CurlSmith Shine Gel In-Depth Review

[@ChereeLS]

Thank you for reviewing this product! I would like to try their products, but they are out of my budget. Good to know they have trial sizes. Would you mind sharing what shampoo and conditioner you used when doing this review. I have noticed on my curly hair journey that shampoo and conditioner can affect my wash day outcome. Thank you for doing what you do! Have a great weekend!😊

[@TASIAawful1]

Love this gel as it’s the only thing and I’ve used a lot of different products that actually gives me beautiful waves in my hair

[@Lizard301]

I love that you did this. I'm loving this series, and hope you continue! My hair is copper red from henna, and is also ridiculously shiny, so I would likely purchase this for the poly-69 and the hold vs. the shine, but I might have to check out the sample. Curlsmith's Feather Light Protein Cream is a staple in my wash days.

[@nathalieprange1713]

How did I miss this video??? Exactly what I needed to understand why curlsmith gels are so good for my hair in winter! (They all start with the same main ingredients). Fascinating! Thank you! One small note: phenoxyethanol is a highly suspected endocrinian disruptor (makes your hormones go crazy).... It is one of the last ingredients though...

[@rgrdesigns]

I got the trial size of this recently & used it twice. It is great for me. My hair is curler but thinner than yours and is colored. I didn't put it on as heavily as you did. I like your tip about layering over the Shine Jelly. I'm so glad this product works so well for me. My husband & I are both sensitive to fragrances.

[@Star-dj1kw]

I bought it in the trial size first too.

[@sfogliatelle]

OK the adorable baby noises in the background of this video made me add this to my curlsmith order 🤣🥰

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

😂😂😂That's hilarious!

[@emilyjo2158]

Would you ever go to different locations, while wearing the same hair products and record the difference? Because I know that a product that will work for me in Texas, won’t work for me in California, and a product that works for me in Northern California would not work for me in Southern California. Or would you ever do a video explaining how different climates can cause hair products to behave differently?

[@kryki_cha6206]

Excited about this series!! You're always so thorough too. The best gel I've ever used is the in shower style fixer. Your review of this sounds exactly like my experience with the in shower style fixer. In your experience, would you say they are basically the same? I just finished a bottle and am trying to decide whether to repurchase or try something new.

[@jessicasopolis3904]

I know I'm not Court but I'd love to recommend the Jessicurl Spiralicious gel if u wanna try something else. It also has that polyquat 69 in it right up top in the ingredients list. No glycerin though. Check it out! Xo

[@jodywagner7760]

Thanks for all the ingredient details!

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

My pleasure 😊 I am glad it helped!

[@jessicasopolis3904]

Great video, as per usual! This gel's ingredients look a lot like the ingredients of the In Shower Fixer which is one of my fave gels next to my other love, Jessicurl Spiralicious gel! ❤️ I use raw castor oil on my hair n scalp overnight every week and see major growth as well as thickness from my treatments! I think it is a hair porosity thing. Castor oil is magic for my hair! Straight outta the bottle! Go figure! Love at you and your fam, Court! You rock! Xo

[@cindyjines96]

Thank you for going so in-depth with your review. I’m absolutely going to get this product. Also. I’m using the curlsmith. Shine oil as an over night prepoo. And oh my gosh it’s amazing ! I’ve never had any shine to my hair .I have only used it twice and I’m 100 percent in love. The video you made about it persuaded me to give it a try. So thank you for that too!

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

Ah love it!!! That is so awesome! I glad the video helped you!

