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- The Doux 808 Base Gel: applied after a leave-in to clump curls and build a durable foundation for definition.
- Layer The Doux Bananas Xtreme Gel over The Doux 808 Base Gel for strong hold that keeps a wash-and-go defined for days.
- I welcome a light cast because extra hold locks definition and controls frizz, especially in Colorado's dry climate.
- Basic routine: cleanse, deep condition, leave-in, work in The Doux 808 Base Gel, layer The Doux Bananas Xtreme Gel, air dry, protect at night.
- The Doux 808 Base Gel and The Doux Bananas Xtreme Gel earned permanent spots for consistent results and minimal flaking when used correctly.
If you’ve been natural for any length of time, you know how easy it is to accumulate a cabinet full of styling products that promised amazing curls but never quite delivered. I’ve been wearing my hair natural for more than 10 years, and I’ve tried more gels, creams, custards, and styling products than I can count. Some were decent. Some were complete disappointments. Most were used a few times before being pushed to the back of the cabinet. That’s why it’s a big deal when I find best styling products for natural hair for me!
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After more than a decade of trial and error, there are only a handful of styling products that have earned a permanent place in my routine. Today I’m sharing two of them—The Doux 808 Base Gel and The Doux Bananas Xtreme Gel. These two products consistently give me the defined, multi-day wash-and-go that I’m looking for, and I don’t see myself replacing them anytime soon.
What I Look for in a Styling Product
After more than 10 years of wearing my hair naturally, I’ve learned exactly what works for my hair—and what doesn’t. I know a lot of people want styling products that leave their curls soft and touchable, but I’ve realized my priorities are a little different. Living in Colorado’s dry climate, I actually don’t mind a little stiffness, or what many naturals call a “cast,” on wash day. In fact, I welcome it.
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That extra hold helps lock in my curl definition and keeps frizz from showing up too soon. If my curls are too soft on day one, I know they’ll likely become frizzier as the days go on. I’ve also noticed a difference when I travel back home to New Orleans or visit other humid climates. My hair feels softer almost immediately, but I don’t get the same long-lasting definition that I enjoy here in Colorado. That taught me something important: what works for your hair often depends on where you live.
For me, a strong-hold styling product isn’t a drawback—it’s one of the reasons my wash-and-go can last for several days.
That’s why every styling product I try has to:
- Give me long-lasting curl definition.
- Help my wash & go last for multiple days.
- Control frizz.
- Layer well with other products.
- Perform consistently in Colorado’s dry climate.
If it doesn’t do those things, it doesn’t earn a permanent place in my routine.
Why I Love The Doux 808 Base Gel
The 808 Base Gel is exactly what its name suggests—my foundation. After applying my leave-in conditioner, I work the 808 Base Gel through my hair section by section. It gives my curls a great base before I apply my finishing gel. It helps my curls clump together beautifully and creates the perfect foundation for longer-lasting definition. I’ve found that using it first makes a noticeable difference in how my wash-and-go turns out and how long it lasts.
Why I Keep Reaching for The Doux Bananas Xtreme Gel
Once the 808 Base Gel is applied, I layer The Doux Bananas Xtreme Gel over it. This is the combination that consistently gives me the results I’m looking for. Bananas Xtreme Gel provides the strong hold that my hair needs to maintain definition for days. I know some people avoid products that create a cast, but for me, that hold is exactly what helps my curls stay defined longer.
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Because I live in Colorado’s dry climate, I actually appreciate that extra hold. It’s one of the reasons I can enjoy my wash & go for several days instead of fighting frizz after the first day.
My Wash & Go Routine
Everyone’s hair is different, but this combination has worked consistently for me.
Here’s my basic routine:
- Cleanse and deep condition my hair.
- Apply my favorite leave in conditioner.
- Work The Doux 808 Base Gel through my hair in sections.
- Layer The Doux Bananas Xtreme Gel over each section but using less than the 808.
- Air dry my hair completely.
- Protect my curls at night with a satin bonnet and satin pillowcase.
Using this routine helps me enjoy a wash & go that lasts for several days with very little refreshing.
Why These Products Earned a Permanent Spot
I’m not someone who falls in love with every new product that hits the market.
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After more than 10 years of wearing my hair naturally, I’ve become incredibly selective about what stays in my routine. That’s what makes these products so special. They’ve consistently delivered the results I want, and they’ve earned a permanent place on my wash-day shelf. When I run out, I replace them without hesitation—and that’s probably the highest compliment I can give any styling product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use The Doux 808 Base Gel and Bananas Xtreme Gel together?
Yes! That’s exactly how I use them. I apply the 808 Base Gel first to create the foundation for my wash-and-go, then layer Bananas Xtreme Gel over it for additional hold and longer-lasting curl definition.
How long does my wash-and-go last?
Using this combination, I can usually enjoy my wash-and-go for several days. The exact number depends on the weather and how well I protect my hair at night, but this routine gives me much longer-lasting definition than many other styling products I’ve tried.
Does Bananas Xtreme Gel leave flakes?
I haven’t experienced flaking when I use it over the 808 Base Gel and apply both products to freshly washed hair. As with any styling product, using too much or mixing incompatible products could cause buildup or flakes, so finding the right amount for your hair is important.
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Is this routine good for Type 4 natural hair?
Every head of hair is different, but this combination has worked wonderfully for my natural hair. If you’re looking for strong hold and a longer-lasting wash & go, it may be worth trying.
Want to go beyond this wash-and-go routine? Natural Hair for Beginners covers styling products, wash-and-go techniques, moisture, breakage prevention, and building a simple natural hair routine that works.
🌿 Want to Learn More About Caring for Natural Hair?
If you’re just beginning your natural hair journey—or you’ve been natural for years and want to simplify your routine—I dive deeper into topics like wash-and-gos, styling products, moisture, protein, and building a healthy hair routine in my book, Natural Hair for Beginners.
Inside you’ll learn about:
- ✔️ Wash-and-go techniques
- ✔️ Choosing styling products
- ✔️ Moisture vs. protein
- ✔️ Preventing breakage
- ✔️ Creating a simple, consistent routine
- ✔️ Healthy natural hair habits that actually last
👉🏾 Get your copy of Natural Hair for Beginners on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
After more than 10 years of wearing my hair naturally, these are still the styling products I reach for when I want a wash-and-go that lasts. I don’t believe in buying every product that goes viral. When I find products that consistently work for my hair, I stick with them—and this combination has earned a permanent place in my routine.
If you’ve tried either of these products, I’d love to hear about your experience. Let me know in the comments!
Sabrina
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