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Hair-care guide

Scrunch Out the Crunch: Soften a Gel Cast

TheWashDay editorial · Updated · How we compare

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Gel often dries into a stiff, crunchy shell called a cast. The cast holds curls in shape while they dry; once your hair is completely dry, you break it by scrunching upward with your hands, so curls stay defined but feel soft. Doing it while hair is even slightly damp is the most common cause of frizz.

The steps

  1. Wait until fully dry
  2. Scrunch upward
  3. Soft, defined curls
Diagram. Wait for the gel cast to dry completely, scrunch upward, and the curls stay defined but soft. The numbered steps below say the same in full.
  1. Make sure your hair is completely dry, including the roots and the inside of thick sections.
  2. If you like, rub a drop of oil or leave-in between your palms.
  3. Cup a section of curls in your hand and squeeze upward toward the scalp until the stiffness gives.
  4. Work around the head section by section.
  5. Shake the roots gently for volume; don’t rake your fingers through.

If it’s still crunchy

Some gels leave a stronger cast than others. A firm cast that won’t soften usually means more gel than your hair needs; try a little less next time, or a foam. A cast that flakes white usually means too much product or a mix that doesn’t agree.

Gels and foams, compared

Updated · The sources for this guide are on our Sources page. Report a changed detail.

Your next step

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How to plop curly hair →

Frizzy curls →

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