Ecostyler Gel vs.....?????????

I love the look ecostyler gives my waves and edges but i do NOT like the hardness I get.
AND, no matter what I do, I always end up with white residue. Yuck.

What product can do the same thing without the hardness and residue?
A curl definer? Which one?
And can I get it at TARGET?

When you ask what products can "do the same thing," are you looking for both 1)definition and 2) smooth edges?

How do you style your hair? I use different products based on how I am wearing my hair.

Personally, I use aloe vera gel and place a scarf around my edges. It does the job for me and there is no buildup, it doesn't react with other products, it is 99% water (moisturizing) and it is not sticky.

For curl definition, there are many organic and natural products or at least products without alcohol and the other harsh ingredients that are detrimental to the hair. KCNT and KCCC give great definition. Now, word of caution, some have said it caused their hair to be hard and they have seen residue. I have never had those results and I am a bit heavy-handed. I will say KCCC is notorious for not interacting well with other products. I find KCNT alone give me wonderful definition, so my KCCC is on the back shelf. I found the Curls products to give good definition. They carry SheaMoisture, but I have only used the DMT. Those are the only products I can think of at Target. However, I know they are carrying the Jane Carter line. If Target has a liberal return policy, I would just experiment with what they have (organic and natural products that is).

I like the KCCC however it's not exactly affordable 2 me. I did find a great alternative, natural, cheap, and gives the same exact curl definition and frizz reduction is flax seed gel. It's super easy to make, just keep it in the fridge.

Suquiit. Glad you mentioned it. I have saved a few variations of the recipe, just haven't made it yet. Would you mind sharing your version of the recipe? Does it mix well with other products? Thanks!

I usually have shea butter or coconut oil on my hair b4 application of this gel. Here's my recipe:
3 tbsp flax seeds
2 cups water
2 tbsp EVOO

I bring to a low boil, and keep it there for about 5 to 7 minutes, keep your whisk handy because the seeds can stick to the bottom of the pan. You will also need a strainer to pour this mixture into a old shampoo or conditioner bottle while separating the seeds.

As for mixing with other products, I'm sorry I don't really know. I use shea butter or coconut oil 95% of the time. Every now and then I will use KCCC, but you don't need both gels at the same time. Both my daughter and I are primarily 4a with a touch of 3c here and there, and our hair loves this stuff! It's not crunchy and it gives AWESOME shine when our hair is dry. Good luck and let us know how it works out!

I don't know why I can mix KCCC with just about anything--ecostyler, especially qhemet burdock root cream, evoo, jojoba, Samy, etc and I don't have a problem. I know all the forementioned products are oil-based so maybe that's why. *shrugs*

I combine ecostyler with KT and either/or evoo or jojoba oil to combat the crunchiness. As mentioned AV juice is good, too. Also, try not to be heavy-handed with the gel. Find the moisture/style you want and scrunch a small amount of gel. Use a good conditioning spray as needed, especially if you use too much gel. There is a wonderful thread called "Curl Refresher", that contains awesome tips.

Can you describe your hair and what it likes? Thanks.

Curious to know your recipe there are many variations of this all over the net. FYI, if you are interested in more curl definition, you may try adding epsom salts to your recipe. This way, you have 1 product working double duty. Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate and it contributes to curl enhancement. One day I will get around to mixing this up and I will let you know how it comes out.

@naturalnolagirl1900

Epsom salt? I haven't heard of this before, and being that it's a sulfate, I try to keep sulfates out of my hair. Do you have any articles about using it for hair? I would love to read up on it.

Thanks!

No. This is not what you are thinking. Magnesium sulfate is naturally occurring. As a matter of fact the clays that are used during spa treatments use clays, which are high in magnesium sulfate. I am not sure where you are from, but especially in the south or people with southern roots are familiar with using epsom salts for many reasons, like to soak tired feet. Very medicinal. If you buy bath salts, that is what you are buying. I just did a post about Bentonite clay on the hair, giving my experience with it this week. In the post, you will see the very high percentage of magnesium sulfated. Just do a google search. If I see something specifically, I will pull it and post. This is just something I have known a long time.

I will definitely have to do some research on that. I'm not from the south (Cali girl!), but I do believe in eastern medicine and practice many natural remedies. I have used epsom salt for many purposes, just never knew it was good for your hair. Thanks for the tip though.

I just tried Eco styler...the clear one since that's the only one I could find. I HATE it.

It dried really soft and lots of definition, but I had more shrinkage than I've had with any other product. I'll add it to the box to donate to the women's shelter

suqiit - I have considered making flax seed gel as well... Thanks for the recipe. I have big bag of flax seeds that have been asking to be boiled. LOL

I love eco styler but that mess is hard to wash out! LOL

Anyway, as for a non cruchy hold for my twist/ braid outs AND for holding down my edges, I like Garnier Fructis Fiber Gum Putty. It costs about 4 to 5 bucks. You can get it at Target or Walmart or any other drug store for that matter

Recently, I just tried Goddess Curls from the Curls line at Target. I like it so far. I have it on my edges right now. My hair is held down and it's not hard at all. I'll be trying this on my twist out tomorrow. This is more pricey than the Garnier at 8 bucks. Hey, but at least it costs less than and it doesn't feel like a snot consistency on my fingers like KCCC.

You can try mixing the gel with olive oil but to be honest I know exactly how you feel. Eco gives you a really nice curl/wave definition but when it dries - its super crunchy!

After I swim I usually mix the eco styler with EVOO or Carols Daughter Hair Milk and my hair is still a bit hard but not so bad.

Recently I tried Curls Gelesce for the first time - apply EVOO to my hair first and I must say I was highly impressed. Gave me great curl definition with the hard crunch feeling to go along with it.