Prose vs Function of Beauty vs. Formulate: Haircare reviews

Table Of Content

• BBB National Programs Board of Directors Welcome Three Esteemed New Board Members and Re-Elect Three Board Members
• Take the Prose Hair consultation seriously
• Hair-Smoothing Products with Formaldehyde
• P&G, Juice Organics, Others Face Claims Over Ingredients In Their Hair Products
• Prose Conditioner Review
• Wildling Beauty Gua Sha Review

Another tester’s hair is much more fine and Prose’s hair analyses were very different, but the resulting shampoo, conditioner, and mask concoctions looked similar on the website. That raised a flag, considering there are so many possible combinations. When my haircare arrived, I immediately felt seen and cared for upon opening the box. The products were carefully packaged; each bottle had a personalized label with ingredients and my name.

BBB National Programs Board of Directors Welcome Three Esteemed New Board Members and Re-Elect Three Board Members

Be sure to include any specific concerns or goals you have for your hair, such as reducing frizz or promoting growth. Prose Hair Care is not only committed to creating personalized hair care products but also to sustainability and ethical practices. As a Certified B Corporation, the company is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and being transparent about its production processes. NAD granted Prose’s petition to reopen the underlying matter as to the advertiser’s revised “225k 5-star product reviews” claim. Many shampoos and conditioners claim to include keratin and promote the protein’s restorative qualities.

Take the Prose Hair consultation seriously

Prose offers customized shampoo, condition, styling gel, and more. Despite the good hair genes in my family (both my sisters have the coveted mermaid hair; people can never believe they aren’t wearing extensions), my hair has always been a pain point. Blame it on the box dyes I started using in middle school, or rather my obsession with looking like Rachel McAdams in The Notebook. Unfortunately, Revlon’s discounted drugstore dye did not turn my fine brown hair a natural shade of red—or any of the many other colors that followed (post-breakup dyes, anyone?). Instead, it fried and colored my strands strange shades of whatever result I was truly after. Further, NAD concluded that the inclusion of only positive reviews on the advertiser's website was not misleading because Prose demonstrated that the reviews reflect typical customer experience and the honest opinions of verified purchasers.

Hair-Smoothing Products with Formaldehyde

All orders will come with a leaflet of your full ingredients list and application instructions. You can request an update to these ingredients at any point through the “Your Consultation” tab on the company website. Prose products will arrive in an apothecary-style plastic bottle with your name on the label.

P&G, Juice Organics, Others Face Claims Over Ingredients In Their Hair Products

Although your unique formula will vary, here are some of the ingredients that make this product work so well. Regardless of which formula you create, Prose products are packed with an array of highly beneficial ingredients. While we can’t list them all, here are some of our favorite examples of the good ingredients used in Prose products. If you do prefer a fragrance, Prose lets you choose the scent for your products before checkout, which is a fun perk!

Use the right amount of product

Prose Vs. Function of Beauty: Compare Cost, Reviews, and Ingredients - Business Insider

Prose Vs. Function of Beauty: Compare Cost, Reviews, and Ingredients.

Posted: Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

As beauty geeks, professional reviewers, and complicated hair-havers, we were intrigued. So we tested Prose firsthand to see if its custom solutions could actually work on different hair types in ways that no drugstore products had before. The shampoo and conditioner starts at $24 each, while the hair oil is $41 per bottle, and the pre-shampoo mask will set you back $36.

The attention to detail and numerous combinations you get is wholly impressive, and I think Prose will appeal to a lot of individuals out there who feel the gaps in the haircare market—A.K.A. I’d apply it before shampooing and conditioning for several minutes, and could instantly feel it get to work on areas that needed help the most; it felt both soothing and slightly tingly. I also noticed it had a lighter consistency than traditional all-over hair masks, so it sank right through to my scalp with ease. Plus, since you apply the mask before shampoo, you won’t have to worry about it weighing down your roots post-shower. I had a kidney transplant a year and a half ago and have been struggling with my hair ever since.

We tried 30+ shampoos to find the best for many hair concerns in 2024 - New York Post

We tried 30+ shampoos to find the best for many hair concerns in 2024.

