Here's The 101 On Why Styling Gels Make Curls Dry Crispy...
Don't panic! The feeling of crunchy curls post drying is a completely normal part of the styling process. Especially when you're using a gel. So if your recommended curly hair products are leaving your hair feeling a bit weird, just remember, it's really normal, and that crispy coating is there for a good reason.
Crunchy curls AKA a ‘Gel Cast!’ is a really important part of drying your curls with a gel. With that in mind, we’re here to help and bust a few myths about crunchy curls.
Why So Crispy?
Imagine this, you’ve just applied your favourite curly hair gel, and instead of soft, bouncy curls, you’re left with a head full of crispy, crunchy strands.
What’s going on?
Don’t worry, this crunchy feeling is all part of the process!
When you apply curly hair products like gels, (some curly mousse and foams will do this too), they often dry with a crunchy or ‘stiff’ texture. This is because these products form a protective layer around each curl, which is known as a 'cast' (a bit like when you break your arm!). This cast forms because of the polymers and fixatives in the gel. These ingredients are designed to hold your curl pattern in place as your hair dries.
What's A Gel Cast?
A gel cast is the hard, crunchy layer that forms around your curls when you use a styling product like a gel. This shell might feel hard and crunchy at first, but it’s doing an important job. The cast is a bit like a cocoon, safeguarding your curls as they dry. The cast is temporary, and as it dries, your curls set with maximum definition and minimal frizz.
How Does It Protect Your Curls?
LOHY.'s styling Gel's, Oomph & Pow will form a cast as they dry. This cast acts as a barrier, shielding your curls from heat damage and ensures your styled curls remain intact all day long. The gel also protects your hair from humidity, wind, and elements that can turn your curls into a frizzy mess. It also helps to lock in the moisture from your conditioner or styling cream, ensuring your curls remain hydrated.
How Long Does The Cast Last?
Here’s the fun part, once your hair is completely dry, you get to break the cast! This process, often called "scrunching out the crunch" or "clapping out," involves gently scrunching your hair with your hands to reveal soft, touchable curls underneath.
The Gel cast will last longer if you don't clap it out, however we recommend scrunching out the cast once your hair is 100% dry. This gives your hair time to completely dry as you've styled it, and reduces the risk of frizz developing.
Tips for scrunching out your cast:
#1 Once your hair is 100% dry, start gently scrunching your curls with your hands. This will break the cast and the result will be soft, touchable curls.
#2 For extra volume you can gently tip your head from side to side or upside down.
#3 Try not to touch your hair TOO much, however 'rummaging' your fingers through your curls can help seperate curl clumps.
#4 You can also use the 'clapping' method to 'clap' out your curls. This will break the cast as you clap your curls between your hands.
Jonina from LOHY. explains it perfectly. “A gel cast is similar to the process of applying a spray tan. When you first apply the tan, it dries sticky and darker than the desired result. You can't immediately walk around, showing it off, the tan takes time to set and gradually build. But once you wash it off, the results are amazing”.
“Similarly, with a gel cast, your hair might feel crunchy at first, a bit like ramen noodles before they're cooked. But once you scrunch it out, or clap your curls (both methods work really well) you’re left with gorgeous, defined, touchable curls”.
Sometimes curls get crunchy! The best thing to do is embrace the crunch!
It’s a sign that your curls are being protected and set without any damage. Once you scrunch out the cast, you’ll be left with beautiful, bouncy curls and touchable curls that will last for days.
Love & Hydration xx
