🌀 Best gel for defining your curls without a stiff feeling (2025)
Looking for a gel that defines your curls, gives them hold, shine, and bounce, while avoiding a stiff or sticky feeling? You've come to the right place ✨
Before introducing you to the best gels for curly hair, here is an important clarification: the "cardboard" effect is not a problem... it is an essential step to obtain well-defined and lasting curls.
💡 Why does gel create a "cardboard" effect? (and why is that normal)
When a gel dries, it forms a thin shell around the curl: this is called the "cardboard" or cast effect. This shell protects the shape of the curl during drying and limits frizz.
✔️ The stiff, cardboard-like effect indicates that the gel is properly setting the curl
✔️ Simply break this shell once your hair is dry to obtain soft and bouncy curls
✔️ A gel that never forms a cast... is often a gel that doesn't last.
The goal is therefore not to avoid the cardboard effect, but to make it nice and soft after drying .
🎯 How to avoid a stiff look and achieve a natural result?
- Wait until your hair is 100% dry before touching your curls.
- Scrunch with your hands or apply 2–3 drops of serum to soften the gel
- Apply the gel to very wet hair for even distribution
- Never break the cast during the drying phase
🔎 Comparison of the best gels for curly hair
| Product | Texture | Outfit | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bouclème Jelly – Long-Lasting | Clear gel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Strong definition + structured loops over several days |
| Long-lasting jelly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fine or medium curls, natural effect without weighing hair down | |
| Jelly For My Curls – Jia Paris | Moisturizing cream gel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Dry, dull, or frizzy curls |
| Boost Curl – Loly's Secrets | Moisturizing fluid gel | ⭐⭐⭐ | Soft curls or waves seeking bounce |
🧴 How to properly apply gel to curly hair?
- Apply your styling cream to very wet hair.
- Add the gel section by section
- Shape the curls with a defining brush or your fingers
- Scrunch to activate the shape
- Allow to air dry or use a diffuser without touching the hair.
- Once dry → scrunch to break the shell effect
Defining Brush – The Art of Curls
Ideal for structuring strands, optimizing definition and reducing frizz.
Discover the brushWhich gel should I choose depending on my curls?
For My Curls Curl Activating Jelly – Jia Paris &
lightly secure the shape of the curls
View productBouclème Jelly – Long-Lasting
Strong hold, anti-frizz, long-lasting bounce.
View productBoost Curl – Moisturizing Hair Jelly by Les Secrets de Loly
Moisturizing gel cream, ideal if the lengths lack moisture or hold.
View productHibiscus Styling Jelly – Kalia Nature
Moisturizing fluid gel + curl activator.
View productFAQ — Everything you need to know about gel and curls
Does hair gel damage curly hair?
No, if the gel does not contain drying alcohol and if your hair is well moisturized before application.How do I remove the cardboard effect?
Once the hair is completely dry, squeeze the curls with your hands or add 2 drops of serum to loosen the hold.Should you apply gel to wet or dry hair?
Always apply to wet or re-dampened hair. On dry hair, the gel may clump.How much should I use?
It's better to apply two thin coats than one thick one. Even coverage ensures a uniform result.Not sure which gel would be best for your curls?
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