Help curls keep their shape.
Style evenly, then let the groups dry.

Choose which curls you want to define

Defined curls sit in visible groups. You may want that shape around your face and a fuller outline elsewhere. Style the areas you want to define, then leave those groups together while drying. You do not need every curl to match.

Judge the finish after drying

Gel can leave a stiff coating as it dries. You can soften that coating once the hair is fully dry. Check the roots and inner sections, then gently scrunch if you want a softer finish.

Spread your styler beyond the outer layer

• Work through small, reachable sections so you can spread the styler through the hair underneath as well as the surface.
• Follow the bottle for how much to use and whether your hair should be damp or wet.
• Cup and gently lift each section’s ends, then lower your hands and leave the group alone to dry.

Soften dry gel with clean hands

• Check that the roots, nape and inside of thicker curl groups are dry.
• With clean, dry hands, cup one group’s ends and gently lift, then release.
• Stop once you like the feel.
• If fully dry hair still feels coated, try leaving out one extra styling layer next wash.

Reset only the flattened sections

• In the morning, leave the sections you like alone.
• For a flattened group, dampen your hands, smooth them over that section, then cup and gently lift the ends.
• Let it dry before judging the shape.
• At bedtime, loosen any tie or bonnet that pulls at your hairline.

Choose the hold you want

Choose a gel or mousse with the hold you want. Check the bottle’s amount and whether it goes on damp or wet hair. If dry hair feels light but loses shape, try stronger hold next wash with the same application method.

Browse styling products. Tell the consultation how much hold you want and which stylers you have tried.

Use conditioner to help release tangles

Spread rinse-out conditioner through wet lengths that catch together. Detangle gently before applying your styler, then rinse after the bottle’s stated time. Keep your usual conditioner if it already leaves the lengths easy to detangle.

Browse rinse-out conditioners. Your tangles, past treatments and preferred finish help guide a personal conditioner recommendation.

1. Detangle the conditioned lengths

Apply conditioner through wet lengths. Support a small section above any knots and use a wide-tooth comb from the ends upward. Stop at a catch and ease it apart instead of pulling. The linked method shows the full movement and when to rinse.

2. Spread the gel and cup the ends

Use the gel’s stated amount on damp or wet hair, whichever the bottle calls for. Spread it through each section, then cup the ends and gently lift. Release the hair before moving to the next section. The linked method shows each action.

3. Let the groups dry

Set your part and let the lengths hang loose. Avoid repeatedly touching or pulling apart the groups while they dry. Check the roots, nape and inside thicker groups before softening any stiff gel coating. Allow more time if those areas are still damp.

4. Soften stiff gel if you want to

Once the hair is fully dry, cup a group’s ends in clean, dry hands. Gently lift, release and check the feel before repeating. Leave groups that already feel right alone. The linked method shows how to soften the coating without pulling the curls apart.