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Not Your Mother's

Curl Talk Defining Spray Gel Strong Hold

Styler / Gel, strong-hold

  • Styler
  • gel
  • spray
  • Sulfate-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Strong hold
Size6 fl oz
Price$10–11commonly seen · 6 oz
Price / oz$1.76/ozat 6 oz
Where to buy5 stores · $8.74–10.99

Add it to your products. We’ll tell you if it’s ever recalled.

Scent:

Notes: citrus, jasmine.

“Citrus Jasmine Scent” (Brand page)

Manufacturer page: notyourmothers.com

Personal fit

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Priced with its peers

$1.76/oz at 6 oz, less than 57% of the 267 gels , which mostly run $1.13–3.78/oz. The cost less.

Price and stores

Great for

Protein-hungry hairthat stretches and stays stretched when wet
Curly-method routinesno sulfates and no water-insoluble silicones
Curl definitionfilm formers hold a clump together
Fine hairthat flattens under most products
Silicone-free routinesno silicones appear in the list
Stretching wash daysnothing here needs a detergent to remove

Maybe skip if

this product has a scent
Protein-sensitive hairthat goes stiff or straw-like on protein
Anyone who dislikes a castthe film formers here can set firm
Soft, touchable finishesthe brand states a firm hold

Whether this hold suits you depends on your density, porosity and how long your style needs to last. The consultation works that out.

What the formula actually does

Read from the label, not the marketing

Each row says where it comes from: F means we derived it from this product’s own ingredient list, S means it is a claim the brand makes that the formula neither confirms nor contradicts.

Hold (as stated) Strong

A strong hold, as stated by the brand.

Hold system Synthetic polymer

Synthetic hold polymers, the firmest kind of hold.

Cast risk Likely

Film formers with little to soften them, so expect a cast to scrunch out.

Weight on the hair Light

Water-first and light: unlikely to flatten fine hair.

Oil absorption None

No absorbent powders or starches.

Oils and butters None

No oils or butters in the list.

Fast-drying alcohol None

No fast-drying alcohol in the list.

Needs detergent to remove No

Nothing here needs a detergent wash to remove.

Fragrance Present

Fragrance is listed; it sits below the working ingredients.

from the formula stated by the brand reported by reviewers Scale: 1 dot low · 5 dots high, within this product type.

Ingredients that matter

The ingredients that change a decision

The workhorse ingredients, plus anything lower down that changes a decision. The chips name what an ingredient does. They are not safety scores, and no ingredient here is rated good or bad on its own.

IngredientWhat it doesWhy it mattersChip
WaterWater (Aqua) (Eau) solvent The base everything else is dissolved in Neutral
PVP film former Lays down the film that holds a shape Holds
Polysorbate 20 solubilizer Keeps oils dissolved in water Stabilizes
Keratin Amino Acids protein Firms up soft, over-stretchy hair Protein
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract botanical extract A plant extract, there as much for marketing as for function Neutral
Acyl Coenzyme A Desaturase active The over-the-counter active Active
Isopentyldiol solvent The base everything else is dissolved in Moisturizes
Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract botanical extract A plant extract, there as much for marketing as for function Neutral
FragranceFragrance (Parfum) fragrance The scent Fragrance
Linalool fragrance The scent Fragrance
Limonene fragrance The scent Fragrance
Hydroxycitronellal fragrance The scent Fragrance
What the list leaves out, and what it carriesNo sulfates, silicones, or drying alcohols. Protein-forward: a strengthening formula, not a moisture one. Contains fragrance. Chelators for hard water.
Full ingredient list (18)

In the US, ingredients above 1% are listed from most to least. Below 1% they can appear in any order. Each note keeps three things apart: what the ingredient generally does, its role in this type of product, and what its position can tell you.

  • 1 Water · Water (Aqua) (Eau)
    General function

    The base of almost every rinse-off and cream hair product. It carries everything else and is normally the first ingredient on the label.

    Leading ingredient

    Listed in the first three ingredients, it is likely a structural part of this formula.

    • solvent
  • 2 PVP
    General function

    A classic hairspray polymer. It gives firm hold but attracts moisture, so humidity can soften the set.

    Leading ingredient

    Listed in the first three ingredients, it is likely a structural part of this formula.

    May suitMaximum-hold styling

    Synthetic film formers dry into a continuous film, which is what holds a shape against movement and against humid air.

    DependsBuild-up-sensitive routines

    Some acrylate copolymers rinse with water and some need a detergent; the label alone does not say which one a formula used.

    May not suitClimate-sensitive or frizz-prone hair

    The film takes up water from the air. The patent work that produced the VP/VA copolymers describes a PVP film turning sticky after time in a humid atmosphere, and being dependable only where humidity is low — so hold and feel both move with the weather.

