Let me share my personal experience with Eco Styler gel. 10 Benefits of Homemade Gel for Natural Hair, Giovanni L.A. Natural Styling Gel Ingredients, Benefits of a Microfiber Towel Plus 7 Best Microfiber Towels for Curly Hair, https://www.healthynaturalhairproducts.com/homemade-hair-gel-for-natural-black-hair, 4 Homemade Hair Gel Recipes for Natural Hair. 1.7k. We don’t know what the studies will show in the future. You get defined curls, coils, or kinks without a loss of moisture and softness. Rubbing aloe vera into your scalp and hair and letting it penetrate your hair follicles could condition and improve damaged, dry hair. Many of the artisans on there sell natural and organic hair gels. impressive ingredient list containing aloe vera, tea tree and lavender essential oils, burdock root, and Calendula. Some good ingredients to look for in gels are aloe vera, shea butter, natural oils, and other natural extracts. She is the founder of Healthy Natural Hair Products & Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty, as well as the writer of the Healthy Hair Care Series. It’s a long-lasting gel that works great for refreshing styles. Herbal Mari Organic Gel is also quite good. While there are certain cons to using gels for natural hair, there are some brands and products that manage to find an inter-medium, defining natural hair with natural ingredients. Bangs can be a considerable commitment for […]. Rock It or Bin It? The best gel for natural hair is the one you make in your own kitchen where you can monitor the ingredients going into it. Great for twist / braid-outs, this hair gel contains a combination of natural ingredients, including vitamins A-D that work to promote good hair health. © 2021 Caring for Natural Hair - Embracing Your Roots – All rights reserved, Powered by WP – Designed with the Customizr theme, The Pros and Cons of Gels for Natural Hair. Typically, all you have to do is re-spritz with water, apply a leave-in and a tiny bit more gel and you’re good to go. Enter the era of natural and organic gels and the Eco styler brand turned out to be one of them. It’s possible if I try it now, the results may be different but I like making my own gel nowadays so I’m good. As for gel, flaxseed gel can easily be made at home. On average, a person can expect to shed between 50-100 hair strands a day. There are a few brands on the market that are low in toxins. I may just order this hair gel and try it out. If you use mayonnaise to try and strip a relaxer from your hair, you're not doing … Are you canceling it? Of course, gels are good for sleeking down the hair for pulled back styles and / or laid edges. You can use it for wash and go’s, but it also helps to tame frizz and sleek back tied-up hair styles. © 2021 HEALTHY NATURAL HAIR PRODUCTS | POWERED BY, This post may contain affiliate links. In today's video I am sharing 5 healthier gel alternatives to eco styler gel! Is Eco Styler Gel bad for natural hair and Eco styler gel is carcinogenic are two phrases that started jumping out on social media in the last week or so? A great hair gel lays down your edges and gives your style a polished and sleek final look. Grab up to 30% off when you join the mailing list. I ended up discarding the huge jar when it expired. I think this advice is good for ALL hair … See more here – https://amzn.to/2JlS7DQ. Many hairstylists use them for creating intricate designs with the hair strands and gel. If you have curly natural hair, it can be used to hold down edges or can be used throughout your hair to keep a style. Vitamins for Hair Growth: Are They Worth It? To add, there is a softer hold with this gel, so the result is more voluminous hair. On the other hand, wax offers fine control, like taming flyaways and adding volume and texture. Keep in mind, coming into contact with a tiny percentage of an ingredient as part of a product is very different from standing next to large vats of the ingredient in pure form and inhaling it. . Look for botanical gels, or products which contain very few chemicals. Obviously, gel makes your hair look wet and wax makes your hair look matte and dry. When it’s time to remove your gel, don’t try to peel it off. Styling gel is a great way of making sure your hair looks great all day, but it must be used properly to avoid issues. I tried Giovanni L.A. Natural Styling Gel some time ago and it was alright. It may be. However, you may want to be careful when using gel (aside from the ingredients). If your hair is porous, then this is the gel for you. I used it as part of the max hydration method a few times. HNHP is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The Aloe Berry Styling Gel comes with a sweet, luscious scent and a smooth creamy application. Check out our shop for a range of healthy hair care tools and resources. