Why am I not getting a cast?

April 18, 2024

Do you know that feeling? You have just done your hair and you feel a rock hard layer around your hair... congratulations, you have a gel cast ! Many of our customers often indicate that they do not like this layer, but did you know that you can easily remove this hard layer? It actually results in nicer, shinier and bouncy curls!

What is a gel cast?

You can get a cast from applying a gel to your hair. A gel mainly consists of ingredients that ensure that your hair stays in place. The ingredients in your hair gel that do this are mainly polymers such as PVP (Polyvinyl Pyrolidone) or VP (Vinyl Pyrolidone) or 'film forming humectants' such as flaxseed, xantan gum. We often call these ingredients 'hold agents'.

The above ingredients are able to create a layer on your hair. The more holding agents, or the higher the proportion in the gel, the more likely you will experience a gel cast. The gel cast is the dried and hardened gel in your hair.

After drying, your hair will feel a bit crispy, but the cast is not bad. A cast can help you keep your curls in shape, prevent frizz and keep moisture in.

Do I need a gel cast?

Opinions are divided on this. A cast can help you keep your hair in better shape and give it better definition. But, is your hair good and you haven't had a gel cast? Then that's no problem! Of course, it's all about whether you feel comfortable with your haircut.

So it is not necessary, but it can help you. Did you know that if the humidity is very high, you can also benefit from a cast? Your hair is then protected by the gel because there is a barrier around your hair.

What should you do with a cast?

We understand that you don't like leaving the house with rock-hard curls. This can sometimes look a bit crazy. That's why it's better to squeeze the cast out of your hair. In the curl world you also call this: Scrunch out the crunch . The abbreviation SOTC is often used for this in Facebook groups and online.

SOTC is nothing more than squeezing that hard layer around your hair. It will immediately make your hair feel softer. But how exactly does this work?

Determine if your hair is dry (and we mean 100% dry!)
Take a very small amount(!) of oil and divide it between your palms.
Then scrunch your hair.
Done! Now try to stay off your hair as much as possible. This way it stays in shape even better and more beautiful.

Tips: Why don't I have a gel cast?

Sometimes we get a lot of questions about why you don't have a gel cast. This can have several reasons. We list the most common ones for you!

1. Your hair was too damp when applying the gel.

Have you applied your hair products to soaking wet hair? Try squeezing the excess water from your hair with a microfiber curl towel and then applying your gel.

2. You applied too much gel product.

If you apply too much leave-in conditioner or cream before the gel, you may not be able to get a cast.

3. You suffer from build-up.

If you suffer from build-up, it is best to use a clarifying shampoo . After that, you're more likely to get cast!

4. You need to use a little more gel.

Try using a little more gel little by little: who knows, maybe a little more gel will create a better gel cast!

5. You touch your hair while drying it.

Are you blow-drying and always putting your hair in the diffuser with your hands? This is not a problem as long as you do this carefully. But, try touching your hair less. This can be a solution to getting a gel cast.

6. You've blown your hair too long.

It is best to plop your hair for between 10-20 minutes.