    PubChem
    • film former
    • polymer
  • 3 Polysorbate 20
    General function

    Keeps fragrance and oils dissolved in a watery formula so it stays clear.

    Leading ingredient

    Listed in the first three ingredients, it is likely a structural part of this formula.

    • solubilizer
    • emulsifier
  • 4 Keratin Amino Acids
    General function

    Keratin broken all the way down to individual amino acids. Small enough to sit inside the cuticle, used for softness rather than firmness.

    Supporting ingredient

    Listed in positions 4–8, it likely makes a meaningful contribution alongside the formula's main ingredients.

    May suitVery dry or highly damaged hair

    Amino acids are the smallest protein fraction and bind water as well, so they add far less stiffness than a hydrolysed protein does.

    DependsProtein-sensitive hair

    The lightest option in the protein family, but still protein — worth watching if protein reliably stiffens your hair.

    • protein
    • amino acid
  • 5 Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
    General function

    A rice extract used at low levels, usually alongside rice protein or rice bran oil.

    Supporting ingredient

    Listed in positions 4–8, it likely makes a meaningful contribution alongside the formula's main ingredients.

    • botanical extract
  • 6 Acyl Coenzyme A Desaturase
    General function

    An enzyme included at trace levels in scalp-positioned products. Evidence for an effect applied topically to hair is limited.

    Supporting ingredient

    Listed in positions 4–8, it likely makes a meaningful contribution alongside the formula's main ingredients.

    • active
  • 7 Isopentyldiol
    General function

    A light solvent and humectant used to dissolve extracts and improve feel.

    Supporting ingredient

    Listed in positions 4–8, it likely makes a meaningful contribution alongside the formula's main ingredients.

    May suitFine or easily flattened hair

    Light and water-binding rather than oily, so it adds less weight than oils or butters do.

    May suitVery dry or highly damaged hair

    A small water-binding solvent. It holds moisture and helps the rest of the formula spread evenly over the strand.

    DependsClimate-sensitive or frizz-prone hair

    A humectant follows the air: it holds water in humid conditions and can give it up in very dry ones. Climate decides what it does more than the label does.

    PubChem
    • solvent
    • humectant
  • 8 Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract
    General function

    Fermented tomato, used at low levels for antioxidant and conditioning claims.

    Supporting ingredient

    Listed in positions 4–8, it likely makes a meaningful contribution alongside the formula's main ingredients.

    • botanical extract
  • ▾Below about here, the order stops meaning much. These are usually used at 1% or less.
  • 9 Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
    • preservative
  • 10 Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
    General function

    A biodegradable hard-water chelator used in place of EDTA.

    Estimated lower-concentration zone

    It appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.

    May suitBuild-up-sensitive routines

    Binds the calcium and magnesium in hard water, which is what stops mineral deposits accumulating on the strand wash after wash.

    May suitGray, silver, or brass-prone hair

    Copper and iron carried in tap water deposit on the strand and read as a dull, warm cast on gray or light hair. A chelator holds those metals in solution so the wash carries them off.

    PubChem
    • hard-water chelator
  • 11 Ethylhexylglycerin
    General function

    A preservative booster that also adds a little softness. Almost always paired with phenoxyethanol.

    Estimated lower-concentration zone

    It appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.

    May suitFrizz-prone, damaged, or high-friction hair

    Emollients fill and smooth the surface of the strand, which lowers the friction that lifts the cuticle and reads as roughness.

    PubChem
    • preservative
    • emollient
  • 12 Phenoxyethanol
    • preservative
  • 13 Citric Acid
    General function

    Used to bring the product to a slightly acidic pH, which helps the cuticle lie flat. It is almost always near the end of the list.

    Estimated lower-concentration zone

    It appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.

    May suitBuild-up-sensitive routines

    Holds hard-water minerals in solution so they rinse away instead of depositing on the hair.

    May suitFrizz-prone, damaged, or high-friction hair

    The acid side of pH adjustment, and the reason it matters is measured: alkaline formulas raise the fibre's surface negative charge, increase friction between strands and lift the scales, while lower-pH ones do the reverse.

    May suitGray, silver, or brass-prone hair

    Where a warm cast comes from water minerals rather than from the hair itself, holding those metals in solution is what removes it.

    International Journal of Trichology
    • pH adjuster
    • hard-water chelator
  • 14 Fragrance · Fragrance (Parfum)
    General function

    An undisclosed blend of scent ingredients. Regulations let it stay unlisted, so a fragrance-free product is the only way to be certain what is not in it.

    Estimated lower-concentration zone

    It appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.

    May not suitFragrance-sensitive routines

    Declared fragrance. On a fragrance-sensitive routine this is the line that decides it, wherever it sits on the label.

    • fragrance
    • declared fragrance
  • 15 Linalool
    General function

    A floral fragrance component listed separately as a recognised contact allergen.