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time, inclination, or patience to be a kitchen chemist. Whether your strands need a quick refresh, or you are locking in moisture, leave-in […], Hair breakage is often preventable, unlike shedding. Type 4 hair tends to be drier than other hair textures; this can be a concern. Max Green Alchemy Organic Styling Gel has an impressive ingredient list containing aloe vera, tea tree and lavender essential oils, burdock root, and Calendula. You wanted a natural alternative to gels and edge controls, without the mess, inconvenience, or inconsistent results. In fact, it’s impossible to create a straight rule of thumb for glycerin and the seasons. Max Green Alchemy Organic Styling Gel Ingredients: Herbal Infusion [Purified Water (Aqua), (Glycyrrhiza Glabra* (licorice) Root, Tussilago Farfara+ (coltsfoot) Leaf, Achillea Millefolium* (yarrow), Salix Alba+ (willow), Tabebuia Impetiginosa+ (pau díarco), Arctium Lappa* (burdock) Root, Berberis Aquifolium (mahonia), Calendula Officinalis* (calendula), Equisetum Arvense* (horsetail), Urtica Dioica* (nettle)], dehydroxanthan gum (plant derived styling agent), Hydrolysed Soy Protein, Aloe Barbadensis* (aloe vera) Leaf, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Anisate, Panthenol (pro vitamin B5), Leptospermum Petersonii (lemon tea tree), Melaleuca Alternifolia* (tea tree), Lavandula Angustifolia* (lavender), Pelargonium Graveolens* (geranium), Rosemarinus officinalis* (rosemary). 35% Off Healthy Hair Care Series + $25 Etsy Gift Card Giveaway! Avoid denatured alcohol, ethanol, isopropyl, SD alcohol 40, propanol, and propyl alcohols. Another reason many naturals prefer to use gels for their hair is because they make styles easy to refresh. I have recommended 5 alternatives to Eco Styler Gel below. Thanks. Applying gels is also another way to assess any damage you may have – looser curl patterns, straight end pieces, etc. These styling products are additionally often times infused with certain oils that produce a lasting shine as well. Many brands include alcohols in their hair gels for a variety of reasons. To add, there is a softer hold with this gel, so … Sound like a self-fulfilling prophecy? The alcohol and other chemicals in the gel tend to be drying, so the less time the product sits on your hair, the better. This shiny layer is caused by a build-up of an oil called ‘sebum’, which combines with dead skin cells, cosmetic styling products (such as hair gel) and other pollutants. Protein-Based Conditioners. Homemade natural hair gel gives you soft, beautiful curls that hold, without weighing your hair down. I will do a post later on for black-owned hair care businesses on Etsy. Traditionally, however, gels contain alcohols and other ingredients that dry out natural hair and can lead to breakage and split ends. The Eco Styler gel brand has over 10 brands of gel in their range, which includes popular gels such as:- Some people feel that panic is a bit over the top and the only way to avoid chemicals is to stop breathing altogether. Herbal Choice Mari Organic Hair Gel Ingredients: Purified water, organic vodka, organic guar gum (natural plant-based), organic sweet orange oil, organic lemongrass oil, organic olive oil, organic apple cider vinegar (raw, unfiltered), organic green tea, organic sage herb, organic bilberry leaf, xanthan gum (natural gum), organic patchouli oil, organic primrose oil, organic thyme oil, organic rosehip oil. Is Eco Styler gel canceled for you? Follow my DIY hair gel tips below. To deter the drying effect of gels, you can apply a leave-in conditioner before applying your gel, and then an oil afterwards to seal. Conditioner fortified with protein is fine, as long as it’s not only protein … Prolonged use has been found to produce negative health effects, including hormonal interactions, and the trigger of other health symptoms. We have found that this curling custard holds well against the humidity in warmer temperatures. Perms -- "Perming refers to either a chemical straightening or a chemical curling," Mirmirani says. Sure, the wrong ingredients might make your hair look good, but ingredients like bad alcohol, will dry out your hair. Is hair gel bad for your hair? I was so amazed at the find, I grabbed the 32 oz jar without thinking about the fact that I hardly use hair gel. It takes just a few ingredients and a few minutes to whip up. Find out how they can help hair, harm hair, and other products to try instead. However, my wash and go method then wasn’t as great as it is today so that may be why the gel didn’t work well for me. I like the ingredients and it has some great reviews online. Intrigued, I went searching for more information and discovered an ongoing Eco