Hard Hold Gel- What Are Your Curly Hair Thoughts?

[@smcook96]

I'm just here to comment that you are a breath of fresh air in the curly hair world.

[@undeniably_lenora]

Thank you! 🥰🥰🥰

[@MustardSeedish]

Mixing the products together rather than layering is genius. I'm trying it. Your hair looks great.

[@undeniably_lenora]

Thank you!

[@Pine4gap]

Thank you for doing the work of testing out product for us, I do have a request for product testing if I may, Ionic Hair Dryers, range of cost, with all the Black Friday sales around the corner maybe you could incorporate that in the content. I think you and your hair are BEAUTIFUL!

[@undeniably_lenora]

Thank you! I do have 2 faves: Babyliss Nano Pro Titanium amzn.to/3BMxsWr Slopehill Professional Ionic Hair Dryer amzn.to/4h7elq7

[@loismaddux4800]

That product is beautiful on your already gorgeous hair!!❤

[@undeniably_lenora]

Aww thanks! I appreciate it! 🥰

[@MRossetti50]

I am totally amazed at how your hair looks when it is wet you have just some wave and then you put in some product and diffuse and you get theses beautiful curls. I wish my hair would do that. I just bought the Garnier product you recommended and bought the bedhead dryer for curly hair and also the aerogel hope it works.

[@undeniably_lenora]

Let me know how it goes!

[@lucybenson7583]

You are a Melissa McCarthy look alike….love it! Beautiful and quirky! 🤗New subscriber, love the few videos I’ve watched so far. I have used tons of products but always go back to Not Your Mothers, it gives me such a strong hold and doesn’t weigh my hair down.

[@undeniably_lenora]

Oh thank you!

[@MRossetti50]

Can you also do a makeup look love your look?

[@undeniably_lenora]

I will! Thank you!

[@BenedaReisinger]

Was wondering if you have did a video on the Aussie instant freeze mousse and gel? Those are always my go-to's!

[@undeniably_lenora]

I totally need to! I love Aussie.

[@kwest5171]

I combine NYM hard hold and flexible hold gels together for may hair. I use ouidad leave-in and volumizing jelly, but I'm still having issues with volume. I got out of the Curly Girl method, which helped me to learn about my hair, but wasn't completely for me. I'm a scruncher, use silicones occasionally, and I use a clarifying shampoo at least once a month.

[@undeniably_lenora]

Thanks for sharing your routine, I'm always interested in other people's methods!

[@crystal6811]

Hey there, Lenora 👋🏻 was just curious if you have ever thought about trying the bounce curl styling brush? I just love it for more curl definition. I thought i had good curls until i started using that magic little brush. Not quite as fast as your tried and true method. I really like the results you get doing it your way. Enjoy watching your videos. Have a great rest of your week. ❤😊

[@bettybolerjack361]

@@crystal6811 I love the bounce curl styling brush! Definitely a game changer!

[@undeniably_lenora]

@crystal6811 I have not tried that brush but a lot of people have mentioned it so I am definitely going to order one!

[@bettybolerjack361]

@@undeniably_lenora They have come out with another one that is supposed to create more volume. You might want to order both brushes so you can play with them! I'm seriously thinking about ordering the volume one since my hair is getting so thin. I'm trying to avoid having to wear a wig! 😳

[@undeniably_lenora]

Ok, thanks!

[@Kay.D.N]

Your hair is always gorgeous, but I liked your results better with Jessicurl I think. That’s the name of the game though!

[@undeniably_lenora]

I agree and I adore JessiCurl!!!!!

[@loismaddux4800]

I’d love to hear more about your photo shoot and how you are using your beautiful pictures, please. ❤

[@undeniably_lenora]

Hi Lois! Those photo shoots are so much fun. I go once a month to a location in Nashville that they have already picked out. I bring three outfits. And in one hour they take about 50 photos of me in the different outfits. Mostly, those photos just sit on my phone! They are fabulous! I try to post them on social media but then I forget!

