Only halfway through, but WOW! Your hair is so shiny, and I don't know if I've ever seen it with such big clumps. 😍 I think I'm partial to your usual, higher volume on top look though. It really suits you. ❤️

Thank you! I think the brush had a lot to do with the clumps

I loved this gel. I used the Bounce Curl leave in underneath it so I think that helped keep my hair moisturized as I didn’t experience dryness on day 2 & 3. It’s a great drug store option.

@@lisalanghart59 I wish the Bounce Curl leave wasn’t so heavily perfumed. I bought it but I am so fragrance sensitive that I had to give it to my daughter. Now, the Bounce Curl Avocado and Rose Oil Curl Cream isn’t quite as fragrant so I CAN use it and I love it 💖👍🏼

@@Star-dj1kw I love the BC avocado rose oil clump & define cream as well. Haven’t tried it with this Curl Talk gel but suspect it would be good too.

I like the Dove Gel better because of the thinner formula for my high porosity medium/coarse hair. It's easier to work with and doesn't get that build-up feeling as bad.

That Ouidad gel is still my fav!! The Dove Shine & Moisture Finishing Gel is a good dupe but just doesn’t have protein

Ouidad does have some good sales on their site! Not just for holidays, but random times as well. Last time I was able to buy two 16 oz climate gel bottles buy one get one free!

@@GenaMarie I finally got my hands on the Dove gel. I have not given it a good humidity test yet, but I am really liking it. Thank you for the suggestion and the time and effort you put into your videos & website.

Thank you! The main reason I love Curlsmith though is they don't build up and feel nice on the hair all week. However this NYM gel is a close dupe to the Curlsmith In-Shower Style Fixer!

@@GenaMarie that’s so funny that you say that because I bought the hold me softly balm and in shower style fixer gel after your video review of all their gels and it works PERFECT here in south FL where the humidity is high at all times! But I run out of both so fast! Could you maybe do a video doing a side by side? Love you! 💖

So interesting! Thanks for sharing your experience!

Yeah, the feeling isn't great. I loved my results but wish it was more slippery and easier to apply. A little goes a long way and it takes some water mixed in.

@@GenaMarie Your hair did come out really nice though! I just tried a new product (the mop top line) the other day and actually went thru something similar - I hated the feel, and I actually got several compliments on my hair that day, but I hated the feel, and it ended up not even holding for 24 hours. 😒

Not your mothers has an excellent deep conditioning masque as well

Thank you! I need to try that!

Glad it was helpful! It doesn’t flake on me if you don’t use too much. Once I started layering more on top when I refreshed on day 5 I got some flakes in the air when fluffing but they were not visible on the hair.

They’re very close! The Curlsmith one doesn’t build up though and feels nicer on next-day, less dry. This is a close dupe though for sure

Thank you so much!!

Yeah! They did really shrink up a lot. It seems that when I use products amino acids I get more clumps and shrinkage.

@@GenaMarie I prefer length to shrinkage. What products are good for that?

Same I didn’t like it either!

here you go! rstyle.me/+qjRrfDWjP_t3wmrlUKOz1g

I dont usually use both because curl creams also provide moisture so it doesnt seem necessary. However perhaps that would have helped in this routine because this Curl Talk cream doesnt feel very softening

@@GenaMarie I always wondered if I should use both, or just one or the other. I don’t like putting too many products in my hair especially fragranced products since my skin is so sensitive, so if I can eliminate one which should I eliminate? Leave in or curl cream?

I would say eliminate leave in, because curl cream has added benefits for curl definition and clumps. As long as your curl cream is moisturizing leave in is not needed in my opinion

It is very moisturizing. Sally’s sells it. You will love it.

No flakes! I double checked because the original Curl Talk gel flakes some say. This is the new Hard Hold gel

I saw this also. Same reason I haven't tried it.. Im assuming it didn't happen to Gena becuse she said to use small amounts in sections. I realized sectioning is really helpful cuse you have an exact idea of the amounts you are using,, where as just plopping gel on your hair, your not really sure if you need more. (We tend to think we do) She also mentioned to water it down if you must, becuse of the HARD hold it has. But on the flipside, I think, if the product says it won't flake, IT JUST SHOULDNT!! Since its affordable.. MAYBE I'll considera it. I just hate to hear about it and chance it, you know? Its a waste of money, time and even frustrating!

UPDATE! I’m now on day 5 and I refreshed yesterday by adding more cream gel and then today by just adding water and a little cream.. and I do see flakes on surfaces around me but not on my actual hair. So interesting! Usually you’ll be able to see the flakes on the hair but luckily I don’t. It’s just when I’m fluffing it looks like dust on my dark desk I’m sitting at. I think this happened because I layered on extra gel when I refreshed

I usually detangle my hair dry before getting the shower with a little oil in sections. Then, I use a conditioner first to detangle once my hair is wet. Then shampoo and use a mask after or conditioner again

@@GenaMarie I always thought CG ways was to detangle curky hair only wet and never dry......butninwill try your suggestion, thanks

@@GenaMarie Yes, i've been doing this too. Works wonders.

I'm definetly going to have to try some of these things because I'm in South Florida too and the humidity is just horrible. My hair is always dry and I end up throwing it in a bun 🙁

@@sharissehewell2757 I know what you mean. I would use your favorite moisturizer if leave in. But don’t use too much; otherwise you’ll dilute a bit the hard hold gel. That has been the only way I’ve been able to get results. It still frizzes but not too bad