I think it’s time we talked about The Scrunch. It’s the curly hair styling game-changer. I don’t even know if you can call it a technique, it’s that simple. But it’s the cherry on top of your freshly dried style and, importantly, the key to incorporating gel into your haircare routine.
I know what you’re thinking: gel, really? But, for those in the know, hair gel has gone beyond the sticky blue goop teenage boys used to sculpt their hair into pointy quiffs – now, 2022 gels are sophisticated formulas designed to add definition to curly and textured hair.
The only downside to gels? The finish. So often, even the greatest gel formulas – the ones that offer all-day hold and leave your hair immune to flyaways and humidity – form a shell-like cast over your hair. It was this finish that made me once avoid gels like the plague on my 3b curls; I wasn’t about having immobile, permanently wet-looking locks.
Until I realised that the cast is what hair gel is all about. When you apply gel to wet hair, the cast that forms preserves the curl shape as it dries, preventing frizz from forming and resulting in super-defined curls, coils and waves. And who doesn’t want that?
What former me didn’t realise is that there is a way to remove the cast once it has served its curl-defining purpose. Which brings me back to The Scrunch. And by this, I’m talking about scrunching out the crunch – the simple act of removing the crunchy curl cast.
How do you do it? Be prepared to take notes, because this is a difficult one to master.
How to use gel for the perfect scrunch
First up, you simply squeeze a blob of gel into your palm, smooth it through clean, wet hair (feel free to add curl cream or leave-in conditioner beforehand, should you need it) and perhaps run a brush through lengths for added definition (try Imbue’s Define & Style Brush, £9.99, Imbue). Then, let hair air-dry or use a hairdryer on a medium setting.
When the cast has formed, you… scrunch it out.
Yes, that’s right. You take your hands, scoop up some hair and scrunch away until your curls feel smooth again. For added shine and smooth ends, I like to rub a little oil between my palms before performing The Scrunch (try the Bouclème Revive 5 Hair Oil, £28, LookFantastic – this huge bottle lasts for ages) – though I’d go light on the oil if your hair texture is fine.
It might seem a bit much, writing an ode to a ‘technique’ that could be confused with an accidental hand gesture, but it has truly transformed my haircare routine and, crucially, sped up the process. Now, I spend far less time adding in finger waves for definition, because my hair gel does that for me.
But which product to use? Fortunately, the trend for slicked-back buns and a move towards embracing hair’s natural texture has brought gels back into the haircare mainstream, so there are lots of new options to try, enriched with nourishing, hydrating ingredients for hair that not only looks good but feels it, too.
One gel does not necessarily suit all, so it’s about finding a formula that’s right for you and your hair’s texture (I’d choose a softer hold for finer, looser curls and firm hold for coarser coils).
6 of the best hair gels for curls
These are the tried-and-tested formulas that win out for me, every time:
Bouclème Curl Defining Gel, £15
This gel has had a spot on my dressing table for years now. You won’t expect it to hold curls as well as it does – the thinner formula feels more like a serum than a gel, which means it’s not sticky and doesn’t leave hair completely rock solid. This allows hair slight movement while drying, for maximum bounce without frizzing up, and the finer texture means there’s no flaking (a common problem when using gels).
I like to keep the mini version of this in my bag (£10, Bouclème) for the rare occasions when I need to top up throughout the day.
Lee Stafford For The Love of Curls Defining Gel, £6.99
This product is designed for waves and curls, rather than coils (specifically 2A–3C curl patterns), and I’d say it suits finer textures like my 3b curls best. On my hair, it works wonders – Lee Stafford products have looked after my hair since I’d straighten it twice a day using liberal amounts of its Heat Protection Shine Mist, £6.99.
Now this gel, which features camellia, shea butter and coconut extract, turns my hair into smooth, sleek ringlets and it smells like a dream.
Pattern Curl Gel, £25
Tracee Ellis-Ross’ haircare line never fails to impress. This curl gel is infused with aloe vera, coconut oil and cacay oil, resulting in a creamy formula that offers a medium hold to keeps curls defined all day long. And while it might seem a little pricey, this gel comes in a deliciously giant bottle, so it’s made to last.
This also doubles up as a great product for smoothing and defining edges – I’d recommend pairing it with the Pattern Edge Tool, £12, to get those baby hairs into formation.
Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Scrunching Jelly, £7.99
Another delightfully large tube – and an amazing price tag, too. Umberto Giannini’s Curl Jelly range is a fantastic purse-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality.
With this Scrunching Jelly, it’s all in the name: apply the vegan, silicone-free formula through mid-to length ends, tip your head upside down, dry with a hairdryer set to a low heat and then get scrunching for voluminous, slick spirals.
Trepadora Bamboo Ginseng Curling Glaze, £33
No amount of hype will ever do this product justice. It works across a wide range of hair types, offering maximum hold – meaning it’ll ensure the texture of fine waves stays all day, and it’s strong enough to add clear definition to tight coils, too – and forms a thick shell of a cast almost instantly on wet hair for the most satisfying scrunch.
Don’t baulk at the price, as a little goes a really long way with this one. It’s even powerful enough to slick curly hair back into a tight, sleek bun – the ultimate multitasker.
R+Co Ultra Defining Gel Crème, £25, Cult Beauty
This may be a gel-cream formula, but I had to sneak it in for its impressive, long-lasting hold. The formula is designed to both restore and retain moisture, blending chia seeds, prickly pear oil and vitamins B and K, improving hair’s elasticity and fighting off environmental stressors.
A product that makes your hair look good and enhances its condition? I’m sold.
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