skip to main content

Beauty & Fashion

Hair Gels

18 years ago

It took me years to discover hair gels and the right ones really make my naturally curly hair look better. I've noticed that Wal Mart is down to just one brand (Suave) so I'm thinking they are doing away with them for some reason. Does anyone with naturally curly hair know of a similar product that works well?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

DLM2000-GW
18 years ago
Similar product to what? You didn't mention what it is that you like!
carla35
18 years ago
Yeah, a hairdresser told me Gels are suppose to be bad for your hair. You could maybe try a curling cream instead. Or maybe even a frizz control cream. I'm not really sure what to look for or what products are good versus bad for your hair. Maybe some hair dressers on here will know.
Related Discussions
catci/succulents falling over w/ no roots!
Q
Comments (1)
I'm not at ALL an expert, but if I were betting, I'd say overwatering. Underwatering would have the WHOLE thing crispy, but overwatering produces the mush. I think. I could be wrong.
...See More
Hair Care Tips
Q
Comments (1)
spam
...See More
I want Pretty Hair. . . .
Q
Comments (8)
This is what works best for me (although my hair is naturally wavy/curly, fine but thick): Wash hair only when absolutely necessary. After washing & LIGHT conditioning on ENDS ONLY, gently comb through to remove any tangles, let dry just slightly. Then gently gather all your hair on top of your head with a scrunchie. Just kind of wind it around on top (if it's long). I don't try to arrange mine at all, I just sort of wad it up (gently !) and wrap the scrunchie around the knot. Then I go to bed. When I get up in the morning, I undo the scrunchie and let the hair fall loose. It's usually still slightly damp just on top, but by the time I finish getting ready for work, it's completely dry. This method gives me the best curls, and because I pull it to the top of my head while wet, it boosts volume too. For curls without frizz, I think the key is to don't over-handle your hair: no excessive washing, keep hands off, and no blow drying at all if you can. Remember too that length adds weight, which pulls curls down. A fresh hair cut can really give you more/better curls ! As far as the kind of cut to get, I posted here awhile back about the same thing, cause I can never seem to settle on a style that suits me. Didn't get too many replies, but I did find some advice at various websites. Do a search and see what you come up with........
...See More
what type of material do you prefer for vanity
Q
Comments (8)
Yes, rubbing alcohol (70%). It's what we refer to as the "homebrew" on the Kitchen Forum :) Some people use less alcohol...I like the smell. There are many natural stone polishers on the market. Usually if it's OK for granite, it's ok for other natural stones (altho it might state for "polished" stones). I like a product by Black Diamond Stoneworks called Marble and Granite Polish Preserver. It says: For counters, walls bar tops and all natureal stone surfaces, great for shower walls, NOT for floors. Resists etching and water spots. No rinsing necessary. All I know is that it makes my granite slick and shiny(er). I've been using it for 5 years. The company used to give away samples. They still might. I have a bottle of AquaMix "UltraClean Spray Cleaner with Ultra Seal. I have no idea WHY I bought it (lol) Haven't used it yet. It's a neutral pH balanced cleaner...Maintains Maximum Stain Protection and is for marble, granite, slate, limestone,travertine, quarry, saltillo, grout and other stone and tile. Which granite are you using? Not all granite needs to be sealed but my fabricators/installers don't know that. I was surprised mine did and he was even more surprised that I did (g). If it does need to be sealed, be sure and find out what type of sealer they will be using....water based or solvent based. The reason you need to know is because you'll have to reseal it in a year or two and need to use the same "type"...not the same brand. Here is a link that might be useful: Black Diamond Cleaners
...See More
doteroo
Original Author
18 years ago
I thought they had discontinued them but today I went to Walmart and they had just moved everything to the opposite aisle. I wish they wouldn't move things!
LibbyLiz
18 years ago
Sorry I'm late chiming in & I hope you're still looking at this thread, but the only "drugstore" gels I've found to work for my naturally curly fine hair are Herbal Essences Set Me Up & Body Envy. They're available at Wal-Mart, Target, K'Mart, Rite Aid, Walgreen's, any grocery store...

