Best Gel on 4C Hair: Styling Tips for Perfectly Defined Curls

Gel is a popular styling product for those with natural hair, including 4C hair. However, using gel on 4C hair can be tricky as it tends to be dry, fragile, and prone to breakage. In this ultimate guide, we will delve into everything you need to know about using gel on 4C hair – from the different types of gel to use, the best techniques for applying it, and alternative products that you can use instead.

What Is Gel and How Does It Work on 4C Hair?

Gel is a styling product that provides hold and definition to hair. It comes in different types, including light-hold, medium-hold, and strong-hold. Gel is made up of a combination of water, polymers, and other ingredients that work together to provide hold.

On 4C hair, gel works by defining curls and coils, reducing frizz, and creating a sleek, polished look. However, if not used correctly, gel can also dry out 4C hair, leading to breakage and damage.

Anyone with 4C hair can use gel as a styling product. But, if you have extremely dry or fragile hair, you must use gel sparingly and ensure that you use a high-quality product that does not contain harsh chemicals. In case you have sensitive skin or scalp, you should avoid gels that contain alcohol or fragrances that may irritate your skin.

Why Use An Edge Control Gel for 4C Hair?

Taming Unruly Edges: 4C hair is known for its tightly coiled texture, which can lead to unruly edges that are difficult to manage. Edge control gels provide a firm hold, taming flyaways and baby hairs, creating a polished and neat look.

Long-lasting Hold: Edge control gels are designed to provide long-lasting hold, keeping your edges sleek and in place throughout the day. This is especially important for styles like sleek buns, ponytails, and updos.

Minimizes Frizz: 4C hair is prone to frizz due to its natural texture and high porosity. Edge control gels contain ingredients that combat frizz, helping your edges stay smooth and well-defined.

Adds Shine: Many edge control gels come with ingredients that add shine to the hair, enhancing the overall look of your hairstyle.

Versatile Styling: Edge control gels offer versatility in styling. Whether you prefer a sleek and polished look or a more textured and laid-back style, these gels can help achieve the desired look with ease.

Protects Hairline: 4C hair, especially at the hairline, can be fragile and prone to breakage. Edge control gels provide a protective barrier, helping to safeguard your delicate hairline during styling.

Easy Application: Most edge control gels come in easy-to-use packaging, making application simple and convenient. A little product goes a long way, so a single jar can last for a considerable period.

No Residue: High-quality edge control gels do not leave behind a sticky or greasy residue, keeping your hairline clean and residue-free.

Suitable for Various Hairstyles: Edge control gels work well with a wide range of hairstyles, from sleek updos to braid styles, making them a versatile addition to your hair care arsenal.

Boosts Confidence: Neat and well-defined edges can significantly boost your overall confidence, allowing you to showcase your natural beauty and express your unique style.

How to Use Gel on 4C Hair: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Wash and condition your hair

Start by washing and conditioning your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Rinse your hair thoroughly and remove any excess water.

Step 2: Apply a leave-in conditioner

Apply a leave-in conditioner to your damp hair to add moisture and prepare it for styling. Smooth the product evenly over each section of hair.

Step 3: Apply the gel

Take a small amount of gel in your palm, about the size of a quarter, and rub your hands together to distribute it evenly. Smooth the gel over each section of hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends.

Step 4: Define your curls

Use your fingers or a comb to define your curls and create your desired style. You can twist or braid your hair to create protective styles or leave it loose for a more natural look.

Step 5: Allow your hair to dry

Allow your hair to air-dry or use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to speed up the drying process. Avoid touching your hair while it dries to prevent creating a hard texture.

Step 6: Scrunch out the crunch

Once your hair is completely dry, scrunch out the crunch to loosen the gel and create a more natural look. Use a lightweight oil or serum to add shine and moisture.

Comparing Different Types of Gel for 4C Hair

There are several different types of gel that you can use on 4C hair. Here’s a comparison of some of the most popular types:

Light-hold gel:

  • Ideal for defining curls and coils without creating a hard, crunchy texture.
  • Best used on fine or thin hair that does not need a lot ofhold.

Medium-hold gel:

  • Provides more hold and definition than light-hold gel, but still maintains a natural look.
  • Suitable for most hair types and textures.

Strong-hold gel:

  • Perfect for creating more intricate or elaborate styles that require a lot of hold.
  • May create a hard texture to hair if not used correctly.

