Curlsmith Gels Compared | Updated 2024 Version

[@GenaMarie]

Summary on the blog: genamarie.co/2024/07/curlsmith-gels-compared-updated-2024-version/ 📥 DOWNLOAD THE CHART: genamarie.co/product/curlsmith-gels-comparison-chart/ ➜PRODUCT LINKS • Frizz Rescue Curl Retainer: tidd.ly/3PwZet0 • Shape Up Aqua Gel: tidd.ly/3Bjkyg2 • Fragrance-Free Shine Jelly: tidd.ly/3VAuABw • Hydro Style Flexi Jelly: tidd.ly/3PvAWyj • Curl Defining Styling Souffle: tidd.ly/3PTRsbW • Fragrance-Free Shine Gel: tidd.ly/3Qh7ht2 • In-Shower Style Fixer: tidd.ly/3Sbho2J

[@vfernandes30]

I do not have the same hair type as her. But I do appreciate her taking the time to do the videos and include the side descriptions of the products bcs it really helps and I always learn a lot. The amount of screenshots I be taking it’s insane I always find myself better informed about what exactly I’m putting in my hair.

[@GenaMarie]

Thank you! There’s a summary on my blog post too which is hopefully easy to refer back to

[@keepitsimplesusan818]

I love your deep analysis! So interesting, generally, as well as helpful specifically. Thank you for all the work you put into these comparison charts. Also, your delivery is to the point and not tedious or wandering, which is very important to me! Great! :)

[@GenaMarie]

Thank you so much!

[@joelyisdoingherbest]

I need to buy stock in Curlsmith! My cupboard looks like a small Curlsmith store! Thank you for doing this video! It was super helpful

[@shehulk8514]

Hi Gena, you got me hooked on Curl Smith products, but I always get different results. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for creating the hair tracker. I'm so excited to get started. As a matter of fact, today is cleansing day!!

[@rainbowshinning]

I live in a hot humid and ranny area. My favorite gels are the Shine gel, acqua gel and the flexi jelly 😊 The worst in my hair is the green one 😅

[@Nubesyxochis]

This video is a gold mine, thank you! I'm excited to try the souffle because my high-porosity hair gets SO dry and needs strong hold. And now that you noted that the Fragrance-free Shine Gel is for high-humidity environments, I'll stop using it unless I'm traveling -- I live in a generally dry climate and it makes my scalp itch after a couple of days (which is a shame because it does offer good hold for my thick, coarse, wavy hair). Thank you also for noting that you layer the lighter gels because the Hydro Style Flexi Jelly has very little hold for me.

[@karenshoucairmcgray4902]

Thank you for this comparison! I have High Porosity Low Density Fine hair. The In Shower Style Fixer is wicked. It gives a strong hold and I have learned to use that sparingly. I will give the aqua gel a try next time. I love experimenting. I never know how my curls will turn out. 😊

[@bluefroggy99]

I love the shape up aqua gel! My hair loves the protein line. I’m always amazed by the results when I use it.

[@GenaMarie]

Mine too!

[@legsnhipsnbawdy]

I would love a comparison video for Innersense. It is the only brand I've tried that truly has a strong hold for my hair (I Create Hold). But they now have a few other products

[@norrisfam3]

This is an extremely helpful reference. Thank you! I would love a video breakdown like this for curl creams - Curlsmith only or a variety of brands.

[@deniseruffini1688]

I love most Curlsmith but the soufflé taught me what flash drying was! Maybe the aloe

[@bluefroggy99]

Thanks for this in depth video. Majority of my products are Curlsmith, so I found this very helpful ☺️☺️☺️

[@lizmartin1844]

Hi Gena. I love your videos are very thorough and educational . I’m very grateful that I found your channel as you introduced me to Curlsmith products. Ive always struggled with my curly hair for a few reasons, low porosity ( I learned from you), and scents trigger migraines. I was hesitant to buying another product that would have to donate. But Curlsmith has travel sizes and I must say I’ve tried all of their line except for the new green one. CS is the only brand that hasn’t triggered migraines, and for that a big Thank you! My favorite styler is the Jelly alternating the orange or blue cream. I also have ALL of their shampoos & conditioners. Hubby calls my stash the “Ulta shelf” . lol I’m getting ready to purchase their blow dry too! Again, thank you !

[@GenaMarie]

That’s great!

[@unlikelysquid]

I bought the hydro style flexi jelly after watching your previous Curlsmith gel video, and also the hydrate & plump leave in conditioner from the new volume line. I got the best style results I’ve ever gotten on my fine, porous, medium/ high density wavy hair. I appreciate your videos, even though we have very different hair and curl types!