Posted: Tue, 02 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Wildling Beauty Gua Sha Review

I also paid a lot of attention to how the shampoo in particular made my hair feel over time. While I’m used to seeing immediate results from conditioners and hair masks, I never really notice any major differences in my hair when it comes to shampoo, no matter what brand I use. Overall though, I have to say I definitely noticed a positive difference in my hair after using Prose’s products. I’ll note here in my Prose hair care review that you shouldn’t wash your hair daily. If you’re looking for haircare products to address specific hair concerns (such as hair loss, thinning, or dryness), it may be useful to explore recent studies on the ingredients used in the products of your chosen brand.

To save my mane, I tested one of the most popular custom hair care brands, Prose, to see if its made-for-me formula would bring life back to my strands. NAD determined that the evidence in the record was insufficient to support the challenged "over 192,000 5-star product reviews" claim and recommended that it be discontinued. It was hard to believe that the contents of three tiny bottles would be able to address all of the specifics that were brought up in the hair quiz, but Prose did exactly what it said it would.

Indeed, so much more is taken into account, including sebum production, exposure to free radicals and proclivity for damage. Naturally, I decided to give this too-good-to-be-true service a spin. As a dynamic husband and wife duo behind Curl Centric, our passion for curly hair has fueled a transformative journey. From intricate hair care routines to the simplicity and delight of embracing natural curls, Curl Centric is a beacon for the curly hair community, offering resources for hair growth, care, styling, and support. The cost of Prose hair care products varies depending on what your hair needs.

So if totally customized natural hair care in sustainable packaging is your goal, Prose will likely impress and then some. Prose received praise from other notable outlets like Who What Wear and Honest Brand Reviews, both of which commend the hair care gurus for their use of clean products. Every Prose product is "Cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, non-GMO, phthalate-free, and alcohol-free," per Honest Brand Reviews. Since parabens and sulfates typically cause the most damage, it's best to use products that refrain from using them. Overall, I like that I knew exactly what ingredients were being put on my hair, which is often a gamble with other products (especially one’s from the drugstore).

It deep-conditions my dried-out strands, and gives my highlights more shine. I've been struggling with my wavy, color-treated hair since I asked my hair stylist to give me highlights back in May. I've also been growing my hair out for the last couple years, and blow dry it daily. Basically, I'm lucky if I can brush my hair after a shower without ripping out multiple knots.

Prose Complaints Better Business Bureau® Profile

Table Of Content

• Business Technology
• The Prose products our testers tried out
• Prose Consultation
• People & Culture
• vs. 180% Density Curly Wig: Is 180 Density Better Than 150?

It starts with a series of questions about the customer’s hair history and concerns. The questions are designed to provide Prose with a comprehensive understanding of the customer’s hair needs. I’m seeing so many scalp-centric hair care products pop up lately, so I was pleased to see it in Prose’s selection too. By choosing Prose Hair Care, customers can feel good about not only the personalized, high-quality products they are using but also about supporting a brand that is dedicated to sustainability, ethical practices, and giving back to the community.

28 Best Shampoos 2024: Experts Weigh in on Formulas for Your Hair Type - Vogue

28 Best Shampoos 2024: Experts Weigh in on Formulas for Your Hair Type.

Posted: Wed, 27 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Business Technology

The ingredients in Rebecca Norris' customizable hair care trio from Prose. When you look at the ingredients and ethical sustainability, Prose’s products are well worth the price. It all depends on how much money you’re willing to invest in your hair. Other unfortunate users had a bad reaction to one or more ingredients and suffered from hair loss. Other reviews say that while Prose wasn’t terrible, it didn’t do as much for their locks as they would have preferred. They especially love the pre-shampoo mask, and many happy reviewers say that their hair didn’t get as greasy in between washes as it usually did.

The Prose products our testers tried out

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. In conclusion, I personally wouldn't spend the money on Prose again. I wasn't really expecting a haircare miracle solution like their advertisements boast, but for almost 80 bucks I was hoping to come out with something more than a poofy mess. For that price, I shouldn't have to go back to my older, less expensive products to fix things up.

Prose Consultation

I read that the synthetic ingredients they do use have mild risk. Plus, for every 10 products you purchase, they’ll give you one for free—like a coffee card, but way, way better. Potent ingredients work together to bring shine, pollution defense, fiber repair, and antioxidants. To lock in moisture, be sure to fully rinse the conditioner out of your hair and finish with a shot of cold water. Licorice extract (glycyrrhiza glabra) may stimulate hair growth.

