Gels for Curly Hair

Your friends will surely envy your beautiful curls, but few of them know how difficult it is to style such hair. Whether you have waves or ringlets, they require special care, treatment and products – from shampoo for curly hair to styling products to support your waves.

Why use a gel for curly hair

• Defines curls and leaves them bouncy.
• Holds your hairstyle in place and keeps it looking just right.
• High-quality gel for wavy hair hydrates and prevents drying.
• Protects hair from humidity and frizz.
• Increases hair shine.

Defined, shiny hair thanks to CGM 

Gels for curly hair also play a role in the popular Curly Girl Method (CGM), which helps you create the perfect waves and curls. It's up to you whether you follow this method to the letter or just use it for inspiration. Whether you choose a CGM gel for defining waves or any other type, you can try out a variety of finishing options with it. 

Have you already been swept away by the Curly Girl method, or you haven't heard of it yet? It is a relatively specific approach to caring for curly and wavy hair, which should begin with a hair analysis. Based on its porosity, elasticity and hydration, you can then choose the products that best suit your curls. But what about gel for curly hair in this method? 

The best gel for curly hair according to CGM

Although the well-known rule of ‘less is more’ applies to the CGM, you simply cannot do without a good quality styling gel or cream. However, it must not contain sulphates, silicone, mineral oils or alcohol which have a drying effect. A good quality CGM gel for curly hair helps to hydrate and define curls and waves without weighing them down.

How to prepare the hair for gel application 

Whether you've mastered the Curl Girl method or are just getting started, it's good to review a few concepts and basic steps.

1. Deep cleansing –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ First, you need to remove any silicone from your hair. To do this, you will need to use a deep cleansing shampoo containing sulphates just once. However, a small travel size or sample of shampoo will suffice. Sulphates dry out the hair, so they definitely do not belong in your daily CGM routine. 
2. Cowashing –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instead of regular shampoo, you can wash your hair with a special conditioner. It is not as harsh on the scalp and cleans and nourishes your hair in one step. ‘Cowash’ is actually a combination of two English words: “conditioner” and ‘wash’.
3. Low-poo shampoo – It's nothing complicated. It simply means shampoo for curly hair that does not contain harmful substances, chemicals or alcohol. If cowashing doesn't suit you, use low-poo shampoo to wash your hair. Then apply conditioner for curly hair as normal and wash.
4. Leave-in – This term refers to leave-in hair care that meets CGM criteria – it does not contain any harmful substances.

How to apply gel correctly to curly hair

The final step is to apply gel for wavy hair and curls. 

1. Dry washed and conditioned hair with a towel and comb
2. Gently press the gel into your hair with your palms together (as if praying) to enhance the natural look of your curls. 
3. After treating your hair in this way, you can wrap it in the towel or T-shirt for another 10 minutes, or blow dry it straight away using a diffuser. 
4. Finally, you can use your hands to brush out any excess product that may have built up in your hair.

How to further enhance those perfect curls

However, washing your hair properly and applying gel to curly hair are only half the battle. The other half lies in overall hair care. What should you pay attention to and what should you definitely avoid? 

• Always comb your hair when wet. Combing dry curly or wavy hair can damage it and disrupt the natural shape of the curls.
• Get a microfibre hair towel or cotton T-shirt. They are gentler on your hair than terry towels – they reduce friction, help maintain the shape of your curls and prevent split ends and breakage.
• Allow your hair to dry naturally or use a diffuser with cool air. This minimises damage and emphasises the natural shape of your hair.
• Use a satin scrunchie that does not crease or break your hair. To prevent tangling and damage to your hair while you sleep, we recommend tying your hair into a loose high ponytail (a so-called pineapple) before going to bed.
• Get a satin or silk pillowcase. These are sold separately or in a set with scrunchies and eye masks. Satin has a smooth surface that prevents friction, protecting your hair from damage and breakage.

And a final piece of advice? If you are not satisfied with the result on your first attempt, don't give up! Patience pays off, and this is especially true with this method. 

The CGM technique is quite complicated, and what works for one person may not work for another. Find the method that suits you and your hair best. Gel for waves and curls will then become an indispensable part of your hair care routine. 

Choose from our range of special CGM gels and other styling gels that define waves!