[@kayleeholcomb4126]

This video came at the perfect time for me! Just ran out the shower fixer and while I love it, it can be too moisturizing for my fine curls. Was debating trying the shine gel next instead and now I’m excited to try it! Thanks Gena this video was awesome

[@Victoria-_]

Tysm for this! I have 4b curls & I just bought the in-shower style fixer from TJMax to try! 😊

[@carolinecoward469]

Thsnk you for the comparison chart and this video! My hair is fine but high porosity. Also I live in a very dry climate but my scalp sweats a lot. So I'm battling opposite needs and it's tough to find the right product.🤞🏻

[@SBCinNC]

Gena, this was extremely helpful. I typically use the Shine Gel in the summer for my very dense, low porosity coarse curls and LOVE it! Before your tutorials, I didn't know to look for the Polyquaterniums. I am much better, thanks to you, at choosing the right product for my hair the FIRST time!

[@raelynnearnheart8506]

I’m using the flexi gel now and really enjoying it. It’s been difficult finding a gel for my high porosity and low density hair.

[@anna_khas]

I love Curlsmith products, my favorites are flexi jelly and feather-light protein cream. My hair is coarse, medium to high porosity.

[@alyssatorregroza8447]

I appreciate your videos so much! They're always so helpful. I really want to love the shape up aqua gel, but I find that my curls are completely straight by day 2, even when I pair it with the featherlight protein cream. I think my hair may be going through a weird detox or something. It’s so odd and discouraging because I can spend so much time on wash day, only to have flat lifeless hair by the next morning. I didn't love that the download requires me to enter my shipping address even though it is a free download. I really preferred the method of having the download sent to me via email. Also, my hope is that this is helpful, but l've noticed over a couple of videos that you may want to practice saying hyaluronic acid.. I always think of the Loreal commercial with Eva Longoria where she says "hiya-lure-onic acid" (lure as opposed to rule). I know it's one of those words that can be tricky, but maybe slowing it down could help. 🙏🏼

[@Stephie_686]

Thank you for this very informative video! I love Curlsmith! I have been loving their shine gel this summer. I have been wanting to try the aqua gel

[@GenaMarie]

It’s so good!

[@alicesings1971]

I saw a KZbin channel that promotes the Dollar Tree and they have small sizes of Twist products. I haven’t seen them in Seattle area but maybe you’ve seen them. That’s a great size for traveling. I have been mixing the Red Quidad gel with the Curls blue gel. I’ll try the CurlSmith next wash day. Thx

[@jenniferguevara2809]

Always coming through with the best content. You're are the most dedicated content creator.💖✨💕

[@GenaMarie]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@anna_khas]

Yes! Video I was waiting for!🎉

[@sara.m88]

Thank you so much for this helpful video!

[@irmaradinson2320]

Finally waiting for you 🎉🎉🎉

[@MabelGls]

I have about 3-4 different Curlsmith gels as well and depending on the season/weather, I reach for different ones. I think I have similar hair type/density so this really has helped me a lot. I'm still not even sure of what ingredients my hair loves but your videos point me in the direction to try different products. Which by the way, your hair looks amazing. What was the routine for this video?

[@TheRootedTherapist]

Hey! I’d love to see you review the product line by Seen. I’m super allergic to Cocomidopropyl Betaine and related ingredients, plus some fragrances, and this line is marketed for people w allergies and skin reactions. No gel (boo!) but they do have a curl cream.

[@yurim6833]

I love the flexi gel! High porosity low density

[@jodywagner7760]

I really enjoyed this video.

[@jamiem3265]

I went out and bought most of the Curlsmith volume line for my thin fine curls. While I did see an immediate improvement in the feel of my hair, it def made it feel more healthy, but it’s just kind of blah. My hair seems very straight, almost like it’s wavy and not curly. I do usually air dry and I think that may be just a part of my problem. I used the cleanser, the conditioner, the leave in, the root volume spray and the mouse. Not sure what I’m doing wrong. I used to love my hair but since it’s thinned I hate it. Also, it has been dry as the Sahara but I do believe the Curlsmith shampoo and conditioner are at least helping that. I’m at a loss here. I used to have such good curls 😞 Do I need to add a gel? I don’t like a ton of products but I’ll try anything to get my curls back in shape

[@JemGirl218]

Could you do a video about all the different liquid consistency gels from to high end to drugstore? They are difficult to find.

[@chakrinikak7971]

Which one is good for low porosity hair?

