Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel - Stronger Hold 250ml

I have tried so many gels from lower price points to high end. I have 2C-3B curls, low porosity and regular porosity strands, shoulder length, and curly bangs. Lots of layers in my hair with the shortest being 2” on top. I particularly love this gel because of its runny consistency, which makes it super easy to glaze and rake through the hair. On top of average 80%+ humidity in summer, I work a job that often causes me to sweat. This gel holds up. I can get away with washing my hair once a week. When I need a refresh, I either simply add water which reactivates the gel or, around mid-week, dampen hair and add more gel. The cast created is buildable - less gel = softer curls with little cast, more gel = stronger cast. I prefer a stronger cast with this product, so I ... MoreI have tried so many gels from lower price points to high end. I have 2C-3B curls, low porosity and regular porosity strands, shoulder length, and curly bangs. Lots of layers in my hair with the shortest being 2” on top. I particularly love this gel because of its runny consistency, which makes it super easy to glaze and rake through the hair. On top of average 80%+ humidity in summer, I work a job that often causes me to sweat. This gel holds up. I can get away with washing my hair once a week. When I need a refresh, I either simply add water which reactivates the gel or, around mid-week, dampen hair and add more gel. The cast created is buildable - less gel = softer curls with little cast, more gel = stronger cast. I prefer a stronger cast with this product, so I use a dollar coin sized amount THREE times on each side of my hair, working in sections. I say this because some people think this gel doesn’t make a cast, but maybe they aren’t using enough product. It is an expensive gel, but worth every penny for me.

A great gel for humidity! :)

Love this gel! :) I live in humid state, so I needed something with a good hold and can smooth out frizz. This product does just that! It's a very lightweight, liquid-like gel that goes on smoothly. A little goes a long way for my particularly thin, fine curls. Love the salon-like smell, too! I got compliments on how shiny and silky my curls looked, and it stays that way for most of the day. I apply a lightweight leave-in cream underneath and then water the gel down before applying it. It worked great this way for me. Cons (some based more on preferences): -Pricey for size. However, a little goes a long way, depending on your curl type and texture. -Also, it doesn't stay in place for multiple days, so I do have to reapply for next day refreshes, but that's all gels ... MoreLove this gel! :) I live in humid state, so I needed something with a good hold and can smooth out frizz. This product does just that! It's a very lightweight, liquid-like gel that goes on smoothly. A little goes a long way for my particularly thin, fine curls. Love the salon-like smell, too! I got compliments on how shiny and silky my curls looked, and it stays that way for most of the day. I apply a lightweight leave-in cream underneath and then water the gel down before applying it. It worked great this way for me. Cons (some based more on preferences): -Pricey for size. However, a little goes a long way, depending on your curl type and texture. -Also, it doesn't stay in place for multiple days, so I do have to reapply for next day refreshes, but that's all gels for me (since I tend to stretch/tangle my hair every night even with a silk bonnet, lol). -It creates a more shiny or wet look, which is up to personal preferences. (I like it.) -Finally, it can get a little stiff if you put too much without leave-in. Highly recommend a leave-in or cream before it, or use water to dilute it a bit.

Can't Live Without Heat & Humidity Gel

I was introduced to Ouidad back in 2004 when a friend from Chicago told me about this amazing gel that would make my big frizz into bouncy curls. I was skeptical of the advise coming from this wavy blonde, but I gave it a try. IT CHANGED MY LIFE! Right away my friends and co-workers couldn't believe I was rocking plump and springy coils when they were used to seeing a huge helmet of frizz with zero curl definition. Strangers would cross the street to ask me about the product I was using so they could stop straightening their curls. I literally tell everyone about this gel, and all the other great products from Ouidad, that have transformed my hair (and my life). Thank you!

Great gel for humidity! :)

Love this gel! I live in humid state, so I needed something to last in the humidity and manage frizz. This product did both well! :) It is a liquid-like gel that has a very nice salon-like smell. It goes on smooth, and it makes my hair shiny and silky. I got compliments on my shiny, silky curls after I used this gel. A little goes a long way for my fine, thin curls, which is great! Lasted me about 6-8 months, depending on how much I use on wash days and refresh.I use a lightweight leave-in cream to layer in before the gel, and then dilute the gel with water.Cons:-Price, but a little goes a long way for my type of curls-Shiny, sometimes wet look, if you don't like that-Doesn't last multiple days, but for me, that's all gels. Nothing lasts my sleep, lol.-May ... MoreLove this gel! I live in humid state, so I needed something to last in the humidity and manage frizz. This product did both well! :) It is a liquid-like gel that has a very nice salon-like smell. It goes on smooth, and it makes my hair shiny and silky. I got compliments on my shiny, silky curls after I used this gel. A little goes a long way for my fine, thin curls, which is great! Lasted me about 6-8 months, depending on how much I use on wash days and refresh.I use a lightweight leave-in cream to layer in before the gel, and then dilute the gel with water.Cons:-Price, but a little goes a long way for my type of curls-Shiny, sometimes wet look, if you don't like that-Doesn't last multiple days, but for me, that's all gels. Nothing lasts my sleep, lol.-May need leave-in or cream and/or dilute with water to avoid some crunchiness. (Depends on you use it, and your layers for routine.)Overall, I love this gel! :)

Haven't found a better product FOR ME!

