Defining curls, this perpetual battle that many of us lead; between curls that have difficulty structuring themselves and those that do not stay structured for long. For this, curl activators allow you to define curls over a long period of time.

But that's not all, the curl activator also guarantees a long-lasting hold of your curls. The result? Completely bouncy and defined curls without frizz.

There are several types of curl activators: gel, jelly, defining cream or even mousse. The curl activator is also essential for maintaining hydration within the hair fiber.

What does a curl activator do?

The main function of the curl activator is simple: define your curls and fix your natural curls.

The curl activator will notably seal in moisture if oil is present in this curl activator. Remember that some oils are sealing while some are simply nourishing, to learn more, discover our article onhow to differentiate hair oils.

In the family of curl activators, there are several types. First, we have the styling cream suitable for thick hair. The mousse is suitable for fine hair, it will provide definition and light hold for a natural look. The gel and jelly provide more precise definition, longer hold and a shiny appearance suitable for all hair.

How to use a curl activator gel?

The curl activator gel should be applied to wet or damp hair. In order to achieve best results, it is recommended to work your hair section by section.

Leave-in conditioner is not a step to neglect. This leave-in treatment will moisturize your hair in order to soften your hair and define your hair. Remember that after your hair has dried, the hydration is no longer present which results in a loss of flexibility and definition. Thus, you can apply the curl activator to your wet hair to lock the hydration into your hair fiber.

Are you a fan of wash-and-go? Curl activator gel is a must-have! Meaning “wash and go”, wash-and-go allows you to define pretty curls on still-wet hair. But then, how do you do a wash-and-go?

To hydrate your hair, apply a Leave-in conditioner. This product will also prepare your hair for the ones that follow. Then it's time to apply the curl activator gel by working the strands well, your hair by section to ensure the product is well distributed... and go!

The Colorful Black team recommends that you apply a curl activating gel once or twice a week maximum: on the day of your shampoo and when refreshing your curls mid-week.

What is the best curl activator?

No need to introduce it, Kinky Curly Curling Custard styling gel is the most popular curl activator. It can be said that it is universal, suitable for tight curls of frizzy hair and wider curls of curly hair.

With Kinky Curly's Curling Custard, hydration, definition, hold and shine will be there. This styling gel will give you sumptuous curls while elongating your curl for maximum length. Shrinkage will be totally reduced, even if shrinkage is a sign of healthy hair. Indeed, if the hair rises after being stretched, it is because it is healthy; as Anna says in this article "Skringage is a sign of healthy hair. »

This gel also prevents the appearance of frizz while providing long hold and natural shine.

We also have As I Am Curling Jelly for multi-day definition of curly hair without touch-ups. It also leaves your hair feeling light and shiny.

Curling Jelly also hydrates and nourishes your hair, which is ideal for hair lacking moisture.

How to reform your curls naturally?

We reveal an unstoppable technique to you!

Step 1: Separate your hair into sections

On your first section

Step 2: Moisten it with a spray bottle so that it is wet.

Step 3: Apply your Leave-in from roots to ends with your fingers like a "rake", working the product into the section of hair

Step 4: Apply your favorite curl activator immediately afterwards using the same gesture.

Step 5: Repeat on the other 3 sections

Step 6: Let air dry

Finally, admire your results!