[@rosiegalati7562]

Hi, love ur channel and the fact that you’re a stylist! 😊 I have coarse thick curly hair. In the cold winter months, I would blow it out, but in the hot summer months I would leave it curly. Now I’m embracing the curls. No more blowouts. Ouidad climate control is my go to. And I love mixing it with a cream leave in conditioner. I mix and try everything. I’m a product junkie. 😂 Just trying to grow it a little longer love your length. 😍

[@undeniably_lenora]

Hi! Thank you for all your comments! I am waiting for it to get colder here so I can blow my hair out! I feel like curly hair helps disperse the heat from my head but when I wear it straight, it’s like it holds all the heat in!

[@bethanyrose3273]

So happy that you tried my products That I love!!!! I guess this proves that everybody’s hair response differently to products. This is my theory when I was watching. I do feel like you used way too much product. A little bit goes a long way!!! Especially with the gel!!!!! Been loving these videos!

[@undeniably_lenora]

Thank you! I will try again with less gel!

[@dogloverlmh9197]

I really like hard hold gels on my fine very thick long hair. If i do my hair at night I don't scruntch it out i just put it in my pineapple and my bonnet. I do however use an oil to scrunch out any product i use so that might be the difference. I can't touch my hair while diffusing or i loose curl/wave and get wet frizz.

[@undeniably_lenora]

Yesss! I’m so happy you have found what works for you!

[@MegaTaylor24]

I am a semi-retired Hairdresser of 35 years and I have been using this product on and off. My hair is medium-weight and has a little bit of thinking around the hairline. And of course, I am 62, so I love the "Big Hair Look" but do not like the hard curl feel. So I apply the gel to the hair about two inches off the scalp then I go back sometimes with the cream to the scalp for lift. Then other times I use a Root Boost (Sexy Hair Root Pump, Ion Root Lift, or TIGI, although TIGI my scalp itch), both work I personally prefer the Root Boost over the cream I do not like a heavy feel to my hair. I use a defuser and scrunch also, If my hair feels extra crunchy after it is completely dry I then give my hair a hard scrunch to loosen up the gel on hair without disrupting the curl. I thought your hair looked great!!!

[@undeniably_lenora]

Thank you and thanks for sharing your hair routine!

[@KimTurechek-ov7ce]

Hi I am new to your channel.. I have salt and pepper hair, mine is shorter than yours, I must scrunch all the time as well, and sometimes get perms to even out curl pattern. I have used DevaCurl, CurlSmith. I am currently using Olaplex, which I love. I especially love the Shampoo and Conditioner, and Oil . You are so beautiful! Thanks for sharing your talents .

[@undeniably_lenora]

Thank you so much! I want to check out Olaplex.

[@jackiejustice2909]

Would love a video on Giovanni products 💕 love watching your videos

[@undeniably_lenora]

Awesome!! Thank you!

[@lisayoung-varnum9471]

Just subscribed to your channel. I have natural curly hair and I usually straighten it. Gonna try your technique and see what my results will be. You are gorgeous!

[@undeniably_lenora]

Thank you!

[@angelaharris1112]

Do glad I recently discovered you!: I've been trying to get all my curls back for about 10 months. I still have 2 clumps of hair that just won't curl. Any suggestions? Your hair looks great! ❤

[@undeniably_lenora]

Not all hair curls the same. It’s frustrating when a section won’t curl. I would keep trying and using product and give it a quick curl with a curling iron. After that it will blend right in.

[@lilacgirl1]

I love your videos! I know you have said in past videos that you comb the conditioner through your hair in the shower, but I was wandering what you use to do that. Do you use a wide tooth comb or a specific kind of wet brush?

[@undeniably_lenora]

I use a wide tooth comb and I have also just used a pick.

[@hgbigl]

Your hair looks good, but I agree that you get better curls with other products you have used on your channel. :)

[@undeniably_lenora]

Yes! Thank you!

[@karimeist61]

Hi. I’m new to your channel and wanted to know, what is your reasoning for scrunching the whole time while diffusing? What do you feel it does for you? I feel like your curls would be so much more defined and less frizzy if you didn’t touch your hair so much, no?

