It’s the HUMIDITY! And we know how our curly hair goes pOOF in hot weather. This 123 Gel method is to avoid that uncontrollable frizz during hot summer days.
How I Apply 123 Gel
What is the 123 Gel Method
- Water-down hair creme using the #bowlmethod
- Apply 3 different gels, one pump each, one after the other.
- PRO TIP: Use creamy gels for more moisture. End with Glycerine-free gel.
- Wet Plop, then dry as usual.
The Lightbulb Moment on conception
T’was my second summer being a curly girl. My curls needed something more. Something to preserve both moisture and definition during summer. Since creams made my hair feel sticky, I figured gels would be ideal for summer. As a blogger products are gifted to me so I had product to use up! Coincidently, this article about how “Dew Points” then made sense to me. That was the aha moment!! To use more gels in hot weather and more creams during cold weather. AHA!
Cream adds moisture, Gels add Definition.
My medium-high porosity hair was very dry at the time. First, I watered down my hair cream with the #bowlmethod. to add moisture, but not too much to feel icky. Then I layered three of my favorite gels, one after another. One pump each was plenty, and I scrunched them all in, one by one. Scrunching the gel in allows for more volume + definition.
Apply styling products the way it works best for *you*.
So with the 123 gel method, curls have moisture, definition, feel light, and voluminous ALL AT THE SAME TIME. If you have similar hair needs, give it a shot? See if it works for you. And tag #123gel on Instagram so I can see it too.
Frequently Asked Questions about 123 Gel Method
How is it different than using the same gel?
Not all gels are made equal. Every gel has unique ingredients and their own strengths. Some hair gels also flake and feel weird when you use too much. I find using a little of two to three different gels better than using a lot of one. It’s like eating three different vegetables with a staple daal chawal for more nutrients.
How should I pick gels?
For coarse thick hair like mine, use moisturizing gels if your hair is very dry. Moisturizing gels add a bit of moisture with the definition. Thus, even in a watered-down-cream situation, the moisture from gels is an added bonus! For fine hair or looser textures, use gels with more protein to add strength.
Hair Gels that work for 123 Gel Method
I only use SLS/Silicone free products.
| Moisturising Hair Gels | Hair Gels with Protein |
| – Boucleme Curl Gel – Miribel Gel* (code:HONESTLIZHERE) – Spiralicious* – Ecoslay OM* – Curlsmith Flexi* | – Treluxe Hi Def*(code:HONESTLIZ15) – Giovanni LA Hold – Only Curls – CG Movement – Inahsi Custard* |
| MADE IN INDIA | |
| Protein- Free Hair Gels | Hair Gels with Protein |
| – Arata Gel – Fix My curls | – New Arata – Ashba Botanics – Alps Goodness – Fix My Curls |
PRO TIP: Use this website to confirm safety of your products before purchase.
Best 123 Gel Combo [INDIA]
- FMC Flaxseed Gel [code: HONESTLIZ here]
2. Giovanni LA Hold Gel (Get it from Amazon!)
3. Arata Gel [code: HONESTLIZ on orders over INR999]
Available @sublimelifeindia – code HONESTLIZ – for discount here also!
A word of Caution
Some custard-gels/film-forming gels may flake. Heavy unsafe gels may build-up on the scalp causing itching and irritation. When hair is dehydrated from a hair gel, it may feel frizzy, dry, limp, unmanageable and dull. Some hair gels may interact with external pollutants and environmental toxins. All this may lead to a build-up of dead hair cells which are not shed and blocks the normal flow of sebum. So don’t be that girl who doesn’t clarify! We have to clarify our curly hair to avoid these issues. I love using clay treatments once or twice a month. My shampoo guide is here.
If you’re on Instagram, please click on the hashtags #123gel to learn more from other bloggers. Hope this helps you. If you give it try, let me know. Use the hashtag in your posts or stories! I would love to see how it works for you and learn about the interesting new combos you come up with also.
Thank you for watching & reading!
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Only Liz can be so detailed.Amazing!