Have you ever used a Gel or Foam to style your hair, and as it dries, a flaky or stringy-like white cast appears? You’re not alone!
Don't panic, firstly, the good news is- it can be fixed, AND you can prevent it from happening in future styling sessions.
Why Does A White Cast Appear?
Two reasons. During the styling process a white cast can form when 1. TOO much product is used OR 2. The products you are using aren’t being absorbed into your hair and leaving behind a residue.
Simply put. Too much product + Lack of absorption = Flaky White Cast
Does It Happen To All Hair Types?
It can. But it is far more common in Type 4 Coily/Afro Hair Types, and Type 3 Curly Hair Textures. Why? Because the thicker and curlier your hair is, the less it absorbs hydration. This means that sometimes, styling products don't always drink up hydration as quickly as they should- the result, a white layer on top of the hair.
What You Need To Know & How To Prevent It
When it comes to styling curly hair, finding the right products for your hair can be a game-changer. Gels, creams, and volumising foams can help define and hold curls, but sometimes, and *usually on more coarser types of hair they can leave an unwanted residue—aka a white cast.
- Residue; ‘A small amount of something that remains after the main part has gone or been taken or used’.
Usually appearing when your hair is wet or freshly styled. It’s that chalky or flaky look that can be frustrating after spending time applying products for the perfect curls.
Understanding why certain products cause this white cast is crucial to perfecting your curly hair routine. Usually it comes down to how products (particularly gels) interact with your unique hair type.
Hair gels, creams, and foams are formulated with ingredients designed to coat each strand, but when they don’t absorb or blend properly, they can sit on top of the hair, leading to that white, chalky residue. Factors such as your hair’s porosity, texture, the amount of product used, and even the environment can all play a role in this unwanted effect.
Do LOHY. Products Leave A White Cast?
All LOHY. Products have been created, and rigorously tested to dry clear. So if you’ve applied a product and found a white cast forming as it dries, it probably means something has gone wrong in the styling process.
This can be a number of things according to Jonina, Founder of LOHY.
“Common mistakes people make when they’re using gels are not beginning styling with (very) wet hair. Hydration is the carrier of products. So if you’ve styled your hair with insufficient hydration, you will most likely see a white cast forming".
**Remember- Type 3 and 4 Hair need more hydration- water is key when styling!
"Secondly, your hair's texture and porosity (ability to absorb product and hydration) plays a big part. If you have a low porosity hair type, or a really tight curl or Afro, your hair will absorb moisture much slower than high porosity hair types. This is why adding water while you style is really important for these hair types”.
Common Culprits
Certain types of ingredients in popular hair products are more prone to causing this white cast. These often include:
- Polymers and silicones: Designed to provide hold and create a smooth surface, these can sometimes sit on the hair instead of absorbing, leaving residue. It's basically like applying a barrier on your hair and preventing any further hydrating ingredients from absorbing.
- Thickeners and emulsifiers: These give gels and foams their consistency but can dry up and leave a film on the hair when not distributed properly.
How To Prevent A White Cast
Avoiding the white cast doesn’t mean ditching your favourite styling products. With the right approach, you can minimise or prevent it altogether.
- Apply on soaking wet hair: Many gels and foams work best when applied to very wet hair, which helps the product absorb rather than sit on the surface.
- Re-wet your hair during styling. Especially if you have a coarse hair type.
- Less is more: Using too much product at once is a common cause of the white cast. Start with a small amount and gradually add more if needed.
- Layer products properly: If you’re using multiple products, apply lighter products first (like leave-ins) and heavier ones (like gels) last. This prevents buildup on the hair’s surface.
- Emulsify in your hands: Rub the product between your palms before applying to break it down slightly, ensuring even distribution.
- Diffuse with low heat: Sometimes, the white cast remains because the product hasn’t fully dried. Diffusing with low heat can help your curls absorb the product more effectively.
- Add an Oil. A drop of LOHY.'s Hush Oil once you've finished styling can give a shiny finish and add that little bit of extra hydration that your hair needs. We recommend this step for the super thirsty Type 4B and 4C hair types.
Recommended products to avoid the cast:
- Oomph Hydrating Gel: A lightweight option that offers definition without the buildup or white cast.
- Chutzpah Volumising Foam: Known for providing hold while keeping curls soft and free of residue.
Hot Tip: If you are hydrating, following our styling guide and STILL experiencing a white cast, try using a clarifying shampoo and giving your hair a really good cleanse. Product build up is a real thing, and it can create a barrier around your hair strands that prevents styling products from being properly absorbed.
Real-Life Experiences
“I used to get a white cast every time I used gel, and it was so frustrating,” says Sarah, with Type 3 Curls “After learning that I was using too much product, I scaled back, and the results were night and day. My curls still have definition, but without the residue!”
Jessica, a Type 4 Coily girl shares: “Switching to LOHY. products made all the difference. Now, I always apply gels when my hair is soaking wet, and I rarely see any cast.”
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a white cast on curly hair can be frustrating, but with the right styling techniques it’s entirely avoidable. The key is focussing on technique, and rather than slapping some products in and hoping for the best, learn how to evenly distribute products with adequate hydration for the best results.
If you’re unsure how to use LOHY. products, head over to our ‘Curls Made Easy’ Education page and find out everything you need to know about products, application, curls types, texture and porosity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are some hair types more prone to triggering a white cast? Yes, Coily Hair types, particularly Afro Types are more inclined to result in a white cast when using gel, especially on the ends due to their extreme hydration needs.
How do I know if my hair has a Low or High Porosity? Easy! Head over to our blog on how to test your hair's porosity and follow the steps!
Can a High porosity hair type end up with a white cast? The simple answer is no. Hair that drinks hydration easily, will absorb the product quickly and result in no white cast.
For more tips and tricks on curly hair, why not join our LOHY. Curl Friends Facebook group.
~ Love & Hydration xx
