Curl Defining Gel

Core medium-hold gel — the most-loved in the range

✓CGM ApprovedProtein-FreeStep: Style

Hold Level

Medium

Our Take

Bouclème's core gel and one of the most consistently recommended curly hair gels in the UK community. A serum-like, medium-hold gel applied over the Curl Cream on soaking wet hair — it locks in definition, controls frizz, and forms a light cast that scrunches out to reveal soft, bouncy curls once fully dry. Voted Bronze for Best Curls Styling Product at the Beauty Bible Awards 2023. Works across all curl types and porosities. If you're new to the gel-cast method, this is the most forgiving place to start — it's harder to over-apply than stronger gels. Fragrance-free version available.

Who is this for?

Our assessment — not the brand's claim

Curl Pattern

Porosity

LowNormalHigh

Free From

✓ Sulphate-Free✓ Silicone-Free✓ Paraben-Free✓ Alcohol-Free

Ingredients at a Glance

Water

Solvent

Universal solvent and primary base of most hair products.

Glycerin

Humectant

Powerful humectant that draws moisture into the hair shaft.

Aloe Vera Leaf Extract

Botanical Extract

Concentrated extract from aloe vera leaves. Soothes, moisturises and conditions hair and s…

Xanthan Gum

Thickener

Natural polysaccharide thickener.

Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate

Emulsifier

Mild plant-derived emulsifier and solubiliser from polyglycerin and capric acid (coconut-d…

Free From

✓ Sulphate-Free✓ Silicone-Free✓ Protein-Free✓ Paraben-Free✓ Alcohol-Free

Want to know more about an ingredient? Browse the ingredient glossary →

How to Use

Apply to soaking wet hair after your leave-in conditioner or curl cream, working through in sections. Smooth over curls and scrunch upwards. Allow hair to dry fully before scrunching out the cast for soft, defined curls. Diffusing speeds up drying and boosts volume.