[@undeniably_lenora]

Thanks for your comment! My curls are simply wavy without scrunching. When I started scrunching while I diffused it made my curls so much prettier! Frizz is part of curly hair, there will always be a smidge. Yes, I would have no frizz if I didn’t scrunch, but my curls would not be curls and it’s nowhere as pretty. Different techniques work for everyone. This is what works best for my hair.

[@karimeist61]

@@undeniably_lenora yes, I agree everyone is different. Yours look great with scrunching them, mine would be a hot mess. LoL. Thanks for the info.

[@undeniably_lenora]

🥰

[@malindafarr6975]

I got the aerogel and I love it. It’s sticky at first but that doesn’t last. For me anyway it just gives my hair texture

[@undeniably_lenora]

Yay!!!!

[@paulawilliams3630]

I bought Aerogel because of you and I love it ❤. What are your thoughts on Shea Moisture curling gel souffle' and Cantu avocado gel?

[@undeniably_lenora]

I have not tried those! Do you use them?

[@lmaldy14]

I have switched up my technique since finding your channel. I use all JessiCurl products plus this hard hold gel. The lighter hold gel did nothing for me. But I agree, it looks better after Day 1.

[@undeniably_lenora]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@malindafarr6975]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this strong hold curl gel. I was thinking about getting it, but I think I will pass on this one. 👍

[@undeniably_lenora]

That’s it for me also!

[@ProfessorDeeee]

Hello beautiful friend. I do not have an ionic blow dryer. But mine just broke. Two words “teenage daughters” 😂. I want a nice one like yours. But I can’t handle too noisy. Is the dryer loud? Ty Have a fabulous day.

[@undeniably_lenora]

Hi Dee!!!! The dryer I use and have a link to is the quietest dryer I have ever used. It’s my fave. And it’s super lightweight also. Gamma+ XCell dryer amzn.to/3P2FcHB

[@ginat5963]

Why wouldn't we always want a hard hold gel? Wouldn't it last longer? This confuses me. Thanks so much!

[@undeniably_lenora]

It was too much for me. I might try it again with less.

[@barbaraweaver7928]

I was excited to get the Aerogel and man that stuff is sticky. Will not repurchase and glad I only bought the travel size. I love your videos though.

[@undeniably_lenora]

Glad you gave it a try!

[@sherrykumar2883]

I also tried the Aerogel and found that I do not like how it feels all over my hair. However I do like to use it on the roots around my crown only to get more lasting volume.

[@undeniably_lenora]

Yes! I don’t like the feel of certain products either. Glad you found a use for it!

[@rhondaneel6462]

Oh man, I thought so too - it was way too sticky. I had such high hopes. I'm looking for a much lighter holding spray that also smells really good - any recommendations?

[@undeniably_lenora]

I’m confused. Are you shaking it? How much are you spraying? It’s literally not sticky. It’s one of their selling points. I have no other recommendations for hairspray. This is the best.

[@DjDI287]

Your hair looks amazing! I always used that gel and then one day it wasn't working for me anymore until I realized just NOW there's two different gels that the company makes. I don't remember the name of the other gel but it was the wrong one that I was using. And it did absolutely nothing for my hair. The one I loved was the hard hold gel that you just used and i didnt realize there are two different types. I'm going to have to pick that up again. I tried the Garnier one that did absolutely nothing for me and I just ended up throwing it away. I have very fine thin hair that's some days it's wavy and other days it's curly LOL I don't know why. I used a tiny bit of the Garnier but it didn't do anything for me it just weighed down my hair.

[@undeniably_lenora]

I know, finding what works for our hair is a challenge!

[@curlyandstrong6798]

I love the gel. I have fine curly hair so I dilute the gel with a bit of water. Unfortunately, the cream didn't work for my hair type.

[@undeniably_lenora]

You have to find what works for you!! So glad you have!

