Get Healthy, Happy Hair: Best Hair Gels & Styling Tips For Curly Hair

Curly locks are indeed a blessing- but so is the need to find the best hair gel for curly hair, which more often than not is like looking for a needle in a haystack. But fear not, to keep your stressors at bay, we’ve got you here a comprehensive guide that will explore the world of curly-heads, have styling tips and help you achieve those bouncy, beautiful curls you’ve always dreamed of.
Before we dive into the list of the best styling gels for curly hair, it is very crucial for us to make you understand that not all curls are equally the same kind.  Curly hair typically falls into three main categories:

1. Wavy (Type 2)
2. Curly (Type 3)
3. Coily (Type 4)

Each of these types is now further divided into alphabetical subcategories (A, B, C) based on the tightness of the curls. Knowing the kind of curl type you’re carrying is essential so that when you choose a hair styling gel, it's rightly suited for your kind of curls only and to further develop a suitable styling routine on that basis.

Importance of hair gel in a curly haircare routine

Imagine that you are out on a date. You've spent hours putting yourself together and styling your hair, and it seems to look perfect. You're feeling fabulous and ready to do your thing. And then, a sudden gust of wind blows through, and BOOOOM. Your hair goes wild. Your hair is everywhere, and you look no less than a Chia Pet. 
And the one thought that haunts you at that moment- If only you had used the right amount of hair gel to begin with! Hot girls wear hair gel.
So, the next time you’re about to reach for your hair gel, remember that: a little goes a long way. What you also might wanna try if you’re feeling adventurous is that can try different types of gels to find your one- the right pick for your curls! 
Hair gels are vital because they help to:

1. Define and separate your curl strands
2. Reduce frizz in your hair
3. Provide structure and hold your hair
4. Enhance shine and bring lustre
5. Keep the moisture locked in

Pro tip: When you’re searching for your best pick of hair gel, look for alcohol-free products, that are rich in moisturising ingredients so that you can prevent dryness and breakage of your hair

How To Rock Perfectly Defined And Scrunched Curly Hair

5 best hair gels for curly hair you should try

Bare Anatomy Curl Defining Gel for Curl Retention

This lightweight gel guarantees curl retention for 48 hours and is perfect for all curl types, providing long-lasting hold and growth, thanks to castor oil.

Fix My Curls Defining Hair Gel For Curly And Wavy Hair

Ideal for fine to medium curls, this gel from the home-grown brand offers a glossy definition and eliminates without weighing hair down. It is best used when paired with leave-in cream.

Curlvana Curl Defining All-in-One Styling Gel

This lightweight gel coats hair evenly to provide a flexible hold while deeply conditioning curly strands, without causing any buildup. It amplifies the curl pattern for ultimate definition, and improved manageability.

Arata Advanced Curl Care Curly Hair Gel

An option that works well for all-season, suitable for a variety of curl types, offering scrunch bounce and shine. Apart from its efficiency, Arata also stands out with their focus on organic ingredients and sustainability. 

Dove Beautiful Curls Defining Gel

Its tri-moisture essence which involves glycerine, coconut oil and aloe extract is perfect for those battling humidity, this gel keeps putting moisture back into the driest twists of your curls.

Choosing the right hair gel for your curls

When you select a hair gel for your curly locks, consider the following factors:

1. Curl type: Some gels are for looser curls, while others are for tighter coils.
2. Ingredients: Look for ingredients that aid in locking in moisture- like glycerin, natural oils and aloe vera.
3. Price: Know your budget and accordingly choose from great options at various price points.
4. Climate: Make sure you note the kind of climate you’re living in. For example- a gel with anti-humidity properties works best when you live in a humid area.

Styling tips for curly hair

1. Start with washed clean, conditioned hair: Use a sulphate-free shampoo and moisturise with your conditioner to prep your curls. You can also consider co-washing (washing with the conditioner only) between your usual shampoo days. This way you can maintain moisture.
2. Apply the products to soaking wet hair: Applying your products to soaking wet hair helps to lock in moisture and ensures that the product is evenly distributed in your hair. You can choose to use a wide-tooth comb for more ease or your fingers to detangle your curls gently.
3. The 'Praying Hands' method: Using the 'Praying Hands' method which involves using flat palms pressed together, like you are praying, take the chosen hair gel and smooth over the hair sections. 
4. Try shingling: For curly hair that tends to shrink a lot, take your hair strands and apply gel to small sections of hair, twirling each section around your finger to help the curl pattern form.
5. Scrunch scrunch and some more scrunch: After you apply your hair styling gel scrunch your hair upwards in the direction towards your scalp. What this does is enhance the natural curl pattern and help the product penetrate the hair shaft more deeply.
6. Plop your hair: Wrap your hair in a microfiber towel or old t-shirt for about 15-30 minutes. Although, we would suggest a microfibre towel more for better results, nevertheless an old t-shirt would also get the same job done, i.e. it helps the curls to form gently without gravity pulling them down.
7. Air Dry aka diffuse: If you have a diffuser, you can use it on low heat and speed to dry your curls, or else allow them to air dry for a look that is more natural! Avoid any sort of touching your hair,  while it dries up in order to prevent frizz.
   And there you go! TA-DAAA: Once you notice that your hair has dried completely,  there will be a hard, crunchy feeling from the use of gel on it. What you can now do is gently scrunch it to break the cast, revealing your much-wanted soft and defined curls.

Short Hairstyles for Curly Hair: 10 Looks To Bring Out Your Inner Betty Boop

Maintaining your curly locks

1. Satin pillowcase: Using a satin pillowcase over the usual pillowcases helps as this reduces friction and helps to maintain your curl’s definition overnight as you get your well-needed beauty sleep.
2. Regularly get your hair trimmed: Hair trims every 6-8 weeks are necessary so that you prevent split ends and maintain the health of your curly locks.
3. Refresh: Using a mixture of water and a leave-in conditioner put in a spray bottle to revive curls is the best way to refresh your curls between washes.
4. Regular deep condition: Choose to deep condition your hair using treatments of such sort at least once a week so that you can keep your curls healthy and moisturised.
5. Diet, lifestyle and its impact on your curly hair: Beautiful, bouncy curly locks start from within just like the saying goes- beauty begins on the inside.  Maintaining and following a diet that is balanced in proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins can help to achieve healthier hair growth and improve your appearance. Make sure you stay hydrated, manage stress levels and cortisol, and last but not least, get enough sleep for overall better hair health.

Coming up with your curly hair routine is a journey full of discovery and care. The right hair gel, proper styling tips for curly hair, a bit of patience, and you can go on to unlock your curly locks’ full potential. But always remember that the goal isn't to be perfect, but rather to embrace and enhance your natural hair just the way it is!