How Can I Get More Definition From the Gelly?Updated 3 years ago
If you are using the Gelly and not achieving the curl definition you desire, it's likely for one of 3 reasons:
- You are using too much water;
- You aren't using enough Gelly;
- The Gelly - in general - doesn't provide enough hold to clump your curls together to achieve optimal definition and you need a stronger holding gel.
What is a gel?
A gel is a colloidal dispersion of particles in a liquid medium. The solid particles (oftentimes polymers) form a network throughout the liquid that swells and forms a jelly-like mass. Gels are comprised mostly of liquid, but can appear like solids when at rest.
Here is how gels work:
- As product is applied, the polymers deposit onto the surface of the hair
- Water evaporates slowly from the hair, and the polymers dry to form clear films or gel cast.
- This film creates a physical bond between adjacent strands, holding them in place, creating clumps of curls.
- These solid films help maintain curl and shine until the bonds are either broken via mechanical forces (combing, touching, windy conditions) or until the product is removed by washing.
Most people think gels absorbed INTO the hair but this is not correct. Gels sit on top of the hair and clump curls together.
In order to get better results from the Gelly you'll have to try various application techniques to discover what will work best for your hair based on your curl pattern, density, texture and porosity.
You can:
- Reduce the amount of water you use on your hair. Try a damp application instead of soaking wet.
- Use more Gelly. If you don't use enough, the curls won't clump that way you want them to and the hair will be frizzy.
- Try using a stronger holding Gelly. If you've tried reducing the water and using more Gelly and you're still not getting the curl definition you desire, try using the Max Curl Enhancing Gelly. This product provides more curl clumping and more definition and the style holds for a longer period of time.