Hair gel is the styling product that you need to control frizz, tame flyaways, and create a sleek hairstyle. Hair gels come in a range of shine and hold strengths to suit your needs. If you're aiming to create a spiky hairstyle, you could opt for a strong-hold gel. But if you want to get a wet, sleek look, then a light-hold product is the way to go. There are many points to take into consideration while choosing a styling gel.
If you're not sure what product to choose, start with our list of favorites. Our top pick is Got2B Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel. It features a non-greasy, strong-hold formula that will help keep your hairstyle in place throughout the day. There are many other products on our 10 best list that might pique your interest, so give them a look. And to learn more about styling gels in general, scroll down to our buying guide reviewed by a licensed cosmetologist!
Quick List - Top Hair Styling Gels
Schwarzkopf Got2B
Non-Sticky Formula With Super Strong Hold
I'm a hairstylist who works with all types of hair daily. A large part of my job is repairing hair and helping clients restore their hair to a healthy and beautiful place. I'm also an expert on which products and techniques will be best for each person depending on what condition their hair is currently in.
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In this section, we introduce a couple of important factors that you'll want to take into consideration before making a purchase. Besides thinking about the holding power of the hair gel, you might want to find ingredients that can nourish your hair as well! Read on for more details.
One of the first factors to think about is the holding power of the hair gel, so you can keep your hair in place for as long as you need and create your desired style.
If you want to defy gravity with a mohawk, go for a product providing a powerful hold. It probably can hold your hair for the whole day as well. Nonetheless, one disadvantage of a stronghold gel is that it might feel heavy or plasticky on your hair. It can be tough to rinse out the gel as well, so you might need to use a lot of shampoo.
If you just need a gel that can keep unruly flyaways under control or accentuate your hair's waviness, you can opt for a product with a light to medium holding power. While it won't be able to give your hair a sculpted hold that lasts all day, most are easy to wash out with just some water.
Usually, the holding agents in styling gel are copolymers such as acrylates, polyacrylates, and acrylic. Cationic polymers and polyquaternium-4 are also highly effective agents that can help retain your hairstyle even in humid weather without much buildup.
In terms of natural holding agents, acacia gum is a great medium-hold choice that will help you create gorgeous waves and curls while minimizing frizz and preventing your hair from drying out.
When choosing a gel with the right amount of hold, you must also consider your hair type. The tighter your texture is, the stronger of a hold you will need. For those with straight hair or a looser texture, a light to medium hold will work just fine, especially if you only intend to wear that style just for the day. Tighter textures/curls will need something with extreme hold, or gel used for spiking.
In comparison to other styling products, hair gel tends to give your hair more of a boost of shine. The wet and glossy nature of the gel can deliver a chic touch to any kind of sleek hairstyle. But it's important to think about how much shine you actually need.
Trying to create a formal appearance? A gel with high shine can probably help you nail that stunning, slick-backed look. However, for casual events, a product with moderate shine could be better. It will help you define your style lightly and achieve a tousled appearance.
For a natural shine, look for natural shining agents such as algae extract, mica, titanium dioxide, and hydrolyzed silk protein. Antioxidant-rich ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E can also deliver a natural luster. They can help protect your hair from environmental damage such as pollution and UV rays too.
With there being so many different types of gels available on the market, finding one that the amount of shine you're looking for shouldn't be too hard. Using a gel made for a high level of shine will also leave your hair feeling extra soft. It has natural oils in it to help create a nice reflection. This is great especially if you have naturally dry hair and are afraid that the gel is going to make your hair crusty.
Different hair types have different needs, and there is no one-size-fits-all hair gel that can solve all of your hair problems. Consider your hair's condition, and choose a product that can improve it.
Thin and thinning hair can be quite pesky to work with. Since it lacks texture and body, curls don't hold in thin hair. This means you should avoid heavy gels and instead opt for lightweight gels that won't leave behind greasy residue.
Look for ingredients that can strengthen your hair as well as foster growth. One of the most effective is keratin. It's a protein that naturally exists in the hair and can help restore the overall structure of hair cuticles, prevent hair loss, and stimulate hair growth. This protein can help enhance the flexibility of your hair and make it look glossy.
Oil and butter-based ingredients such as coconut oil and avocado oil are packed with natural proteins and fatty acids to help strengthen your hair shaft and prevent breakage. They can also help protect your hair from the damaging effects of environmental stressors such as pollution and harsh weather.
When picking an oil for thinning hair, look for ingredients like B5 or castor oil. You want ingredients that are going to make your hair strands appear thicker and stimulate hair growth. Cream-based gels or pomades are also a great option for those with thinning hair. The consistency of those products makes it easier to control how much you're using.
Curly hair is much more vulnerable to becoming frizzy and dry in comparison to straight hair, so you'll want to get a styling gel with moisturizers to prevent your hair from getting tangled and make it appear healthier. Avoid hair gels with alcohol that might strip your hair of its natural moisture and lead to frizz.
If your hair is not that dry and you live in a humid place, go for soothing and lightweight moisturizers such as aloe vera and cucumber. They are less likely to leave behind any greasiness.
If your hair is particularly dry or you live in a hot climate, opt for oil- and butter-based ingredients like castor oil, argan oil, and so on. Besides moisturizing your hair, they are packed with fatty acids to strengthen your hair and prevent breakage. Panthenol, derived from vitamin B5, can deeply hydrate and give your hair a nice shine.
