3 Reasons Why We Use Topper Gels for Type 4 + Natural Hair

As professional stylists, we often like to reach for topper gels for wash and go styling for numerous reasons. A topper could be needed based on the condition of a client’s hair, the desired result or style longevity. And let’s be honest, we almost never used one styler when we were relaxed. So, why would we think we only needed one styler while natural?

In our educational spaces such as our digital course community, The SeeSomeCurls Visual Library, we provide a full curated product list which includes options for topper gels for wash and go styling. This blog post will outline 3 reasons why we like to reach for topper gels for type 4 + natural hair.

What Are Topper Gels?

Topper gels typically are gels that contain anti-humectant ingredients, including polymers and carbomer, that are used as a top layer over botanical gels in wash and go styling.

A polymer is an artificial material that are often the “hold” in gels. Alternatively, carbomer is primarily used as a thickening agent that makes gels more viscous, helping to maintain its flow and consistency.

“Anti-humectants are essentially products that contain moisture blockers to prevent the hair from trying to absorb moisture from the environment. This can help to mitigate frizz and preserve the longevity of your style.”

By placing the botanical gel next to the clean, wet, and bare hair we are supplementing the hydration available to the hair. The use of an anti-humectant gel over it, which we call double gelling, allows the hair to maintain hold and hydration. 

1. Topper Gels Help Increase Water Retention

There’s a distinct rhyme and reason to why we layer topper gels the way that we do. Some toppers are to increase the water retention and clumping of dehydrated hair with a compromised cuticle. 

“Clumping is when your curls gather together and form bunches or clumps. Hair is that is healthy and hydrated will form clumps, making it easier to see your curl definition.”

These toppers help to lock in more water and give the hair a coating to help create a smooth like finish on the hair.

2. Topper Gels Provide Climate Protection

No styling product is 100% humidity proof, but due to the anti-humectant properties found in some topper gels, they contain moisture blockers to help prevent your hair from absorbing moisture from your environment.

“Humidity is defined as the concentration of water vapor in the air. If there is a lot of water vapor in the air, the humidity will be high. The higher the humidity, the wetter it feels outside.”

In high humid conditions (around 90% or so), humectants can actually attract too much water in the air and have a reverse effect to your natural hair causing frizz, fluffiness and your style not lasting as long.

For our naturals that reside in states such as Florida, Louisiana, Texas and the DMV area, adding an anti-humectant topper gel to your wash and go can help aid in less frizz/puffiness and more longevity.

3. Topper Gels Can Provide Additional Hold In Wash & Go Styling

Some topper gels can provide you with additional hold due to the polymers found in some of the formulations.

“Caveat: Even with our topper gel selections, we are choosing high quality products that require minimal pumps applied to the hair.”

Depending on your unique Essential Elements, sometimes your base gel is enough in your wash and go styling. Implementing a topper gel will heavily depend on the current condition of your hair, your climate as mentioned in the previous bullet point and your desired look/finish.

If you’re curious about which specific products will work well for your unique head of hair, we highly suggest partnering with a knowledgeable hair stylist near you. You can always browse My Style-List, a location-based directory for helping properly vetting out someone.

Want to browse through a robust video library with tutorials on how to achieve the perfect wash and go? We drop new video tutorials weekly and try out new products in our digital course community—The SeeSomeCurls Visual Library.

If you’re curious to see what’s what, we invite you to take advantage of our free 7-day trial. You can can cancel at anytime—obligation free!

The SeeSomeCurls Visual Library features hours of on-demand video content, monthly live Q&A’s and an interactive discussion feed where you can ask questions, upload photos, and get support, motivation and encouragement from a community of naturals who have been exactly where you are in your natural hair journey.