This Strong Hold Gel Failed… Let’s Try Again! | Q&A & Get Ready With Me

The Rizos Strong Hold Gel didn’t work for me the first time—it left my hair dry, crunchy, and frizzy. But because it’s so hyped, I decided to give it another shot. In this post, I’m sharing my updated results and how the gel performed on the second try.

I’m also answering some of your top curly hair questions, like:

• How to tell if your hair is wavy or curly
• Why your hair texture might be changing
• Whether refreshing sprays are actually making things worse

Keep reading for my honest review and the answers to your most common curly hair concerns!

My Wash Day Routine + Get Ready With Me

For this video, I tested the Rizos Strong Hold Gel while also taking you through my wash day routine. Here’s what I used to get my curls prepped and styled, followed by my skincare and makeup routine for a complete Get Ready With Me.

Wash Day Routine:

1. Shampoo: I started with Rizos Curls Hydrating Shampoo to cleanse my scalp without stripping moisture.
2. Conditioner: I followed up with Rizos Curls Deep Conditioner to provide some moisture without weighing down my curls.
3. Treatment/Heat Protectant: I used the Living Proof Triple Bond Complex to repair and prevent heat damage.
4. Cream: To ensure my curls were hydrated, I used Rizos Curl Defining Cream as my base before applying the gel.
5. Gel: I finished off with Rizos Strong Hold Gel, layering it on top of the curl cream for added moisture and hold.

Skincare:

• MediCube Zero Pore Pads
• DIME Tinted Wonderscreen Shade 02 (20% off with code GENA20)

Makeup:

• Tarte CC Cloud Foundation (Discontinued)
• Tarte Under Eye Corrector
• Tarte Creaseless Setting Powder
• Tarte Powder Foundation
• e.l.f. Cream Blush Stick, Glimmering Guava
• Merit Volumizing Brow Pomade, Light Brown
• Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
• Crunchi Eyeliner, Espresso
• Crunchi Lip Crayon
• e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine, Giddy

You can watch the full Get Ready With Me in the video above to see how everything came together. I walk you through the gel application, share my thoughts on how the products worked, provide more in-depth details about my second test of the Rizos gel, and give you some exciting life updates!

Rizos Gel Review: First Test vs. Second Test

Here’s how my Rizos Strong Hold Gel performed during both tests:

❌ First Test (FAIL):

• When I first tried the gel alone, it gave me a strong cast, but the result was less than ideal. After scrunching out the cast, my hair was dry, frizzy, and lacked the soft, bouncy curls I was hoping for. While the gel provided hold, it didn’t have the moisture or softness that I like in my curls.

✅ Second Test (SUCCESS):

• For my second test, I decided to pair the gel with the Rizos Curl Defining Cream underneath for added moisture. This combination worked much better! The gel still provided the strong hold I was looking for, but with much less dryness and more defined curls. The soft cast this time allowed my curls to stay bouncy without being crunchy or frizzy.

Key Takeaways:

• On its own, the gel wasn’t moisturizing enough for my hair type.
• Pairing it with a moisturizing cream like the Curl Defining Cream made all the difference, leading to better results in both hold and moisture for my hair type.
• For fine + soft hair types, try the gel on it’s own first.

Q&A: Curl Patterns, Clarifying, Refreshing Sprays & More

Here are the answers to some of the questions you submitted:

Q: How Can I Tell If My Hair Is Wavy or Curly While Transitioning From Damage?

It’s easy to get caught up in figuring out your exact curl pattern when transitioning from damage, but here’s the truth: don’t stress too much about it.

What matters most is finding the right products and techniques for your hair, regardless of whether it’s wavy or curly. Some styling techniques, like brush styling, might not work well for waves since it can cause them to straighten out.

Instead, focus on my best practices that work for both wavy and curly hair to maximize hold and longevity:

• Use strong shampoos (preferably sulfate-free) to cleanse your scalp.
• Go for lightweight conditioners that won’t weigh your hair down.
• Choose strong-hold, lightweight stylers to keep your curls or waves defined without causing crunch or frizz.

Q: Do You Recommend Apple Cider Vinegar Rinses for Clarifying on a Budget?

While apple cider vinegar (ACV) is often recommended, it’s not very effective for clarifying. ACV mainly softens the hair but doesn’t do much to remove product buildup or minerals from hard water.

For an affordable and effective clarifying option, try Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo, which is only $3 at the drugstore. It’s a great option for removing buildup without stripping moisture. Afterward, follow it with a good deep conditioner to restore hydration.

Q: Does Aloe Vera in Refreshing Products Make Hair Sticky?

Refreshing sprays—whether they contain aloe vera or not—can often make hair feel sticky, especially if they don’t absorb properly. Instead, I recommend using water to refresh your curls or applying a small amount of the same product you used on wash day to re-activate your curls without the sticky feeling.

Q: What Are Some Reasons Hair Becomes Less Curly Over Time, and Can You Prevent It?

Your curl pattern is largely determined by genetics but can be impacted by external factors:

• Damage: Heat treatments, bleaching, or coloring can permanently change your curl pattern. The only way to reverse this is by growing it out.
• Buildup: Product buildup or minerals from hard water can weigh your hair down, making curls look looser. Clarifying shampoos will help remove buildup.
• Moisture Overload: Using heavy products can weigh curls down, making them look limp.

Once your hair is healthier, your natural curl pattern should start to restore itself.

Q: When Should You Apply Hairspray—Wet or Dry Hair?

Water-based hairsprays: These can be applied to wet or dry hair, but avoid soaking dry hair with a water-based spray after diffusing, as it can undo the work you’ve done with drying and styling.

Aerosol hairsprays: These work best on dry hair. You can apply them either before or after scrunching out the cast, depending on how much hold you need.

Thanks for submitting your curly hair questions! I hope this post answers some of your most common concerns while giving you insight into my experience with the Rizos Strong Hold Gel. If you want to see the full test results, Get Ready With Me session, and more updates, be sure to watch the video!

If you’re ready to take your curls to their fullest potential and want personalized guidance every step of the way, join my Group Coaching Membership! We meet weekly, and I work with you to help you refine your routine until you’re absolutely loving the results.

Not sure if the membership is right for you? Drop your questions in the comments, and we’ll figure out if it’s a perfect fit! But if you’re ready to take that next step toward your best curls, join the waitlist now and get ready for ongoing support and transformation!