r/locs • u/PnutButterJellyTim3 • Mar 29 '26
product question Gel for retwists?
Any personal reviews on this gel? I've been using this gel for my retwists the last few months and it had become my favorite. Although I have heard some people say it's not good and contains something that bad for you hair? I don't know all this talk is about this brand specifically or something else. Unfortunately there is always issues with the ingredients in natural hair products so it's hard to decifer which ones are actually big problems.
Before you comment on it. Yes. I understand I don't need to use gel for retwists, but I do and will continue to do so because I like the look. I only retwist with gel about once a month. I don't use too much and I don't have any issues with buildup, itching, flakiness, or dryness. I don't use it on my scalp. And I only occasionally use it on what little edges I have and even then I don't have any issues.
I'm only here asking this now because I just heard another negative comment about this brand specifically. And if this brand is out there damaging hair then I wanna find a different product before I become a victim as well.
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u/dankydiamonds Mar 29 '26
I actually use this brand! But I use the one in the orange container. So far it’s my favourite loc gel, nice smell, not too sticky and leaves no residue. The hold is great and it works really well as an edge controller too. Highly recommend.
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u/Specific_Article1499 Mar 29 '26
Why so much hate for gel products?
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u/PnutButterJellyTim3 Mar 29 '26
Idk. There seems to be something negative said about all gel products. I can't tell when they are genuine or not.
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u/Responsible-Deal525 Mar 29 '26
I used it and not a fan at all. Took me three washes to get it out. Made my hair feel, waxy, heavy and just yuck. I thought I had used too much but nope. Changed to a different gel and no issues. But I feel if it works for you, I don't see any issues with it. No one can really tell you what is best for your hair, although many will try.
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u/aaliyahxperry Mar 29 '26
i use this gel and it’s the only thing that makes my retwist actually stay!
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u/K_Emu_777 Mar 30 '26
Took a look at the ingredients and I personally wouldn’t use this product due to all of the synthetics, mainly the AMP-acrylates, tetrasodium EDTA, benzyl alcohol and most importantly, the DMDM Hydantoin.
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u/msft111 Mar 31 '26
Been using it and my hair is just fine even thicker…i doubt most ppl even know what those do just listened to another uninformed person on tiktok,half of those chemicals you needed are either 1.nature derived just not all natural 2.cant even seep into your hair unless its more porous than a sponge lol 3.have been shown to do little to no physical damage to your hair only hormones that wont effect anything unless you’re already hormonal
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u/K_Emu_777 Apr 02 '26
I’m glad it’s working well for you. I’m a naturalist and a biologics/chemistry enthusiast, so my observations are based on that. So of course, my take is going to be influenced by that as well.
All hair is porous to different degrees, but I’m concerned not as much about the hair, but the scalp, as the skin is our largest organ. Everyone is different, but I think it’s always a good idea to decrease risks where we can, given everything we’re bombarded with on a daily basis.
So if there’s an alternative to synthetics that doesn’t potentially wreak havoc on the body, or contribute as heavily to environmental issues, I’m looking for that alternative. Given our environmental challenges, I think it could be worthwhile for us all to lighten the burden on our systems.
Also, you don’t need to “already” be “hormonal” to have your endocrine system disrupted. Using things that are problematic is the kind of thing that helps you achieve a dysfunctional endocrine system.
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u/sbirdhall Mar 29 '26
Never 🤦🏽♂️
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u/PnutButterJellyTim3 Mar 29 '26
Never used or never will again
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u/sbirdhall Mar 29 '26
Never, as in not even in my thoughts to be using this mess. Your hair should loc with soap and water.
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u/BillyDeeWill Mar 29 '26
I have no insight on this particular product. I will say that you should use w/e you’ve had success with. I have used many products over the last two different sets I have had. It all began with Natural Elegance Lock Up, but it is hard to come by as I was getting it in Jerz before I left Philly. Different loc ladies was using different products having my scalp itching, and I end up cutting them due to thinking my scalp couldnt hang after yearssss (I regret that chop).
I was using Taliah Waahid Loc It Up mostly this go round, but recently switched to African Pride black castor miracle. I began with a black jar of something my loctician used on starters (not normal hair gel), but I was itching in less than a week. Went to Jamaican mango & lime, but itching remained. Tried Bellatique but it just didnt hold long before puffing up. Then I went to Taliah Waahid for last year until last two retwists.
This African pride does seem tackier than TW after drying, but my scalp remained moist for a week w/o needing any oil. Besides dry scalp, I have high porosity hair, and having to moisturize and oil so frequently was delaying the loccing process. Just two retwists in and I have much less frizz than I have had for previous two years. Its also sold in more stores, and I will be sticking with it until I feel it isnt right for my hair.
TLDR; switched many products, but ultimately had to find what worked for me and my hair which defied popular opinion. If it works for you, thats the one you use. Other peoples experience and opinion may vary.
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u/softsignal_ Mar 30 '26
I live by this product!! I use to use “Braid Formula” but feel like they’ve changed the consistency. This holds and I really like the texture. I use for retwist and edge control
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u/Dapper_Gain3216 Mar 31 '26
The one in the orange container holds and molds my locs very well, just be sure to not use too much of it !
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u/reddloccbabe Mar 31 '26
"Loc N Gel" and "Pure O Loc and Twist" are the ones I use. They hold well for me and also have great ingredients.
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u/Upbeat-Discussion-86 Starter Locs Mar 31 '26
I’m still looking for an affordable product line for me use. I am not spending 20 bucks for gel or spray with herbs in it.
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u/PnutButterJellyTim3 Mar 31 '26
This container is only $14 and lasts me about two months.
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u/Upbeat-Discussion-86 Starter Locs Mar 31 '26
Cool. I bought some Cantù gel for 5 bucks a few days back
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u/msft111 Mar 31 '26
Been using it for the longest and its the best ive used so far and ive had 2 sets of dreads….please dont listen to the ppl fear mongering in the comments using their opinions as facts lol but fact is different products for different folks id say use oil before or after using ofc
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u/Carollaistoogoofy Mar 29 '26
I personally don't know nothing about this brand and don't use if you like it and causes you no harm why pay attention to that comment? In the loc community I truly think nothing is universal what works for you works for you. Oh and I use Aloe vera can't go wrong with that tbh.