| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | All curl types (2C-4C) |
| Price | ~$4 / 16oz |
| Key Ingredients | Olive oil, glycerin |
| Hold Level | Strong |
| Flaking | Minimal to none |
| Scent | Light, neutral |
The Short Version
Eco Style Olive Oil Gel is proof that good hair products don't have to be expensive. At $4 for a massive 16oz jar, this gel gives you strong hold, zero flaking, and a cast that scrunches out beautifully. It works on basically every curl type from wavy to coily. If you need hold on a budget, stop looking. This is the one.
Who Should Buy This
- Any curl type that needs hold (2C through 4C)
- You're on a budget and want maximum value
- You like the "scrunch out the crunch" technique
- You want strong hold without flaking
- You layer gel over a leave-in or cream
Who Should Skip This
- You want a gel with moisturizing properties (this is pure hold)
- You prefer organic/natural-only ingredients
- You have very fine 2A-2B waves (the hold might be too strong)
- You want a gel that doubles as a leave-in
How to Use It
- Apply your leave-in conditioner to soaking wet hair first
- Take a generous amount of gel (this is not a "less is more" product)
- Scrunch upward into your curls, or use praying hands method
- For maximum hold, rake through then scrunch
- Do NOT touch your hair while it dries
- Once fully dry, scrunch out the crunch (SOTC) for soft, defined curls
The key to this gel is applying it to SOAKING wet hair over a leave-in. On its own without a moisture layer underneath, your curls can feel dry and crunchy even after scrunching out the cast.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Absurdly cheap ($4 for 16oz)
- Strong, reliable hold
- Minimal to no flaking
- Works on nearly every curl type
- Great cast that scrunches out soft
- Olive oil adds some shine
Cons:
- No moisturizing properties (need a leave-in underneath)
- Contains some ingredients purists avoid
- Jar packaging is messy (no pump or squeeze)
- Can feel heavy if you use too much on fine hair
Alternatives
| Product | Best For | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eco Style Olive Oil Gel Our Pick | Strong hold, all types | ~$4 | Buy |
| Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Gel Soft Hold | Soft hold, wavy hair | ~$8 | Buy |
| SheaMoisture Smoothie | Moisture + definition, no gel needed | ~$11 | Buy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Eco Style Gel cause flaking?
Rarely. Flaking usually happens when you layer it over a silicone-based product. Over water-based leave-ins and creams, it dries clean with minimal to no flaking.
Can I use Eco Style Gel on wavy hair?
Yes, but use less than you would on curlier hair. For 2B-2C waves, scrunch in a small amount on soaking wet hair for hold without weight. Type 2A waves might find it too strong.
What does "scrunch out the crunch" mean?
When gel dries on curly hair, it forms a hard cast around your curls. Once fully dry, you scrunch your hair upward with your hands (or a tiny drop of oil) to break the cast. The result is soft, defined, frizz-free curls with all-day hold.
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