To use gel on curly hair, rake it through your hair starting at the mids and ends, then work it up towards the top after it's completely raked through.
The general method involves applying the gel evenly throughout your curls to define them and control frizz. Here’s a breakdown of a common and effective method:
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Start with Clean, Damp Hair: Apply gel after washing and conditioning your hair. Hair should be damp, not soaking wet. You can gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel or t-shirt.
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Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into sections. This helps ensure even distribution of the product.
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Apply the Gel:
- Take a small amount of gel (start with a dime-sized amount and adjust based on your hair's length and thickness).
- Rub the gel between your palms to distribute it evenly.
- Rake the gel through each section, starting from the mid-lengths to the ends, and then working your way up to the roots, as shown in the referenced video. This helps avoid weighing down the roots and focuses the hold on the areas that need it most.
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Encourage Curl Formation: Use techniques like:
- Scrunching: Gently squeeze your hair upwards from the ends towards the roots to encourage curl formation.
- Finger Coiling: Wrap individual strands around your finger to define and shape specific curls.
- Plopping: Carefully pile your hair into a microfiber towel or t-shirt to absorb excess water and enhance curl definition.
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Dry Your Hair:
- Air Drying: Allow your hair to air dry completely, avoiding touching it as much as possible to prevent frizz.
- Diffusing: Use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to dry your hair on a low heat and speed setting. Hover the diffuser over sections of your hair, or gently cup the curls and lift towards the scalp.
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Scrunch Out the Crunch (SOTC): Once your hair is completely dry, it may feel crunchy or stiff from the gel. Gently scrunch your hair to break the cast and reveal soft, defined curls. You can use a small amount of oil on your hands while scrunching to add extra shine and softness.
Remember to experiment with different gels and application techniques to find what works best for your hair type and desired results.
