It’s been surprising to me over the past few months that my styling product of choice – my go to product in a pinch to form twists or to shingle for a quick wash-n-go has been a gel, a fairly inexpensive gel that can easily be found in most drug stores. Surprising not simply for the price or it’s accessibility, but mostly due to my past history with scalp irritations. There have been many gels tried over the years and all…if not the majority have left my scalp and skin with blemishes and flareups. After trying and failing under a second attempt with Kinky Curly Custard, I vowed not to delve into gels again…lesson learned after nursing my scalp & skin back to it’s unscabbed health.

It’s been a Summer of trying and dabbling into a handful of different Eco Styler gels and while there is no clear ‘winner’ in the hunt for best styler, it’s an even better thing to use each formula for it’s specific purpose. *Please note, these are my own experiences while trying these products, and results will vary for each person.

Eco Styler *Krystal clear

• suitable of all hair types
• gives hair maximum hold of 10

This was my first foray into Eco Styler several months ago during the hotter months of the Summer. I used to shingle during a quick wash-n-go, applying to clean, freshly shampooed/conditioned hair. The hold level of this gel is high, so there is inevitable crunch. To combat this you can add a drop or two of a light nourishing oil to your strands either before shingling or once hair is dry. I prefer to add a bit of coconut oil once hair is fully dry and apply continually at night until the next wash. Hair maintains it’s shape as long as my nightly routine is held up. *Because we are entering the colder months, I would opt to still use this gel to moisturize and style the hair when mixed with my favorite moisturizing hair products. In the past I’ve used both Qhemet Biologics Amla Heavy Cream as well as the Burdock Root Butter Cream. Just a bit of each mixed with the Eco Styler gives you a great, moisturizing hair pudding.

Eco Styler *Pink Formula

• Anti-Itch Formula
• Firm Hold of 7

This would have to be the ideal gel for me when shingling during a wash-n-go without the use of a leave-in underneath. When using a leave-in, a favorite choice is Kinky Curly Knot Today because a smidge is all you need to prime your strands before applying the gel. With the hold level of 7, there’s significantly less crunch factor and hair has a ton of movement when dry. Granted, once hair is fully dry I do moisturize to help seal in moisture and preserve the longevity of the style. I’ve achieved amazing 7-day hair with this formula. The trick with most gels, this one included is to properly gauge how much to apply to hair in order to prevent hardness once dry and the lack of moisture that often occurs as the days progress. Because these gels are relatively inexpensive, trial and error are a great thing & should definitely be practiced. Also great for slicking back edges and offers a soft hold for puffs.

Eco Styler *Olive Oil Formula

• helps your scalp maintain its own natural moisturizing system
• maximum hold of 10

I’ve been on the hunt for this formula since the beginning of Summer & finally snagged it thanks to the watchful eyes of a good friend. Because it contains olive oil I presumed it would offer a softer more moisturizing hold. In hindsight, while it is great for shingling and twisting the hair, using a moisturizing leave-in could offer better results. A good leave-in is either KBB’s Sweet Ambrosia or Curl Junkie’s Curls in a Bottle. The Curls in a Bottle has worked for many naturals I’ve asked and gives hair added shine and definition while the KBB adds more moisture.

Eco Styler *Blue Formula

• Formulated specifically for color treated hair
• Hold level of 5

I had zero reason to purchase this formula except for it being next to the pink formula on the shelf when browsing in Harlem a few weeks back. The fact that it’s formulated for color treated hair was an added bonus because the hold level would be lesser than the pink formula, making it more ideal for twists/braids while using a medium-lite leave-in underneath. Could I shingle and use this as a wash-n-go? Absolutely. I’d first apply the gel to freshly cleansed and conditioned hair and moisturize as needed once dry. With lighter hold gels I find it better & easier to air dry the hair or if short on time, lightly diffuse  without over manipulating the hair before it is 100% set & dry. This is a great gel to use for twisting, braidouts, flattwists and set hair styles that need medium hold without the crunch.

Eco Styler *Yellow Formula

• Ideal for thermal hair styles
• Specially formulated to hold braids & twists
• aids in moisture retention w/ a hold of 8

This formula has been a surprise favorite in the bunch simply because I’d never have guessed they even made a yellow formula, and while at it, ideal for one my favorite go-to styles the infamous twistout! While it does have an indicated hold of 8, it works amazingly well for twists.  In moderation and when used with a moisturizing leave-in, twists/braids are left incredibly shinny & defined. I use this primarily with Carol’s Daughter’s Magic Hair cream but you can also use a much lighter leave-in conditioner if hair is not coarse or KBB’s hair butter or leave-in conditioner.

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Essential Tools Used while applying Eco Styler:

• Spray Bottle filled with water. Hair should be wet or damp prior to applying your moisturizer followed by the Eco Styler. Keeping a spray bottle handy helps tremendously if hair is especially coarse and dries out quickly.
• Wide Tooth Comb. Use this to get through stubborn last minute tangles and snarls while applying product. Begin at the ends and continue to work your way up until strands are smooth and you’re able to finger comb  with ease.
• Denman Brush. This is the ultimate tool when applying most gels to natural hair as it helps significantly in final detangling, smoothing and clumping curls together. I use the Denman directly after removing tangles with my wide tooth and after I’ve applied the gel. Once the hair is clumped together, I begin styling.

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The best part while using these gels has been incorporating new techniques, leave-ins & styles to see which gives me the best desired outcome. Each one offers great results and altogether different results each time I use. With a 16oz jar costing as little as $2.50 it’s become the easiest go-to product while being pocket and PJ friendly. While using a gel during the colder months of the year might seem like an initial turnoff, using in conjunction with a moisturizing leave-in hair milk or cream from your favorite line can save you in costs and give you the same results as your favorite hair pudding or regular styler. If you’ve used Eco Styler and have a few tips you’d like to share or some that’ I’ve missed, please drop them in the comments section. I’ll be updating this post, adding different successful variations and combos.