[@hisimagenme]

Lol, Courtney you are just a joy!! I see your "frizz" as stray hairs that rebelled against the clump they were in, not actual open cuticled freaked out hair. I wish I had your frizz. And I kind of giggled because you were doing the Shine gel...I thought "whooaaa, she better leave the ring light off on this one or we'll all go blind!!" Your hair is shiner than any one else I've seen on KZbin. I'll never have that hair even as healthy as it could possibly be, my cuticles are just always going to be somewhat raised and praising God! The only way I achieve shine is with oil. But I did just get the CS Shine line and we'll see. I'm in DRY 24/7, with the exception of the 10 minutes when it's flat out pouring rain in NM, so I'll have to finagle sealing those locks before I go out of my bathroom. Otherwise the glycerin will just desperately fly out of my hair and into the air which, as impossible as I feel it is, is drier. Someone needs to train a glycerine to care more about skin and hair than the air! But! This is my problem with every product on the market... so CS won't take a hit for it. I love CS!! Thanks for your review! Awesome as always... smiles and blessings...

[@rebeccalowton9486]

Love this Courtney, thank you! I have a trail size I’m waiting to try but forcing myself to use up my open bottles before breaking open a new one! This video is going to make the battle even harder as I really want to try it now! Would love to hear your thoughts about Inahsi’s new rescue and repair bond strengthening line if you have chance to play around with it…

[@notahamsterr]

I love that gel but had the same issues with residue. So I mixed the shine gel with their hydro style flexi jelly and it seemed to resolve that some. Also, a really good cream under the shine gel and using less gel works too.

[@kateymateymusic1]

I'd love to see you try curlsmith on your short hair now. I have short hair and have just began trying to repair some heat damage (stringy waves half way down, tight curls at the top). I haven't washed my hair since the last cut yet, that is tomorrow and I'll be trying all these products (because a friend gave them to me).

[@meirie.jacobson1115]

Absolutely love this gel!! It is the best hold I have found for my curls and helps them ringlet😍😍

[@darjaz77]

I love you videos, Courtney! I would love to see a “refresh” and how you fix your hair on non wash days. If I have missed any on this subject, please post link. Thanks !

[@amysenffner4975]

Love your hair!!! Now I can't wait to use mine. I wanted to thank you for this video, because I didn't know how to use the product.

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

I am so glad that this helped! And thank you! I would love to know how this goes for you!

[@simplycurlyde]

I used it yesterday & I think I used too much too. My hands felt sticky. I tried to make it better today. I rewetted it, scrunched & microplopped a bit. I still could feel the stickiness on my hands. I diffused & still have a cast! I did use a leave-in & curl cream underneath it. My hair does feel dry too. I think next time I will try jelly & layer the shine gel on top, using less of it.

[@laurenmanley4616]

Great review, Courtney! Thanks for explaining the ingredients list in layman's terms. Also I love seeing how much u use. I have such a hard time with hold. Hopefully using a bit more than usual will help. Thanks again!

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

Absolutely! I am glad it was helpful! And yes, let me know how it goes with more!

[@RosieGrantlovesmusic]

I just could not get this product to work for me. Unfortunately, I am sensitive to fragrance as well as having sensitive skin, and something in this gel irritated my scalp terribly. I highly recommend doing a patch test at the nape of the neck if you have had reactions to products before. Again, just because something is fragrance free does not mean you can't react negatively to it. Thank you for doing such a great in depth review though.

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

Yes, skin patch is a great thing too! But that is true! You can have reaction to organic, natural products.

[@merryjulianamenden2371]

Have you found anything, including shampoo and conditioners and styling gels that you are not allergic to? I am allergic to all liquid shampoo, and all scents and preservatives.

[@RosieGrantlovesmusic]

I use the unscented shampoo, conditioner, and all in one styler from LUS. For other cleansing/body care needs, I have good luck with Vanicream products. Allergies and sensitivities are so individual. Good luck!@@merryjulianamenden2371

[@heymssmithers]

So excited for this new series!! Using 2 tsp per wash day, how many wash days do you get out of one bottle? Do you only mix this gel with the entire shine line? As someone that has protein loving hair, what do you do for protein when using this gel? Do you always use protein in a wash, or alternate between moisturizing and protein lines? Sorry for all the questions, your hair is fabulous!! Your curl clumps still look so juicy even after the refresh! I didn't realize there were two shine gels. 😯😯 The blooper. 🤣 It's so shiny it blinds the camera.