People & Culture

In 2015, more than 200 women joined a class action lawsuit claiming that use of the WEN Cleansing Conditioner led to extreme hair loss, hair breakage, scalp irritation, and rash. Another class action lawsuit filed in September 2016 alleges that products labeled as “organic” or “mineral-free” actually contain ingredients that are neither. Here are five hair care products that could be subject to regulations or even recalls for not being what they claim to be. First and foremost, Function of Beauty provided the largest shampoo and conditioner bottles among the three brands, which is a nice gesture considering you’re paying for more than $5 shampoo. However, quantity doesn’t always mean quality and, unfortunately, I felt like Function of Beauty didn’t live up to all the hype. But, how disappointing is it to run through the gamut of top brands, only to be left disappointed after your shower?

However, once the products were received, it was apparent from the full, detailed ingredient list that the formulations were actually quite distinct. The concentration of ingredients used varies person to person and product to product, Prose told us. Kennzie also says the hair oil was nothing to hit home about either. "Before I even applied it to my hair and scalp, I was already disappointed by the consistency of the oil," she explains. "It appeared much thinner and more watery than others I’ve used, and it seems that this contributed to the lack of moisture it provided. I found myself having to apply more than usual and needing to use it more often than I’m used to."

Shampoos For Thinning Hair 2024 - Forbes Vetted - Forbes

Shampoos For Thinning Hair 2024 - Forbes Vetted.

Posted: Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

I opted to leave the default ingredients in, and for the fragrance, I went with “Oasis,” which includes picking jasmine, amber, and white peach. I tested Prose for 30 days, and during that period, I didn’t use any other products besides the ones that were included in my subscription. Since my order came with shampoo, conditioner, and a hair mask — products I already use — I didn’t have to change anything else about my actual routine. Because of the higher price and customization options, it made sense to compare the quality of each product to its generic counterparts.

Pre-Shampoo Scalp Mask

Depending on your custom formulation, your product may have light, natural scents, like almond or lavender. Each Prose Hair product comes with instructions for use, and it’s important to follow them carefully. This will ensure that you’re using the product correctly and getting the best results. Some products, like the Pre-Shampoo Hair Mask, may require you to leave them on for a certain amount of time before rinsing. It does whatever your own unique hair needs it to—formulas range to address needs like rebalancing roots and adding hydration.

Related Video: Now you can make a customized shampoo designed specifically for your own hair

It may revise its formulation of the product after each purchase based on the consumer's feedback. For example, if the customer indicated that they would prefer a stronger fragrance – that adjustment is made on subsequent purchases. The iterative process of reviewing and refining happens every time the customer orders. Because all of its products are customized, technically anyone can benefit from a Prose subscription. However, people whose hair doesn’t fit just one type or texture will likely benefit from this service the most.

Sure, they may be well-respected among the beauty community but, for your hair type, certain products may not fit the bill. However, you’ll still be spending about $25 per 8-ounce bottle of product, which is far more than many haircare brands, and the company only offers discounts if you sign up for a subscription. Note that Prose recommends you try your products at least 5-7 times before deciding whether they work so that you give your hair and scalp time to adjust to the new formulas. Also last month, 32 different P&G dry shampoo and conditioner products were recalled due to the presence of benzene.

Consumer Product Safety Commission determined the products did not contain an immersive protection device needed to protect users against electrocution risks. In February, around 100,000 BrushX hot air hair brushes were recalled over concerns they could pose an electrocution risk to users if they were dropped into water while plugged into an outlet. But while the productsSOUND promising, how well do they actually perform? They have a comprehensive, actively growing selection of natural, ethically sourced ingredients that are all clinically proven to get results. Just refill your first container and discard the refill packages. Prose’s Custom Root Source Supplements allow you to prioritize both the health of your hair and the environment without compromising on either.

