CG Gel

Did you know that styling curls makes a big difference to how your hair looks? Without the right products, curls can quickly become frizzy or limp. A good hair gel helps define your curls, reduce frizz, and keep your hair in place. It adds extra shine and keeps your hair looking beautiful for longer, without weighing it down. Want to get the most out of your curls? Shop here for the perfect gel for your hair and discover the difference!

CG hair gel, what is it?

A CG hair gel is a gel that complies with the guidelines of the Curly Girl Method (CG). This method avoids drying sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohol, as these can damage and dry out your curls.

Did you know that drying alcohol is one of the first ingredients in many standard hair gels? It is often used to create a strong hold, but it can also make your hair brittle and dry. CG-proof gels do not contain any harsh ingredients and instead use milder alternatives that define your curls without drying them out.

What makes a CG hair gel unique is that it not only helps with styling, but often also contains nourishing ingredients. This means you not only get beautiful curls, but also give your hair the hydration and protection it needs. The perfect balance between hold and care!

The benefits of styling gel for curls

Did you know that using hair gel has many benefits? We've listed the most important ones for you, with a brief explanation:

• More definition

Your curls will look better because they stay in shape. Even if you have waves, a gel can help create more curl and define your hair better.

• Extra volume

Because gel gives your hair strength, you can also create more volume if you style it the right way. Think brushing, styling upside down, and diffusing to give your hair more lift.

• More shine

Many CG-proof gels contain moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, glycerin, or flaxseed extract, which help keep your hair hydrated and shiny.

• Less frizz

Gel forms a weightless layer around your hair, protecting it from humidity and reducing frizz.

• Long-lasting hold

Your curls stay in shape longer because gel helps them hold their shape. This means less touch-ups during the day and longer enjoyment of a well-styled look.

• Hydration and protection
  

Did you know that gel also has a light sealing effect? This means that it helps to lock moisture into your hair, so it dries out less quickly and stays healthier.

Applying styling gel

Have you finished washing your hair and applied a leave-in conditioner or cream? Then it's time to apply your hair gel. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Make sure your hair is damp: Always use gel on damp hair. It doesn't have to be soaking wet, but slightly damp is ideal. Is your hair already drying out? Then use a spray bottle to dampen it again.
2. Divide your hair into sections: Use alligator clips to divide your hair into two sections. Draw a line from your temples to the back of your head and separate the top and bottom layers. If your hair is short, just above your ears, you can skip this step.
3. Apply the hair gel: Take a small amount of gel in the palm of your hand and rub it between your hands to distribute it evenly. Then use the Raking method or the Praying hands method.
4. Brush your hair for even distribution: Have you finished the bottom section? Then brush your hair with a styling brush to distribute the gel even better. This also helps to give your curls extra definition. Do the same for the top section of your hair.
5. Extra definition with a styling brush: Make sections again and run a special styling brush through your hair to create extra curl definition. Work section by section and brush the hair in the desired direction.
6. Scrunching for extra curl formation: Bend your head forward and spray your hair until it is slightly damp. Scrunch your curls by gently squeezing them upwards. You know you are scrunching correctly when you hear a soft squeezing sound.
7. Pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel: Use a microfiber towel to gently pat your hair dry. Work from the bottom up, turning your head from side to side occasionally. Pat gently to minimize frizz.
8. Extra gel for more hold (optional): Want extra hold? Apply a second layer of gel, such as an extreme hold gel for long-lasting hold. Use the praying hands method or scrunch it gently into your hair without pulling the curls apart.
9. Drying: blow-dry or air dry
10. You can now choose how you want to dry your hair. Choose from plopping, blow-drying with a diffuser, or air drying.
11. Break the gel cast for soft curls: Is your hair completely dry and does it feel hard? This is the gel cast, which you can easily break with a hair oil. Put a few drops of oil in your palms and scrunch your curls again to break the cast.
12. Finishing touch: Want even more hold? Spray a little hairspray or use a small amount of wax to fix loose strands.

Special wet look gel for a casual look

The wet look is still popular and gives your hair a sleek, shiny finish without frizz. With a CG-proof hair gel, you can create this effect without drying out your hair or making it feel heavy. How to create a wet look with gel:

• Start with wet hair: Make sure your hair is thoroughly damp. If it has dried out a bit, use a water spray to wet it again.
• Apply a strong hold gel: Take a generous amount of gel and rub it between your hands. Use the praying hands method to distribute it evenly throughout your hair.
• Use a comb or your fingers: Want a sleek look? Comb your hair back or into the desired shape. For a looser wet look, simply run your fingers through your hair.
• Extra hold: For even more hold, apply a second layer of gel. Want extra shine? Then smooth a little oil over your hair without messing it up.
• Let it dry without frizz: Let your hair air dry or blow dry it on a low setting with a diffuser. This will keep everything in place.
  

Which CG hair gel is right for my hair type?

Not sure which gel is best for your hair? Don't worry, we'll help you! You can choose a gel based on hold, hair type, and ingredients.

#1 Choose based on hold

CG hair gels can be classified as low, medium, and strong hold. Low and medium hold are often considered one category because these gels offer a more flexible hold, while strong hold gels provide extra fixation.

