Once upon a time, there were only four beauty products in the entire world--Aqua Net Hair Spray, Love's Baby Soft Perfume, Jean Nate Body Spray, and Dippity-Do Setting Gel.
Ok, not really, but in today's very crowded, often cluttered, product landscape, where countless items stock the virtual and physical shelves, one little blue jar of slippery gel was a household name.
Dippity-Do Setting Gel was the first step in countless roller sets of the 60s and 70s. This commercial from the 1960s illustrates how the recommended use was to really coat the hair with a slick of the dip:
Today, the brand continues its legacy of helping consumers embrace their texture, define their style, and express themselves with confidence.
Credit: Pacific World
As part of its 60th anniversary celebration, Dippity-Do launches Dippity-Do Girls with Curls, which continues the brand's commitment to curl care with products designed for hair types 2A to 4C. The collection focuses on hydration, definition, smoothing, and enhancing natural texture while supporting curls, coils, and waves of all kinds.
A standout product in the lineup is the signature Light Hold Gelée, which pays tribute to the original Dippity-Do Setting Gel introduced in 1965. The updated formula is designed for today's curl consumer, delivering lightweight hold, definition, and touchable movement while honoring the styling product that helped establish Dippity-Do as a household name.
Curly hair specialist Brendnetta Ashley was too young to remember the 1965 launch but she is part of this re-imagined lineup. MODERN asked her about her Dippity-Do 'dos' for styling curly hair.
MODERN SALON: Do you have memories of the original Dippity-Do?
BRENDNETTA ASHLEY: I always could remember Dippity-Do as the pink gel. It always gave great hold without making the hair stiff.
MS: The iconic product has spawned a larger product lineup. What is your favorite among this new line, and why?
BA: My absolute favorite product in the lineup is the Dippity-do Girls with Curls Ultra-Hydrating Coconut Curl Styling Cream. My curls need a lot of moisture, but I don’t want them to feel greasy. This curl cream gives me the moisture I need without feeling greasy. Plus, it controls frizz. It’s perfect for curls and coils!
MS: Everyone is talking about the wet look--what are your thoughts?
BA: It’s such a cool trendy look! For textured hair, the wet look is especially exciting because it showcases the natural curl pattern rather than masking it. The key is achieving a balance between shine, definition, and touchability. The best wet looks aren’t overloaded with product, they’re created with strategic layering of moisturizing and styling products that enhance the hair’s natural movement.
MS: What is a misunderstanding around curly hair that you like to dispel?
BA: A misunderstanding around curly hair is that curly hair is “difficult” or “unmanageable.” In reality, curly hair isn’t difficult, it simply requires techniques, products, and education that honor its natural texture. When curls are properly hydrated, shaped, and cared for, they can be incredibly versatile, healthy, and predictable.
As a textured hair artist, I believe the conversation should shift from “controlling” curls to understanding them. Once you understand the unique characteristics of the hair, curls become less about managing and more about celebrating their natural beauty.
"Are You Ready for this Gelée?"
To mark the milestone, Dippity-Do Girls with Curls is also launching its "Are You Ready for this Gelée?" marketing campaign. Inspired by the brand's iconic Gelée heritage product, the campaign combines nostalgia and modern creativity through original audio content and a 360-degree social media strategy. The initiative will feature creator partnerships, community storytelling, nostalgic references, and texture-positive messaging designed to encourage consumers to celebrate their natural curls, coils, and waves with confidence.
About Dippity-Do
Since 1965, Dippity-Do has offered styling products designed to enhance hairstyles while evolving to meet changing consumer needs. The brand's portfolio includes products developed for a variety of hair textures and styling preferences, with a focus on quality, performance, and accessibility.
About Pacific World Corporation
Pacific World Corporation is a leading innovator and supplier of beauty care products to food, drug, mass, and value retail channels worldwide. Its portfolio includes brands such as Dippity-Do, Nails Inc., Holler, Trim, gelLED, Nailene, and Gem.
