GEL | HOLD | FEATURES & BENEFITS |
Moroccan Argan Oil | 10/10 | Rich in organic ingredients. Contains Vitamin E. Provides manageability, softness and shine to hair. |
10/10 | Nourishes, repairs, strengthens and grows hair | |
Olive Oil | 10/10 | High in Vitamin E. Controls frizz. Moisturizes the scalp and hair. |
10/10 | Reduces frizz, removes static charge and minimizes breakage from heat and chemical abuse | |
Colored Hair | 10/10 | Formulated for color treated or highlighted hair |
Curl and Wave | 8/10 | Ideal for curly and wavy hair. Imparts moisture and shine. Contains chamomile and tea tree. Defines curls. Weightless |
10/10 | Reduces porosity, offers UV protection, contains wheat protein | |
Protein | 8/10 | Strengthens and conditions hair. Moisturizes the hair. |
10/10 | Minimizes breakage from heat and chemical abuse. Reduces frizz. Removes static charge. | |
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10/10 | Provides the hold necessary for an active lifestyle. Weightless. |
How to use eco styler gel on natural hair
Using eco styler gels on natural hair is pretty much the same as using gel on any other hair type or texture. Gels are used primarily to provide hold for slick styles such as ponytails or buns.
They are also used to tame frizz and fly-a-ways. Many naturals use eco styler gels for wash and gos, for defining curls and during the installation of protective styles so these styles stay frizz free for longer periods.
Eco styler may be applied to dry or wet hair and some naturals may find that they get better results if they apply the gel on dampened hair.
Is eco styler gel good for natural hair
Eco styler gels are traditional gels with traditional ingredients as opposed to many gels and custards that are natural and or organic and contain a long list of beneficial ingredients for all hair types. Though alcohol-free, which is a definite plus as it reduces the likelihood of the hair becoming excessively dry, generally speaking, Eco styler gel ingredients aren’t going to get you excited about their benefits for natural hair.
For example, the ingredients listing for the olive oil gel are: Water (Aqua), Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, PVP, Glycerin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Polysorbate 20, Tetrasodium EDTA, Olive Oil, Fragrance, Blue #1, Yellow #11. Love and Pride.
As long as Eco styler gels are used while protecting the natural hair beneath the gel (i.e. making sure the hair is moisturized) there is little chance of the gel harming your hair, however, don’t expect the gel to actually improve the condition or well-being of your hair.
Which Eco styler gel is best for natural hair
The gels are all essentially the same. They all provide similar hold and while they are generally named after the oils they contain; the ingredient listings of the gels indicate that the percentage of the oils in each of the gels is pretty inconsequential as evidenced by their position in the ingredients list.
You could pretty much choose your gel at random. Let’s take a look at the ingredients listing for Eco styler argan oil gel vs the Eco styler olive gel.
Eco Styler Argan Oil Gel Vs Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel
Eco styler argan oil gel ingredients | Eco styler olive oil gel ingredients |
Water Carbomer Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein PVP Glycerin Triethanolamine Sodium Hydroxymethyl glycinate Polysorbate 20 Tetrasodium EDTA Argan oil Fragrance Yellow #11
|
Water (Aqua)
Carbomer Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein PVP Glycerin Sodium Hydroxymethyl glycinate Polysorbate 20 Tetrasodium EDTA Fragrance Blue #1, Yellow #11 Love and Pride. |
You can see from the ingredients listed above, there is no real difference between these gels except the oils they contain which is in very small concentrations. Sometimes, your hair may seem to like one better than the other; however, it is often a mystery why our hair likes some products and not others.
Also, though all Eco styler gels are marketed as non-flaking, some people do experience flaking so it’s really a trial and error process as with choosing most of your other natural hair products. The protein and super protein gels are probably best avoided, especially if you intend to use the gel on a daily or near daily basis.
This way, you minimize the risk of protein overload resulting in breakage. The curl and wave gel, being formulated for textured and natural hair types is probably a good starting point and is formulated to impart moisture.
The hold rating of 8/10 is also great as many naturals prefer to avoid the hard and crunchy feeling that can result from gels that provide a really strong hold. You can buy Eco styler gels at your local beauty supply store or online as they are easily accessible.
What does eco styler gels do
Eco Styler Curl and Wave Gel
Eco styler gels do what all gels are supposed to do. They provide (strong) hold to the hair so that styles stay put and are free of frizz.