For the best results, we recommend combining two types of gels. Start with a light or medium hold gel and finish with a strong hold gel. This will ensure that your curls remain well defined without feeling hard or sticky. This works for all curl types and textures.

#2 Choose based on styling preference

• Do you like a natural, softer look? Then focus on low to medium hold gels, such as Curl Jelly or CurlyTools Flaxseed Gel. These provide definition without a hard cast.
• Want maximum hold and long-lasting curls? Then a strong hold gel, such as Giovanni LA Hold, is a good choice. This is especially useful if your curls tend to sag quickly or you want long-lasting results.

#3 Choose based on ingredients

There are both synthetic and natural CG hair gels. Which one is best for you depends on your preference:

• Synthetic hold agents: Such as PVP, an ingredient that provides a firm hold and is commonly found in hair gels.
• Natural alternatives: For example, flaxseed or marshmallow root, which provide a lighter, more flexible hold and often have a moisturizing effect.

There are now many CG gels that work with natural hold agents or a combination of both. This ensures that your curls not only stay in shape, but are also cared for.

Want to try a gel that suits your hair type? Discover our CG samples and travel sizes – perfect for experimenting with a new gel before choosing a full-size product!

Best-selling styling gels for curls at CurlyTools

Not sure which gel is right for you? You can't go wrong with one of these three options:

1. Curl Jelly Gel – Umberto Giannini

This low to medium hold gel is suitable for all curl types and textures. The light formula provides definition without weighing hair down and is often combined with a stronger gel for extra hold. Ideal if you want a natural result with sufficient control.

2. Moistful Curl Gel – Strong hold

This strong hold gel provides long-lasting hold and extra definition. Because the gel contains little to no heavy oils or butters, it is suitable for almost all hair types. You can use it on its own or combine it with Curl Jelly Gel for extra hold and layering

3. LA Hold Gel – Giovanni

This extreme hold gel is ideal if your curls tend to sag quickly or if you want extra strength. The strong hold keeps your hair in place all day long, without any drying ingredients. Many people combine this gel with the Curl Jelly Gel for definition and maximum hold.

4. CurlyTools Flaxseed Curl Gel

This light, moisturizing gel with flaxseed extract provides natural shine, medium hold, and bouncy, frizz-free curls without weighing your hair down. Suitable for all curl types, CG Method proof, and 100% vegan.

The difference between hair wax and hair gel

Did you know that gel and wax are two different products, even though they look similar? The main difference is that gel hardens on your hair, while wax does not.

• Hair gel is often used to define curls and reduce frizz. It dries and creates a cast, which you can later break for soft, bouncy curls. Gels are available in different hold levels, from light to extreme hold.
• Hair wax naturally has a stronger hold and remains flexible. It is a good product for fixing loose strands or adding extra hold after styling with gel. Wax is oilier than gel and can build up in your hair more quickly, so it is important not to use too much.

In general, we recommend hair gel as a base for curls, as it helps to keep your hair in shape without weighing it down. Want to use wax for extra hold? Make sure you choose a CG-proof hair wax. Read more about CG wax and how to use it here.

What is a good alternative to snot gel?

The most popular gel of the past decade remains Snot Gel. A gel with a unique name and an extremely strong hold. Many users only used a tiny amount and even diluted it with water to distribute it better.

This product has been harder to find for a while now, and many people are looking for an alternative. Fortunately, there are now good CG-friendly gels that offer a similarly strong hold without ingredients that weigh your hair down.

What makes a CG-proof extreme hold gel better?

The original Snot Gel often contains PVP and PEGs, ingredients that can weigh your hair down and sometimes leave a buildup. CG-proof alternatives give the same extreme hold, but allow your hair to breathe better and maintain the natural bounce of your curls.

Want a gel that provides maximum hold and definition without weighing your hair down? Choose one of the gels from the Extreme Hold collection. Here you'll find CG-proof gels that provide long-lasting hold without harmful ingredients.

Extra tips for using CG hair gel

Want to get the most out of your hair gel? Remember these tips for the best results:

• Work in sections

Use alligator clips to section your hair. This ensures that the gel is evenly distributed and you achieve the best results.

• Refresh your hair in the morning

Lightly dampen your hair with a water spray, apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner, and then squeeze a little gel into your hair to refresh your curls.

• Leave the cast in when you go to sleep

Have you just finished your entire styling routine? Then simply leave the gel cast in your hair and squeeze it out the next morning. This will keep your curls in shape for longer.

• Use less leave-in or cream if you don't get a cast

Do you find that your gel doesn't form a cast or that your curls quickly lose their shape? Try using a little less leave-in or cream so that the gel can work better.

• Better too much gel than too little

Feel free to be generous with the gel. It's better to use a little too much than too little, because you can always squeeze the cast out later.

• Alternate between different gels

Over time, it may seem like your gel is not working as well. Alternate between different gels or do a reset wash to remove product buildup.

Order your curl styling gel today

You can shop for your new gel at CurlyTools.com! Whether you're looking for a medium or strong hold gel, you can be sure you're choosing a CG-proof and safe gel for your curls.