    Estimated lower-concentration zone

    It appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.

    May not suitFragrance-sensitive routines

    One of the 26 scent components the EU requires to be named individually above a threshold. It is named because it is a known contact allergen, not because it is unusual.

    PubChem
    • fragrance
    • named fragrance allergen
  • 16 Limonene
    General function

    A citrus-smelling fragrance component that EU rules require to be named separately because some people react to it.

    Estimated lower-concentration zone

    It appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.

    May not suitFragrance-sensitive routines

    One of the 26 scent components the EU requires to be named individually above a threshold. It is named because it is a known contact allergen, not because it is unusual.

    PubChem
    • fragrance
    • named fragrance allergen
  • 17 Hydroxycitronellal
    General function

    A soft floral fragrance component named separately as a recognised allergen.

    Estimated lower-concentration zone

    It appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.

    May not suitFragrance-sensitive routines

    One of the 26 scent components the EU requires to be named individually above a threshold. It is named because it is a known contact allergen, not because it is unusual.

    PubChem
    • fragrance
    • named fragrance allergen
  • 18 Citronellol
    General function

    A rose-like fragrance component named separately as a recognised allergen.

    Estimated lower-concentration zone

    It appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.

    May not suitFragrance-sensitive routines

    One of the 26 scent components the EU requires to be named individually above a threshold. It is named because it is a known contact allergen, not because it is unusual.

    PubChem
    • fragrance
    • named fragrance allergen

What the whole list adds up to

  • 5 fragrances
  • 4 named fragrance allergens
  • 3 preservatives
  • 2 solvents
  • 2 botanical extracts
  • 2 hard-water chelators
  • 1 film former
  • 1 polymer
  • 1 solubilizer
  • 1 emulsifier
  • 1 protein
  • 1 amino acid
  • 1 active
  • 1 humectant

Ingredient list captured 2026-09-05. Formulas change, so check the package in your hand when an ingredient matters to you.

Price · 6 oz

Commonly seen $10–11 Midpoint $10.54 · 4 stores · checked Sep 5
Good value under $7 Under $1.15/oz it costs less than three-quarters of the 8 products we score as doing the same job

Priced above the products that do the same job. Stores sell it above the $7 line; products that do this job typically go for about $10 at this size.

Show the price ladder
Where we’ve seen it5 listings · 5 stores

Sorted by price per ounce. Dated observations from our research, not live prices. Direct store pages, no affiliate links. We don’t sell this product. and 1 listing we don’t count, from grey-market or unverified sellers.

How we work this out
  1. 6 oz is the size stores list most often; every comparison on this page is made at it. Other sizes are shown in the Sizes row and the store list.
  2. Commonly seen is the middle half of current prices for the 6 oz at recognised stores. We leave out the cheapest and most expensive quarters, so one sale or one overpriced listing can’t move it.
  3. Good value under $7 comes from the 8 products we score as doing the same job as this one. A quarter of them cost less than $1.15/oz; at 6 oz that is $7. Under that line you are paying less than most of them.
  4. About $10 is what those same products typically cost at this size: the midpoint of their prices per ounce, scaled to 6 oz.

Formula

Formula score
10 of 10

The formula carries the systems a gel is built around, and it sits in the middle of the range for gels per ounce.

How the score is counted
  • 3 products we score as doing the same job cost less per ounce
  • Costs less per ounce than 57% of the 267 gels we’ve priced
  • Covers 6 of the 6 things a gel should do
  • Drugstore tier, sold at Brand website and Grocery / mass
  • A hold systemThe polymer, gum, or wax that holds the shape.3 pts
  • Softeners alongside the holdWhat keeps a film flexible instead of brittle.2 pts
  • No drying alcohol in the first threeFast drying without leading on alcohol.2 pts
  • A humectantBinds water into the hair.1 pt
  • A humidity claim with a mechanismThe claim has a film former or silicone behind it.1 pt
  • Fragrance kept out of the top eightScent as a finishing touch, not a major share.1 pt

The formula score measures completeness for the job: a weighted share of the systems this product type is usually built around that we find in this list. It does not rate how well the product works or its quality, and it never compares across product types.

Does the same job, for less

Formulas that do the same things (cleanse, condition, coat or hold) for less per ounce. Scent, texture and where you buy them can still differ.

Taliah WaajidClosest function Crinkles & Curls $1.06/oz $0.70/oz less
Differs
  • Masstige tier
  • 32 oz bottle
Compare
Eden BodyWorksClose function Lavender Aloe Smoothing Gel $1.18/oz $0.58/oz less
  • Protein
  • Curly method
  • Lightweight
Function
  • Water-binding (humectants)
Also
  • Cruelty-free
  • Sold online
Compare
SuaveLowest cost per oz Style Lock Sculpting Hair Gel $0.55/oz $1.21/oz less
  • Curly method
  • Lightweight
  • Silicone-free
· Close function
Function
  • Protein
Also
  • Value tier
  • 9 oz bottle
Compare

See more alternatives in the product library

These products do a similar job. We haven’t matched them to you. Find the one that fits your hair, routine and budget

Built for wavy to coily hair

Final decision

Should you buy it?

