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I Tried 3 Types Of Gel On My Type 4 Natural Hair & Here's What I Learned
You may think gel is gel and it's a one size fits all type of thing, but you might want to rethink that. When it comes to styling products, gel specifically, there are a few important factors to consider: the formula, ingredients, and hold. The needs of the gel may vary depending on your hair type or the style you're trying to achieve. Moisture is another important factor. We want great shape, hold, and curls, but we don't want to put our hair through any unnecessary breakage or dryness.
The key to healthy, bouncy, and hydrating curls is all about the gel, its ingredients, and using it for the right purpose. Here is a complete breakdown of what types of gels to use (and my top recommendations) for the best results on your natural hair. Let's break this guide down to types of holds, ingredients, and ideal styles.
Soft Hold
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
I never really used soft hold gels to create a protective style because I wanted my style to last as long as possible. I figured, the firmer the hold, the longer it would last but that's not always true. Yes, you need a gel with hold, but you also want a gel that will moisturize, protect, strengthen, and soothe your scalp. Curls B Smooth Curl Butter Gel has to be one of the best protective styling gels in the market right now.
First of all, the slip is almost like butter (pun intended). It makes creating your style so much easier and acts as a butter-and-gel-in-one. It immediately softened and moisturized my hair, making braiding a breeze. I did use another butter for extra moisture and I strongly recommend that if your hair is on the dryer side. It's also very gentle but effective so you don't have to worry about your style unraveling or becoming undone.
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
Ingredients…
The main ingredient in this formula is bean tree. Bean tree is a natural, clear liquid that comes from castor and grapeseed. Bean tree conditions the scalp and hair, retains moisture, and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feel. This ingredient alone makes this a great choice for protectives styles because you want to retain as much moisture as possible.
Medium Hold
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
Medium hold gels are ideal for braid/twist-outs because it allows your hair to still have movement and body yet gives you the right amount of hold to keep your hair in place. Curls B Defined Curl Defining Gel is a great option for perfecting your braid/twist outs.
When I tried it, I applied my moisture products on my freshly washed hair then coated my strands with the gel and began to braid my hair. It brought out my curl pattern and added moisture without any flakes. To maintain my braid-out, every night I braided my hair into 2-6 jumbo braids and threw on my bonnet. By day three, I re-moisturized my hair with the curl defining gel and still didn't experience any dryness or flakes. With some gels, the more you use, the more likely you'll experience some type of build-up, but with this particular gel, you avoid all of that.
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
Ingredients…
Its main ingredient is quinoa which adds strength and protection to your hair while enhancing your curls and adding shine to your style. For braid/twist-outs, you'd want a gel that will give you some hold and a lot of movement. It also moisturizes, nourishes, adds shine to your curls, and helps prevent breakage.
Firm Hold
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
Firm hold gels are ideal for wash n' go to keep the style in place, minimize frizz, and let your style last even longer. I'm just going to tell you now, I'm not the biggest fan of wash n' go's. For type 4 hair, it's very drying and the shrinkage will have you looking like you got a haircut.
To be honest, the Curls B N Control Curl Sculpting Gel does exactly what it says– let you be in control. When I used this to style my wash n' go, I noticed immediately that it enhanced my curls but also kept them firm and in place. The hold is more intense than the one for braid-outs, however, it's still moisturizing and allows movement with your hair. My hair was still very soft and my wash n' go lasted for more than just a week. I didn't reapply any gel, just oils and a bit of water.
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
Ingredients…
The main ingredient in this gel is Aloe Leaf Juice. If you don't know Aloe is the GOAT when it comes to beauty for your hair and skin. Aloe Leaf Juice helps repair dead skin cells on the scalp, conditions your hair, leaving it smooth and shiny promoting hair growth and preventing itching on the scalp.
So Overall…
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
It's very important to use gels that are helpful to your hair instead of harmful. A lot of us type 4 naturals rely on gels for our style so you may want to use one that will benefit you. It's also important to know what gel works best for the style you are trying to achieve as well as the hold and ingredients.
So to recap...
For twist/braid-outs, you want something that moisturizes, brings out your curls, and has a lot of body. For wash n' go's, you need something firm but VERY moisturizing (especially for type 4 hair), reduces frizz, and keeps your style in place. For protective styles, you want something that has slip, promotes moisture as well as retains it. You also want a firm enough hold that can keep your style without drying it out!
I highly recommend trying the gels by CURLS, it's effective, affordable, and has healthy/helpful ingredients for our crowns. However, if you decide not to, please stay away from harmful ingredients like drying alcohols, sulfate, parabens, and mineral oil/petroleum and use something that actually benefits your hair.
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Freelance writer, content creator, and traveler. She enjoys the beauty of simplicity, a peaceful life, and a big curly fro. Connect with Krissy on social media @iamkrissylewis or check out her blog at www.krissylewis.com.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Actor Jessie T. Usher reveals his secrets for maintaining his physical appearance while filming Amazon Prime's The Boys.
The series, which spans four seasons, follows vigilantes as they battle corrupt superheroes. In The Boys, Usher portrays Reggie Franklin, also known as A-Train, a superhero with incredible speed.
During a recent Men's Health magazine interview, the 32-year-old spoke about his diet and workout regimens. These routines help Usher stay in shape for the show's stunt work, which involves intense cardio to match his character's super-speed abilities.
In the discussion, he revealed his workout regimen consists of resistance training and cardio. On rest days, the Shaft star incorporates yoga and stretching into his routine.Jessie On What He Eats In a Day
Regarding his diet, Usher shared he typically eats three meals daily with minimal variations. He begins each day by hydrating and waiting an hour or two before breakfast. On production days for The Boys, Usher opts for eggs with herbs and seasonings, accompanied by fruit.
The Dangerous Lies actor keeps it light for lunch with protein-rich options like quinoa bowls or salads with lentils, chicken, and vegetables from CAVA. Dinner is his heartiest meal, featuring chicken and fish (particularly sea bass or salmon), after which he refrains from eating for the rest of the night.
Usher focuses on protein intake for all his meals rather than counting macro calories to support muscle growth. He boosts his protein with peanut butter shakes. While maintaining a disciplined diet, The Almost Christmas star allows himself occasional indulgences like Funyuns or Nutter Butters. To round out his health regimen, Usher takes daily vitamins.
Jessie On His Diet And Workout Routine For "The Boys"
When asked about adjusting his diet or workout routine for his role in The Boys, Usher explained that his health-conscious lifestyle eliminates the need for significant changes.
“Honestly, no. Because by the time I got to The Boys I was already health conscious. Very much aware of what I was putting in my body and how,” he said.
Regarding his workouts, Usher revealed he tailors his routines to include more diverse cardio exercises. This approach ensures he's physically prepared for the scenes he shoots for the show.
“A day of working out for The Boys is a little bit different. I feel like I added more variations of cardio work,” he stated. “When [you’re shooting] you just have no idea what they’re about to throw at you. I just want to be ready for all of those challenges, especially the cardio things. I just wanted to have the endurance to be able to get through whatever type of scene that I would possibly be shooting.”
Season four of The Boys is now streaming on Amazon Prime.
Everything ‘The Boys’ Star Jessie T Usher Eats In a Day | Eat Like | Men's Health
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Feature image by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures