How to Gel Natural Hair: A Comprehensive Guide

Natural hair is beautiful, unique, and versatile. It comes in different textures, lengths, and styles. However, styling natural hair can be a challenge, especially when it comes to holding a style in place. This is where hair gel comes in as a lifesaver. Gel helps to keep your hair in place, define your curls, and give your hair a polished finish. In this article, we will discuss how to gel natural hair effectively.

What is Hair Gel?

Hair gel is a styling product that is used to hold hair in place. It typically comes in a viscous or thick liquid form that dries into a hard or stiff consistency. There are different types of hair gel, including light hold, medium hold, and strong hold. Each type has a different level of hold and shine, which allows you to choose the best one for your hair type and desired style.

Benefits of Using Hair Gel on Natural Hair

Using hair gel on natural hair has several benefits, including:

1. Hold

Hair gel provides a strong hold that keeps your hair in place for a longer period. This is especially beneficial if you want to maintain a particular hairstyle for several hours or a day.

2. Definition

Gel helps to define curls and give your hair more structure. This is particularly beneficial for people with curly or coily hair who struggle with defining their curls.

3. Shine

Hair gel adds shine to your hair, making it look healthy and well-groomed. It also helps to tame frizz and flyaways, giving your hair a polished finish.

4. Versatility

Hair gel is versatile and can be used for different hairstyles, including sleek buns, ponytails, and twists. It also works well with other styling products, such as oils and creams.

How to Gel Natural Hair: Step by Step

Now that we know the benefits of using hair gel let's dive into how to gel natural hair effectively.

1. Start with clean hair

Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner to remove any buildup or dirt. This ensures that the gel will adhere to your hair and not any dirt or product residue.

2. Apply a leave-in conditioner

After washing your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner to hydrate and nourish your hair. This helps to prevent your hair from drying out or becoming brittle.

3. Section your hair

Section your hair into manageable parts to make the process easier. This also helps to ensure that the gel is distributed evenly throughout your hair.

4. Apply the gel

Take a small amount of gel and rub it between your palms to warm it up. Then, apply the gel to your hair, starting from the roots to the ends. Ensure that you apply enough gel to each section, but not too much that it weighs down your hair.

5. Define your curls

If you have curly or coily hair, use your fingers or a comb to define your curls. This helps to create more structure and definition.

6. Dry your hair

Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser to dry your hair on low heat. Do not touch your hair while it's drying to avoid disrupting the curl pattern or causing frizz.

7. Finish with oil

Once your hair is dry, apply a small amount of oil to your hair to add shine and nourish your hair. This also helps to prevent your hair from becoming dry or brittle.

Tips for Using Hair Gel on Natural Hair

Here are some tips to help you get the best results when using hair gel on natural hair:

1. Use the right type of gel

Choose a gel that is suitable for your hair type and the style you want to achieve. If you have fine hair, use a light hold gel to avoid weighing down your hair. If you have thick hair, use a strong hold gel to maintain your hairstyle for longer.

2. Don't use too much gel

Using too much gel can make your hair look greasy, weigh it down or create a crunchy texture. Start with a small amount of gel and add more as needed.

3. Apply gel evenly

Ensure that you apply gel evenly throughout your hair to avoid clumps or uneven distribution.

4. Use a diffuser

If you have curly hair, use a diffuser on low heat to dry your hair. This helps to enhance your curls and prevent frizz.

5. Sleep with a silk bonnet or pillowcase

Sleeping with a silk bonnet or pillowcase helps to reduce frizz and keep your hair in place. It also helps to maintain your hairstyle for longer.

Conclusion

Using hair gel on natural hair is an effective way to hold your hair in place, define your curls, and add shine. However, it's essential to choose the right type of gel, apply it evenly throughout your hair, and use it in moderation. By following the tips and steps outlined in this article, you can achieve a polished and defined hairstyle that lasts all day.

FAQ

1. Can I use hair gel on wet or dry hair?

You can use hair gel on wet or dry hair. However, it's best to use gel on damp hair as it helps to distribute the product evenly throughout your hair.

2. How often should I use hair gel on my hair?

You can use hair gel on your hair as often as needed. However, it's essential to wash your hair regularly to remove any buildup or dirt.

3. Can hair gel cause hair damage?

Using hair gel on your hair in moderation is unlikely to cause hair damage. However, if you use too much gel, it can weigh down your hair, create a crunchy texture, and cause breakage.

4. How do I remove hair gel from my hair?

You can remove hair gel from your hair by washing your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. This helps to remove any buildup or residue.

5. Can I use hair gel for different hairstyles?

Yes, hair gel is versatile and can be used for different hairstyles, including sleek buns, ponytails, and twists. It also works well with other styling products, such as oils and creams.