But... it wasn't always this way. Like so many others who are still at the beginning of their curly girl journey (or simply don't know all the tricks of the trade yet), Marion also had a lot of questions in the beginning:
How do you actually use gel? Will my hair get frizzy or greasy? Do I need special tools? Can it be done in 5 minutes, or does it always take an hour?
In this blog we answer all these questions in detail.
We explain how to use our Strong Hold Gel , who it is suitable for and how to use it if you don't want a 'wet look'.
👉 And best of all: you'll find a free downloadable step-by-step plan a little further down, and a video tutorial showing you the entire routine step by step.
Bring on that frizz-free texture!
June 23, 2025 - 4 min read - Marion Naudts
Why a Strong Hold Gel?
Sometimes you just want to make sure your hair stays put . Think of a festival day, a wedding, humid weather, or just the third day after your wash.
Then our Strong Hold Gel is your best friend:
- provides defined bundles that do not fall apart
- keeps your texture in place for several days
- feels natural after scrunching
- is CG-proof and natural
How do you use a strong gel?
Be sure to watch our tutorial video ( here for the Defining Gel + Strong Hold Gel combination & here for just the Strong Hold Gel) where you can see all the steps live.
- Start with wet hair (preferably soaking wet)
- If desired, first apply our Defining Gel from roots to ends (for frizz control and texture activation). Comb your hair away from your head in sections with our styling brush .
- Take a small amount of Strong Hold Gel and spread it between your palms
- Apply to the lengths and ends using a scrunching motion. Make sure your hair is thoroughly saturated with both water and product – you should hear a "squishing" sound.
- Let it air dry or use a diffuser (recommended for wavy hair for extra activation)
- Once your hair is completely dry, scrunch the cast out for a soft finish
Help! My hair feels hard?
That's exactly the intention... Or at least for a while.☺️
Working with gel for the first time can be a bit daunting. Once dry, your hair feels hard, as if it were still wet, and you might think, "Did I do something wrong?"
Don't worry: that hard layer is the cast , and it's actually incredibly useful.
It acts as a kind of baking pan that protects your curls as they dry. This helps keep your curls curled and your hair dries frizz-free.
Once dry, scrunch out the cast. What's left? Soft, defined curls with bounce .
Trust the process! And be sure to watch our video , where you'll learn the praying hands technique . It helps you easily remove even the most difficult bits of cast.
Styling at your own pace: download the step-by-step plan
We've developed a step-by-step plan to help you create your own routine – from a quick morning style to a full-on care routine.
Because sometimes you want to take shortcuts, and sometimes you want to go all the way.
Download your customized plan here
Before and after: see the difference for your hair type
Type 1 - The rather straight curls with waves
Straighter hair types gain more movement and a beachy look. They get extra hold for a firm bun or ponytail, and their sleek locks transform into a casual look with more volume. For this type, we recommend a combination of defining and strong-hold gel.
Type 2 - The wavies
This is the texture that's often misidentified as curly hair. When people start styling naturally, they discover their true texture! This type has a varied mix of waves, curls, and occasional curls. With the defining gel combined with the strong hold, this type gets exactly what it needs: definition and hold.
Curls from root to tip! These spiral curls are beautifully defined with gel, making them truly shine. You can choose between the defining gel alone or a combination with strong hold. With defining gel alone, your hair will fall more smoothly and airily, while the strong hold provides extra protection against frizz.
Type 4 - The Curls
Kinky and coily types are best served by a combination of both gels. Their hair benefits from a strong dose of control and anti-frizz.
Extra tip: want to layer with the Defining Gel?
Many people first use the Defining Gel as a light base all over the hair, and then use the Strong Hold Gel on top of that in the lengths.
Our Defining Gelis light and suitable for application close to the roots, where it helps to tame frizz and activate your natural texture. The Strong Hold Gel On the other hand, it has a heavier texture and is best applied only to the lengths and ends. This prevents your hair from being weighed down at the roots.
Do you have any questions about how to use the gel for your hair type? Let us know, we're happy to help.
