June 11, 2024

Does Wavy Hair Need A Gel Cast? Best Results!

by yourhairtale.com

Hair care, Product Recommendations, Styling Tips

I believe our wavy hair can be delightful but also quite challenging to manage. I am sure, apart from me, if you also have waves, you will know what struggle I am even talking about.

I have to always take extra precautions trying to keep my hair from being frizzy throughout the day. Similarly, I think choosing the right products is very important for maintaining our hair.

One of the popular methods that I practice is using a gel cast but many people ask me what exactly is a gel cast and does wavy hair need a gel cast. Or does it even benefit from it?

So keep reading where I will talk more about the roles, the overview of a gel cast, the benefits of it, and how to make and break a gel cast on wavy hair.

Does Wavy Hair Need a Gel Cast?

I am sure we all know how hair gels are designed to give that solid hold and definition to our hair. I have, and we all have noticed how it usually starts by forming a film around our hair strands which I am sure helps to lock the style in place without it being messy over time.

I have noticed an immense reduction in the frizz and the collapsing of my hair while it also ensures that my hairstyle lasts longer as I said above.

I am pretty sure the main ingredients in these hair gels are usually water polymers and alcohol. I have read about how polymers are generally the main ingredient as they provide a strong hold.

After the gel dries, I have seen how these Polymers form a hard film, which is called a gel cast. Apart from that, I am sure these ingredients are carefully chosen to make sure that it is gentle on our hair, can be washed easily, and is strong enough.

If I compare this to creams and mousses, I would say gels offer a much stronger hold and a better definition. I have had experiences with both the creams and mousses.

I am sure creams are great for moisturizing but I don’t think it can provide a stronger hold. And now, if I talk about mousses, it does add volume and a light hold, which is something I don’t think is enough.

What is a Gel Cast?

I think it is quite easy because I generally just apply gel to my wet hair and allow it to dry completely and naturally in the air. When the gel dries, I start to notice how it creates a hard, crunchy shell around my hair. This is something that helps a lot in locking the moisture and shape of my waves while it also prevents frizz on a nicer level.

Now I would like to clarify the steps as to how I do it. Firstly, as I said above, I start by washing my hair and when it is damp, I apply my chosen hair gel. This one is my favorite.

I make sure that it covers all the hair strands, and after I let them air dry (I recommend), or use a diffuser on low setting when in a rush, I eventually notice a fully formed gel cast.

Here, as I talked about my favorite gel cast above, I would say how there are many gels in the market but not all are created equally. I am talking specifically about wavy hair here and the gel casts that are specifically formulated for wavy hair are different from the ones which are generally used.

The gels for wavy hair often contain moisturizing ingredients that I have used in my home remedies as well. These are something that provides us with strength without causing any excess dryness and flaking. This is why I would totally vouch for Garnier Fructis Style Curl Treat Shaping Jelly.

Also read: 4 Best Aussie Wavy Hair Products!

The Benefits

One of the biggest benefits of a gel cast that I have enjoyed is the improved definition of my hair. I always helped to clump my hair together, which always protected against frizz. Plus, with the strong cast around my hair, the gel ensured that my waves stayed in place all day.

Another thing that it has helped me with was enhancing the shine of my hair. The cast beautifully locked the moisture in and kept my hair cuticles flat, which in turn minimized any type of damage.

Whenever I used to scrunch out the crunch (SOTC), I was left with shiny, defined waves that always looked healthy and polished, which I believe is the ultimate goal of using a gel cast.

Apart from that, the main point of even using a gel cast is I could make any hairstyle and it lasted much longer without the need of any constant touch ups. I work a 9-hour shift and I used to notice how my hair used to loosen up many times.

I had to quickly go out for your fix but now, the strong gel hold always keeps my waves in place, even in humid conditions without losing their shape.

One downside that I would like to talk about of using a gel cast is that, initially, it will cause crunchiness or stiffness to your hair, but as I recommended an easy scrunch out the crunch (SOTC) method once my hair is completely dry, you will notice how your hair is left with soft and defined waves.

Another thing that I will have to give you a heads-up on is that applying too much gel or not distributing enough product evenly to your entire hair can result in sticky residue.

So, I guess it is important to find the right balance and use a proper application if you are not used to it, to achieve the best results.

How to Create and Break a Gel Cast

I have mentioned this above but I would like to define it more as to how creating a gel cast is super easy if you do it with the right steps. I always start with damp hair and apply this gel from my roots to the end.

Make sure as I said above, that you use enough gel to cover all your strands, but not so much that it feels heavy. After that, air dry your hair or use a diffuser on a low setting if you are in a rush.

Once your hair is dry, I would recommend you scrunch out the crunch. To do this, I just gently scrunch my hair from the ends towards the roads and this is something that breaks the cast and leaves me with soft and defined waves.

I also use a leave-in conditioner sometimes that helps to soften the cast. My go-to gel is Garnier Fructis Style Curl Treat Shaping Jelly. I totally vouch for this product as it provides a solid hold without causing any excessive dryness or flaking.

Conclusion

To answer the question, does wavy hair need a gel cast? I think it is not necessary but it can turn out to be a game-changer for those with wavy hair like me.

I have noticed a boost in the definition, frizz control, and the duration of lasting hairstyles with its use. However, I also believe it is important to apply it correctly and find the right gel that suits your hair type.

You can also read the 4 Best Aussie Wavy Hair Products!, here