Stop Being Afraid of Gel: How to Use Pattern Curl Gel Without Stickiness or Crunch

(BEFORE AND AFTER USING THE RIGHT GET WITH THE RIGHT TECHNIQUE)

For decades, curly girls (and guys!) have avoided gel out of fear of sticky, crunchy curls. But here’s the truth: gel isn’t the enemy, using it the wrong way is. When applied correctly, gel is one of the most powerful tools you can use to lock in definition, reduce frizz, and keep your curls bouncy for days.

And one of the best formulas out there? Pattern Curl Gel by Tracee Ellis Ross- a holy grail gel that’s finally available inside the Curls Monthly Product Vault.

In this guide, I’ll break down exactly how to avoid the dreaded stringy, weighed-down, or crunchy curls while showing you why Pattern Curl Gel deserves a permanent spot in your curl routine.

Why Gel Still Gets a Bad Reputation

Curl gel hasn’t changed much since the early 2000s, but our understanding of how to use it has. If your past experiences left you with crunchy or stiff curls, you probably weren’t using the right technique.

The good news? Once you learn the basics, gel becomes your best friend in achieving consistent, defined curls.

Common Gel Mistakes and How to Fix Them

1. Stringy Curls

If your curls turn out stringy, it’s usually because you’re not using enough water when styling. Think of water as your first hair product. Always apply gel on soaking-wet hair to ensure even distribution and plump curl clumps.

Pro Tip: Keep a spray bottle nearby to re-wet sections as you apply gel.

2. Flat or Weighed-Down Curls

This happens when too many products compete with your gel—heavy creams and leave-ins layered underneath can smother curl definition.

Fix: Use lighter layers. Sometimes, skipping cream altogether and letting the gel shine on its own gives the best results.

3. Crunchy Curls

That hard cast you feel after your hair dries? It’s actually a good thing! It means the gel created a protective shell around your curls. The trick is to break that cast once your hair is completely dry.

✨ How to Remove Crunch in 30 Seconds:

  1. Wash and style as usual with gel.

  2. Once fully dry, apply a few drops of lightweight oil to your hands.

  3. Scrunch your curls gently to “break” the cast.

  4. Voilà! Soft, bouncy curls with long-lasting hold.

Why I Love Pattern Curl Gel

Pattern Curl Gel isn’t your typical crunchy, old-school formula. It was designed with modern curl science in mind and delivers a perfect balance of hold, moisture, and shine.

Fast Facts About Pattern Curl Gel:

  • Protein free

  • Creamy consistency (not stiff or sticky)

  • Amazing as a gel + cream combo

  • Medium, flexible hold

  • 4X the curl definition

  • 6X the shine

It’s the perfect match for anyone who wants definition without sacrificing softness.

Try Pattern Curl Gel in Curls Monthly

Here’s the best part- you don’t have to go searching for the perfect gel. Pattern Curl Gel is now available inside the Curls Monthly Product Vault.

That means you can get it delivered right to your door in your next mailer (along with four other amazing curl products), all for a fraction of retail price.

👉 Subscribe to Curls Monthly today to customize your next box with Pattern Curl Gel. Supplies are limited, so don’t wait!

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