Detangling and Washing Strongly Gelled Hair?

[Topher]

I usually detangle my hair before washing it but recently started using a strong holding gel. I obviously can't detangle my hair with all the gel in, but I want to know the best way to remove the gel, wash, and detangle my hair so that losses are minimized.

Also, I've used gel a couple times in the past and noticed it's really hard for me to wash it all out. It seems like even if I wash my hair 2 or 3 times, I always come out with little groups of hair that are still gelled together (softly, because they're wet). Do you have suggestions for this as well?

 

[Blaque*Angel]

Hi Topher,

strong hold Styling gels are my hairs enemy! it clogs, stiffens and makes hair come out!
i used to use these gels on a regular, what brand are you using? Are you applying it to the hair daily? Do you wash your hair daily? I would reccomend you wash it daily so the gel doesn't build up!

Stay away from the pink oil moisturiser styling gel, that cost me my hairline (i'm lucky my hairline is back now!)
What i would do is rinse out all the gel with lukewarm water,
(maybe 2rinses!) shampoo your hair, condition it, detangle.....
Maybe switch to a brand that wont stiffen your hair so much... I dont use styling gels no more but heard sparklites (sp) supposed to be good.
Do a search on here for styling gels.......

HTH

 

[Topher]

Well, for the previous 8 weeks I washed my hair every other day. While this was ok, I feel that I lost more hair than I needed to simply due to so much manipulation (whether this is true or not...I'm not sure). I've decided to try using gel consistantly for a few weeks so I have to wash my hair only one time per week and still keep my hair looking the same. I keep it slicked back into what my little brother calls "the sumo wrestler pong", heh. I'm hoping this has a similar effect on my hair as cornrows do. In the past I cornrowed my hair for about a year an half and it grew like crazy.

Right now I'm using that brown gel that smells sweet, kindof like candy. I know a lot of you dissagree with this gel, but I'm going to use it for a while anyway to see how things realy turn out.

 

[TonicaG]

I would suggest extreme saturation of water in your hair with a clarifying shampoo for at least two washes, followed up with a good moisturizing shampoo and deep condition. I usually detangle when I rinse out the conditioner.

I recently had a french roll with spirals in which I used gel and a firm spritz. I used this method to wash my hair and it worked like a charm. I did have the normal/usual shedding because I hadn't combed my hair all week but other than that, my hair was fine.

 

[melodee]

Good advice. I addition, a good Apple Cider Vinegar rinse to finish will help assure all's clear.

 

[onepraying]

Right now I'm using that brown gel that smells sweet, kindof like candy. I know a lot of you dissagree with this gel, but I'm going to use it for a while anyway to see how things realy turn out.

Reason being is because of the high concentration of protein this gel contains. You MUST be careful. Eventhough it's holding power is good, the protein can wreck you hair. Shop around for a super holding gel that contains no proteins or very, little(like the ingredient is the last on the list.)

 

[Nita81]

This is a nice gel to try.

 

[ThickHair]

Why are you using so much gel? You may want to reconsider your hair style.

 

[sweetascocoa]

i use fantasia IC gel. its easyto get out. it usually comes out after rinsing with warm water

 

[onepraying]

i use fantasia IC gel. its easyto get out. it usually comes out after rinsing with warm water

Ditto, except it doesn't offer the hold that brown gel does.

 

[Divine Inspiration]

I'd lighten up on the gel or find an alternative.

As far as solving the current problem, I'd do a prepoo first. I'd warm a cheapie conditioner, honey, and EVOO and allow it to sit w/ a cap for 30 min. or so.

Then I'd use PM Tea Tree poo to clarify and follow with a good deep conditioning treatment (I like the PM Tea Tree con, but as long as it's something moisturizing, it's all good).

And like onep said, the protein & alcohol in that gel make it the enemy of healthy hair. I'd avoid it.

 

[Neroli]

Why are you using so much gel? You may want to reconsider your hair style.

Ditto.

IMO, styling gels are "harsh" products because of the nature of the ingredients that "holds" and "binds" hair together and even if nicely formulated (without alcohol) should be used occasionally for those special events, not be a consistent part of regular regimen for one trying to achieve healthy hair. This is just my opinion and I know the LHCF mantra "every thing doesn't work for everyone" . . .

My suggestion for removal would be to begin by rinsing hair thoroughly under shower to remove as much of the gel as possible. Then 'poo. Then using a thick condish (like nexxus humectress, keracare humecto, etc.) completely saturate hair with condish and begin detangling with large comb. Then rinse and proceed with drying/styling . . .

HTH!

 

[sprungonhairboards]

Why are you using so much gel? You may want to reconsider your hair style.

Yeah, reminds me of high school. I didn't know people still used the heavy gelling technique. Especially that brown stuff, it should have a warning on the jar

 

[Divine Inspiration]

Yeah, reminds me of high school. I didn't know people still used the heavy gelling technique. Especially that brown stuff, it should have a warning on the jar

Ok?! That stuff is like Plaster of Paris or something!

And you know folks who didn't have baby/straight hair around the hair line would be trying to "make" it with the Ampro gel, but it would be dried and crusty on their face. Ewww!

 

[DDTexlaxed]

I just rinse my hair w warm water first, then CW. Fantasia gel is great, but any other gel without alcohol should do.

 

[sprungonhairboards]

Ok?! That stuff is like Plaster of Paris or something!

And you know folks who didn't have baby/straight hair around the hair line would be trying to "make" it with the Ampro gel, but it would be dried and crusty on their face. Ewww!

Plaster of Paris

 

[sereia]

I like S-Curl Lite Wave Gel. It moisturizes but it has only litte hold so I use it mainly for Wash ´n´ go-Styles.

 

[Crackers Phinn]

I still use the brown gel when I'm out of the non alcohol white gels. VERY IMPORTANT: You have to put some type of moisturizing agent on your hair before you apply the gel or else extended use is going to cause breakage. I coat my hair with WGO or coconut oil before using ampro gel.

Because I use gel, I use clarifying shampoo everytime I wash my hair, followed by moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.

 

[*ElleB]

I still use the brown gel when I'm out of the non alcohol white gels. VERY IMPORTANT: You have to put some type of moisturizing agent on your hair before you apply the gel or else extended use is going to cause breakage. I coat my hair with WGO or coconut oil before using ampro gel.

Because I use gel, I use clarifying shampoo everytime I wash my hair, followed by moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.

I use Ampro Gel...I actually stopped using because of the high protein content....But I kept it on hold for when my hair gets out of control, and for the past two days it has been OUTTA CONTROL, so I had to... These two days have been my first time using it in months....I was using Glaze that was great, but just wasnt enough...It's fine in the morning, but loses its power over the course of the day...

I went to the bathroom after classes and my mouth dropped at how my hair looked!!! I felt so embarrassed!!! The edges had came up, it was like my hair fought the darn Glaze and WON!!!! (hehe), I had to wear my hood home, that is how bad it was... So I get you, with using the strong gel...Sometimes it is needed.

ITA, put a moisturizing agent under it, so it won't totally suck your hair dry....

IT: I'm gonna touch up this weekend cuz it's time, lol...

 

[cocowhite]

I would suggest extreme saturation of water in your hair with a clarifying shampoo for at least two washes, followed up with a good moisturizing shampoo and deep condition. I usually detangle when I rinse out the conditioner.

I recently had a french roll with spirals in which I used gel and a firm spritz. I used this method to wash my hair and it worked like a charm. I did have the normal/usual shedding because I hadn't combed my hair all week but other than that, my hair was fine.

ITA. Just let the water run through your hair for about 5 minutes, then proceed to shampoo.