5 Best Gels for 4C Hair

ECO Styler Olive Oil Gel: This gel is a popular choice for 4C hair due to its strong hold and ability to tame frizz. Enriched with olive oil, it also adds shine and helps retain moisture.

Cantu Shea Butter Maximum Hold Styling Gel: Formulated with shea butter and other natural ingredients, this gel provides maximum hold without causing stiffness. It’s perfect for sleek styles and well-defined curls.

As I Am Smoothing Gel: This gel is specifically designed for type 4 hair, offering a smooth hold and minimizing frizz. It contains aloe vera and other nourishing ingredients to keep your hair hydrated.

ORS Olive Oil Edge Control Hair Gel: While marketed as an edge control gel, this product is also excellent for overall styling on 4C hair. It provides a firm hold and helps protect your hairline from breakage.

Aunt Jackie’s Don’t Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel: Ideal for defining curls and elongating the hair, this gel contains flaxseed and other natural ingredients to nourish and promote healthy hair growth.

Conclusion

Using gel on 4C hair can be a great way to achieve defined curls and coils, reduce frizz, and create a polished, sleek look. However, it’s important to use the right type of gel and follow the correct techniques to avoid dryness, breakage, and other issues. If you prefer not to use gel, there are plenty of alternative products available that can provide hold and definition without damaging your hair.

FAQs

  1. How often should I use gel on my 4C hair? You should use gel on your 4C hair as needed to achieve your desired style. Avoid using it every day to prevent dryness and damage to your hair.
  2. Can I use gel on wet or dry hair?  It’s best to use gel on damp hair to seal in moisture. However, you can also use it on dry hair if needed.
  3. How do I apply gel to my 4C hair without creating a hard texture?  Use a small amount of gel and smooth it evenly over each section of hair. Avoid using too much and avoid touching your hair while it dries.
  4. Can I use gel as a protective style? Yes, you can use gel to create protective styles such as twists or braids. Just be sure to apply it sparingly and use a high-quality product.
  5. How can I remove gel from my 4C hair?  You can remove gel from your 4C hair by washing it with a clarifying shampoo or co-washing it with a cleansing conditioner.

28 SHORT BLUNT BOB HAIRCUT THAT’LL INSPIRE YOU TO MAKE THE CHOP

The blunt bob is having a moment, and for good reason! This edgy yet elegant style is perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance yet chic look. Get inspired by these 28 stunning examples.

Chic Volume


Zendaya in a green dress with a side-parted tousled bob.Blunt bobs don’t have to be flat or lifeless. Zendaya shows off a bouncy, blunt cut with face-framing, piece-y fringe that’s full of volume. “One of my favorite ways to style a blunt bob is with a voluminous blowout that’s smooth but still retains a shiny, radiant finish,” says Graciano. “This look works well for those who enjoy flipping or playing with their hair throughout the day.”

Blunt Ends


Vanessa Hudgens in a purple top and a rounded bob with a center part. For a chic effect, add subtle shape to your long bob by curving the ends. Use a round brush to replicate this sleek look.

Bed Head Texture


Hailey Bieber in a tousled, textured bob. Bringing the ’90s vibe back, Hailey Bieber’s short, edgy, and tousled bob looks effortlessly undone. Achieve this messy yet stylish look with a texturizing spray, such as Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray.

Short and Sweet


Kaia Gerber in a textured center-parted bob with brown hair and pink ends. A chin-length bob is always timeless and chic. Add a fun twist by dyeing the ends pastel pink, like Kaia Gerber, for a playful and unique edge.

Long Blunt Bob


Selena Gomez with a rounded bob and brown lipstick. A long bob is always a winner, and you can elevate the style by going for a blunt, angled chop, just like Selena Gomez did.

Space Buns and Faux Locs


Ciara with a long bob featuring space buns and dreadlocks. Any hair type or texture can pull off a bob. Ciara adds her own twist by pairing faux locs with space buns for a modern, playful look with a ’90s-inspired feel.

Bleached and Center-Parted


Kourtney Kardashian in a bleached blonde bob with a center part. A bleached blonde bob stands out on its own, but when paired with a center part and blunt ends, the look becomes ultra-modern. The subtle root contrast adds depth and style.

