Author: Amity Lia
Being a curly in the 2000s
In my pre-natural hair days, terms like ‘cream for hair’ and ‘gel’ conjured up entirely different images. Cream was a foreign concept, while gel was that thick, gooey substance my mum slicked my hair with before school. But now, as a card-carrying member of the curly girl club, cream, gel, and I? We’re inseparable. Today’s curly community boasts an array of products: defining gels, creams, frizz fighters, edge tamers, curl activators, custards, jellies, gelee’s, and hybrids of cream and gel. It’s a lot to take in when figuring out what, when, how, and why to use them.
So, what exactly is a curl cream?
A cream is essentially an amalgamation of oil and water, resulting in that luxurious, creamy texture we love for our skin. Just as our skin craves nourishment, so does our hair, especially for us curly folks, and even more so for those with dry locks like myself. A curl cream’s job is to both condition and moisturise from within, with the effectiveness hinging on its ingredients. A quality curl cream not only hydrates but also enhances the hair’s natural curl pattern, allowing them to flourish.
Before & after a cream + gel combo (exact products: Flora & Curl Style Me Duo)
Now, let’s talk curl gel.
Unlike cream, gel comprises solid particles suspended in a liquid. When applied, the liquid evaporates, leaving the solid particles to dry and form a transparent film around the hair shaft, known as the cast or hold. This film seals in moisture and tames frizz, resulting in defined curls and a longer-lasting wash-and-go style. However, while a good gel accomplishes all this, a subpar one can leave you with sticky, stringy, or weighed-down curls. The choice of ingredients determines whether your curls end up dry and flaky. Many gels leave a slight rigid ‘cast’ around the curls upon drying, which can be removed with washing or gentle manipulation. Personally, I appreciate the cast as a sign that the product has worked effectively and will safeguard my curls until I decide to release it. To soften the curls, I simply scrunch out the crunch using a drop or two of oil between my palms.
Recommended find: Flora & Curl African Citrus Bloom Superfruit Hair Oil
When should you use them?
Even the most moisturising gel won’t match up to a cream in terms of hydration. This is why many curly individuals, including myself, opt for using both—one after the other—to enjoy the best of both worlds. My hair tends to dry out quickly, necessitating the moisture from a cream and the hold from a gel to maintain defined curls for longer periods.
Everyone’s curls are unique, so the choice between cream and gel is entirely personal and dependent on your hair type and preferences. However, it’s crucial to understand which product to use for specific outcomes.
How do I use curl cream and curl gel?
1. Start with freshly cleansed and conditioned hair, using a 100% cotton towel or T-shirt to gently pat dry and retain moisture.
2. Divide the hair into sections using butterfly clips for easier product distribution.
3. Apply a dollop of curl cream to each section, emulating the application of conditioner.
4. Spread the product evenly by rubbing palms together and finger-raking downwards from the roots to the ends, ensuring each strand is covered.
5. Massage the product into the hair until curls are detangled, moisturised, and clumped together.
6. After applying cream all over, proceed to apply gel using a fraction of the amount used for cream. Repeat the same application process.
7. Finish by smoothing the product down the curls using the praying hands method. Avoid disturbing the curls while diffusing for 20 minutes.
Fan favourite: Bounce Curl Avocado & Rose Oil Clump and Define Cream
What should you watch out for?
Although creams and gels share the common goal of moisturizing and setting curls, their ingredients can vary significantly. Some creams may offer growth benefits, while some gels aim to strengthen hair. While these additional properties are nice-to-haves, it’s crucial to prioritize ingredients that won’t harm your hair, such as avoiding drying alcohols or silicones. Look for products with easily understandable ingredients, preferably natural and free of harmful additives like silicones, sulfates, mineral oils, or petroleum.
Armed with this knowledge, you’re now equipped to navigate the world of creams and gels with confidence. Go forth and let your curls shine!
With love,
Amity x
