It’s the humidity! We all know how curls can go poof in hot weather.
My 123 Gel Method helps you control frizz and maintain definition during summer, so your curls stay light, hydrated, and defined all at once.
What Is the 123 Gel Method?
- Water down your hair cream using the #bowlmethod.
- Apply three different gels, one pump each, one after another, in different positions.
Pro Tips:
- Use creamy gels for moisture, protein gels for strength,
- End with a glycerin-free gel.
- Wet plop, then dry as usual.
How the 123 Gel Method Started: My lightbulb moment
It was my second summer as a curly girl, and my curls needed something more to hold up against humidity.
I read about dew points and realized gels work better in hot weather while creams are ideal in the cold.
Cream = moisture.
Gel = definition.
My medium-high porosity hair was dry, so I watered down my cream with the bowl method, then layered three gels I had on hand, one pump each, scrunching them in for volume and definition.
The technique of directly scrunching in the gel gave me great definition.
And it worked.
Why Try the 123 Gel Method?
✅ Curls feel light, hydrated, and defined
✅ Reduces frizz in humid weather
✅ Adds volume without heaviness
If your curls need moisture + definition in the summer, try the 123 Gel Method and tag #123gel on Instagram so I can see your results!
Watch How I Apply the 123 Gel Method
FAQs About the 123 Gel Method
How is it different from using one gel?
Not all gels are the same.
Each gel has unique ingredients and strengths. Using a small amount of different gels is often better than using a lot of one gel, just like eating different veggies for variety and balance.
How should I pick gels?
For coarse, thick hair:
Use moisturizing gels for added hydration.
For fine or wavy hair:
Use gels with protein for strength and hold.
Hair Gels That Work for the 123 Gel Method
I only use SLS- and silicone-free products.
| Moisturising Hair Gels | Hair Gels with Protein |
| – Miribel Flxaseed Gel* (code:HONESTLIZHERE) – Spiralicious Gel – Giovanni LA Hold – Ecoslay Orange Marmalade – Curlsmith Flexi Gel | – Treluxe Hi Definition Gel – Bounce Curl Light Breme Gel – Only Curls – Curly Girl Movement Gel – Inahsi Custard Gel |
| MADE IN INDIA | |
| Protein- Free Hair Gels | Hair Gels with Protein |
| – Manetain Volume Gel – Fix My curls – Curlsense Flax Gel (code:HONESTLIZ) | – MANETAIN Hard Hold Gel – SugarBoo Curls Gel – Ashba Botanics – Fix My Curls |
This table contains affiliate links. Thanks for supporting this website with your purchase!
Best 123 Gel Combos (India)
✅ Manetain Hard Hold Gel (code: HONESTLIZ)
✅ Fix My Curls Flaxseed Gel
✅ Giovanni LA Hold Gel
Use this website to confirm product safety before purchasing.
A Word of Caution
- Some custard/film-forming gels may flake.
- Heavy gels can build up, causing itching and irritation.
- Dehydrated hair can feel frizzy, limp, and unmanageable.
✅ Clarify your hair regularly to prevent buildup.
✅ Clay treatments once or twice a month can help.
✅ Check out my shampoo guide here.
Ready to Try the 123 Gel Method?
If you try it, tag #123gel on Instagram so I can see your results and learn your favorite gel combos too!
Thank you for reading and watching.
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