Image:@ouidad
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been experimenting with some newly released hair gels in an attempt to find a new favorite. Nowadays, the climate in my city is unbelievably, disgustingly humid, which makes this the perfect time to try Ouidad’s new Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel – Stronger Hold.
The original version of this gel has been out for quite some time, and it’s a favorite of some of the NaturallyCurly editors and readers. But the “Stronger Hold” version is a recent release, and it’s purportedly Ouidad’s most advanced frizz fighter yet. It’s designed to protect against both humidity and UV rays to keep curls defined and shiny all day.
Well, I was banking on it living up to its promise. I’ve found a couple other hair gels that I really like, but this New Orleans humidity has not been playing around lately. New Orleans is always humid, but things recently got to the point where everything in my house felt constantly damp for no reason. My bath towels didn’t stand a chance against the humidity, let alone my curls.
I tested the Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel – Stronger Hold on my 3b curls with a regular wash-and-go to see how well it’d stand up to the heat. Spoiler: I LOVE IT.
First Impressions
The Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel Stronger Hold features “anti-frizz nano technology” to seal the hair cuticle and protect it from humidity. It also features a “dedicated UV filter,” because yes, UV rays can damage your hair, too. If you usually take more of a pro-technology than an all-natural approach to your hair routine, this gel is right up your alley.
The gel is clear in color, and it has a slippery-smooth feel. It’s silky and easy to spread in your hands. I’m definitely a fan of the consistency and texture.
As far as smell goes, this gel has that clean Ouidad smell. It’s pleasant and not too strong.
Testing It Out
To test this gel, I washed and conditioned my hair and then applied a leave-in conditioner (Mielle Organics Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk, my new favorite!”>. Then I raked the Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel – Stronger Hold through my curls section by section, focusing on my ends, crown, and front curls. Those are the parts of my hair that tend to get the most frizzy.
I used to use the LOC method, which involved using twice as many products on my hair as I do now. But a hair stylist told me that, with all the humidity here, it’s silly to add oil and cream to my curls rather than products that focus on definition and frizz-fighting.
So here I am, discovering the magic of hair gel.
This new Ouidad gel was easy to work through my curls, and it instantly made them feel soft, smooth, and ultra-defined.
Next, I blow-dried my hair on low heat with a diffuser.
The Results
After drying, my curls were still well-defined, but not crunchy or stiff whatsoever. They were bouncy, even and voluminous.
Impressively, I went out that night in the midst of a dense New Orleans fog with my hair loose, and my hair was still pretty defined at the end of the night! It did increase in volume, but more volume is always a plus, as far as I’m concerned.
This gel also manages to not dry out my hair despite its humidity-fighting capabilities, which is lovely. Another plus: It doesn’t flake.
Final Thoughts
I Love. This. Hair Gel.
It’s been a struggle to find a lightweight hair gel that does everything I need it to do – define my hair and keep it moisturized and last all day – especially in this crazy humidity. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel – Stronger Hold absolutely gets the job done.
Honestly, I can’t think of any cons to this gel, but I do have a word of caution. I used it one more time on a braid-out – because I love it so much – and it left some white build-up on my front curls. There is, apparently, a limit to how much you should apply to any one section! Don’t go overboard and attempt to use it as an edge control like I did!
At $26, my wallet will cry a little when it’s time to buy a new bottle. But on the plus side, $26 buys you 8.5 ounces of this product, and a little goes a long way. I expect this bottle to last me for a couple months – fingers crossed.
Have you tried this magical gel from Ouidad? What are your thoughts?