Air-Dried and Straight


Emma Chamberlain in a blonde blunt bob with sunglasses. Air-dried hair doesn’t always mean waves. Emma Chamberlain’s air-dried, straight bob with tousled texture looks effortless. Graciano suggests using a pomade stick like Goldie Locks Flyaway Fix for extra dimension.

Textured Waves


Ella Mai with a textured wave blunt bob. Textured waves add volume to a blunt bob. To recreate this look, use a flat iron on low heat and a good texturizing spray.

Clean Lines


Geraldine Viswanathan with a straight blunt bob. A blunt bob with straight ends and a middle part is timeless. Add shine with a glossing treatment like Rahua’s Color Full Glossing Oil Mist for an instant light-catching glow.

Smooth & Textured


Jennifer Lopez with a blunt bob. For naturally fine hair, a blunt cut creates the illusion of thicker, more voluminous hair. The even ends give a fuller, denser look.

Blunt Braids


Marsai Martin with shoulder-length braids and blunt ends. Braids with blunt, even ends create a bold statement. Marsai Martin’s slightly angled ends enhance the look.

Add Some Volume


Taylor Hill with a voluminous blunt bob. Subtle internal shaping, also known as graduation, removes bulk and adds volume to a blunt bob. Taylor Hill’s effortless volume is perfect for switching between sleek or wavy textures.

Wispy Bangs


Orion Carloto with a blunt bob and wispy bangs. For a chic, “undone” finish, add wispy bangs and a messy texture to your blunt bob. This style looks effortless and is suitable for any time of year.

Super-Subtle Waves


Taylor Lashae with a soft, wavy blunt bob. For a modern yet retro look, combine straight, blunt ends with soft waves. A great hair gel and side part help achieve this effortlessly stylish bob.

Big Waves


Cardi B with a sleek wavy blunt bob. Big waves give a blunt bob extra volume and body. Use a one-inch curling iron for defined curls that won’t fall flat.

All the Curls


Alanna Arrington with curly bangs and a blunt bob. Curly-haired individuals benefit from blunt bobs that show off curls while creating bounce and volume. Brown recommends using gel products like Deva Curl Supreme Gel mixed with volumizing foam.

Subtle Layers


A subtle layered blunt bob. Subtle layers can add shape and volume to a blunt bob. Start with a volumizing product near the roots for extra lift and movement.

Pin Straight


Rosamund Pike with a sleek, pin-straight blunt bob. A flawless, pin-straight blunt bob is a stunning statement. Use a flat iron like the Dyson Corrale for the perfect finish.

Chin-Length Braids


Chin-length box braids in a blunt cut. Box braids at chin length are lightweight and perfect for any season. This bold, edgy style is ideal for showing off a new cut.

Voluminous Curls


Yara Shahidi with voluminous curly blunt bob. Curly hair and blunt ends play off each other, creating volume and bounce. To style, use gel products that add both weight and volume.

Chic Fringe

Rihanna with a blunt bob and fringe bangs. Rocker-chic vibes come alive with a blunt bob featuring wispy bangs. Add a piece-y texture with hair pomade like Marie Nila Salty Cream.

Sleek Silhouette


Irina Shayk with a sleek, side-swept blunt bob. An asymmetrical, side-swept blunt bob creates a sleek silhouette with a bit of edge.

Soft, Side-Swept Finish


Tiffany Haddish with a soft, side-swept blunt bob. Show off healthy, soft ends with a sleek, high-shine finish and side part for a clean and polished look.

S-Waves


Jennifer Lawrence with S-waves and a blunt bob. S-waves add a soft texture to blunt ends. This touchable look is perfect for everyday wear.

Platinum Perfection


Michelle Williams with a platinum blunt bob. Pairing a blunt bob with platinum hair creates an edgy, bold statement that stands out.

Side-Swept Curls


Taraji P. Henson with side-swept curly blunt bob. For natural curls, a blunt bob lets curls bounce beautifully, and side-swept styling adds extra flair.

Layer-less Volume


Bella Hadid with a voluminous, layer-less blunt bob. This sleek chin-length bob showcases soft, blunt ends that still offer volume and body, making it ideal for thin or fine hair.

CONCLUSION

Ready to take the plunge? The blunt bob is a bold statement that’s sure to turn heads. We hope this collection has sparked your imagination and fueled your desire for a fresh start