[@angelag669]

Your hair looks great Courtney. I am so jealous. I am on the Gulf Coast and at 8pm our humidity and dew points are in the mid 70's tonight. I am thankful for that b/c it could be soooo much worse.

[@Delta1HD]

Question for you! I've been really enjoying the curlsmith hair makeup. The color is cool but to be honest I just love the hold etc. I've struggled to find another gel that is similar. Do you have a suggestion? I know you tried the hair makeup a long time ago!

[@jessg.829]

I think the hair makeup is the same as the In Shower Style Fixer gel. 🤔

[@kristinagiroux2871]

Love your sunflower t-shirt 🌻

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

Thank you!

[@reneevasconcellos5335]

Thank you Courtney, this was a very informative video!!. Question, the only reason you add a leave in to the water as a refresh is for a deodorizer? So many people refresh with a leave in but I don’t know the reason.

[@winciedoffing1433]

Thanks for the video! Super helpful!! I just starting using this gel because I got it during one of the curlsmith sales. By the way, love your make up today :)

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

I love a good sale! That's great you go it then! And thank you!

[@paomart]

Loved this video, and your hair looks sooo beautiful 😍 I was wondering about the producty feeling and residue on the hands, because that happens when I use the Ouidad Advanced Climate Control stronger gel. I really like the fact that helps me a lot with humidity (I live in Florida), but every time I touch my hair, I feel it on my hands, it's like my hair doesn't really absorbs it.... I'll be trying this one in the future 👌

[@johannalong473]

I may have missed it, have you used Twist by Ouidad Weather Up Gel?

[@bronwynbrown9804]

Your hair looks amazing 😍😍😍

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

Awe, thank you so much!

[@frizzypoofyscoobyfan104]

Thank you for this review. I will definitely be trying curl smith after my transition stage( only been 4 months). You are my go to on what to do for my hair. So thankful You popped up on my youtube page! I wish my hair looked like that on day 2. My hair never gets past day one so far. I'm trying to decide which hair dryer to get. Was wondering if you like the Laifen swift or the Shark if you had to choose between the two?🥰

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

I totally understand the frustration of not making it today too. If it makes you feel any better, I didn’t have any kind of consistency with day two hair until after about eight months. You are so sweet! I’m really glad you’re finding the videos helpful. If I had to recommend one dryer over the other I would probably cry! Both are extremely good. The Laifen is more lightweight which makes it better for travel. The shark has a bigger and better diffuser which might make it better for the average washday. But really I’m splitting hairs here, pun intended! Both are really awesome.

[@frizzypoofyscoobyfan104]

@@SwavyCurlyCourtney Thanks☺

[@mtcelticharper]

@@SwavyCurlyCourtney I was going to ask this question too - thanks for the answer! Do you find the Laifen's magnets are too weak to use an adapter on the concentrator to attach a Black Orchid? I really would like to get the Laifen but need a deeper diffuser.

[@erinhammer542]

I can’t wait for my waves to start behaving well. One side is good the other side not. Have you review Xmondo wave tech? I am curious about that.

[@pamlaborde105]

I will definitely try this one, this might be a crazy question but, how do you know if your hair likes or dislike s protein or glycerin?

[@jessicasopolis3904]

If your hair is protein sensitive, you will notice it being more dry n brittle after using a leave in protein product or treatment. If your hair reacts bad to glycerin, it will just kind of fall flat n frizz up,losing curl definition. Hope this helps! Xo

[@PlayGtr]

Whenever I sleep with my long hair up in a bun with a hair tie like you have it always comes out with curls because it's like sleeping with your hair and curlers as it's been wrapped around in a circular shape hence becomes more curly.

[@perfectlyimperfect7373]

Your hair looks fantastic in this video!