The 15 Best Curly Hair Gels Experts Recommend

Table Of Content

• How to Protect Your Curls at Night
• NEVER Apply Gel On Damp Or Dry Hair Curly Hair EVER
• Best Anti-Humidity Formula: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel Extra Hold
• Innersense Organic Beauty I Create Hold Styling Gel
• #5: Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Gel

"It focuses more on moisture and a slight definition, which is great if you want to keep your hair soft and slightly defined." According to multiple reviewers, the result is soft, bouncy curls that don’t feel stiff or greasy. The cream gel is free from sulfates and parabens, and comes in 8- or 3-ounce sizes, or bundled with other products from the line. One of the most important elements of any curly hair education is identifying your curl type. Curls range from type two (wavy) to type three (curly) to type four (coily and kinky), with subcategories from A to C that are based on the shape of the wave, curl, or coil. The curlier your hair, the more difficult it is for oils from the scalp to reach the ends of your strands, and the more moisture and conditioning you’ll need from your gel.

How to Protect Your Curls at Night

As a dynamic husband and wife duo behind Curl Centric, our passion for curly hair has fueled a transformative journey. The ingredients in this gel are a little different from the ones in our other picks. Sorbitol adds slip to the gel and increases the elasticity of your hair so that after you apply the gel to your hair, it’s easy to manipulate your curls into your desired style. Do you need a high-hold styling gel to achieve the sleekest ponytails or smooth down stubborn flyaways? It’s one of the most popular gels in the curly hair community and is sure to give you the hold and control you need to achieve your desired styles.

NEVER Apply Gel On Damp Or Dry Hair Curly Hair EVER

It'll clump your curls to help protect them against frizz and humidity while you diffuse or air-dry. Remember to wait until your hair is 100 percent dry, though, before breaking the cast or "scrunching out the crunch," lest you awaken the frizz demons. This gel helps mold strands but also leaves them feeling soft and touchable.

Best Anti-Humidity Formula: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel Extra Hold

Mielle Organics advises that the custard gel is formulated specifically for type four curls, but can also be used by individuals with other curl patterns. With 98% naturally derived ingredients, Garnier Fructis’ curl-shaping jelly can work for any hair type — curly, wavy, or even straight — though it’s formulated especially for curly hair. Packed with coconut oil to moisturize and glycerin to condition and reduce frizz, it promises definition and shine. The gel has a traditional consistency and is also vegan and free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, mineral oil, and artificial colors. The shaping jelly offers a light hold and frizz resistance for up to 24 hours.

"As someone who has a difficult time keeping my hands off my head as I dry my curls in an attempt to get to my roots, I love this design," adds product tester Bianca Lambert. This shampoo formula checks all of the curly hair shampoo boxes. It’s sulfate-free, first and foremost, so you don’t have to worry about it stripping away your natural moisture. The creamy formula cleanses super gently, and it contains hydrating ingredients (manuka honey and ceramides) to keep your curls in tip-top shape.

With so many options to choose from you may be wondering which are the best of the best gels? We talked to stylists who shared with us their top styling gels, what curl types work best with them, and how to apply them to get the best results out of the product. This pick is our Editor's Choice because it not only offers a firm hold but also helps fight shrinkage and elongate curls. Whether you are into wash-and-gos or twist-outs or starting or starting, the shine-enhancing, aloe-based formula will knock out frizz and help you achieve your style goals. And while finding the perfect product that provides both hydration and hold without the crunch could feel impossible — it's not. There are countless high-quality options, from foamy mousses and smooth creams to, of course, gels.

Best Natural Curly Hair Gel

Having fine hair and curls can be ​tough since many defining creams can weigh them down. The featherweight formula is infused with argan oil to calm static and refine ringlets, all without ever feeling greasy or sticky. It works its magic to bring on the bounce for all curl types, from waves to tight coils.

The best products to achieve a slicked-back hair look - Metro.co.uk

The best products to achieve a slicked-back hair look.

Posted: Thu, 22 Jul 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]

” The gel is formulated without parabens, mineral oil, or synthetic colors, but it does contain isopropyl alcohol, so could be too drying for daily use if you have really curly or dry hair. To apply, simply work it through your damp hair and then air dry or heat style. When creating the right cocktail of products for your next look, including one of the best curly hair gels is key. The thing is, using gel on curly hair can be tricky, and not all formulas are created equally, depending on the amount of hold you’re looking for.

Before you start scrunching, check out our roundup of the best gels for curly hair. "It dries stiff and softens to the touch, which is my favorite way for a gel to activate to control frizz and maintain definition," he says. "The consistency of the product has a lot of slip, making it super easy to apply and coat each strand on really full and thick hair. [It's] great for achieving many styles."