Another gel that I love is Fx Special Effects Curl Booster Fixative Gel. I can only find that at Walgreen's & Rite Aid. Look for the buy one get one free specials every now & then.

None of these gels are drying & they don't impart a hard crunch. It's more of a pliable crunch that when scrunched out, the hair is left soft. And they make my hair shiny. They also don't build up in my hair. I've found they rinse out with plain water when I don't want to shampoo.
reesicle
18 years ago
Thank you for these recs! Ive been trying to tame my frizzies in this humidity but I didn't know what to try. Got to run to CVS...
doteroo
Original Author
18 years ago
Thank you all for the replies. I recently bought a bottle of Lots of Curls and it works pretty good without making my hair real stiff. I will be trying some of the other things ya'll have mentioned too.
LibbyLiz
18 years ago
Oh & if you find a gel is a tad drying for your hair, since my hair isn't the same as the next person's, use a leave-in conditioner or a curl cream/creme before using the gel.

I have too many leave-in conditioners that I like:

The Body Shop Amlika Leave-in Conditioner
Giovanni Direct Leave-in Weightless Moisture (health/natural food store, or Target I heard)
Kinky Curly Knot Today (online only, I think)
Elucence Moisture Balancing (it's a rinse-out & leave-in all in one, but I found out I'm sensitive to the peach kernel oil that's in it, & you might be able to find it in a physical store versus just on online)
Aussie Sun-touched Shine Conditioning Shine Spray (WalMart)

An oil I use in place of a leave-in conditioner is jojoba. It's great for my dry hair. It mimics our natural oil. I got this at a health/natural food store.

The curl creams/cremes I use are as follows:

TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Curl Amplifier
Regis Design Line Curl Lock (I bought this at WalMart's Smart Style Salon)
Sally Beauty Supply Beyond the Zone Noodle Head

Sally Beauty Supply Biotera Curl Creme (this is more like a leave-in conditioner than a styler because I don't think it has any or much hold)

Related Stories

BATHROOM DESIGN Put the Kibosh on Hair Dryer Chaos

By Lisa Frederick

Fed up with knocked-over blowers and tangled cords? Try these tactics for keeping hair dryers and other styling tools under control

BATHROOM DESIGN Idea of the Week: Vanity With a Salon Touch

By Vanessa Brunner

Tired of tossing your hot hair tools underneath your sink? This furniture designer plugs into the perfect solution

FURNITURE Smart Shopper: How to Buy a Mattress

Confusing options, hair-raising prices, haggling ... Our guide can keep you from losing sleep over mattress shopping

HOUSEKEEPING Vinegar and Voilà: Clean Your House the Natural Way

Ditch the commercial cleaners for nontoxic, inexpensive and versatile white vinegar

FEEL-GOOD HOME 12 Very Useful Things I've Learned From Designers

By Becky Harris

These simple ideas can make life at home more efficient and enjoyable

DECORATING GUIDES Organized Chic: 15 Stylish Ways With Trays

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Keep things neat, give yourself a treat or display unexpected art. These ideas will have you looking at your trays with new eyes

BATHROOM DESIGN Room of the Day: Kids and Adults Share a Bright 40-Square-Foot Bathroom

By Annie Thornton

Splashes of lime green add a playful touch to this efficient and economical second bath

LIFE Simple Pleasures: The Joy of Baking

By Laura Gaskill

Fill your house with a heavenly scent and your heart with cheer by making time to bake

BATHROOM DESIGN The Cure for Houzz Envy: Bathroom Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Take your bath from blah to ‘ahhhh’ with just a few easy and inexpensive moves

PETS So You Want to Get a Cat

By Mitchell Parker

If you're a cat lover, the joys outweigh any other issue. If you haven't lived with one yet, here are a few things to know

Sponsored

17 Reviews

The Leading Interior Design Studio in Franklin County