[@SLTheOneAndAwesome19]

I really appreciate this as someone who just started a proper curl routine this year! I've really been struggling to find the right curl cream and gels. I'd been using the Umberto Gianinni curl jelly but found it couldn't handle humidity very well, so I bought the rescue curl retainer and I find that while it does tame humidity, it kills most volume. I'm trying to find that sweet spot and now I'm debating between the Aqua shape up and the curl souffle. Do you plan to make a similar video for curlsmith curl creams or other brands' curl gels?

[@GenaMarie]

I have an old one comparing the creams: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5Tdoqumjtx9jJY&pp=gAQBiAQB

[@alexj2802]

@@GenaMariethank you Gena! I love this video. I was looking forward to see the cream video!

[@benichii4354]

Just in time for my wash day!!

[@emicb999]

I honestly don’t care about frizz I just want something to hold my waves but I don’t like gels because it’s so crunchy :/ I have fine hair, is there anything you can recommend?

[@cherienixon2249]

Hi Gena! Thank you for the comparison tables, so helpful!! I'm looking for a very lightweight hard hold gel, and now I'm starting to wonder if that's even possible. Do you know if it is? My hair is baby fine, low porosity, low to medium density, with 2b waves that sometimes spiral (my favorite). I can get it almost to 2c with scrunching, but it gets weighed down super easily, and the waves fall out super easily. (Also, anything with protein seems to make it super stringy, and it takes about 4 washes to settle down after that.) Let me know if you have any recommendations, thanks!!

[@veronicahaney6005]

sounds like the hydro jelly would be best for you!

[@dianakayyali5283]

Hi, I have 2B type of hair, low porosity, easily weighted down, thick hair. Which one would be better gel for me, blue or purple one?

[@MarilynSmith-qj5ru]

The aqua gel is absolutely the best for my thick dry hair

[@melissapeirson7000]

I am wondering if the Shine Gel (in the tube) is being reformulated or discontinued because it is not available anywhere online. It gives me the best results of the 4 Curlsmith gels that I have tried but now I can’t find it. 😢 Great information, as always!

[@yourme2]

Thank you great job

[@ilonadehooge8792]

Thank you very much for thuis useful comparison! I was just wondering how the curlsmith gels compare to the jessicurl gels, especially when it concerns the stronger hold gels. Thanks!

[@trishr-bf2be]

How does it compare to the Ouidad?

[@Marye1934]

Me encantó esta reseña ❤ lo que si tengo en contra de curlsmith que de hecho tengo todos sus productos es que a la hora de mezclarlos con sus cremas o leave in se cortan 😢

[@alexj2802]

Hi Gena! I love your videos! I would love to hear your thoughts about Ouidad the purple line, Coil Infusion . Good Shape Defining Gel, Boost Up Styling + Shaping Gel Cream. Thank you :)

[@2withalakeview405]

Can you do a side by side with Moroccan gel?

[@artax9683]

Have you ever tried the LA Looks level 10 gel? Its been what I use for a long time because I have 2A waves in the front sections that I can get a bit wavier on Day 1 with curl enhancer, but I've been trying for years to find a gel with enough hard hold to keep them wavy on day 2 and beyond (without making my hair dry/producty/brittle feeling). Everywhere else on my head is ~2C, so my styling routine is solely centered around trying to get 2A waves to match the rest of my head, and Day 2 and beyond is just a tragedy of straightness. My hoy grail would be one that actually holds the curl, but leaves hair soft and lasts for 3 days. I can't figure out if the LA Looks 10 works better or worse than anything else, because just nothing seems to work.

[@GenaMarie]

Yes, it gave me good hold but it was very drying on my hair and made it feel like straw. It was too thick/sticky for my hair type.

[@irmaradinson2320]

Have the jelly Umberto Giovanini I hope it blends well with CS leave in cream.

[@mtndewdev]

I appreciate the comparisons, I love curlsmith!! The frizz gel is my least favorite. We have the same hair type and I felt it left my hair so sticky, frizzy, flakey, and dry. I always repurchase the flexi jelly one and the protein one

[@agiwojcik4513]

I was disappointed with styling soufflé as everyone seems to like it. I think my hair doesn’t like aloes and linseed (flaxseed). It left my hair feeling dry and straw like during styling. Was fine after but the application process felt horrible. If that happens to you try to avoid those 2 ingredients. I like flexi jelly and shine gel. My hair is low to medium porosity, fine to medium thickness and medium density.

[@irmaradinson2320]

I use aqua gel and blue label for my final touch soufflé I emulsify. I have fine hair high porosity. And live in dry climate. I afraid to use the mouse tho.

[@meh9455]

Any chance you can do a BondBar review?