This jelly is infused with nourishing oils like coconut, olive, and marula oils to hydrate and tame each tendril to perfection. Not a problem with this Bumble and bumble favorite, which shapes curls and controls frizz in even the stickiest of situations. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Katie Berohn is the Beauty Assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group.

She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her Master’s Degree at NYU’s Graduate Program of Magazine Journalism. In the video, which has received more than 4.3 million views and 500,000 likes, Fevzi showed off her styled curls, worn in a half-up-half-down style. One person who understands that struggle is Jada Fevzi, who posted a video on TikTok under the handle @jadafevzi comparing her styled curls and her morning curls. Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, this moisturising formula elevates natural texture without any of the stickiness or salt of a classic beach wave spray. Despite its modest length, the mini bob is going to be one of the biggest hair trends of 2024—a sharp, blunt cut that falls close to the jawline and looks so striking. Tessa Thompson's pairing with a mini fringe makes for a particularly inspired look.

But that’s not all — the gel even features glycerin and panthenol for further hydration, which is especially important for type three and four curls. On clean, sopping-wet hair, I just rake and scrunch a quarter-size squeeze through my flipped-over, sopping-wet hair, then immediately plop for 20 minutes and air-dry. On the other hand, regular hair gels may have a generic formulation without the specific considerations for curly hair. Some regular gels can contain higher levels of drying alcohol or other drying ingredients, which may not be ideal for curly hair types, as they can contribute to dryness and frizz. For those seeking dandruff treatment and help styling, some curly hair gels are formulated to provide both benefits. These gels often contain ingredients that soothe the scalp and address dandruff concerns while offering curls the desired hold and definition.

It’s a simple application; just spray onto damp hair and scrunch the curls when dry. Like all R+Co products, this one also smells amazing, with the brand’s Relative Paradise scent, which is a combination of citrus, eucalyptus, green tea, amber, and moss. When it comes to finding the right hair gel, you should also figure out the type of style you want to achieve. With so many variations and kinds of gels available in the market — each uniquely formulated to cater to different curl patterns — it could be difficult to find the perfect one (or two, or three) for you.

Kinky Curly Curling Custard has good slip and is great for training your curls while Aussie Instant Freeze is the best stronghold gel you can get at the drugstore. Evolve also has a curl bundle that I love because it gives you all the products you need to get started and keep your curl routine simple. All product lines are different so it’s important to read the label and follow the instructions.

This styling gel is a great pick if your hair is on the finer side. "I have low porosity, loose waves/curls, and this gel is perfect because it doesn’t weigh them down at all," says one reviewer. This gel also provides major hold, so your curls will look just as luscious at the end of the day as they did at the beginning.

17 Best Gels for Curly Hair 2024 Expert and Editor Reviews

Table Of Content

• Best Medium-Hold Gel: Ceremonia Pequi Styling Gel
• Innersense Organic Beauty I Create Hold Styling Gel
• Mielle Pomegranate Honey Coil Sculpting Custard
• #5: Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Gel
• Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard
• Trust Me—This Is the One Product I Always Recommend for Textured Hair

It's particularly great for looser curls or waves as it will help to add some real definition and shape to your natural texture. Apply to wet or dry hair to soften and enhance curls and boost moisture. Also known as the "old money" bob, this luxurious take on the bob hairstyle is all about volume and shine with plenty of texture around the face. A feathery fringe here adds some sophisticated softness to the look. A curly hair expert, Kristen is an artist when it comes to curls, cuts, and color. Kristen began her curl journey in 2007, when she took her first Deva class and discovered a passion for working with curly hair.

Best Medium-Hold Gel: Ceremonia Pequi Styling Gel

Starting with clean, damp hair is essential to allow the gel to distribute evenly. Searching for the right gel for wavy, curly, or kinky natural hair isn’t always easy. Trying to get one that’s highly rated and under $5 makes it even harder. That’s why Cantu’s Twist & Lock, which has over 13,000 reviews and an impressive 4.5 star rating, is such an incredible find. The gel moisturizes strands with rich shea and mango seed butters, along with a number of nourishing oils like coconut, sweet almond, argan, neem, and avocado. Hairstylist and Amika-led pro educator Rashuna Durham says that the best way to apply hair gel is to damp hair because it creates a better hold due to the hair being easier to control while wet.