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

Thank you so much!!! BTW, love your username!

[@sip_espresso]

This is my fav gel right now 💖😊 hold is allmooosst perfect for what I need and what I layer it with!

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

That's awesome! It's a fantastic gel!

[@veronicaivanova]

Thank you for the review! I love Curlsmith! Please don't spread false information about parabens though. Unless you are allergic to them, they aren't bad, they are preservatives, helping products last longer. It's really sad that fake news go so far. It's much more useful to inform ourselves first, rather than applauding a product for not having parabens just because of misinformation.

[@skscherger]

Would love to see a review of Aveda Nutriplenish Curl Gelee

[@Star-dj1kw]

I color and tone my hair. I have high porosity hair that is prone towards dryness. My hair doesn’t like the Curlsmith Styling Soufflé or the Shower Fixer. I think it might be the aloe? But I do need a strong 💪 hold gel but not one that has a cast so strong that I have to aggressively break the cast (think Ecoslay Jello Shot). This Curlsmith Shine Gel is IT! My product recipe is 1. hydrating base - either a leave in or a curl cream. 2. a soft / medium hold gel Plop , define curls 3. Strong 💪 hold gel

[@inabind416]

Thank you for all your hard work on this video, it’s very much appreciated 💕. It seems like a product that might work for my hair type, but man, that price tag 😖

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

I totally get it! If it helps, I have a discount code and link in the description of this video. Or Ulta will have great sales as well. They also have travel sizes which are less costly. I do find they last a while.

[@GabrielaDiaz-rl1kl]

Hello girl! Amazing video? can you please tell me what app you use to find the dew points???? thank you!!!

[@9riseandshine]

On another note, what do you think of Epsom salts added to shampoo and or conditioner for itchy scalp conditions, hair volume, etc.

[@melissapeirson7000]

I used this today for the second time with the Living Proof curl cream under it. 100% humidity here and I am a frizzy mess!! I rarely get a cast from any gel but I guess that is because I use other products under my gel. 🤷‍♀️

[@jessicasopolis3904]

I live in TX n the humidity is brutal here too. Look into the Jessicurl Spiralicious Gel! I have found it to be the closest thing to bulletproof in this heavy humidity. Xo

[@melissapeirson7000]

@@jessicasopolis3904 Thank you! I will certainly have to try that one out. I also like the Ouidad heat and humidity(the red one). It holds up better than anything else I have tried.

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

You can also try glazing and scrunching on a tiny amount of oil after it dries, when you scrunch out the "crunch"!

[@megancook8430]

I have a question about this product. It feels gritty in my hair too when I use it by itself. Like not producty but like my hair sticks really good to itself almost like velcro. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Dunno how to explain it. But does that feeling go away if I layer another gel or add a curl cream under it? I just used leave in under it and the hold is great but I like it better when my hair is soft and I'm able to touch my hair without feeling dirty.

[@johnnvogt]

Do you feel like this shine gel is similar to the in shower style fixer or the same just without fragrance? I believe I watched a video where someone deduced that the shine line is basically existing products without fragrance (the shine jelly and curl defining styling soufflé, shine cream and weightless air dry cream). Do you find that to be true??

[@qimzel]

I'm still trying to make this one work for me.. The first time I used it I had to re-wash my hair because it ended up being super sticky and icky.. Probably used too much.. Then used less but got barely any effect.. It's definitely a learning curve.. Luckily I got the trial size so if I can't make it work I didn't waste too much money..

[@sip_espresso]

When you have that sticky feel, just add some more water when applying 🙏 make sure to really "warm up" the gel in the hands before applying to your hair

[@qimzel]

@@sip_espresso thanks for the advice, this was going to be my next attempt so hopefully this will do the trick! 😊

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

Did adding more water and warming up the product help???

[@qimzel]

@@SwavyCurlyCourtney it definitely made it more workable, can't say it's my favorite gel ever, but at least now I can use it up 😁 thank you for checking in!

