hi everyone,
I'm new.  I have a question.  Has anyone had any problems with having gel in their hair all the time and it causing any damage or breakage, buildup, etc.?

I've been doing the Curly Girl routine since April '04 and I want my hair to grow very long.  

We are so careful with the ingredients of our shampoos and conditioners--but what should be in those gels/or shouldn't be?

I kinda like no products left in- but only get large waves at best.

Any thoughts, anyone?

strawberryfine
:-/

I use aloe vera gel in my hair to keep my braids neat and to tame the frizzies.  I make sure there is no alcohol in the gel.  

If you make sure there aren't any drying ingredients and you can make sure the product is removed so you can moisturize your hair, I don't think leave in products are necessarily all bad.

Thanks bikerbraid!

I have some aloe vera gel (pure) that I will try.  That gelatin was really hard to get out of my hair ;D

strawberryfine :)

A lot of gels are alcohol-based, and they are of course very drying.

I am a curly girl too! :-) Have you tried using John Frieda's Frizz-Ease or a similar, silicone-based product? Curly hair often likes silicone (mine does anyway) as long as you clarify often. Curly hair is fine, fragile and prone to frizz and flyaways. Silicone tames and protects it. I do a vinegar rinse once a week.

/Kate

Thank you, Kate!
I'll start reading gel labels and try the John Frieda!
strawberryfine