Heatless hairstyles—and what you need to achieve them - Reviewed

Heatless hairstyles—and what you need to achieve them.

Posted: Fri, 10 Jun 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Innersense Organic Beauty I Create Hold Styling Gel

Individuals dealing with frizzy hair often turn to curly hair gels, which are formulated to control and tame frizz, resulting in well-defined curls. A trifecta of coconut, argan, and monoi oils makes this Renpure gel ideal for curly hair. These oils work together to moisturize, add shine, and prevent dryness. Polymers coat your curls for definition, and glycerin acts as a humectant to draw in moisture and prevent frizz. Despite the bottle calling it a “creme curly jelly,” the gel has the hold and consistency of a traditional gel.

Mielle Pomegranate Honey Coil Sculpting Custard

The creamy texture is moisturising (thanks to the jojoba and coconut oils), but it gives slightly more hold than a regular curl cream. But which are the best gels to try for your bounciest, most defined curls ever? Ahead, keep scrolling for 16 of the very best gels for curly hair.

It’s intended to be used on hair that’s a little bit damp — just apply evenly, scrunch, and air dry. If you're looking for a gel that works on all curl types, from thin, thick, wavy, curly, to super tight and coily — this product might just be it. "Gels can be tricky. We typically use it to tame frizz or better define our curls but experience has taught us that they can't all be trusted," says hairstylist and curly expert Dazy Lyn. If you experience some light crunch from your gel, she recommends scrunching it out half way through diffusing or before it dries for those who prefer air drying. Scrunch hair from roots to ends as you're diffusing until the texture meets your liking.

#5: Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Gel

This cream is made with 96 percent naturally-derived ingredients and contains no dyes or silicones, so it’s safe to use on all hair types. This product is known for its strong holding power and is suitable for all hair types, even coarse, thick strands. The active ingredients like olive oil and protein nourish the hair while providing a defined curl pattern. For those with wavy hair, selecting a suitable gel involves finding one that provides a flexible hold to maintain the natural movement of waves.

Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard

● After applying the gel and styling your hair, you can air-dry and/or use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer, or a hooded dryer. Air-drying is a gentler method than a diffuser, though this can speed up drying and help set your curls. A combination of techniques is often best so that the hair doesn’t remain wet for hours on end (which is also bad for hair). MopTop’s Curly Hair Custard gel combines the hold of a gel with the thick, moisturizing properties of a custard. Made with aloe, sea botanicals, and honey for moisture and shine, and glycerin to hold in that moisture and reduce frizz, it’s no wonder that one reviewer raved that this gel is a life changer. Still associating hair gel with the days of crunchy, "scrunched" hair?

Gels come in a few different formats, so think about the one that would work best for you. Traditional gels are thinner, liquidy, and evenly coat your strands; they can enhance definition for all curl types. Cream gels can feel lighter but tend to be more moisturizing, which can be a plus for curl types three and four.

Be sure to keep a detailed log of what type of gel you are using, how much you are using, and how you are applying it. A good way to determine how much gel to use is to start by applying a dime-size amount of gel to every 2-3 inch sections of your hair. Without gel, it’s going to be really hard to lock in your curl pattern and control frizz.

If you're looking to do a gel cast, protective style, twist/braid-out, or any other sleek and/or really defined look, you should be using a curl gel. On the other hand, if the look you're going for requires more of a lighter hold—yet still a bit of definition—you should be using a curl mousse. If you have finer hair, a curl gel can also be used on top of a mousse. This cream-gel hybrid is pure moisturizing goodness in a jar, and basically, every reviewer swears by its wash-and-go powers. It's incredibly thick and rich (thanks to the zillion different oils in the formula), so a little goes a long way, but even if you go overboard, your coils won't be left with any crunch or flakes.

The polymers and ingredients in the gel help clump curls together, providing a more uniform and well-defined look. ● Adjust the amount of gel or the products you use based on the humidity in your environment. Higher humidity levels may require less product, while lower humidity levels may call for additional moisture.

To avoid shrinkage on tighter curls, hairstylist and natural hair expert Ro Morgan recommends this gel custard formula. "It's great on all hair types but I love the shine and elongation it supplies to tighter coils and curls," he tells InStyle. "When applied to hair sections from roots to the ends, the result is beautifully defined curls. The honey ingredient locks in moisture — resulting in strong hold without the crunchy feeling."