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For hairstyling, the product that you use can be the make-or-break difference. Whether you're setting curls, adding texture, or seeking a sleek, polished look, the product you use makes a huge difference in the way your hair looks. Three trendy styling products — gel, mousse, and styling cream — all come with benefits, but understanding the differences between them will allow you to make the most informed choice for your hair style and type.

What is Styling Cream?

Styling cream is a multifunction product that provides a light hold along with conditioning and moisturizing the hair. It's usually formulated with moisturizing ingredients like oils or butters, so it's a great option for people with dry, curly, or coarse hair. Styling creams leave a softer, more flexible hold than gels, which can leave hair crunchy or hard. They also de-frizz and soften the hair texture without weighing the hair down.


Best for:

  • People with dry, curly, or wavy hair.
  • People who want a natural, touchable finish.
  • Creating a soft hold with added moisture and shine.

How to use:

Apply a liberal amount of styling cream to damp hair, then style as desired. For an extra polished finish, you can blow-dry or air dry for a more natural finish.

Example Products: Skala Curl Creams for Every Curl Type

If you're looking for affordable and effective curl creams, Skala has become a favorite in the curly hair community. Their products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and designed to cater to different curl patterns. Here are a few standout options:

  • 💙 Skala Mais Cachos (Blue) – Ideal for curly hair (Type 3). This cream helps define curls, control frizz, and provides lightweight hydration without weighing hair down. Buy on amazon here: https://amzn.to/4i8aOHm

  • 💗 Skala Creme para Pentear Babosa (Pink for Wavy Hair) – Perfect for wavy hair (Type 2). It offers soft definition and moisture, keeping waves bouncy and touchable. Buy on amazon here: https://amzn.to/3GfQWVq

  • 💖 Skala Potão do Amor (yellow for Coily/Kinky Hair) – Best for coily or kinky hair (Type 4). It’s rich, deeply moisturizing, and helps reduce shrinkage while enhancing curl definition. Buy on amazon here: https://amzn.to/3G2ODF7

What is Mousse?

Mousse is a foam-based product that is best used to add volume and body to flat or fine hair. It offers light to medium hold, making it great at creating bouncy waves, textured curls, or just adding volume at the roots. Mousse also adds texture while being able to enhance natural movement of hair without leaving it crunchy. Most mousses are light in texture, so they won't weigh your hair down or leave it greasy.


Best for:

  • Flat or fine hair that needs volume.
  • People who want a natural, soft look without excessive hold.
  • Defining curls or waves without stiffness.

How to use:

Shake the mousse can well, then emit a golf-ball-sized amount of mousse onto your hand. Apply evenly over wet hair, using at the roots for added volume, and style with fingers or blow dryer for lift.

What is Gel?

Gel is one of the most popular and most powerful styling aids available. It provides a strong, long-lasting hold and can set curls, lay hair flat, or create dramatic styles that need extra structure. Gels form a firmer, crunchier finish when dry, but most modern formulas are designed to yield a more flexible, non-flaking finish. If you need your hair style to stay in place the entire day (or longer), gel is the way to go.


Best for:

  • Strong hold styles like sleek back styles or curly hairstyles with definition.
  • Those who need their hair to stay in place all day.
  • To achieve smooth, defined hair styles with less frizz.

How to use:

Apply gel on damp hair and brush out uniformly. For most hold, brush out the hair or scrunch curls or sleek back hair with your hands. Dry naturally or finish with blow-dryer on low heat setting.

How to Choose the Perfect Product for Your Hair Texture and Style

Now that you have some notion of how styling cream, mousse, and gel vary from each other, here are a few pointers on how to pick which product will suit your hair best:


To get a natural, soft finish: Apply styling cream. It provides light to medium hold with a soft, moisturized look. It is perfect for people who desire adding texture to hair without stiffness.


For volume and texture: Use mousse. Mousse is ideal for adding body and volume, especially to limp or fine hair. It's also great for giving curls and waves with a bouncy, natural look.


For an official, long-lasting style: Choose gel. For when you need intense hold for smooth, sleek style or defined curls, choose gel. It lasts long and is best to discipline unruly hair.


Conclusion

Each of the three products — styling cream, mousse, and gel — serves a distinct purpose in molding different hairstyles. Whether you want to add moisture, add volume, or keep your hair in place all day long, having a sense of each product's strength will enable you to get the style you're looking for. Experiment with these products to learn which works best for your hair type and your styling needs, and have greater control and creativity with your hair!

What is your go-to styling product? Tell us your favorite and how you apply it to get your perfect look!