Let’s talk curly hair terms. You may have heard pro stylists recommending that we emulsify our hair products before applying them to our hair. So, what does that mean and why should we be all be doing this?
In short, it’s a game changer for curly hair styling and simplifies the entire way we add our gel, cream, or other thick products onto our hair. Gone will be the days of gel clumps, frizz pockets and more. So, let’s dive in!
Pro Tip: Emulsify your hair products before applying them to your hair for salon quality results.
Emulsify | The Definition
a verb: to make into or become an emulsion, a dispersed solution.
synonyms: blend, cocktail, combination, fusion, mix, mixture, synthesis
verb tenses: emulsifies, emulsified, emulsifying
noun: emulsification
Why Should I Emulsify my Hair Products?
The main reason for emulsifying hair products is to activate the products and ease our application process. This makes sense if you have ever battled with a dollop of shampoo on top your head that took forever to dissolve and disperse around your hair… We all want our products to be in application mode and easily glide through our hair. So, for salon quality results, emulsification is the way to go.
This is especially important if you are using salon quality products. As they are concentrated formulations, they require some water to activate the product. So, be sure to read the recommendations on the product label or the manufacturer’s website.
Pro Tip: Read product labels and manufacturer websites for use instructions. Even similar product types (shampoos, conditioners, creams, gels, etc) can have different application instructions.
Some hair products may specify that they should be emulsified before applying including shampoos, conditioners and styling products. Still, even if it isn’t specially called out, you can still use the emulsification process to ease the use and application of your products.
How to Emulsify Hair Gel
- Wet your hands completely with water, but don’t hold or cup any water in your hands.
- Dispense a pea-sized to quarter-sized about of gel to your palm.
- Rub both hands together for about 10 seconds to emulsify, or blend, the water and gel.
- The result will be a thick and smooth texture that covers your hands without dripping off.
- If it is dripping, you can try using less product.
The warmth of the hands and the hydration from the water, will activate the product.
Once your hands are coated with the emulsion, you can then easily glide the product onto your hair by glazing it over or raking it through with your hands.
Styling processes my vary (flip and coat, scrunching, upright styling, etc), but whichever process your prefer, emulsification of your products is always recommended.
What about other hair products?
Oils: You do not need to emulsify oils. Instead, you can simply add 1-2 drops to your palm, quickly spread across your palms and immediately glaze over your hair.
Curl Cream: Yes, you can emulsify your curl cream. Just be sure to check the product label or website for recommendations. Some curl creams require emulsification with only dry hands to warm up the product, while others may required water.
Pro Tip: Always disperse your cleanser with more water before trying to add more cleanser.. You will be surprised by how much the cleanser expands with the emulsification process. You’ll also save $$ by not using too much product.
Shampoo, Cleaners, Loo Poos: Yes, emulsifying your choice of cleansers before applying them will aid in dispersing the product throughout your hair. Cleansers are formulated to be activated with water.
Have more curly hair styling questions? Leave them in the comments below!
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