Have you ever bought a curly hair styling product because of the brand’s promises – only to be completely let down?

I’m sharing some popular products that just did not live up to their claims on my particular hair and MY preferences… and more importantly, some alternatives that actually deliver.

Remember to keep in mind, these are MY personal results and MY hair. And I’m not saying any of these are bad products, but I’ll explain why they didn’t work for me and what might work better if you’re considering trying them.

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Products

❌ Didn’t work for me

Brand’s Claims: High hold definition of a gel and the voluminous look of a foam

Reality: It moisturized, clumped the curls nicely, but gave little to no hold. Curls fell flat and frizzed up bad shortly after my hair dried.

Why it Didn’t Work:

• Foams are loaded with water, and this one also has a lot of conditioning agents like coconut oil and shea butter.
• Water and conditioning agents SOFTEN your hold.
• It also does not contain any polyquats which are my favorite ingredients for hold and humidity control.

​Buy from Amazon​

✅ Alternative

• Contains Polyquaternium-55 and PVP for better curl hold and definition, plus aloe for lightweight moisture.
• Provides more hold than Cake’s version while still feeling light and not heavy on the hair.
• Doesn’t overload with oils and butters, so curls stay soft, bouncy, and not greasy.
• A good option for those who want a softer look with volume and curl definition.
• Top with a gel to increase hold and longevity.

​MICHE Set Gel-to-Foam Styling Mousse​
​Buy from MICHE​
​Buy from Amazon​

❌ Didn’t work for me

Brand’s Claims: Light on curls, strong on definition, big on bounce. Effortlessly building definition, adding volume, and controlling frizz without ever adding weight to waves and curls.
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​Reality: A watery spray that resulted in wet frizz and no hold at all.

Why it Didn’t Work: There are holding ingredients in the top of the ingredients list other than PVP. This is likely very diluted with water due to the format.

​Buy from Amazon​

✅ Alternatives

• Uses Polyquaternium-69 high in the list, so it actually creates a cast and lasting curl hold.
• Much stronger performance compared to the spray, though it can feel stiffer if over-applied.
• Best for curlies who want true strong hold from the same NYM line.

​Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Flash Freeze Gel​
​Buy from Ulta​

• Lightweight foam with polymers that give a buildable hold without heaviness.
• Provides volume and definition, great for fine or low-density curls that want something lighter.
• A better option if you liked the light feel of the spray gel but still need actual lasting results.

​Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Curl Activation Mousse​
​Buy from Ulta​

❌ Didn’t work for me

Brand’s Claims: Firm hold that lasts all day, smooths frizzy hair and tames flyaways. Adds body, shine.
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​Reality: Soft, conditioning, great slip, light hold, did not last through the end of wash day or after.
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​Why it Didn’t Work: Similar to Ouidad in feel, but the polymers just aren’t concentrated enough.

• Formula includes VP/VA Copolymer and multiple polyquats, but they’re lower in the list, so the concentration isn’t strong enough to create lasting hold.
  • Feels soft and conditioning with ingredients like PEG-40 castor oil and humectants, but this comes at the expense of hold.

​Buy from Amazon​

✅ Alternatives

• Similar in feel (conditioning + slip) but with polyquats and polymers higher in the list, giving actual hold.
• Designed for humidity protection, so it lasts much longer than Biolage.
• Great for curlies who liked the “soft, moisturizing” feel of Biolage but need frizz control and curl lock.

​Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Stronger Hold Gel​Buy from Ouidad with code GENAMARIE​
​Buy from Amazon​
​Buy from Ulta​

• Very similar to Biolage’s ingredients but the holding ingredients are a bit more concentrated.
• Stronger hold and curl definition, though it can feel a little drying on some hair types.
• Best for fine or low-density curls that need lightweight slip but also want a true cast and strong hold.

​Curl Keeper Ultimate Hold Hair Gel for Curly Hair​
​Buy from Amazon 17% off

❌ Didn’t work for me

Brand’s Claims: Defines curls with 4X the definition and 6X the shine, in a creamy, flexible gel that’s flake-free, crunch-free, and touchably soft.
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​Reality: This is more of a cream than a gel. Moisturizing and bouncy, but no real hold. Did not last or hold up through the day.
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​Why it Didn’t Work:

• Does not contain holding ingredients other than aloe which is more of a conditioning agent.
• The top ingredients are all conditioning agents and moisturizers, including Cetearyl Alcohol as the 3rd ingredient.

I personally think this should be labeled as a cream and not a gel to avoid confusion.

​Buy from Amazon​

✅ Alternative

• Uses several polyquats to create a lasting cast and real curl hold, while still keeping a soft, touchable finish.
• Provides much more hold than Pattern but is still moisturizing, soft, and slippery feeling.
• Lighter in texture than heavy creams or butters.

​Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Stronger Hold Gel​Buy from Ouidad with code GENAMARIE​
​Buy from Amazon 30% off​
​Buy from Ulta​

❌ Didn’t work for me

Brand’s Claims: Lightweight jelly that perfects coils, enhances shine, reduces frizz, and leaves an invisible finish—ideal for fine to medium curls.
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​Reality: Light and easy to apply, conditioning, but did not provide hold or last very long.
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​Why it Didn’t Work:

• It doesn’t contain many holding ingredients
  • Has a polyquat ingredient, but must not be concentrated.

​Buy from Amazon​

✅ Alternative

• This gel is also affordable
• Similar formula with VP/VA Copolymer + PEG-40 Castor Oil
• Lightweight, spreads easily, but gives noticeably better hold than Kristin Ess.
• Highly conditioning but not too heavy.

​Marc Anthony Define & Hold Flex Hair Styling Gel​
​Buy from Amazon 13% off

❌ Didn’t work for me

Brand’s Claims: lightweight, liquid styler provides a soft to medium hold without leaving curls dry or crunchy.
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​Reality: Thin consistency, gave me great initial results, but fell apart very quickly. Accurate on the soft hold. Curls deteriorated way too fast for my preference.

Why it Didn’t Work:

• Protein-rich, but the formula leads with proteins and conditioning agents instead of strong hold polymers.
• The only film former (polyquaternium) is listed last, so this could indicate it’s not concentrated.
• Gave good definition right after styling, but curls deteriorated quickly since there wasn’t enough polymer support.

​Buy from Amazon​

✅ Alternative

• Also has a thin, watery formula but packed with strong polymers for lasting curl hold.
• Contains proteins like Inahsi, but balanced with holding ingredients at the top of the ingredient list.
• Delivers reliable cast, definition, and longevity while still feeling lightweight.

​AG Liquid Effects Medium Hold Weightless Styling Gel​
​Buy from AG with code GENA20​
​Buy on Amazon​
​Buy from ULTA​

Need help picking products?

Those are the products that didn’t live up to their claims for me – and the alternatives that actually deliver. If you’ve tried any of these, I’d love to hear if your experience was the same or totally different.

If you’re not sure what products will work best for you, start with my Hair Type Curl Quiz. It’s a free way to learn more about your hair’s texture, porosity, and scalp type, and you’ll get an email with links to my shop page where you can find recommendations based on what your hair needs.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and want more personalized support, my Group Coaching Program is where I work with you directly to build a routine and choose products that actually fit your unique waves and curls. This program saves you money by avoiding products that don’t work, and it saves you time and frustration by giving you clear, personalized guidance.

👉🏼 Enrollment closes September 30, and spots are limited. Email me today if you’re interested, and we’ll find out if it’s the right fit for you.