Love this. works well with my Caucasian 3A/B hair. My hair is very dry and bleached. it literally had never been greasy. It's very watery so I don't feel like I have to add much water while I'm going section by section. This is what works for me but keep in mind everyone's hair is different-1. After shampoo/Conditioner I use Loreals Flash hydration wonder water but I don't rinse it out. I also do not use a whole recommended dose.I plop my hair, that hasn't touched a towel on top of my head while I dry and moisturize. making sure it stays shaking wet.2. I then section starting with bottom later. I add Curlsmith Thickening lotion from roots to about 3/4 way down. I then apply this gel and use a Denam brush to really smooth out my hair. This step had made a HUGE ... MoreLove this. works well with my Caucasian 3A/B hair. My hair is very dry and bleached. it literally had never been greasy. It's very watery so I don't feel like I have to add much water while I'm going section by section. This is what works for me but keep in mind everyone's hair is different-1. After shampoo/Conditioner I use Loreals Flash hydration wonder water but I don't rinse it out. I also do not use a whole recommended dose.I plop my hair, that hasn't touched a towel on top of my head while I dry and moisturize. making sure it stays shaking wet.2. I then section starting with bottom later. I add Curlsmith Thickening lotion from roots to about 3/4 way down. I then apply this gel and use a Denam brush to really smooth out my hair. This step had made a HUGE difference in frizz for me. I then twist, if I have time, or I just scrunch with my hands. I do this layer by layer until I'm done with the whole head.3. I have not touched a towel to my hair. Resist the urge to scrunch the water out because you will scrunch the product out. If I have time I will let it form a cast by flipping upside down and tying a t-shirt around it so the curls are resting on the top of my head(lots of youtube videos if you are confused). if I don't have time I flip my head upside down and use a diffuser on cool, far away from my head to firm that cast.4. once that cast has formed THEN I scrunch. After I scrunch, I gently shake the roots of my hair with my fingers to help seperate JUST THE ROOTS. I find I get more volume this way.5. I then diffuse on low heat or medium using my hand to scrunch blowing sideways at my curls and not UP at them...yet.6. when I'm about half way dry, I use The Ouidad Advanced Climate cream and scrunch that in. I find this helps pull my curls tighter and just creates the perfect texture.7. I then sometime turn the heat up to get thise curls to pull tighter which helps with my volume.8. If there's any crunch,frizzy curls, or those dastardly face framing pieces that dint want to curl properly I spray AG's curl trigger and that helps.If you have made it this far, thanks for the patience. Everyone's curls are different and it took me almost 35 years if trying EVERY SINGLE CURL product, well at least it seems, to find my perfect combination. my advice would be to only change one product at a time and give it a fee tries. And don't be like me, once you find a product that works, don't be tempted to go for the BBD (bigger better deal), you. good luck on your curl journey

I thought it was all gels, but it's just glycerin

I heard hundreds of recommendations for this gel when I started embracing my natural 2B-3A medium porosity hair. I bought it without question, and even ordered a second bottle (the huge one, too) after the first ran out. I thought the dryness/straw texture my hair got after application was just par for the course with gels since it was my first time ever touching gel. As I learned more about humectants and other ingredients in hair products, I realized that the high glycerin content in this gel is the culprit behind my frizzy locks. Doesn't matter how much or how little gel I put in, my hair frizzes and knots as soon as it's 50% dry and it gets exponentially worse if I apply any while refreshing. For anyone reading: if you live somewhere that's very dry or very ... MoreI heard hundreds of recommendations for this gel when I started embracing my natural 2B-3A medium porosity hair. I bought it without question, and even ordered a second bottle (the huge one, too) after the first ran out. I thought the dryness/straw texture my hair got after application was just par for the course with gels since it was my first time ever touching gel. As I learned more about humectants and other ingredients in hair products, I realized that the high glycerin content in this gel is the culprit behind my frizzy locks. Doesn't matter how much or how little gel I put in, my hair frizzes and knots as soon as it's 50% dry and it gets exponentially worse if I apply any while refreshing. For anyone reading: if you live somewhere that's very dry or very humid, avoid humectants like glycerin in the first few ingredients (or at all). Humectants draw moisture from their surroundings, but if the air is dry as bone (like it is where I live), it's going to pull that moisture from your hair (and skin if it's in skin care products) and make it extremely dry. If the air is extremely humid, your hair will feel squishy and icky (and skin will feel oily) if you use products with glycerin in them. All that being said, this is a great gel. It's liquid so it coats hair easily and I never had any problems with it flaking. Its glycerin content is just not right for my environment. If you live in a moderately humid place, this will probably be a fantastic gel for you!

