the surface of the hair and cause adjacent strands to be attracted to each other, creating bonds between the strands. These particles form a network throughout the liquid that swells and forms a gelly. Does anyone use those anymore BTW?!Ī gel consists of solid particles (usually polymers) dispersed throughout a liquid. These polymers are often the source of hold in styling products such as hair gels, cream gels and hairsprays. The ones we’re concerned with mostly are the film-forming polymers. Types include conditioning polymers, viscosity modifying polymers and film-forming polymers. There are various types of polymers in hair and skin care. And more specifically, a product that contains POLYMERS. In order to achieve these two things you’ll need to use a hair gel. So what’s the word of the day for defined curls that last? HOLD. And the reality is that for women with some hair types and textures – like type 4 hair – they’re not going to achieve any curl definition or longevity to their style without a product that gives hold. This is because oils, butters and regular leave-in conditioners typically don’t contain ingredients that give HOLD to styles. Oh sure they’ll have the moisture they need. When women are concerned about their hair styles becoming frizzy, puffy and lacking definition they’re usually using oils, leave in conditioners or butters to style their hair.
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