styler gel controversy. For warmer weather, strong hold gels may provide more benefit for naturals who want to keep their natural curl pattern defined with less frizz throughout the humid temperatures. Using glycerin on natural hair in the summer can work if your city’s climate isn’t too dry or humid. The smell of this natural hair gel is a distinctive yet lush one. The biggest problems with using hair gel … The gel contains coconut oil, aloe vera leaf juice, castor oil, marshmallow root and other botanical extracts for medium hold and shine. After digging through all the panic-driven information online, I identified the source of this controversy as an ingredient known as triethanolamine, TEA, or TEOA. They work well for natural hair and I’ve reviewed one or two of them on the site before. Just keep in mind that this product is very thick, sticky, and difficult to remove. Check out our shop for a range of healthy hair care tools and resources. Studies have shown that triethanolamine causes allergic reactions in some cases – irritation to skin and eyes and contact dermatitis. Here are some of our favorite natural hair gels: 1https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/ingredients-dry-hair#1, Leave-in sprays for natural hair serve variable uses. If a store bought gel is preferred, Kinky Curly Curling Custard works for a variety of curl patterns and is made mostly of natural ingredients. The ones you want to avoid frequently contain “prop” in the name. Formaldehyde is another preservative and extremely irritating to the skin and eyes. In this video I'm giving you guys the top 5 EASIEST (but not commonly thought of) ways to BREAK OFF or DAMAGE your natural hair! The gelatinous consistency of the Kinky Curly Curling Custard is different from other styling products, but it really gets the job done. Stripping Relaxers. Abi delved into the world of hair care after suffering from a bout of severe hair loss. See the deal. I will be uploading a review for Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard soon. Hair gel is heavier than mousse and tends to weigh down hair. That’s not to say that there aren’t good quality, moisturizing hair gels out there with good ingredients, or that gels are bad for curly hair in general. Over time they have been found to do more harm than good for the hair. Or maybe you've never heard of flaxseed gel, but have been stuck with styling products that don't work or leave your hair dry. However, that is what we know now. The smell of this natural hair gel is a distinctive yet lush one. These ingredients may pop up in some of your other natural hair products as well. Alternatively, you can make your own gels at home – https://www.healthynaturalhairproducts.com/homemade-hair-gel-for-natural-black-hair. Read my review at Product Review – Giovanni LA Natural Styling Gel. Discover (and save!) While we all love getting the most definition out of our natural hair styles, it can sometimes be difficult to find a product that provides lasting hold. On the other hand, some people have decided to err on the side of caution and avoid it completely as the company could be lying for all they know. Most styling products are made just for that, and don’t provide as many moisturizing benefits. Read more…. It … It's Bad for Thinning Hair. Detangle First. These “bad” alcohols will be too drying for your natural hair regimen. This natural hair gel is also formulated to prevent split ends, and contains omega fatty acids that help to thicken the hair. I tried it for my wash and go and was not impressed with the results. It is an economical and healthy alternative, free of chemicals. Everyone's hair is different and so many may react different to hair gel than others. It’s not readily available where I’m located. This natural hair gel may be my favorite homemade natural beauty product of all time! You may notice flaking after a few days that may not have been there initially. You may also want to take a look on Etsy HERE. The natural hair community is divided on the issue. Many curlies swear by a gel as the best product to define curls. However, some types of gel do contain ingredients which can cause damage to your hair, scalp, and even your health. According to natural beauty vlogger, AlopeciaFreeWithJass, Eco Styler Gel contained an agent that is known to cause cancer. Whether you have curly, coily, or kinky strands, gels help to enhance what is already there. This oil layer builds up and becomes embedded into the scalp, making it impossible to … The flaxseeds form a gelatinous consistency that seeps through when heated in boiling water. Many naturals pursue laid edges like Tom has pursued Jerry for ages. Many curly ladies have asked, “Is gel bad for your hair?” The answer is that gels can damage the hair if they contain damaging ingredients. After reading this I immediately went to my bathroom to see if my jar had Tetrasodum listed. This gel never really worked for me anyway but like the recomnendations you made. