Davines Energizing Gel is one of those products that confuses people the second they read the name, so let us clear it up before anything else. Despite the word "gel," this is not a hold product. It is a weightless softener from the Davines Natural Tech Energizing line, and at our studio in downtown Boise we reach for it when hair needs softness, shine, and frizz control rather than structure. This guide walks through what it actually does, who it suits, who should skip it, and how we use it behind the chair.
What Energizing Gel actually is
The texture is light and the finish is even lighter. It works on any hair type, from fine strands that flatten under most products to coarse hair that drinks up moisture. The hero ingredient is roucou oil, which softens and smooths without weighing hair down. On top of that it leaves an antioxidant finish that tames flyaways and frizz, plus a soft signature scent that hangs around through the day. You can read the full breakdown on the Energizing Gel product page.
What it is not: a styling gel. If you came looking for crunch, sculpted definition, or all-day hold, this will let you down. There is no grip here. It is a finishing and conditioning step, not a structural one. We want to be honest about that because the name sets the wrong expectation for a lot of people.
Why it earns shelf space in Boise
Boise is dry. Really dry. Our high desert air pulls moisture out of hair fast, and the swing from cold winter mornings to baking summer afternoons leaves a lot of our clients fighting static and flyaways most of the year. A weightless softener with an antioxidant, smoothing finish is genuinely useful in this climate. We see the difference most on fine hair that cannot handle a heavy cream and on curly or wavy hair that needs frizz control without the grease. Roucou oil does the smoothing quietly, which is exactly what dry Idaho air demands.
How we use it at Sølvi
The application is simple, and getting it right matters more than the amount. Start with clean, damp hair. Work a small amount through, comb it to distribute evenly, then style as usual. Begin with less than you think you need. Because it is so light you can always add a second touch, but going heavy on fine hair can leave it looking flat. For coarse or curly textures you have more room, so a slightly larger pump through the mid-lengths and ends works well.
Most of our clients use it a few times a week rather than daily, layering it under their normal styling routine. It plays nicely with heat tools and other finishing products since it adds no weight or buildup of its own.
Who it is for, and who it is not
This is a strong pick if you want softer, shinier hair, smoother flyaways, and a touch of frizz control without any heaviness. It suits nearly every hair type, which is rare for a single product. Our stylists like recommending it to people who feel overwhelmed by complicated routines, because it does one job and does it well.
It is not for you if you need hold. People with very thick hair who rely on a true styling gel for shape will not get that here, and anyone chasing wet-look definition should look elsewhere. The other honest note is price. At $40 it sits at the premium end for a finishing softener, so if your hair is already soft and frizz is not a daily battle, you may not need it.
Our honest verdict
Energizing Gel is a quiet workhorse. It will not transform your hair into something it is not, but it makes good hair look healthier, calmer, and shinier with almost no effort. For Boise heads dealing with dry air and static, that is a real benefit. The two things to keep in mind are that it offers no hold and that $40 is an investment for what is essentially a softening step. If those line up with what you want, it is an easy product to love.
Curious whether it fits your hair? Our stylists are happy to talk you through it in person at the studio at 104 S Capitol Blvd, and you can always browse our full service menu while you are at it. When you are ready, book an appointment with us and we will help you build a routine that actually works for your hair and our climate.