Natural Hard Hold Gel?

Sbudsky

I posted a similar question on the general board, but didn't get much of a response, so I'm hoping you natural experts might be able to help...

I have fine hair with loose coils that are easily pulled out and/or weighed down. I've found my hair does best with light, very hard hold gels that dry crunchy and have to be scrunched out. I've had the most success so far with BRHG and it would be my holy grail, but I hate that it contains so many chemicals. So, I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions about a more natural light, hard hold gel OR a recipe for a similar styling product that I can make myself. Thanks in advance for your help!

alyssabrie

Giovanni L.A. Styling Gel is a hard hold gel. It's the crunchiest natural gel I've seen.

kathymack

I'm not a gel user, but have tried numerous ones over the time I've been on nc.com. I was going to recommend the Giovanni LA Natural, too. Another one you might consider is the KMS Hairstay Cranberry and Pepper FHG. Here's a thread on it: http://www.naturallycurly.com/curltalk/showthread.php?t=38876 It has a few chemicals, but I think it's a little more natural than BRHG.

Spiralli

I've had good results with Max Green Alchemy Sculpting Gel (the one in the tube). In the winter, I alternate it with BRHG; sometimes I get tired of the "glue-y" feel of BRHG when I'm applying it and MGASG doesn't have that feel to it.

taltal

Have you tried linseed gel ?

Sbudsky wrote: »

... OR a recipe for a similar styling product that I can make myself. Thanks in advance for your help!

SHLONNIE

it's called JAM. It does not contain a lot of alcohol so it does not dry your hair out nearly as much as the other gels typically used not only in black hair but in the salon.

WurlyLox

I like Spiral Solutions Firm Hold Gel, and its all natural - it's not as hard as BRHG, but I find it's plenty of hold and it doesn't weigh me down at all. It does dry crunchy and has to be scrunched out.

My curls actually last a lot better with it than with BRHG, LALSG or the Giovanni Magnetic Attraction gels that I used to use - I can go 6-7 days as long as it doesn't start getting oily, and it's still curly, which is quite unusual for me since my texture changed and curl lessened a few years ago.

I don't even use that much of it - just three fingers lightly dipped in it and scrunched in partway thru diffusing a la the Smasters method.

Spiral Solutions is now available at CurlMart or you can still buy it at Shantelle's own site at www.etsy.com/shop/spiralsolutions

Sbudsky

Thanks for the recommendations everyone! I did try a a sample of the SS FHG (thanks Kathy Mack!) and it was ok, but didn't wow me... The weather has changed a bit, though, so I should try it again. Now that the dew points and temps have dropped, my hair isn't even liking BRHG as much as it used to. KCCC is actually working much better for me now, but I do think I need something harder over it to get really defined curls.

I think I'll try Giovanni LA Natural next as I think it's relatively cheap. I'll also keep an eye out for other gels y'all mentioned.

And no, haven't tried linseed gel-- Please tell me more!

kathymack

Sbudsky wrote: »

Thanks for the recommendations everyone! I did try a a sample of the SS FHG (thanks Kathy Mack!) and it was ok, but didn't wow me... The weather has changed a bit, though, so I should try it again. Now that the dew points and temps have dropped, my hair isn't even liking BRHG as much as it used to. KCCC is actually working much better for me now, but I do think I need something harder over it to get really defined curls.

I think I'll try Giovanni LA Natural next as I think it's relatively cheap. I'll also keep an eye out for other gels y'all mentioned.

And no, haven't tried linseed gel-- Please tell me more!

Linseed is "British" for flax seed.

Sbudsky

Lol, I should have known that!

In that case-- Yes, Taltal, I tried flaxseed gel once, but probably didn't give it as much of a chance as I should have. I'll have to try again now that it's fall...

kathymack wrote: »

Sbudsky wrote: »

Thanks for the recommendations everyone! I did try a a sample of the SS FHG (thanks Kathy Mack!) and it was ok, but didn't wow me... The weather has changed a bit, though, so I should try it again. Now that the dew points and temps have dropped, my hair isn't even liking BRHG as much as it used to. KCCC is actually working much better for me now, but I do think I need something harder over it to get really defined curls.

I think I'll try Giovanni LA Natural next as I think it's relatively cheap. I'll also keep an eye out for other gels y'all mentioned.

And no, haven't tried linseed gel-- Please tell me more!

Linseed is "British" for flax seed.

Curlykey

Have you tried adding a tiny bit of honey to your existing gel for extra hold? I find this works wonders for me. I only use about a pea size, sometimes less. I mix it in with a little of the gel and some water to help distribute.

Sbudsky

I added some honey to the FSG I made a while back, but haven't tried mixing it with store bought gels.... Good idea!

curlykey wrote: »

Have you tried adding a tiny bit of honey to your existing gel for extra hold? I find this works wonders for me. I only use about a pea size, sometimes less. I mix it in with a little of the gel and some water to help distribute.