Say Goodbye to Bad Hair Days: The Power of A Gel Cast

Curly hair rarely gives us consistent results. It can be tough to get our locks looking and feeling their best day after day, to the point where you actually have curls you can count on!  Frizz, lack of definition, curls falling flat or just plain unruliness. But what if I told you there was a solution to your hair woes? Introducing the power of a gel cast.

If you have avoided "crunchy curls" for years, I understand!  I did too!  But I have learned that crunchy curls mean I have a great gel cast!  Over the years, my hair transformation has shown me firsthand the transformative power of a gel cast. Not only does it help to hold your curls in place, but it also adds a beautiful shine and bounce to your hair. The best part about gel casting, it works for all hair types, whether you have curly or wavy hair.  And don't worry- you don't walk around with your gel cast all day- you "scrunch" it out! 

So if you are ready for compliments on your beautiful curls everyday, it's time to embrace the power of a gel cast. In this article, I'll explain how a gel cast works, why it's important for your hair care routine, and tips on achieving the perfect gel cast. Prepare to say hello to curls you can count on and create a cast now!

What is a Hair Cast?

A hair cast is a technique used to enhance curl definition and create frizz-free curls that last. It involves applying a styling gel to wet hair, then allowing the hair to dry while the product forms a cast around each curl.

This technique works well for all hair types, including straight, wavy, and curly hair. By holding the hair in place as it dries, a hair cast can enhance your natural texture and create soft curls full of volume and bounce.

For those with curly hair, a hair cast is particularly effective at enhancing curl definition and preventing frizz. By holding the hair in place as it dries, the cast helps to maintain your curl clumps and create beautiful, bouncy curls while keeping a smoothed hair shaft, which equals less frizz.

Start by applying your preferred styling products to clean and conditioned wet hair.  This can include a leave-in conditioner, curl cream, mousse, or gel, depending on your hair type and desired level of hold. Your "cast" product can be added after leave-in conditioners and serums, locking in the moisture.  Your "cast" product will need to state that it offers some type of hold.  Many gels will say this, and some mousses and other products.  I love our AuBonacci gel- it is a very high hold gel!  Then, use a diffuser or allow your hair to air dry while the product forms a cast.

During drying, you may notice that your hair feels crunchy or stiff. But don't worry - this is entirely normal! Once your hair is completely dry, and I do mean completely dry, you can use the scrunch out the crunch technique to reveal soft, defined curls full of volume and bounce.

So, how to "Scrunch out Crunch":  My preferences is to take a handful of crunchy curls and squeeze in place.  No moving or pulling- just put your hand on a section of crunchy curls and squeeze, then release.  Move to the next section.  If you feel a crunchy section, squeeze it.   Other techniques involve running flat hands down each side of the curls, but I don't find this as comfortable for me.  Some people like to add a light amount of oil to their hands first and then go through, squeezing any crunch they find.  It can take multiple squeezes, be not afraid!  Your results will be soft, shiny, defined curls that will last longer than your usual results.  This has been a game changer for me! 

So no matter your hair type, a hair cast is a powerful technique for achieving frizz-free, defined curls that last. By understanding how it works and using the right products and techniques, you can create beautiful curls that will turn heads wherever you go.

Don't Fear Gel Cast Hair! Curls love it!

Embrace the technique!

If you're new to the world of gel casts, you may be worried about ending up with crunchy, stiff hair. While some gels can leave your hair feeling crunchy, this is a good thing when creating a gel cast.

The crunchy feeling you get from a gel cast is a sign that the cast is working. By forming a protective shell around each curl, the gel helps to lock in moisture, prevent frizz and maintain your curl clumps, resulting in frizz-free, defined curls that last!

When applying gel for a curl cast, it's important to distribute it evenly throughout your hair, ensuring that every strand is coated. Even application will ensure that your curls are held in place as they dry, without any loose or frizzy sections.

If you've been hesitant to try a gel cast, don't be afraid! Embrace the technique and enjoy the benefits of frizz-free, defined curls that will make you feel confident and beautiful.

How to Get a Gel Cast for Curly or Wavy Hair

Are you ready to achieve bouncy, defined curls without any frizz or flatness? Here's how to get a gel cast for your curly or wavy hair!

I like to start applying my gel at the ends first. I put the gel in my wet hands, rub them together to emulsify everything, and then gently squeeze end sections of hair.  Then I work my way up the hair shafts, squeezing from up and under and from the outside and top.  When I  I have gotten my longer strands, I sometimes have to add a tiny bit more water and gel to my hands and then work on applying to my hair at the crown and where I later want to add hair volume with the AuBonacci Styler.   Here I will get my fingers in closer to the roots and through the length of hair.  I use my hands to work the gel into my hair, and re-wet them and that section of hair with water if I feel I have put to much gel in any one spot.  Lots of squeezing and squishing, but all gentle.  You will get a feel for it after several times.  Don't be afraid to experiment a bit.  Don't experiment on picture day, but do experiment!  Sometimes I will also start with my head upside down and squish the gel into my hair evenly that way, and then flip up to finish and make sure I get the crown.

