This blog post details a successful gel-only wash and go experience for type 4 hair, focusing on the Style Factor Edge Booster Gel. Tired of the fuss of protective styles in warmer weather, the author returns to their natural curls, seeking a simplified, low-product routine to avoid the dryness and build-up often associated with their low-porosity hair. This experiment explores whether a single gel product can achieve the desired definition and hold, offering a quicker alternative to multi-product wash and go routines. The author's journey reveals the benefits and challenges of this minimalist approach.The review focuses on the Style Factor Edge Booster Gel's performance, its thick consistency, and its surprisingly effective ability to define and elongate type 4 curls. While achieving impressive results initially, the strong hold created a significant cast, leading to some product build-up and flaking. The post provides a candid assessment of both the exceptional curl definition and length retention, and the minor drawbacks associated with the gel's strong hold. Ultimately, the author concludes with a recommendation for the product, emphasizing the importance of mindful application to avoid excessive build-up.
Pros And Cons
- Good smell
- Provides good definition and elongation
- Gives volume
- Long-lasting hold (5 days)
- Creates a strong, stiff cast that is difficult to remove
- Leaves product residue and flakes
- Requires extra effort to remove cast
- Lightweight
- Good for moisturizing
Read more: Tresemme Hair Gel: Top 10 Best Picks
Returning to Natural Hair
After a period of experimenting with protective styles, I'm back to embracing my natural hair. The warmer weather makes managing wigs and extensions a hassle, so I'm ready to focus on my natural curls again.
This video documents my journey back to natural hair care, focusing on a simplified wash and go routine using minimal products to avoid product buildup.
The Gel-Only Wash N' Go Approach
For this wash and go, I'm using a gel-only approach. I'm aiming for a streamlined routine that's quicker and easier to manage than my previous methods which involved multiple leave-in conditioners, curl creams, and oils.
My low porosity hair tends to struggle with excessive product buildup, leading to dryness and flaking. Therefore, minimizing products is key to achieving healthy, defined curls.
Product Spotlight: Style Factor Edge Booster Gel
I'm excited to finally try the Style Factor Edge Booster Gel, specifically the peach scent. I've previously used their edge control pomade and loved it. I'm hoping this gel delivers similar results and provides excellent hold and definition.
The gel's consistency is thick, and I'm curious to see how it works with my type 4 hair. The peach scent is a bonus!
Application and Styling Process
I started by prepping my scalp with Jamaican Mango & Lime oil, followed by a light leave-in conditioner (Pantene Gold Series Detangling Milk). I then applied the Style Factor Edge Booster Gel, making sure to distribute it evenly throughout my hair.
The gel provides amazing definition and elongation. Even without finger coils, my curls are incredibly defined and have a nice volume.
Results and Review
The gel-only wash and go resulted in incredibly defined curls and impressive length retention, exceeding my expectations. Even my wetline couldn't produce such definition.
However, the gel created a very strong cast that made styling challenging the next morning. This resulted in some product residue and flaking, which I addressed with additional oil. Despite this, the style held up well for five days.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The Style Factor Edge Booster Gel is a fantastic product for achieving defined, elongated curls, especially for those with type 4 hair. The strong hold is amazing but be cautious of potential product buildup, especially if you are heavy-handed like I am.
While the flaking was a minor drawback, the overall results make this gel a worthwhile product. I recommend experimenting with application techniques to avoid excessive buildup. A gel-only wash n' go is a time saver and can yield truly stunning results.