Every gel makes my hair tacky

aneffigy · 05-08-2009, 08:13 AM

I've been experimenting a lot more with gels in the past few months. In my rotation I have Aura Hypoallergenic, HE BE SMU & TT, Biotera, and LA Looks Cashmere Curls.

All of them - even the lightest, Aura - make my hair tacky and sticky after it dries. Cashmere Curls does leave my hair very soft, but it's also not very defined and looks frizzy. I tried mixing it with HE BE yesterday but I guess I used too much, since I got that tacky feeling again.

Any recommendations? I'm using all of these over KCCC. I'm going to be near Sally's and Ulta today.

Curlzilla · 05-08-2009, 09:51 AM

My hair hates gel too. I get sticky and tangly from it. I have a very hard time detangling after use from it and I lose more hair in the shower trying to get through it. I tried BRHG without any luck. Totally twisted didn't do well nor did the LA looks sports gel. I seem to have better results with the spray gels. Garnier Fructis Curl Shaping spray gel does very well for me.
It's CJ from what I can tell. I've experimented with lots of gel and this is one of the few that I can use repeatedly without fail.

curlyjenn10 · 05-08-2009, 10:47 AM

At what point in your routine do you use them?

I've been experimenting with gel over KCCC (since it doesn't have enough hold for me on its own), but my problem is that I can't use KCCC in soaking wet hair. So by the time I get done plopping, my hair is much drier than it should be when I scrunch in gel. Then I get gross hair that's too soft and undefined. But I know that my gel can work great for me because I've used it for almost a year.

RozettaStone · 05-08-2009, 01:12 PM

When I saw the title of your post, I was going to suggest the Aura hypo gel, because of all the gels I've used, it seems the least sticky and lightest (makes my hair shiny, too, but doesn't have enough hold for me).

Are you sure you need gel over KCCC? I see that some people don't use one with it. Have you tried the homemade flax-seed gels? I haven't used it, but perhaps it's less sticky than the commercial gels. Would AVG do anything for you? Good luck!

melaniesusan · 05-08-2009, 02:15 PM

Currently, my two favorite gels (to apply over leave-in + curl pudding) are BRHG and Abba (the one for firm hold).

I haven't tried Abba yet over KCCC, but I've had great results using BRHG over KCCC (coupled with a variety of different leave-ins). I prefer it to HESMU spray gel.

I use very little BRHG, since KCCC has a lot of hold on its own, but it really does make a difference in terms of curl definition and hold.

BRHG is nice because it dries crunchy but then all the crunch scrunches out and I'm left with soft hair. Using KBB nectar as a leave-in also helps to make my hair soft.

I bought my BRHG at Ulta for $14; the Abba I ordered online (don't know whether Ulta carries it or not).

Some people also like Got2b Spiked Up Max-Control Styling Gel, as a cheaper alternative to BRHG, though it can be drying.

And if you really want to be a PJ, here is a recent thread on people's favorite products for sale at Sally's:

Favorite Sally's products?

sew and sew · 05-08-2009, 02:28 PM

I just used Dove Define and Shine Control Gel and my 3b hair loved it. I've been using HE Totally Twisted Curl Boosting Mousse for a looong time, and the Dove stuff belonged to my brother's friend who was living with us...so I wasn't expecting much. It's not curl specific or noted for moisturization...just pretty straightforward gel.

My hair feels lighter and softer with this gel, and the definition is more attractive than with the mousse. But I basically have been forgetting that mousse is better left for colder weather anyway so gel was in order. In my experience gel > cream.

asugirl · 05-08-2009, 03:40 PM

Hey! I just got some Artec Textureline Volume Gel at Ulta for $3.99, their big special this week. It sells regularly for about $13. This stuff is not sticky at all!They describe it as a weightless bodifying gel, and I agree. Now I wish I'd bought a few more bottles!

DEL2C · 05-08-2009, 04:58 PM

Have you tried using a LI underneath? Or mixing it with a LI? As was mentioned, maybe you don't need another gel on top...

aneffigy · 05-08-2009, 05:13 PM

I typically use a leave-in (lately, Giovanni DLI, but typically KBB Super Silky).

I use gel OVER KCCC. To be honest, I've never tried KCCC by itself - I never feel like I have enough hold once I put it in. I've never tried FSG (though I've been eyeing BB's homemade for awhile), and when I do use AVG, I mix it with whatever gel I'm using over KCCC.

darcurl · 05-09-2009, 04:21 PM

I really think FSG is a leave in type product, now I know that is different thinking, but that is how I use my FSG. So, I can agree, alot of gels or mousse products, those made for hold, leave me looking stiff and stringy. I just do not use them, and I accept my hairs right to just be free and move around. IMHO, if it is moisturized properly and given good care, it should hold up even under summer heat. Some gels you could eye up are curl junkie smoothie gellie, or curl junkie aloe fix gel. Have you ever tried angell by Deva line?

Kurlee · 05-09-2009, 07:03 PM

I mix gel and a little bit of conditioner in my hand before I put it in my hair. This way it doesn't feel sticky or hard in my hair. Works for me anyways.

britney. · 05-09-2009, 07:22 PM

Biotera didn't work for you either? I use Biotera gel now and then, and it leaves my hair soft & not crunchy at all, and it holds my curls.

Perhaps Biolage Gelee would work for you? I haven't tried it myself, but I've heard good things about it.

sharon5152 · 05-10-2009, 09:11 AM

I have had the best luck with more natural stuff--like AOMM.

Laura Lee · 05-10-2009, 10:41 AM

What about just using Aloe Vera Gel? That works pretty well for me and my hair is very prone to the tacky gel feel

melaniesusan · 05-10-2009, 12:20 PM

Honey is a good way to get extra hold in your hair (either in lieu of gel or to boost its effectiveness). You can add it either to your rinse-out or to your leave-in. The relevant thread is:

http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlta...d.php?p=938102