[@LipstickNsofrito]

Like #208 Thanks for sharing this with us ❤❤❤

[@undeniably_lenora]

You are welcome!

[@joelyisdoingherbest]

Thanks for the video! What advice do you have for getting good results in the back of your head??? Mine always looks stringy, even after a deep conditioning.

[@undeniably_lenora]

Hi! I would pay special attention to when you’re applying your products to the back of your head. And make sure that you are putting products in the hair back there and that you are evenly distributing them. Then pay attention and make sure that you are scrunching the back as much as you do the front sides.

[@joelyisdoingherbest]

@@undeniably_lenora thank you for responding! I’ll try those tips! Do you brush style your hair?

[@undeniably_lenora]

I do not.

[@HealthSoundsMusic]

I really don't like that gel; it makes my hair feel disgusting.

[@BenedaReisinger]

Oh my gosh yes! I've seen so many rave about it but it always made my hair feel gross 😫

[@undeniably_lenora]

Yep, I did not like the feeling either!!

[@karimeist61]

Yup, same here. I love all their other products though.

[@undeniably_lenora]

Me too!

[@torigillispie9823]

I’ve been using, for years, off and on Mop Top curly hair custard. I’ve tried many other jels but this has always been my favorite. Has anyone else tried Mop Top. Maybe you can do a review on it. :)

[@undeniably_lenora]

Ok! I’ll check it out!!

[@tondaturner7389]

Hey there. Where do you get those clips? I think I need to try those. 😊

[@undeniably_lenora]

Bounce Curl Volume Clips www.bouncecurl.com/products/volume-root-hair-clips

[@bettybolerjack361]

Those are from Bounce Curl and are on my list! I'll be getting some soon!

[@undeniably_lenora]

Hi Tonda!!

[@undeniably_lenora]

Yasssss

[@juanitabridges6808]

I usually like a hard hold gel but this one was too much. It’s heavy and seemed to cause build up along with the cream.

[@undeniably_lenora]

It was A LOT!!!!!

[@chicanica64]

I have tried the drug store products and they flake on my hair. Any tips?

[@undeniably_lenora]

Which ones have you tried?

[@erikaparker6469]

Have you tried Tressemme curl cream or gel?

[@undeniably_lenora]

No, but I’ll go check it out!

[@landerson4319]

I tried that same brand and ended up tossing it after multiple tries. Made my fine hair feel gross and weighed my curls down.

[@undeniably_lenora]

Ugh, I hear you! It doesn't always work out, does it?

[@torigillispie9823]

I’ve used those products and they didn’t enhance my curls.

[@undeniably_lenora]

Try Garnier Fructis Curl Sculpt. It’s at Walgreens. Save your receipt and if you don’t like it you can take it back.

[@edenparker3044]

🎉🎉🎉

[@undeniably_lenora]

🥰

[@ronyrodriguez8533]

l guess you never use a styling brush?

[@undeniably_lenora]

I do not!

[@tishayoder1]

❤❤❤

[@undeniably_lenora]

🥰

[@denisev9483]

Hi. I just discovered your channel, and love your tutorials. My hair length, curl pattern and thickness is similar to your hair. I've been using Ouidad products for several years. Have you ever tried those? They're expensive, and so I'm going to try the Garnier Fructose you recommended.

[@undeniably_lenora]

I just used the Ouidad Vital Curl and there will be a video next week! I ordered another product and I can’t wait to try that combo!

[@karen8785-d3y]

I don't gel or cream it very gross. I got my order from Jess curly the sample. So far i like ouida regular anti-human gel and moisturizer lock leaving conditioner my hair says is in place all day until i wash it😊

[@undeniably_lenora]

I tried the Ouidad! That video is next week! And I’ve also ordered more and will make another Ouidad video. Thanks for the rec!

[@undeniably_lenora]

And, that’s awesome that your hair stays in place! Woo hoo!

[@karen8785-d3y]

Welcome 😊 ❤

[@undeniably_lenora]

🥰

[@karmakomodia]

30 years? You have worked in a salon for 30 years? I thought that was your age!