[@KathleenKC1]

I am curious about Uncle Funkys Daughter Curl Magic . I know there was a controversy about the formula being changed or not changed. Thanks. I will certainly try this after i make a dent in my current stash.

[@christinacamonayan5260]

I’ve been messing around with this from the travel size bottle and my hair keeps flash drying. I tried putting the jelly under it and I’ve tried putting the Curls Blueberry Bliss leave in under it. Any tips to avoid the flash drying?

[@jessicasopolis3904]

I've found that my fave gels which include my beloved polyquat 69 tend to eat up water and flash dry my hair no matter what. I combat it by using a ton of water when applying these sort of hard hold gels. During n after application. Always in the shower. It helps buy doesn't solve the problem. Wish I could help more. Xo

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

This video may help! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3Omg2utaciNpa8 As mentioned below, try more water. Use less of the product. And try different products with it.

[@EmilyCarriker1]

30% humidity . That's it im moving . It's 90% at 1:30 am in sc.

[@jessicasopolis3904]

It is bad here in TX too

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

Truth!

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

😂Eh our temps have been 100+!🥵🥵 And we get crazy wind too!

[@caitlinheusz386]

How does this compare to Biosilk Rock Hard Gelee?

[@michelledailey8505]

Everyone has to make their own personal choices about ingredients. But, parabens are perfectly safe. There is too much false info out there about parabens based on faulty studies or consumers misunderstanding the data. Companies are getting on the No Paraben bandwagon to appease customers because of the misinformation. There are great videos/posts out by Lab Muffin Beauty, Dr Dray, Dr Shereen Idriss, Doctorly, the Eco Well, the Beauty Brains about the safety of parabens.

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

Thank you! I'll look into them!

[@ohyeagirl1111]

Since you think it would be better over another product, maybe try it over Orange Marmalade?

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

That may be a good combo!

[@karenmonroe2058]

Curl clumps are a mystery with my thick, dense curls. I’ve styled all different ways and it curls A LOT but I rarely see clumps 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

Have you tried the Swing Curl Clump method? Also, try adding more water.

[@karenmonroe2058]

@@SwavyCurlyCourtney it’s not very long so there’s not much “swing”. I also have layers so not sure if that contributes to the issue. I use loads of water. Don’t get me wrong, I love my curls. I just do t see clumps.

[@sherylbotulenko8843]

I found that despite the hold my waves were not frizz free. I think it just doesnt have the level if moisture I need.

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

You could try adding a moisturizing gel or a little bit of cream. Unfortunately, we will never be 100% frizz-free.

[@sherylbotulenko8843]

I do love the moisture line. I was recently in Florida (Disney:) and found that the hold me softly balm, souffle or the in shower fixer were perfect. Im a single styler kind of gal and for me they all did well in that humidity.

[@leslin-8142]

You have very very beautiful shiny hair. I also love the t-shirt you are wearing!!

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

Thank you so much!

[@kristinscott2277]

So far I haven't liked this one. I don't even know how to describe what it does to my hair. It makes it producty, stringy, and greasy almost? I can't really break the cast and it just makes me hair feel weird and gross. Even if I barely use any at all. It's been a while since I've tried it so I might give it a go on sopping wet hair in the shower and see how it does with that. Luckily I only got a trial size if I end up just not being able to make it work for me. It's the only Curlsmith product I've tried that I haven't been a fan of.

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

Hmm... Maybe it's what your putting with it? How long have you been doing this method? Transition could effect that as well. But I do that, if there is a product which doesn't work I'll go back it later and then may get good results.

[@jcmorton8003]

Tried this .... way too much hold, I don't like my curls this tight...and stiff...... won't be using this again. Gave zero shine

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

Ah bummer! If you haven't already, maybe try less product or adding in more water. If you used another styler with it I would take that out or try another.