[@MelissaBrew-m6z]

Hi Gena, thank you for the fab video. It is great & super helpful. I have fine, high porosity high (I think) hair as it is highlighted using bleach. Please can you help me to see which is best for me. I'm wondering if the Shine Gel would be good as I get fluffy hair day 2 onwards or would the Shape up Aqua Gel be better due to the protein? Or maybe a mix of both even? I currently us Bouncecurl light Creme gel but not getting great results lately. Many thanks, Melissa. 😀

[@GenaMarie]

The Shine Gel would be good if you want strong hold and humidity protection. The shape up aqua gel is really nice too but doesn’t have humidity blockers in it. Just depends on your climate

[@Jen-Nif-er]

I have all of these and have been trying to see which combo would work best for my fine, low density, high porosity hair. Which gel would you compare with Chi Max control gel? I get a really good cast with that gel.

[@GenaMarie]

I haven’t tried that one! The Shape Up Aqua gel is good for low density and high porosity

[@brendascott4781]

Hi Gena I have a question for you. Out of all the shampoos & conditioners you have tried, what is the best for dry frizzy hair? I’ve tried so many yet my hair is still dry & has frizz. I use leave in conditioners & moisturizing masks also. Please help!

[@GenaMarie]

Shampoos and conditioners are only a small part of the equation when it comes to frizz and will not solve frizz issues. It's likely your gel or lack of gel. I recommend this video to start: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iICqi42GepeLoZI

[@brendascott4781]

@@GenaMarie Thank you great video ❤️

[@yurim6833]

But I love you hair in this video. What products did u use. So cute and well defined ❤

[@ioanasandugmailcomIoanaSandu]

Hi Gena! I have a question: what would you recommend for hair that is coarse and low porosity? I find that most products are for either one or the other.

[@anna_khas]

Flexy jelly seems to be a gem for any type. Gena recommended it for low porosity fine hair, but I love it for my coarse higher porosity hair

[@traciestorm8335]

Honestly, Gena, most of the Curlsmith gels made your beautiful hair more separated and stringy. My medium texture, medium porosity hair often looks stringy. How do you get your hair to clump so perfectly like when you use your Quidad gel???❤

[@GenaMarie]

The Flexi Jelly or Shine Jelly would be good!

[@megancastle5573]

Hi Gena! How would you compare the styling souffle vs ouidad strong hold gel?

[@GenaMarie]

The Soufflé is more of a custard and great in mild or dry climates whereas the Ouidad gel is good for humidity and results in a softer look

[@megancastle5573]

​@@GenaMarie thank you!

[@1922mistyblue]

Are there any CurlSmith gels that do not contain sodium hydroxide?

[@loveyhernandez5203]

Review mielle foam and carols daughter line

[@pennycoleman6178]

I thought your favorite was the red label Quidad ?

[@GenaMarie]

I said the Shape Up Aqua Gel is “one of my favorites” and “favorite gel from Curlsmith”

[@pennycoleman6178]

@@GenaMarie oh I’m sorry thank you probably not good for me because of the protein. I have salt and pepper course low porosity hair and the humidity and heat have been off the charts never before experienced weather like this in NY I not only use the Quidad red label but biosilk rock hard gelee on top a thin layer on top watered down

[@tmilesgirl8684]

I tried the jessecurl gel but my fine hair hates it and it makes it look greasy. There's legit no hold and it falls flat and frizzy by the end of dau 1. Is it because my hair is too soft? My hair is so dry and frizzy, and I struggle with definition and hold. I swear I'll never get this hair thing right

[@jamiem3265]

Same 😞

[@karen8785-d3y]

I thick coarse wavy and curly hair what curly Smith gel would work I live hot and humid

[@GenaMarie]

The In Shower Style Fixer or the Shine Gel!

[@karen8785-d3y]

Thanks 😊 I will try curls Smith in shower style fixer

[@GummyBear1972]

I have several Curlsmith products and I would like to try others but the strong fragrances are preventing me from doing so. I have the fragrance free Shine line of products too, but they have limited features. I just wish Curlsmith and other brands would realize that fragrance is more of a deterrent than a feature for most of us and offer fragrance free options for all of their products, like Jessicurl does.

[@tlue6910]

This 👆 I’ve tried several of their gels & other products and they’re not only oddly fragrant but heavy & greasy in my hair no matter how little I use. Don’t understand the hype at all.

[@hopiiii1]

Big fan of Curlsmith gels. My hair can be so disrespectful on so many levels. Use and have doubles on all of them except the In-shower style fixer and the Curl defining Souffle - they don't work for me.

[@katatsukiko]

wish they had a hard hold that is thick without the oils :/

[@GenaMarie]

The Shine Gel doesn’t have a lot of oils!

[@MarciGoodman-qp6my]

What do you have in your hair as you are doing this video? Your curls are bigger and not as stringy as any pictures in this video.