According to the product information, the gels also provide some or all of the following benefits:
- Non-flaking
- UV protection
- Weightless
- Moisturizing
- Non-tacky
- Anti-Itch
How to use Eco styler gel on relaxed hair
Eco Styler Sport Gel
To use eco styler gel on relaxed hair, you apply your gel to the sections of hair you desire, smooth into the hair with the hands or as brush and complete your style. This is the same procedure you’d follow when using the gel on natural hair as well.
With relaxed hair, however, you will use less gel than you would for natural hair so be appropriately cautious when applying your gel. You can always add more if necessary but it may be a little bit trickier to remove the excess gel from the hair.
The excess gel also freezes the hair (holds it more firmly). If this happens, the hair can become brittle and may break when manipulated in order to take the style down.
This is why it is so important to ensure that hair is well moisturized before the gel is applied so that it will be able to retain some elasticity and flexibility and therefore, be less likely to break when handled. Eco styler gels are affordable and accessible and provide UV protection while providing hold and moisture.
While the gels are unlikely to cause the hair any damage or cause the hair to break, if used incorrectly, it is possible to harm the hair. It is therefore important to use the gels on hair that is properly moisturized and sealed to protect the hair from freezing and breaking as a result.
Eco styler gels can be used on natural, relaxed, texlaxed (texturized) or transitioning hair and will provide hold and tame frizz in instances. For natural hair, this line of gels can be used for defining curls and creating wash and gos and other defined styles such as twist-outs and braid outs.
Eco styler gels are also available in multiple sizes so whether you use a little or a lot of gel in your hair regimen, there’s a size out there for you.
Hey Curl Friend, I’m Patrina Haupt the creator and author of Natural Hair Queen. I hope you find my healthy hair care tips helpful in your hair journey. Healthy hair care practices are definitely, what helped me to achieve waist length hair.
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Patrina says
Hi Camilla, you can buy Eco styling gel at any beauty supply store, Target, Walmart, or Amazon.
Nikki says
yes i understand that eco will break damage to your hair, but is it possible that you can use a bit of gel for your edges?
Patrina says
It really depends on how you care for your hair before the gel is added. Make sure you are using Butta Butta Cream and a cream moisturizer on your edges before you add the gel.
Kat says
Do you know what products go well with eco styler Gel?(especially conditioners)
Patrina says
A conditioner that is moisturizing/hydrating is the best one to use regardless if you are using Eco Styler Gel or not.
elizabeth says
I just bought the eco styler in a purple container,and it’s not even holding my hair at all ,is it that I am not applying it the right way,or is my hair type (4c) too strong for it?
Patrina says
Hi Elizabeth, I’m not familiar with the one in the purple container. Does it state that it gives the maximum hold? Have you tried the olive oil or flaxseed Eco styler gel? Are you using the gel on your edges or as a wash in go? I know a lot of women myself included that use eco styler and a control paste to slick down the edges.
Jane Kisakye says
I have got african natural short hair. Which type of Eco gel can help me to keep hair moisturized,soft and curly?
Please tell me how to apply the choice you will make for me.
Patrina says
Hi Jane, I don’t feel any type of gel will moisturize your hair the way an oil or cream product would. If you are looking to define a wash n go Eco Styler is good. If you are looking to lay down the edges of your hair then Eco Styler is also good with a control paste on top of that to smooth down the edges.
Chloe says
Hi Patrina. I want to buy an eco styler that is strong but does not leave a hard cast on your hair. Could you tell me which eco styler gel would be best?
Patrina says
I like the flaxseed gel. No matter which gel you decide on it will leave a hard cast if a lot of the product is used. The cast will fad away.
Nicole says
Hi. Would this gel be good for box braids?
Patrina says
Foe the edges of your hair yes.
Kitty says
Can this be used in my daughter’s hair? She is 6 years of age. I like to twist her hair kinda loose after a wash and comb through, so if I can have something to like hold the twist possibly would the coconut get work? Advice needed.
Patrina says
I would not advise using eco styler on a child. It would be best to use a product that is more natural but has a hold.
Isabella says
I bought the flaxseed and tried it but it doesn’t sleek my hair. My hair is 3b.should I change the gel?
Patrina says
Have you tried it with a satin scarf to lay down your edges?
Ehi says
I heard Eco gel is not good for hair, please which other gel can I use
Patrina says
I too have heard a lot of things about this gel. I still use it as I don’t like to waste products and it still works for my hair. Camilla Rose has a great product too
Karen says
Hello, i bought the green eco styler gel, i have african hair however it is relaxed, for some weird reason when i am laying my edges after a few minutes it curls my hair so the edges aren’t laid properly. Am i doing something wrong?
Patrina says
Hello Karen, You may need to lay your hair down with a scarf for 10-15 mins so it will remain laid all day long.