For the longest time, I kept my hair short—clean-cut, low-maintenance, zero flair. Then, I ventured into the world of high and low fades, experimenting with precision cuts that required constant upkeep. But now? I’m embracing serious length, because it’s way easier and more cost-effective to visit a stylist every few months rather than every few weeks.
Throughout my hair journey, I’ve dabbled in more pomades than I’d care to admit. Some had a hold so stiff I felt like my hair could double as rebar, while others left me glistening like a disco ball. Turns out, my hair wasn’t really feeling any of them. These days, I’ve finally wised up and switched to a product that actually works with my curls. Because truthfully, nothing ruins your day like crusty residue and severe flakeage.
Enter my curly-haired savior: the Hymn Hair Gel by Reverie, a California-based hair care brand that’s been doing its thing for over a decade. Founded by hair guru Garrett Markenson and his wife Hillary (the brand’s president), Reverie creates minimalist, clean, and innovative formulas that nurture your hair and keep it looking next-level good. Everything is made in California with a skin care-inspired approach, mindfully sourced vegan ingredients, and sustainable practices. It’s like a love letter to your hair (and the planet).
So, what makes this gel magic in a tube? For starters, it’s formulated with professional-grade hair care ingredients:
- Pullulan locks in moisture to keep strands hydrated.
- Trehalose gives frizz the boot.
- Amaranth peptides pump up the volume for a fuller look.
- Glycerin ensures your hair stays soft, not Sahara-dry.
- Fermented bamboo extract serves as a natural antioxidant.
The scent is also a wonderfully subtle blend of sandalwood, bergamot, vanilla, and jasmine. After two weeks of use, I can confidently say this gel makes growing out my hair feel like my best decision ever. My routine? A dime-sized dollop rubbed between my hands, then applied to damp hair. For more volume, I skip styling dry hair and instead rake the gel through sections with my fingers, scrunching upwards to encourage curls. The result? Defined, bouncy curls and zero flakes—thank you, alcohol-free and paraben-free formula. Plus, no crunch. (My hair no longer sounds like ramen noodles snapping in a cup: Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it.)
This gel works best for type 1, 2, and 3 hair textures. It can work for type 4 coils, but experts I’ve spoken with recommend using a product with more density and moisturizing ingredients.
- For Type 1: Apply it when wet, grab a brush, and guide your strands into submission.
- For Type 2: Slap it on damp hair for added volume—blow dry if you’re feeling fancy.
- For Type 3: Rake it through sections of your hair and let it air dry.
The thoughtful ingredients are especially great for type 2C folks (thick, coarse waves with a mix of defined S-shapes and a touch of frizz) and type 3A curls (loose, springy curls with well-defined S-shapes). Bonus: It keeps frizz in check while moisturizing.
And, at just under $40, it’s a bit of an investment, but trust me—a little goes a long way, and your hair (and scalp) will thank you. My only gripe? No travel size yet, but hey, fingers crossed that’s in the works. For now, I’m officially ditching pomades and riding the Hymn Hair Gel train.
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