When I first started the Curly Girl Method, I experimented with a couple types of gel and mousse. Although mousse provided great definition, I found that it dried out my curls. Eventually, I switched to using curly hair gel as my main styling product. Thanks to a curly blogger’s recommendation, I tried DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel for the first time in February 2018. And it became my new favourite gel! Are you shopping for a good curly hair gel in Canada?
Here is my full review of the DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel.
What are the ingredients in this curly hair gel?
Here is the list of ingredients from the DevaCurl website:
Water (Aqua, Eau), VP/VA Copolymer, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Melissa Officinalis Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate-20, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-7, Aminomethyl Propanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Fragrance (Parfum).
As you can see from the DevaCurl gel ingredients, this gel contains a lot of proteins near the beginning of the ingredient list. This provides more structure and body for your curls. However, if your hair is extremely sensitive to protein, this gel may cause your curls to become stiff and straw-like because of the high protein content.
This gel also is free of silicones, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and alcohol. Also, it contains good polymers, which help your curls lock into pattern and stay in place.
Does the Ultra Defining Gel tame frizz?
When applied properly, this gel will keep frizz from happening in the first place. If your hair is very frizzy, it needs more moisture. Make sure you use a leave-in conditioner (and possibly curl cream too) to ensure that your hair is moisturized BEFORE applying gel.
What does this gel smell like?
According to DevaCurl, the scent is a sunny blend of Starfruit and Mango. To me, it just smells clean, fresh, and sweet. Who knew Starfruit had a scent? 🙂
What hair types does this work best with?
Because this curly gel was designed for all curl types, it will work well whether you have wavy hair, kinky curly hair, or something in between.
Also, this gel is a huge fan favourite among curly girls of all curl types.
Becky, who has type 2 wavy hair, loves the results she gets from this gel.
Ayesha, who has 3a curly hair, uses this gel in her hair routine.
Tiffany, who has 3c curly hair, always uses this gel to define her curls.
If you like your curls to be well defined and stay in for a few days (we call this a “strong hold”), you’ll love this gel…no matter what your curl type.
P.S. If you’re not sure what your curl type is, you can read this post:
The Ultimate Guide to Find Out Your Curl Type
Does the Ultra Defining Gel add volume and fullness?
Yes, I think it does. I have gotten consistently great results from the DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel–even in humid summer weather. It defines my curls and keeps them looking great for 2-3 days. Because each curl is well defined, my hair looks full and voluminous. Great texture = More volume.
How do you use Ultra Defining Gel?
For best results, always apply this gel to dripping wet hair. Not damp hair, not 50% dry hair. Because my hair is low porosity, I always scrunch out excess water BEFORE applying gel. But I always have a towel on the floor to catch the drips when I apply this gel.
With wet hands, I apply a dime-sized squirt of gel to my palms and spread it over both palms. Then, I glide the gel down my wet curls (inside and outside) and scrunch upwards. I repeat this, one small section at a time, until I have covered my hair with a layer of gel.
Note: If you are applying gel and your hair just isn’t clumping and forming nice waves, you can go over to the sink and scrunch in some more water. Then apply more gel! This will help your hair “remember” its curl pattern and reshape into nice curls.
Bottom Line:
If your hair isn’t protein sensitive, you will probably love the DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel. It’s one of the best DevaCurl gels in Canada. It’s a bit more pricey than a drugstore gel, but it’s totally worth it to me! (Tip: For a better price per oz, buy the 32oz size instead of the 12oz size.)
Let’s Chat:
Curly girls, what is your all-time favourite gel? I’d love to hear in the comments!
love,
Claudine
Looking for more curly hair product reviews? Check out my review of Aussie Instant Freeze Gel.
p.s. Some of the items in this post are affiliate links. I only post about products that I love + think you’ll probably love, too! As an Amazon Associate or affiliate for other programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you purchase through my link, I receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you SO much for your support!
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