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Yes! The rules! I read through the book you recommended, and it seemed intense, lol
But I think it will really helpI’ve tried making a plain brewed spray of water, heat-infused with slippery elm and marshmallow root, and while it added great slip, it didn’t do much for frizz. I’m thinking that with the gel, it might do very well without adding weight. Will definitely be trying that next week!
Yes, I think you’re right about the copolymer.
I’ll try to see if there are any good reviews for good gel hold from natural brands on the market, and compare from there.I’m going to do some research into what gives those products their hold.
I think some of the resins and modified gums I’ve bought might be able to do something for holding curl pattern.BTW, I had never heard of the science-y blog before, looks like they’ve got a huge list of curl recipes! Lots of late night research for me ahead! 🙂 yay!
And thanks for the heads up! I will test mixing the Knot Today with the gel for a day at home, hehe.
I’ve read that the BTMS can react oddly with some ingredients, and I’ve experienced that in some of my formulating with surfactants.
Hmm… Maybe just an infusion of marshmallow root and slippery elm would be helpful with the gel to smoothe the hairI am definitely going to try that! Yay!
I’m excited to have a path forward! 🙂You’ve been so so helpful! I really appreciate you sharing your experience and understanding, Belinda! 😀
Thank you, Belinda! That’s super helpful, and not at all scattered. 🙂
In terms of gels and their holding ability, apart from polymers, what would offer the hold?
I’m fairly new to formulating, and haven’t yet delved into hair products, but now that I’m trying to embrace a more natural path for both my curlies and the products I use, I’m wondering if there’s benefit to combining curl creams and gels, or would the weight of the cream burden the functionality of the gel?I definitely liked the fluffiness I get from just using Knot Today, and I love the curl structure of the gel.
From a formulating perspective, I’m trying to figure out what sorts of ingredients will provide the hold that gel does, without going into a synthetic ingredients list.
I’ve just gotten some modified gums, some natural resins, and some gelling agents like carageenan and agar. I’m going to play with those and see what happens.
Belinda, what gel do you use, and which have you found to lack in performance for your hair?
I’ve also got thin hair, but with my Indian background, I’m familiar with doing oil treatments. No matter what oil(s) I use, I find that if I apply it regularly (always overnight), my hair grows significantly faster than without the oil treatments.
I have noticed that certain oils affect the moisture of my hair differently: olive makes it very smooth, but also very flat, and more prone to a faster oil production from the scalp. Coconut and castor add shine and a bit more lift.
But you bring up an interesting point about the oily scalp that I hadn’t considered: hormones and age. I’m definitely past my teen years, but I can see your point about how age and genetics might play a role.Your recommendations are really helpful! I’m going to play around with my schedule and product use for the next few months and see what comes of it. I haven’t yet done the cowash; honestly, I’m a bit scared I’ll wind up coming out of the shower with a scalp that’s not fully clean. Oh! That brings up another question: I’ve seen some formulators recommend doing a scalp exfoliation with sugar and oil. Any thoughts on that, or scalp exfoliation in general?
Thanks so much for your time and input, Belinda!! <3
Interesting…
I’m finding this thread to be really informative!
I have another question: what’s the difference in terms of ingredients & function of a gel vs a curl creme?I’d been using Kinky Curly Knot Today as my leave-in styling for curly hair, but I tried a random sample of gel from a friend yesterday, and it held the shape of my curls so much better, even managed frizz better, though it dried with a cast. It seemed to cast as soon as I finished scrunching, in fact.
It had me wondering the question above: what differentiates the label/name of gel vs creme, both in function and formulation, and thought some of you might have some insight… 🙂
Thanks, Belinda and Cynnara! 🙂
Belinda, your hair is beautiful! You can definitely see the health of your hair progressing in those pics! Gorgeous!By the way, has anyone tried Bounce Curl gel?
I see good reviews for their stuff.
They also do some video tutorials on their insta for how to apply, and how to refresh curls.Ooh, I will check out all those resources! Thank you, Belinda! 🙂
I’m super excited to give my hair some extra curly lovin’!
Going to go check my nearest pharmacy for Curl Junkie, see how it goes with that before I start the formulation process. 🙂Thanks again!
Hi ladies!
Read through this whole thread last night, and it’s got me wondering if anyone has a formula or idea for formulating a cleansing conditioner, or perhaps suggestions of ingredients for a conditioner to use for CO? I’d like to make my own, but I’m not really sure how.
I’ve got between 2b/2c regularly, more of 3a in humidity, porous hair, slightly dry at the ends, but roots that get oily within 30 hours of washing. I wash about 2x a week right now, with KinkyCurly Come Clean, followed by Knot Today as a rinse out. Since it’s winter, I’ve been round brush drying my hair, but I’d really like to transition to CO and back to curly hair with no heat. (I’d also love to get my scalp back to a regular level of oil production!)I’m trying to kick all store-bought products, so I’d love to make my own, if anyone has recommendations for oils or formulation ideas that would work for either a cleansing conditioner or a conditioner for CO.
Thanks! 🙂
