love yourself first

This is a spin-off of a discussion started (guano-style) on the Carlos Method thread... As I've posted in that thread and others, I am a strong supporter of the WATERED DOWN METHOD to prevent crunch since I use gel routinely, for hold, curl formation and sometimes shine.

What do all of you think Also, please share your gel application pointers and tips too!

PS. If it matters, I recently changed my name from Eyestrain to curltopia...

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(taking a break from posting starting late august 2009)

curly_princess

I chose "I apply gel straight to hair" but I think I do a couple of those options.

I get best results when I apply my gel almost straight out of the shower. I finger comb in a little gel on my top layer, trying only to finger comb once or twice over each part, otherwise I get stringy hair. Then I flip my head upside down and scrunch in the rest of the gel. I don't add any water to my gel.

I've been liking Suave Firm Control gel which doesn't give me much crunch but has a lot of hold, so I don't really have to worry about the crunchies, but if I have any, I either just leave them or GENTLY scunch them out. I have to be careful or I create more frizz.

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3a/b, fine hair... with a mind of its own!
PW- frenchfries

Your hair, it's everywhere. Screaming infidelities, taking its wear.

CurliTresses

Curltopia, although I don't always use gel I selected watered down gel.

I put gel in hand first then squirt water (I use distilled or purified) with sprayer until its watered down enuf, then apply to hair. I've been doing this lately when I use gel and really like this method. I don't know if it helps any with less scrunch, but watered down definitely helps the gel distribute better thru hair.

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HairType: multi-texture 3a/b/c

skywatcher

I voted that gel is great & I scrunch, both when I apply & gently once it is dry to get rid of crunchies.

I apply my gel to wet hair over a bit of leave-in co, usually Elucence.

The funny thing is that I NEVER used gel until I found nc.com. I always used mousse & hairspray I was 'tupid & didn't know the damage that I was doing to my hair

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3a/2c
Long layers, past BSL
Loving: CON poo, Elucence MBC, Jessicurl WDT, B&A Gel.
SLS free poos since Feb 6/05

curly_princess

Same with me! I didn't like gel but it was probably because I was trying bad gels that are full of cones, like Pantene. Yuck.

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3a/b, fine hair... with a mind of its own!
PW- frenchfries

Your hair, it's everywhere. Screaming infidelities, taking its wear.

love yourself first

AWESOME replies ladies!!! And thanks for voting and posting too Also, I am learning new tricks! like Curlitresses's spray bottle idea.

CP - Since you apply gel to very wet hair, I will claim you

Skywatcher - I've been known to scrunch too! (usually when I don't use water with gel). Scrunching does give great hold and curl formation... But I still prefer my own method :P

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(taking a break from posting starting late august 2009)

curly_princess

Whew!

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3a/b, fine hair... with a mind of its own!
PW- frenchfries

Your hair, it's everywhere. Screaming infidelities, taking its wear.

Hairproductjunkie

I apply my gel straight-up, without watering it down, on my hair after I've scrunched out the excess water with a microfiber towel.

Like Skywatcher, I was a mousse and hair spray girl until I found this site!!

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Alexa

Same here to both of these replies!
I may try the watered down method with B&A as I have to be so careful only to use a very small amount or it is too crunchy, I really just coat my hands with a small puddle then rake in. Ive tried the Gelebration but that doesn't have enough hold.

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U.K curly

2b/3a dark brown.
Modified CG.

jeepcurlygurl

I apply gel full strength to very wet hair, then again when it's still damp, then I scrunch. I do everything (wash, add product, plop, scrunch) with my hair flipped over my head upside down.
Many years ago, before NC.com, I tried gel a couple times and absolutely hated it because I didn't know enough to use it on wet hair. Now I use it every single day. Love the stuff.

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In Western PA
Found NC in 2004. CG since 2-05, going grey since 9-05. 3B with some 3A.
Hair texture-medium/fine, porosity-normal, elasticity-normal.
Suave & VO5 cond, LA Looks Sport Gel, Ojon Restorative Treatment, oils, honey, vinegar.
http://public.fotki.com/jeepcurlygurl/ password jeepy **new pics added May 2013**

blanclila

When I use gel, I scrunch a bunch into towel-blotted wet hair, or just a little in misted-damp hair. Applying it to dry hair causes a hair-wreck for me.
(Coarse/wavy)

love yourself first

See, to me, this counts as CP's take on the watered down method

But it's all good!

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(taking a break from posting starting late august 2009)

love yourself first

:P

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(taking a break from posting starting late august 2009)