I'll finish the bottle, but won't repurchase

(For reference, my hair characteristics are Type 4, color treated, high porosity, fine stands, high density) I bought this on the recommendation of my stylist as she used it on my hair and I loved the results she got with it. Bonus that ulta was having a sale at the time so I didn't have to pay full price. For my wash n go's I add a light leave in, gel, then a foam on top and sit under the dryer for about 20-25 mins to dry. First day hair is okay, but I don't get nearly as good results when I use a different gel. by day 3 my hair feels really dry and I can start to see the gel flaking. Even when applying product at my roots, they are still puffy once dry. I'm going to finish the bottle and see of adding Uncle Funky's on top of it can salvage it. Overall, I don't see ... More(For reference, my hair characteristics are Type 4, color treated, high porosity, fine stands, high density) I bought this on the recommendation of my stylist as she used it on my hair and I loved the results she got with it. Bonus that ulta was having a sale at the time so I didn't have to pay full price. For my wash n go's I add a light leave in, gel, then a foam on top and sit under the dryer for about 20-25 mins to dry. First day hair is okay, but I don't get nearly as good results when I use a different gel. by day 3 my hair feels really dry and I can start to see the gel flaking. Even when applying product at my roots, they are still puffy once dry. I'm going to finish the bottle and see of adding Uncle Funky's on top of it can salvage it. Overall, I don't see myself buying this again

Impressed!

I liked the original for its liquidy consistency and ease of application, but the hold was minimal. I'm impressed with the stronger hold version because it really is the same product, but a version with just more hold. I previously used a small amount on my hair followed by Curlsmith's In-Shower Styler for more hold and definition. I will always love CS's In-Shower Styler too but this new version can definitely hold its own. It's still thin with great slip so it's easy to apply before I get out of the shower, but now it's got enough guts to work solo. I can't attest to its performance on super textured or coily hair but it works great for me. I'm white with thick, coarse, heavy hair that's wavy enough to border on curly. It gives me weightless shine and definition ... MoreI liked the original for its liquidy consistency and ease of application, but the hold was minimal. I'm impressed with the stronger hold version because it really is the same product, but a version with just more hold. I previously used a small amount on my hair followed by Curlsmith's In-Shower Styler for more hold and definition. I will always love CS's In-Shower Styler too but this new version can definitely hold its own. It's still thin with great slip so it's easy to apply before I get out of the shower, but now it's got enough guts to work solo. I can't attest to its performance on super textured or coily hair but it works great for me. I'm white with thick, coarse, heavy hair that's wavy enough to border on curly. It gives me weightless shine and definition and even helps define wave texture at my roots where my hair tends to want to stay straighter because it's heavy. Pro tip: I strongly recommend always applying your curl styling products to soaking wet hair right in the shower, before any water can evaporate from the hair. When I do this, and then scrunch with a thin Turkish towel when I get out of the shower and diffuse with my head upside down, I get amazing volume, defined shiny curls, and no crunchy cast or flakes at all. A little of this goes a long way too so the bottle lasts a long time. I comb my hair with a wide tooth comb I keep in the shower, coat my hands with a thin layer of the gel, drag it through my hair & then scrunch. I also get a few days out of my hair because the product doesn't look heavy & greasy after sleeping on it, like many curl styling products can. This is definitely a great example of a good product improved to be really great.

Not for South Texas Humidity

I’m so disappointed because I love Ouidad products. My 2C-3A curly, chin length, high porosity hair looked terrific until I walked outside yesterday. It was around 80 degrees, but the humidity was close to 95%, not unusual for South TX. Curls turned to frizz. Maybe I did something wrong, so I’ll keep experimenting. It is a long journey! I did notice it contained glycerin, which I’ve read can cause frizz in high porosity hair. I know they take their product quality seriously, so I’ll continue to use their shampoo and conditioner and keep looking for a gel. Remember, I basically live in a swamp, so it may just be my hair in a humid area.

Soft curly hair. Lightweight. Shiny.

I have been using this product for three years and I love it. Honestly you have to know exactly what your hair needs because It took me a while to figure it out but this is what I do. I have medium (thickness) curly hair. I use a leave in conditioner, the curlsmith activator spray, curlsmith jelly, then Ouidad gel. It leaves my hair super shiny and soft with defined curls. This is not a product that I would recommend curly girls to use alone unless you have fine hair. I think it would it would be a great product for someone with fine hair because it’s super lightweight and doesn’t weigh my hair down. I would not say this is “strong hold” I would say “soft hold”. So if you’re looking for shine, and something that won’t weigh down your curls, this could help. Hope ... MoreI have been using this product for three years and I love it. Honestly you have to know exactly what your hair needs because It took me a while to figure it out but this is what I do. I have medium (thickness) curly hair. I use a leave in conditioner, the curlsmith activator spray, curlsmith jelly, then Ouidad gel. It leaves my hair super shiny and soft with defined curls. This is not a product that I would recommend curly girls to use alone unless you have fine hair. I think it would it would be a great product for someone with fine hair because it’s super lightweight and doesn’t weigh my hair down. I would not say this is “strong hold” I would say “soft hold”. So if you’re looking for shine, and something that won’t weigh down your curls, this could help. Hope this helps. If you have thick hair you need to layer products. Sorry I also wish I could find one product that would do all of the things my hair needs but I have not found it yet.