I don’t think it’s a secret that I love Mielle Organics. Given the faith I have in their products, I hit the floor when I saw the Mielle Organics Styling Gel late last year, and knew that if it was anything like the rest of their line– it would be great. The Honey and Ginger styling gel had been romancing me for months, and when I ran out of my CRN Curlmaker, I knew that was my opportunity to jump in and try this new gel. When the curly heavens aligned in my favor and Mielle Organics ran a sale, I went right in. Read on for my full review!

The Good

I love the consistency of this gel. It’s probably my favorite characteristic about it. It’s not tacky, sticky or goopy like other gels, jellies or custards I’ve used before, which really helps with the way it applies to your hair without tension or resistance. On a slip scale, it’s not as fluid as a serum, but not tacky or heavy. It’s right in the middle, which is a win for my hair texture.

As it’s name implies, the Mielle Organics Honey and Ginger gel smells like citrus and ginger. It’s not an overwhelming fragrance and it’s barely noticeable once it’s already in your hair. Just as the other Mielle Organics products, this gel is reasonably priced. I purchased directly from the brand’s website for $11.99, which is about average for an all natural styling product.

I’ve tried this bad boy through and through– mostly for wash and go’s but also for a braid out– and each time it gave me volume and a light hold. I’ve paired this gel with SO many product combinations– mostly from the Mielle line– and I have to admit that for me, it went best with a creamy product like a hair milk or a product that ISN’T high in glycerin content. When I paired it with my Mielle Organics Avocado Hair Milk or the CRN Moisture Milk, my wash and go dried full with great curl definition and shine! Take a look at the gel in action in my review below, which you can also find on my Youtube channel!

I love the fact that this is also marketed as a 2nd day curl refresher– which I can totally imagine it being awesome as such. I would classify this as a curl sealer or finisher over a gel, so reapplying this to wet hair would probably give beautiful results.

The bad? (Debatable.)

As quickly as I applaud the ability to use this as a curl refresher, I want to mention one thing. Do not underestimate the potency of this product, just because it is light. One of the tricky things I had to overcome was learning to gauge how much to use. When you are applying it, it is smooth but keep in mind–it is going to dry and become a little firmer. Still not hard or crunchy, but you will notice there is a styling product in your hair. Though I imagine it’s very hard to go overboard with this light gel, just be careful not to go crazy with layering or reapplying.

Also, a word of caution for my curlies in humid climates or those that are glycerin sensitive: it’s the SECOND ingredient in this gel.  So far my hair doesn’t seem to mind products with a high glycerin content, but I try to limit them when I’m doing styles that I want to last without having to worry about frizz. I wouldn’t say that this gel afforded me the option of wearing a wash and go for more than a few days because as the days went on, I began to lose definition as my curls frizzed a bit or continued to expand because of the humectants it contains. Again, no deal breaker for me but I know some people like the “100 day hair” that some products offer. Slight exaggeration there.

The Truth

This is definitely the gel I can grab when I’m craving body and volume. It’s lightweight so I don’t have to worry about it being too heavy or weighing my hair down. It was definitely a change from the elongated wash and go I have been sporting lately, but that’s nothing a little stretching can’t fix. It provides a light hold which I love because I hate the crunch and hard cast that other gels leave. I would recommend Mielle’s Honey and Ginger gel to anyone wanting a light hold to seal their curls without wanting the weight of a thick or drying styling product. It’s like a gel without the guilt, and I think it would be exceptionally great for someone with fine hair.

Have you tried the Mielle Organics Styling gel yet? I want to hear your thoughts too!