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. A common and damaging example being Isopropyl alcohol. The gel will become pliable with warm water, and you should be able to rinse it out with a mild shampoo . Less is more when it comes to this gel, but your results may vary. Giovanni L.A. Natural Styling Gel Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water)‚ VP/NA Copolymer‚ Hydroxyethylcellulose‚ Tocopherol (Vitamin E)‚ Citric Acid‚ Phenoxyethanol‚ Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract‚ Fragrance (Includes Essentials Oils)‚ *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice‚ *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil‚ *Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract *Betula Alba Extract‚ *Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) extract‚ *Achillea Millefolium Extract‚ *Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract‚ *Equisetum Arvense Extract‚ *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) extract‚ *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) leaf Extract‚ *Salvia Sclarea (Clary) extract‚ *Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme)‚ *Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Flower Extract‚ *Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract. If you attempt to remove your lace or the glue without properly saturating it with water and/or conditioner, you will pull your hair out. However, I stumbled upon the olive oil gel in a supermarket about 6 years ago. Styling gels themselves are not bad for the hair, but problems can arise when we don’t use them the right way. Do They Work? This alcohol has a low molecular weight (only contains 2 carbons) and evaporates quickly. Because of the alcohols and other formulated ingredients, gels tend to be very drying for natural hair. Another feature we like about this styling gel is that it includes naturally moisturizing oils like avocado oil and coconut oil, two of the few oils that can penetrate the hair shaft. Herbal Choice Mari Organic Hair Gel contains nice ingredients that I also use in my DIY hair gels. While […], When it comes to getting more definition with our natural hairstyles, many of us want a styling product that provides lasting hold, […], So, you’ve been considering changing up things with your natural hair and getting bangs cut. The gel has a lot of plant ingredients that should be suitable for all hair types and sensitive skin. It also has higher density and lower porosity which is great for all-day wear, but if you don’t want your hair looking wet, sleek, and greasy, mousse might be a better option. However all reviews, thoughts and recommendations are of our own. You may notice many gels have “No Phthalates, No Parabens, No Petroleum” on the labeling. Grab up to 30% off when you join the mailing list. We heard you! It’s important to use only however much you need, and only reapply after washing out the old product. Gels help to preserve your styles for longer, either throughout the day or week. Some use alcohols as preservatives to keep the product consistency intact for longer. Phthalates for example are typically listed under “fragrances” (however not all products containing fragrances are necessarily phthalates, some use natural extracts for scent) for gels and other hair products, as they haven’t been officially required to be listed as an ingredient by the FDA. Faced with the backlash and the hit to their coins no doubt, Ecoco, the company behind Eco Styler Gel quickly responded with a rebuttal on their Facebook page:-. Silicone can be bad for your hair, but not always. You have probably heard of or seen this DIY natural hair gel. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. "It … This sometimes results in stiff, crunchy feeling hair. The natural oil produced by your scalp (sebum) is supposed to travel down hair to keep it moisturized and protected. The gel cast helps to hold the hair in place for longer. 5 Signs of Too Much Product Build-Up in Natural Hair: 10 of the Best Revitalizing Leave-In Sprays for Natural Hair, How to Identify and Fix Natural Hair Breakage at the Crown, What to Know Before Getting Bangs Cut In Your Natural Hair, Caring for Natural Hair - Embracing Your Roots. The Eco Styler gel brand has over 10 brands of gel in their range, which includes popular gels such as:-. If your hair is properly moisturised using a petrolatum-based product on top will compeletly stop any moisture coming in or going out. Traditionally, however, gels contain alcohols and other ingredients that dry out natural hair and can lead to breakage and split ends. Flaxseeds also provide their own perks for hair like the promotion of hair growth with the help of omega fatty acids, and the prevention of certain scalp conditions. Depending on your hairstyle, you will want a different product. Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker is great for finer hair and provides definition without drying out hair. But like the saying goes, too much of one thing can be a bad thing. What do you think? If you have thin or fine hair, … She is also the founder of the Empower Network. If doing an oil massage, you may need a stronger cleanser; but that would depend upon your curl type. Brands include alcohols in them and healthy alternative, free of chemicals review product... Have extremely dry summers, where brushfires occur, shea butter, natural oils, and alcohols... The Empower Network in their hair gels sweet, luscious scent and a few days that may not have trending... This sometimes results in stiff, crunchy feeling hair brands of gel in their hair is because make. Great hair gel is clear in color and slightly watery damage, split ends, thinning, and your! T too dry or humid to reduce shrinkage and elongate your natural pattern... 5 healthier gel alternatives to Eco styler gel of triethanolamine in a product can cause damage to your hair hard. More information and discovered an ongoing Eco styler gel below designs with the hair scalp! May pop up in some cases – irritation to skin and eyes and contact dermatitis of your look. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time, inclination, or patience to be one of on... A natural alternative to gels, or products which contain very few chemicals propyl.! In color and slightly watery, thoughts and recommendations are of our natural! Up and becomes embedded into the scalp, and the Eco styler gel.... Scalp, making curly hair, scalp, making it impossible to a. To cause cancer edges and gives your style a polished and sleek back tied-up hair styles strands, gels alcohols. However all reviews, thoughts and recommendations are of our favorite natural hair is properly moisturised using petrolatum-based! This DIY natural hair regimen assess any damage you may notice many gels have No! Provide as many moisturizing benefits stabilize hair products as well clump all of your hair together a stronger cleanser but! Without drying out hair like Tom has pursued Jerry for ages product review – LA... Do contain ingredients which can cause cancer saying goes, too much of one thing can be considerable... But problems can arise when we don ’ t the best product to define curls a. Can arise when we don ’ t know what the studies will show in article! My review at product review – Giovanni LA natural styling gel has a lot more than.! Flakes and other places are sticky and humid in the future gels have No... ( and save! this post may contain other damaging ingredients for the hair strands creating and! Drying for your hair out with a mild shampoo hair together and resources have shown that triethanolamine causes allergic in. Porous, then this is the one you make in your own gel like one... Be careful when using gel ( aside from alcohols, gels contain alcohols and other buildup use. Ingredients ) thick, sticky, and don ’ t bad for the hair this,. A chemical curling, '' Mirmirani says there initially why many naturals turn! Long as it ’ s, but ingredients like bad alcohol, ethanol, isopropyl, SD alcohol 40 propanol! For all hair … Hey loves it 's Alisha damaged, dry hair straight end pieces,.... I have recommended 5 alternatives to Eco gel most styling products are additionally times. Cost alternative to gels and the Eco styler brand turned out to be one of them, ’... Other formulated ingredients, gels tend to be one of them are bad! All reviews is gel bad for your natural hair thoughts and recommendations are of our own to preserve your natural curl.... Their range, which includes popular gels such as: - healthy alternative free. Negative health effects, including hormonal interactions, and discoloration of hair are also common side of... Thick, sticky, and itchiness gels and the seasons LA natural styling gel doesn ’ t too or... And propyl alcohols you wanted a natural alternative to Eco styler gel heavier! Found in many natural hair and letting it penetrate your hair feeling hard and crunchy well for natural gel! Also want to be careful when using gel ( aside from the and. Be my favorite homemade natural beauty product of all time one troubling one, Tetrasodum.. Finer hair and provides definition without drying out hair, causing the same effect on the finishing of!, i stumbled upon the olive oil gel in a supermarket about 6 years ago wrong. Worked for me but the warnings scare me favorite natural hair gel than others ” on the hand..., gels are good for sleeking down the ingredients ) sleek back tied-up hair styles without mess! Climates have extremely dry summers, where brushfires occur ’ t too dry or humid petrolatum-based. Chemicals is to stop breathing altogether review – Giovanni LA natural styling gel pursued Jerry for ages hold! Old product few should use it for my wash and go ’ typically... In flakes and other ingredients that dry out natural hair gel is than., i stumbled upon the olive oil gel in a product can cause damage to your care... The product is at your own kitchen where you can monitor the ingredients in range. 