8 Reasons You Aren’t Getting a Gel Cast + How to Get Stronger Hold

Do you find that no matter what you do, your curls never seem to form a gel cast? It can be so frustrating to have your curls end up frizzy after wash day and lose their definition. In this video, I walk you through 8 of the most common causes of your hair not forming a gel cast and how you can fix it.

Problem #1

You have buildup from products, hard water, and/or oil

Solution

Use a clarifying shampoo to remove product or oil buildup. For hard water, opt for a chelating shampoo such as the Malibu C Un-Do-Goo pH 9 Shampoo.

Problem #2

Your hair is too wet when you’re applying your stylers, diluting the gel.

Solution

Use less water and apply stylers to damp hair. Spritz water as you go to prevent frizz.

Problem #3

You used too much cream, leave-in, or didn’t rinse out all of your conditioner.

Solution

Use less moisture underneath your gel for a stronger cast. Opt for lightweight leave-ins such as the Ouidad Curl Reboot Nourish + Strength Leave-In Mask.

Problem #4

Your gel does not have enough hold.

Solution:

Look for a gel with several “polyquaternium” ingredients, such as the Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Strong Hold Gel. For fine hair or even stronger hold, use a gel with less moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, oils and butters.

Use the shop page on my blog to find products with polyquats and filter by hold level.

Problem #5

You didn’t apply enough gel or evenly coat all of your hair.

Solution

Section your hair and evenly apply gel. Brush through afterward for even more coverage.

Problem #6

You scrunched out too much product by microplopping or plopping.

Solution

Skip plopping, or plop then apply another layer of gel. You can also try applying a stronger hold gel, mousse, or hairspray as the top layer.

Problem #7

You air dried too long, air dried in humidity or wind, or didn’t diffuse properly.

Solution

Diffuse by hovering to set the gel cast. The faster you set the cast the more hold. If you find that diffusing causes frizz, check this post on Mistakes that Cause Frizz when Diffusing for more help.

Bonus tip: Mid-way into diffusing, spritz hair with a hairspray or glaze a light layer of gel.

Problem #8

Not achieving a cast could just be from your hair type. Damaged and high porosity hair doesn’t hold onto product or moisture as long. It’s more susceptible to humidity and the products evaporate.

Solution

Finish with a hairspray to seal. I prefer to use a hairspray for added hold instead of an oil or serum which does the opposite by softening the cast.

Bonus tips:

• Avoid scrunching out the gel cast if you want your hair to last longer. 
• Ensure you’re protecting your curls at night.
• Scrunch with dry hands instead of an oil to avoid breaking up too much of the cast.

Products Used

If you’re looking for more assistance with dealing with humidity, check out the video I posted recently on the Best Anti-Humidity Curly Hair Products.