A solid pick for the hair it suits
Best user

Soft, over-stretchy hair, for protein high in the formula and a curly-method-compatible formula

Biggest tradeoff

Not ideal for anyone sensitive to fragrance, hair that stiffens on protein, or anyone who will not scrunch out a cast

Best alternative if not

Taliah Waajid Crinkles & Curls, for similar results at a lower price

We do not sell products or take placement fees. This page states what the formula and the prices show; the consultation is what matches it to a person.

Claims check

What the brand says, and what the formula shows

Claims are quoted from the brand. We mark a claim supported, partly supported or conflicting only when the ingredient list speaks to it. Everything else stays "stated by the brand". That isn’t a criticism: most claims can’t be checked from a label.

6
SupportedBacked by ingredients
0
Partly supportedSome supporting logic
1
Stated by brandNo clear evidence
0
Potential conflictFormula works against claim
Lightweight spray enhances definition without weighing curls down

Light silicones and low wax content help it avoid visible residue.

  • Water
  • Isopentyldiol
Supported

Less likely to weigh hair down.

Controls frizz

Silicones or film formers smooth the cuticle, which is the usual mechanism.

  • PVP
Supported

Smoother strands, less frizz.

Boosts volume

It reads light on the strand, which is what volume claims depend on.

  • PVP
  • Keratin Amino Acids
Supported

Leaves room for lift.

Strong hold without a gel cast

Synthetic hold polymers are present.

  • PVP
Supported

Structure that lasts the day.

Never sticky, no buildup

This is a marketing claim; an ingredient list cannot speak to it.

—

Stated by brand

Can’t be confirmed from label.

Formulated with Rice Curl Complex – a blend of rice, keratin amino acids, and enzymes

A protein or amino acid appears in the ingredient list.

  • Keratin Amino Acids
Supported

The named ingredient is really there.

Infused with a Superfood Oil Blend to hydrate curls and add shine

Humectants or rich emollients sit in the first eight ingredients.

  • Isopentyldiol
  • Ethylhexylglycerin
Supported

Helps hair feel hydrated.

How to read this

We look at the first 10–15 ingredients and what they do in a formula, not at the marketing. If the list doesn't speak to a claim, we don't assume.

Reviewers

What people report

Themes that come up again and again in sourced reviews, written by our researchers in their own words. We don’t store or scrape star ratings.

Multiple reviewers say the spray gel holds curls without the stiff, crunchy cast typical of gels, keeping curls feeling natural.

Several reviewers report the spray/pump mechanism sticking, clogging, or dispensing unevenly, making it hard to apply enough product for a real hold.

A recurring complaint, especially from reviewers with thicker or very curly/coily hair, is that the hold is too weak or short-lived and curls fall flat within hours.

Reviewers with looser wave or curl patterns (2C-3A) more often report the strong-hold claim holds up, with curls springing up nicely without added stiffness.

More from Not Your Mother's

How this page was made

  • Everything above comes from our researched product record: identity, the ingredient list as printed, the brand's own claims, dated prices and review themes our researchers wrote in their own words. No part of this page is written by hand for one product.
  • The value band is a fixed label over two stored numbers: this product’s cost per ounce as a percentile of every product of this type we have priced, each at the size it is most often sold in, and how many products we score as doing the same job cost at least a quarter less per ounce.
  • Both scores out of ten are defined on this page. The formula score is completeness for the job, computed from a fixed per-format checklist shown beneath the gauge; the price score is cost per ounce against every product of this type we have priced.
  • The "Is this right for you?" panel reads only your own consultation answers, and it applies exactly the filters our recommendation engine applies. It is computed when you load the page and is never stored on it.
  • 4 sources consulted for this product (1 manufacturer or regulatory, 1 retailer, 2 editorial), last checked 2026-09-05.
  • Ingredient references are linked for 9 of 11 product-aware annotations on this page. Fit notes are general formulation guidance. They aren’t a verdict on the finished product or on you.
  • We haven’t tested this product in a lab, and we don’t physically test your hair. Formula readings come from the ingredient list. Claims about how it behaves are labelled as the brand's.
  • Ingredient order tells you relative amount only above roughly 1%. Prices are what we saw on the dates shown and can change.
  • Ingredient names link to our ingredient library, where each entry shows what it does, which product types use it, and where it usually sits on a label across everything we have researched.
  • This is cosmetic information, not medical advice, and nothing here diagnoses or treats a health condition.
  • Formula readings: derivation v23. Record last updated 2026-10-07.

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