Gel casting curly hair involves applying gel to wet hair to create a "cast" or "crunch" as it dries, which helps define curls and minimize frizz. This cast is then gently broken, leaving soft, defined curls.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Start with Wet Hair: After washing and conditioning your hair, leave it soaking wet. Gel works best on very wet hair.
- Apply Leave-in Conditioner (Optional): If your hair is prone to dryness, apply a leave-in conditioner before the gel.
- Choose Your Gel: Select a gel specifically designed for curly hair. Look for gels that provide hold without being too heavy or sticky.
- Apply the Gel:
- Start Small: Begin with a small amount of gel (about a dime-sized amount, depending on hair length and thickness) in your hands.
- Emulsify: Rub the gel between your palms to emulsify it. This helps distribute it evenly.
- Apply to Hair: Work the gel through your hair, using one of the following methods:
- Praying Hands: Smooth the gel over sections of your hair between your palms, as if you are praying.
- Raking: Rake the gel through your hair using your fingers, ensuring it coats each strand.
- Scrunching: Cup your hands around sections of your hair and gently scrunch upwards towards your scalp. This encourages curl formation.
- Assess and Add More Gel (If Needed): If you can't feel the gel in your hair, or if your hair is still very wet and undefined, add a bit more gel. The goal is to coat your hair evenly without weighing it down. Remember, it's better to start with less and add more as needed. The ultimate goal is to create that cast or "crunch" as the hair dries.
- Plop (Optional): For added definition and volume, try plopping your hair. This involves wrapping your hair in a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to absorb excess water and encourage curl formation. Leave it plopped for 15-30 minutes (or longer).
- Air Dry or Diffuse:
- Air Dry: Allow your hair to air dry completely. Avoid touching it as much as possible during this process to prevent frizz.
- Diffuse: Use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer to dry your hair on a low heat and low speed setting. Hover the diffuser around your hair or gently cup sections of your hair with the diffuser.
- Break the Cast: Once your hair is 100% dry and has a crunchy texture (the "gel cast"), gently break the cast. You can do this by:
- Scrunching: Gently scrunch your hair upwards.
- Flipping: Flip your hair upside down and shake it out.
- Oiling (Optional): Rub a few drops of hair oil (like argan or jojoba oil) between your palms and gently scrunch your hair. This adds shine and softness.
Key Considerations:
- Gel Amount: Finding the right amount of gel takes experimentation. Start small and adjust as needed.
- Gel Type: Different gels provide different levels of hold. Choose one that suits your hair type and desired level of definition.
- Drying Time: Air drying takes longer but can result in less frizz. Diffusing speeds up the process.
- Breaking the Cast: Be gentle when breaking the cast to avoid creating frizz.
By following these steps, you can successfully gel cast your curly hair for defined, frizz-free curls that last.
