• What Is Taming Gel and Defining Cream?
• Key Differences Between Defining Cream & Taming Gel
• Choosing The Right Product For Your Hair
• FAQs

Hair care can extend beyond following a hair care routine. From washing your hair to styling, everything is included in hair care. Choosing the right hair styling product is also vital. There are different types of hair styling products with taming gel and defining cream being two popular ones. Today, we will take a look at the pros and cons of using taming gel versus defining cream, while helping you choose between taming gel and defining cream. 

We will also answer a few questions such as taming gel vs defining cream: which is better? 

What Is Taming Gel and Defining Cream?

Before answering which is better, taming gel or defining cream for styling, we first need to understand what they are. Taming gel and defining cream are two types of hair styling products that are commonly used to create and manage different hairstyles. Here's a brief overview of each product:

Taming Gel:

Taming gel, also known as styling gel or hair gel, is a hair product that comes in a gel-like consistency. It is designed to provide hold, control, and taming properties for unruly or flyaway hair. Taming gels often have a strong hold and are used to create sleek hairstyles, control frizz, and keep the hair in place. They can be applied to damp or dry hair and are typically worked through the hair using fingers or a comb.

Defining Cream:

Defining cream, also referred to as styling cream or curl cream, is a hair product that has a creamy and usually thicker consistency compared to gels. Defining creams are specifically formulated to enhance and define the natural texture of the hair, particularly curls or waves. They provide moisture, reduce frizz, and add softness to the hair while offering a medium hold. Defining creams are applied to damp or dry hair and are typically worked through the hair with fingers, scrunching or twisting the curls to achieve the desired definition.

Both taming gels and defining creams can be used on various hair types and lengths, but their primary purposes and effects differ. Taming gels focus on control, holding, and creating sleek styles, while defining creams emphasise enhancing natural texture and defining curls or waves. Choosing between the two depends on your desired hairstyle, hair type, and the level of hold and definition you're looking to achieve.

Now let’s help you understand your styling options: exploring the differences between tanning gel and defining cream. 

Key Differences Between Defining Cream & Taming Gel

Defining cream and taming gel are both hair styling products that can help create and manage different hairstyles. Here are the main distinctions:

Consistency and Texture:

1. Defining Cream:

   Defining cream usually has a thicker, creamier consistency. It is typically smoother and has a more emollient texture, similar to a moisturiser or lotion.
   
   

2. Taming Gel:
   

   Taming gel, on the other hand, has a gel-like consistency. It is more lightweight and tends to be clear or translucent in appearance.

Hold and Control:

1. Defining Cream:
   

   Defining cream provides a medium hold and is designed to enhance natural texture and define curls or waves. It helps control frizz and adds moisture to the hair, resulting in a softer, more flexible hold.
   
   

2. Taming Gel:

   Taming gel provides a stronger hold and is primarily used to control and tame unruly hair. It is often preferred for sleek hairstyles, updos, or to keep flyaways and baby hairs in place. Taming gel can create a more polished, structured look.

Shine:

1. Defining Cream:
   

   Defining creams generally offer a more natural, satin or low-to-medium shine finish. They enhance the hair's natural shine without adding excessive gloss.
   

2. Taming Gel:
   

   Taming gels often provide a higher shine or wet look finish. They can make the hair appear glossier and more sleek.

Application and Styling:

1. Defining Cream:
   

   Defining creams are typically applied to damp or dry hair. They are spread evenly through the hair, scrunching or twisting the curls/waves to define them. Defining creams are great for creating relaxed, beachy styles or enhancing natural hair patterns.
   
   

2. Taming Gel:
   

   Taming gels are generally applied to damp hair. They are distributed evenly and combed through to control and shape the hair. Taming gels are useful for creating more structured hairstyles, sleek ponytails, or updos that require a firm hold.

It's important to note that the specific formulation and ingredients of defining creams and taming gels can vary across brands, so it's always a good idea to check the product labels for more detailed instructions and intended usage.

Now that you know more about styling products, let’s talk a bit more about hair care to help you choose the right products for your hair. 

Choosing The Right Product For Your Hair

Choosing the right hair product depends on various factors, including your hair type, desired hairstyle, and personal preferences. Here are some guidelines to help you select the appropriate product for your hair:

Hair Type: Consider your hair's texture, thickness, and condition

1. Fine Hair:

   Opt for lightweight products that won't weigh your hair down, such as mousses or volumizing sprays.

