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Curls Guide
Curl Jelly Scrunching Jelly by Umberto Giannini
gel
CG Friendly
Protein Free
Silicone Free
Vegan
Cruelty Free

Umberto Giannini

Curl Jelly Scrunching Jelly

"Best-selling curly girl favourite for over 20 years. Budget-friendly, CG-approved, and works on all curl types. The reliable starter gel for curly hair enthusiasts."

Best for:
Curly beginners looking for first gel All curl types 2A-4C Budget-conscious curlies Those wanting protein-free hold
Avoid if:
Need extra-strong hold High humidity (contains glycerin) Want fragrance-free

Hair Compatibility

Curl Pattern

2A 2B 2C 3A 3B 3C 4A 4B 4C

Strand Thickness

fine
medium
coarse

Porosity

low
medium
high

Performance

Definition 4/5
Hold 3/5
Shine 3/5
Crunch Potential 2/5
Buildup Risk 2/5
Hold Level
Medium Hold
Weight
Light
Finish
Touchable Cast
Buildup Risk
Low

What's Inside

Flaxseed Oil

Natural hold and definition

Aloe Vera

Hydration and smoothing

✓ CG Friendly
✓ Protein Free
✓ Silicone Free
✓ Sulfate Free
View Full Ingredients List

Aqua, Xanthan gum, Propylene glycol, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/palmeth-25 acrylate copolymer, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Polyquaternium-11, Sodium benzoate, Dipropylene glycol, Sodium methylparaben, Aminomethyl propanol, Parfum, Benzophenone-4, Coumarin, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Linalool, CI 17200

Analyze these ingredients with our Ingredient Checker tool.

How to Use

Best as: Styler

Pairs Well With

Kinky-Curly

Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner

leave in

Umberto Giannini

Curl Whip Activating Mousse

mousse

Alternatives to Consider

Curlsmith

Hydro Style Flexi Jelly

Lighter weight premium option

Bouclème

Curl Defining Gel

UK brand alternative

Overview

Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Scrunching Jelly has been a community favourite curly gel for over 20 years. This budget-friendly, CG-approved formula works on all curl types and has introduced countless curlies to the joys of defined, frizz-free hair.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Flaxseed Oil - Natural film-former providing flexible hold.
  • Aloe Vera - Lightweight hydration and slip.

What We Love

  1. Community favourite - Best-selling for over 20 years for good reason
  2. Budget-friendly - Often 3 for 2 at Boots
  3. CG-approved - Silicone and sulfate-free
  4. Works on everyone - 2A to 4C, all porosities
  5. Protein-free - Safe for protein-sensitive hair
  6. Widely available - Boots, Superdrug, supermarkets

What Could Be Better

  1. Contains glycerin - May frizz in high humidity
  2. Medium hold only - Coarse hair may need stronger
  3. Fragrance - Not for those avoiding scents

How to Use

On Wash Day

  1. Apply to soaking wet hair
  2. Scrunch upward from ends
  3. Add more to any areas needing extra hold
  4. Diffuse or air dry
  5. Scrunch out cast when completely dry

Tips for Best Results

  • Look for 3 for 2 offers at Boots
  • Layer with mousse for extra volume
  • Perfect for introducing kids to curly routines

The Verdict

Budget-friendly and often available with special offers, Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly is the obvious first gel for any curly. It’s not the strongest or most sophisticated, but it’s affordable, effective, and available literally everywhere. If you’re just starting your curly journey, start here.

Our Rating: 4/5