What exactly IS a curl definer?

What IS a curl definer???? It is just gel?
when i use ecostyler it defines the waves in the front and sides of my hair.

Also, does anyone else here have very, VERY tightly coiled hair, as in, it looks like someone straw set it with a coffee stirrer? Cause thats what I have.....in the back.......[img][/img]

idk wut a tru curl definer is b/c i am still trying to identify w/ alot of hair products...lol all i've really known about was gel, but i do notice when i put hello hydration on my hair and wash it out or b4 i wash it out, i notice the curls more "popping" idk thas juss my opinion, but i am familiar w/ ecostyler gel az well

I have tight coils in my hair as well, I always try to get a conditioners/shampoos that says " defines curs or curl definer" My favorite is tresseme flawless curls. I never used gels to define my curls. Another one I can think of is herbal essence totally twisted. HTH

IMO a curl defining product just helps to clump the curls you already have together so that they form a curl instead of a bunch of random curly hairs doing their own thing. I have also noticed the products that claim to define curls usually have aloe vera gel/juice as one of the 1st 5 ingredients. The avg may provide the right moisture (like Chrs said)for curls to pop and look their best.