tinah

When I do a search for a "moisturizing gel" I get a lot of recs for curl activating gels. What is the difference between that and a styling gel? Does an activator gel leave your hair with a greasy feel to it? Does it dry like a styling gel does?

tinah

So does this mean I'm not alone in not knowing what the difference is? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

redcelticcurls

This question did have me pondering, because I don't know off the top of my head.

I'd have to go look at the ingredients of a popular activator gel to see if there is much of a difference.

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Kiva! Microfinance works.

Med/Coarse, porous curly.

kathymack

I think people name the products something they think is catchy--that's why we have curl cream/cremes, puddings, custards, etc. Some consistencies are the same some are different. Most act in the same fashion, they provide moisture--which enhances curls.

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3a (Corkicelli), highlighted, fine, low porosity
modified CG, since April '07
CG since 3/11/08

SE PA

HGs: Curly Kinks Satin Roots, Curlycue ReNew and Coil Jam; homemade FSG and okra gel; soap bars; DM MiraCurls Curling Gelly; UFD Curly Magic; Shescentit LIs; Sevi conditioners; Botanical Spirits Puree, CJ Repair Me

DEL2C

I wasn't sure myself without dissecting ingredients, I know for myself personally I use a curl activator/enhancer then a gel on top for hold. So to me the difference is that a curl activator may not necessarily hold your style but it will enhance your curl and you may still need the holding properties that a gel provides. They seem to provide 2 different functions although some can get away with a curl activator/gel as their only styler such as KCCC because their curl pattern supports it or because the weather is either cooperative/uncooperative

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Discovered CG 2007

2C Fia BSL/Thick/Med-Coarse/Low(crown)-Normal Porosity Protein and Oil Sensitive

Link-Spritz & Condish Washing

I'm aCurlJunkieJunky

My hair LOVES Coconut DESPISES Soap Bars


CJRehab or H&B Fix, Deva NO POO, EO Rose & Cham POO & Condish, CJ CurlFix, CJ Pattern Pusha, CJ CIAB, SS FHG, KCCC, BRHG, AG Mousse Gel, ACV Rinses,Shikakai Conditioning Hair Rinse.

curlicarly

I don't know the difference, but if you're looking for a moisturizing gel, FOTE is great. It doesn't have much hold (barely any..or maybe none. haha) but it's amazingly moisturizing and defining-y!

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3b/c coarse, porous, and THICK!! Mod CG since: 10/11/08
Currently using: conditioners with cones, FOTE AVG, HETT gel, once a week:Gio50/50 Low poo, various DTs, cutting out protein!
Experimenting With: Curls Souffle
Want to try: Teal dye streak(s), JCWDT

Suburbanbushbabe

Activator gels (or curl activator gels) typically have a high glycerin content. Many gels don't have glycerin at all.

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My blog - http://suburbanbushbabe.wordpress.com/
My FOTKI - http://whatsnew.fotki.com/suburbanbushbabe/


Playing with my hair is a hobby. Fluffy, fine natural 4a. Goal= Healthy, beautiful hair that retains its length.

tinah

Thanks SBB!! So if I use an activator gel it won't make my hair feel like a jehri curl, right? It'll dry and i'll be able to scrunch it if I need to?