[@undeniably_lenora]

Thank you! I’m 51. 🥰

[@diamondlee9034]

I did NOT like the gel or mousse, the crunch would NOT come out! even the next day, and it felt gross. only NYM product I like is the Beach Babe dry shampoo. think the rest is overrated. just my opinion lol

[@undeniably_lenora]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@bettybolerjack361]

I've been watching you for a while now, but I rarely comment. I had to comment today, though! WARNING: This is going to be lengthy! LOL First of all, your hair looks beautiful! I do feel you might have used too much of the Hard Hold Gel. It doesn't take much! I have a very sensitive scalp and most products cause me to itch. I discovered the NYM line a few years ago and don't have nearly the problem now. A couple of months ago, I discovered the Hard Hold Gel. I had been using the Sculpting Gel prior to that with less than stellar results. It has taken some experimentation to find the best way to apply it. On their website, it says to start with a quarter-size amount and add more as needed. I don't even use that much! However, my 72-year-old 2B-3A (maybe 3B) hair is fine and thin (even worse since starting breast cancer treatment this summer, but I'm doing great), so I don't need much. I do make sure I apply it with WET hands. It does seem to work best if you scrunch the whole time you are drying. I have tried combining products in the past and didn't like the results. I had watched another curly girl do a 1-2-3 gel application a couple of days ago, so yesterday, I decided to try it with what I had. She said you need to use about 1/3 the amount of each gel as what you would normally use. I didn't have 3 gels, but I had the curl cream which I haven't been using. It seems to act a little like a gel, so I applied a very small amount of that with WET hands. Then, I applied the Hard Hold Gel, again with WET hands. I applied both in sections and made sure it was worked in very well before adding the next. Then, I brush styled my hair, as usual, with the Bounce Curl Define EdgeLift Brush. I had very good results! With such small amounts, I didn't have much crunch. I can probably use a little more, but I'm still experimenting. I finished it off with Aerogel and my hair still looks great on day 2! I've been debating about getting some more of the Sculpting Gel to add to the 1-2-3 gel application. I'm even thinking about trying the Garnier Fructis. I haven't used that in years because of the itch problem! About that Aerogel. I'm loving it! I just got it a week ago. As I said, I have a very sensitive scalp and hairsprays are the worst offenders! Even the NYM hairspray I tried made me itch. So, I was hesitant to spend the money on the Aerogel but I finally gave in and ordered it. I am quite happy to say that I haven't had one bit of trouble with an itchy scalp and it has such great hold! I do find it to be a bit sticky initially and have to be careful about overspray! I have to wipe down my bathroom counter when I'm done! LOL I do think I haven't been scrunching it in enough, so I did more scrunching yesterday. My hair is very soft. Thank you so much for recommending Aerogel!!! One more thing. You also said in an earlier video to get an ionic hair dryer and that it didn't matter which one. I've been needing a new dryer. Mine is very old and the diffuser keeps falling off! I'm tired of chasing it around the bathroom! I have one very similar to the one you used today on order from Amazon. I had already placed my order before watching this video! It's supposed to be here tomorrow. I'm excited to try it out! I'll let you know the results. .

[@undeniably_lenora]

Oh wow!! Thanks for all the info!! Aerogel does leave a film, when I’m not filming, I hang my head in my shower so it just all goes in there and it’s easier to clean!! I do love NYM normally and I have considered trying again with even less but I love their medium hold gel.

[@bettybolerjack361]

@@undeniably_lenora The medium hold gel doesn't hold very well for me, but I may need to layer it. Or maybe it will make a difference with my new hair dryer. The idea of spraying your hair in the shower is a great one except I have major mobility issues atm with no idea how long it is going to take me to recover. Oh, well. I just have to work within my limitations.

[@undeniably_lenora]

🥰

[@catherineobrien5013]

I didn't like it. You always manage to look gorgeous!

[@undeniably_lenora]

Fair enough and thank you!

[@EdenParker-ck1nm]

❤❤❤

[@undeniably_lenora]

🥰