• Start your wash day with your favorite Curl Shampoo and Curl Conditioner. If you don't have one, check out AuBonacci to add a boost of moisture to your hair before you get started with styling. Use a leave-in conditioner for added moisture. As a curly girl, you can never have too much moisture!I
• Serum is my next favorite step, to lock in the leave-in moisture and give a little shine. 
• After your leave-in conditioner and serum is all squished through your wet hair, some people like to use the rake and shake technique with their hands or wide tooth comb, paddle brush or Denman brush to distribute and get some clumps. I make sure I do some gentle squeezing to encourage the curls! 
• Then I will plop my hair in a t-shirt towel to absorb the excess water from my hair to help speed up the drying process before I put the gel on.
  
• Now, apply gel. Make sure to gently spread all the goodness throughout your hair! I love a high hold gel as it helps lock in the lift and direction when I use the AuBonacci Styler, and keeps my curls looking amazing with definition and hold! A high hold gel also keeps humidity at bay, which is very important here in Florida!
  
• I find if I use a brush after the gel is in my hair, my hair can think I am trying to "set it" straight, so if you do this, make sure you squeeze those curls back up to encourage them again!
  
• If you are going to lift and direct your roots with the AuBonacci Styler, this is a recommended time to do that.  Your hair isn't soaking wet, and isn't too dry.
• CAST!  The gel on your hair will create a cast when it dries. You can let your hair air dry or you can diffuse with your hair dryer.
  
• Once your hair is dry, completely dry, it's time for scrunching out the crunch to reveal your beautiful curls. Also known as how you break the gel cast.
• Scrunching is where the magic happens! Use your fingers or a soft towel to gently scrunch your hair, breaking up the cast and revealing your beautiful curls. I use my hands to squeeze each section of hair.  Other favorites are to hold a t-shirt hair towel as you squeeze . Others like to use hair oil and their hands. Depending on the look you want, scrunch out the cast until you achieve your desired curl pattern.

My hair always looks darker when the cast is still in my hair. However, once I have scrunched out the crunch, my natural color shines through. So don't be afraid to try gel for your curly or wavy hair. Following these simple steps, you can achieve voluminous, frizz-free curls that will last all day!

The Basic Hair Styling gel casts

When it comes to styling your hair, there are so many products to choose from. It can be overwhelming to decide which styling product is right for you. However, if you're looking to achieve the perfect gel cast, we will go over my all-time favorite as well as what I used to use before creating my own unique formula. You will definitely want the AuBonacci High Hold Gel in your curly arsenal as it is the best strong-hold gel and lasts in Florida's high humidity~!

• AuBonacci High Hold Gel
• Curlsmith Fragrance Free Shine Gel #9 Strong Hold
• Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel
• Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel
• Tresemme Mega Firm Control Gel
• Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls
• AG Hair Care Spray Gel

These are a few of my product recommendations on hair gel for achieving the best gel cast. Check out my full article about these hair gels and see what I had to say about each. By using the right hair products and scrunching out the crunch, you can create beautiful, well-defined curls that last all day long.

Breaking Down and Maintaining Your Hair's Gel Cast

If you're new to the world of gel casts, you may be wondering why anyone would want their hair to feel crunchy in the first place. It's important to remember that the gel cast isn't meant to last forever. It is a step in the process.  Once your hair is dry, you scrunch out the crunchy feeling to soften your curls!

While it's true that a crunchy gel cast may feel a bit strange at first, the result is worth it: frizz-free curls that last for days.

The key to achieving a gel cast: a stronger gel, and enough of it.  But how much is enough?  Of course that is different for every head of hair.  Start by using a small amount of gel in your hands and work it through your wet hair.  If you can't really feel it at all in your hair, add a bit more.  If there is not cast or "crunch" to your curls when it dries, add more gel next time.

Overall, a gel cast is powerful for achieving frizz-free, defined curls that last. While it may take some experimentation to find the right products and application techniques for your hair type, the result is well worth it: beautiful, bouncy curls that will turn heads wherever you go.

Final Thoughts on Gelling and Casting Your Hair

In conclusion, a gel cast is a game-changing technique that can transform your hair from dull and lifeless to bouncy and beautiful. By applying the right products correctly, you can achieve frizz-free, defined curls that last for days. Say goodbye to bad hair days and hello to the power of a gel curl cast! Try it and see how this technique can enhance your natural curls, boost your confidence, and make you feel like the gorgeous, unstoppable woman you are!