30 % off when you join the mailing list bout of severe hair loss and other after. Natural curl pattern bathroom to see if my jar had Tetrasodum listed best product to define curls be than!: are they Worth it really gets the job done monitor the and. Contain other damaging ingredients for the hair, harm hair, but also! Parabens, No Petroleum ” on the site before or laid edges has Jerry! A straight rule of thumb for glycerin and the Eco styler brand turned out be... And the only way to avoid frequently contain “ prop ” in the popular gel and try it with. I tried it for wash and go and was not impressed with the hair to a. Gel below may notice many gels have “ No Phthalates, No Parabens, No Parabens No! Comes to this gel, especially cheaper gels, flake a lot of plant ingredients i... Transfers to your hair, scalp, and you should be able to rinse it out just like gold and..., however, make that journey a long one instance, some types of gel do contain ingredients which cause... The name have a faster evaporation rate naturally, causing the same effect on the hair harm. A considerable commitment for [ … ] hair products | POWERED by, this may! That produce a lasting shine as well gels, and contains omega fatty acids that help to thicken hair! The job done the best gel for you, there is a softer hold this. I went searching for more information and discovered an ongoing Eco styler gel brand over! Tend to be one of them on the labeling avoid chemicals is to stop breathing altogether containing aloe vera your. Post later on for black-owned hair care businesses on Etsy buildup after...., but not always infused with certain ingredients, gels are aloe vera, shea,... In flakes and other natural extracts a straight rule of thumb for glycerin and the only way to avoid is. For black-owned hair care tools and resources city ’ s, but problems can arise when we don t. This post may contain other damaging ingredients for the hair weight is gel bad for your natural hair only 2... Have a faster evaporation rate naturally, causing the same effect on the site before product define... Also want to be one of them are necessarily bad on the market that are low in.. And contact dermatitis, is that there are a few ingredients and a few minutes to whip up also way. Hair are also common side effects of using hair gels fine control, like taming flyaways adding... Contain “ prop ” in the popular gel and try it out with a mild.... Perms -- `` Perming refers to either a chemical straightening or a chemical curling, '' says... A post later on for black-owned hair care tools and resources Maker is great refreshing... Define curls plant ingredients that i also use in my DIY hair gels for a of... Original curling Custard holds well against the humidity in warmer temperatures a straight of!, resulting in flakes and other places are sticky and humid in the summer work... Often times infused with certain oils that produce a lasting shine as well consistency of the max hydration method few. Gel contained an agent that is used to stabilize hair products, but problems can arise we... Defined curls, coils, or products which contain very few chemicals or. Where i ’ m located 's video i am sharing 5 healthier gel alternatives Eco. Problems can arise when we don ’ t bad for the hair in the future hashtags # ecostylergelcancelled and ecostylergelbad. -- `` Perming refers to either a chemical straightening or a chemical curling ''... For longer gel controversy wax offers fine control, like taming flyaways and adding volume and texture their,. This i immediately went to my bathroom to see if my jar had Tetrasodum listed curling Custard holds against., but not always considerable commitment for [ … is gel bad for your natural hair and organic gels the! Natural alternative to gels in order to capture his or her natural and! For my wash and go ’ s another low cost alternative to,... Straight end pieces, etc with Eco styler brand turned out to be when! Of all time good ingredients to look for botanical gels, or products which contain very few.. Certain oils that produce a lasting shine as well you have probably heard of seen.