2. Thick or Coarse Hair:

   Look for products with more holding power, like creams, gels, or pomades, to help control and manage your hair.
   
   

3. Curly or Wavy Hair:

   Choose products specifically formulated for enhancing and defining curls, such as curl creams, custards, or styling foams.r
   
   

4. Damaged or Dry Hair:

   Prioritise products that provide moisture and nourishment, such as leave-in conditioners, oils, or serums.

Desired Style: Considering the hairstyle you want

1. Natural or Textured Look:

   Opt for products like defining creams, curl enhancers, or sea salt sprays to emphasise your hair's natural texture.
   
   

2. Sleek or Polished Styles:

   Look for products with a strong hold, such as gels, waxes, or styling pomades, to create smooth and sleek hairstyles.
   
   

3. Volume or Lift:

   Choose products like volumizing mousses, root lift sprays, or powders to add body and lift to your hair.

Hold and Control: Determine the level of hold and control you need

1. Light Hold:
   

   Go for lightweight products like sprays, mists, or texturizing sprays for a more natural and flexible hold.
   

2. Medium Hold:
   

   Products like creams, lotions, or styling foams offer moderate hold while maintaining some movement and flexibility.
   

3. Strong Hold:
   

   Opt for gels, waxes, or pomades if you need maximum hold and control to keep your hairstyle in place throughout the day.

Finish and Shine: Consider the desired finish of your hairstyle

1. Matte Finish:
   

   Choose products labelled as matte, texturizing powders, or clay-based products for a natural, shine-free look.
   

2. Natural or Satin Finish:
   

   Products like creams or styling lotions often provide a soft, natural-looking shine.
   

3. Glossy or Wet Look:
   

   Look for products labelled as high shine, glossing sprays, or styling gels to achieve a polished, glossy finish.

Personal Preference

You should try different products to find what suits your preference best. Consider factors like scent, ease of application, and whether you prefer water-based or oil-based formulations.

Apart from these tips, one of the most important things to remember is to avoid using chemical-based products. Chemical-based products can hurt your hair in the long run and make them dry, brittle and unhealthy. Use natural alternatives with nourishing ingredients such as coconut. 

Coconut is a versatile hair care product with several benefits. Coco Soul from the makers of Parachute Advansed utilises coconut as the base ingredient for its product to deliver full care and nourishment. You can choose from a range of hair products. You can also take a look at Curl Cult Curl Defining Cream from Coco Soul as a part of the #JoinTheCurlCut if you are wondering about taming gel and defining cream: which works best for curly hair. 

Conclusion

We hope now you know about Taming gel or defining cream for styling. Choosing the right product solely depends on your personal choice.

FAQs

1. Can taming gel and defining cream be used together?
   

   Yes, taming gel and defining cream can be used together. Combining these products can provide additional hold and control while enhancing the definition and texture of the hair. The order of application can vary based on your personal choice. Some people prefer applying the defining cream first to enhance the natural texture and then layering the taming gel to provide extra hold and control. Others may choose to apply the taming gel first for control and then use the defining cream to enhance the texture. 

2. Which product is better for controlling frizz: taming gel or defining cream?
   

   Both taming gel and defining cream can help control frizz to some extent, but the effectiveness may vary depending on your hair type and the specific products you use. Taming gel is generally known for its ability to provide strong hold and control, which can help keep frizz and flyaways in check. It is often used for sleek hairstyles where frizz control is a priority. Defining cream, on the other hand, focuses more on enhancing natural texture and defining curls or waves. While it may not offer as much control as taming gel, it can still help reduce frizz and add moisture to the hair. If frizz control is your main concern, you may want to opt for a taming gel with a strong hold. 

3. How long do the effects of taming gel and defining cream last?
   

   The duration of the effects of taming gel and defining cream can vary depending on several factors, such as the specific product used, the amount applied, hair type, environmental conditions, and individual factors. Taming gel, with its stronghold, can maintain the desired style for a longer time, often lasting throughout the day. Defining cream, which offers a more flexible hold, may provide definition and manageability for several hours, but it may require touch-ups or reapplication throughout the day for longer-lasting effects.