Finding the right gel for curly hair can be a challenge depending on what look you're going for. Want a sleek look? Or maybe something to define your natural curls? Water-based gels are perfect for curly/ textured styles. They will give you the most definition without drying your hair out. If you're going for a sleek ponytail, try a gel that is oil/butter based.
If your hair is thick and dense by nature, you'll need a styling gel with a medium to strong hold in order to keep all of your hair in place. You should make sure that the formula that doesn't add extra volume to your hair or leave behind any tackiness.
Usually, styling products that contain essential oils with anti-bacterial properties such as rosemary, peppermint, tea tree, and lavender oil are less likely to leave a lot of build-up behind. You should try a gel with a great shine as well to give your hair a healthy, vibrant look.
Applying gel section by section can be a useful tip for those with thicker hair. Depending on the style you're going for, using smaller sections will help fully saturate the hair. Applying gel to clean hair will reduce the chances of your hair feeling sticky or flaking up. Too much buildup can prevent the gel from being effective as well.
If you have color-treated hair, make sure that your styling gel doesn't contain any sulfates, alcohol, or chlorine as they can make your hair color fade quickly.
Some gels are also formulated in a way that might impart a certain tint (blue for example) to your hair. So if your hair is light in color, you should use those with caution. To be sure a gel is suitable for dyed hair, go for products that are labeled as color-safe.
Alcohol-free water-based gels are going to be what you want to look for when dealing with color-treated hair. Not only can alcohol in gel strip your color faster, but it can also dry your hair out. This can lead to severe breakage of your hair. Color-treated hair is most vulnerable to damage, so be sure not to leave gel for an excessive amount of time.
Polymers are indispensable ingredients in styling gels since they act as the hold factor to keep your hair in place. However, the hair gel can take on a flake-like texture once the polymers get in contact with air.
To minimize flaking, go for balanced polymers like VP/VA copolymer or acrylates copolymer. They are water-soluble and can be easily rinsed from the hair, yet sufficiently hydrophobic to resist the penetration of moisture from the environment and therefore less likely to flake. Gels with a light hold usually don't result in white flakes, either.
White flakes might also happen if your styling gel and the product that you previously applied to your hair such as shampoo or conditioner do not combine well with each other. Rinse out your hair thoroughly and make sure that there is no residue of your previous product before applying your styling gel.
An easy way to avoid your hair flaking up after using gel is to use the gel included in the product line that you use for your shampoo and conditioner. Product lines specifically formulate all of their products to work well together so you won't have any issues with your hair flaking or turning white.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Schwarzkopf Got2B Ultra Glued Invicible Styling Gel|3 pack | ![]() | Non-Sticky Formula With Super Strong Hold | |
2 | Johnny B. Mode Styling Gel | ![]() | Alcohol-Free Formula With Medium Hold and Nice Shine | |
3 | Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Styling Gel | ![]() | Flake-Free Formula and Natural Conditioning Ingredients | |
4 | Sexyhair Style Sexy Hair Hard Up | ![]() | Salon Formula for Maximum Hold and Shine | |
5 | Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Gel | ![]() | Reliable Hydration and Strong Hold for All-Day Styling | |
6 | L'Oreal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel | ![]() | Lightweight Styling Gel for Medium and Short Hairstyles | |
7 | Free & Clear Hair Styling Gel | ![]() | Dermatologist-Tested Styling Gel With No Fragrance | |
8 | American Crew Superglue Hair Gel | ![]() | Styling Gel With High Shine | |
9 | Nioxin 3D Styling Thickening Gel | ![]() | Thickening Gel to Make Your Hair Appear More Voluminous | |
10 | Kenra Professional Styling Gel 17 | ![]() | Hair Gel With a Medium Hold |
This versatile option can be used on both wet and dry hair. It boasts a non-sticky, highly-absorbent formula and an extra-strong hold to keep your hair in place throughout the day.
A few buyers said it caused flaking. On the other hand, many reviewers were highly impressed with the holding power of this gel, saying it kept their style in place for a long time without stiffening it or making it look unnatural.
From taming unruly hair to creating spikes, this product seemed to work wonderfully. Plus, removing the gel was easy with a bit of conditioner, shampoo, or alcohol.
Johnny B.'s styling gel provides a medium hold, and the high viscosity of this gel makes it a great choice for those with medium or thick hair. What further sets this product apart from others is the alcohol-free formula that is less likely to dry your hair and make it appear lackluster.
Buyers concurred that this styling gel shapes and holds a style without leaving behind any white streaks or sticky residue. The end result had a nice shine and didn't look rigid at all. Reviewers also commented that their hairstyle lasted for the whole day, but they also found it easy to restyle just by wetting their hair a little.
This styling gel boasts a flake-free formula that will help give your hair texture and hold your style in place. It's infused with natural ingredients such as jojoba, white ginger, and aloe vera leaf extract to nourish and rejuvenate the condition of your hair. On top of that, this gel can be used on wet and dry hair.
A few buyers said the consistency was a bit too greasy. A couple didn't think the product was authentic, so we've provided the manufacturer's link for you.
Many reviewers found the product quite effective in keeping their style in place for a long time. They were also pleased that their hair looked and felt healthier and softer after the application. Others further mentioned that a small amount was enough to get the result.
This styling gel's unique formula helps you keep your unruly hair under control and lets you define or even spike your hair easily. It's formulated with mica and titanium dioxide, two effective shining agents that can give your hair a healthy luster. Nourishing ingredients such as keratin and dimethicone help prevent your hair from getting dried out.
A few buyers complained that the product imparted a blue color to the hair, so if you're blond, you might be better off with other products.
Aside from that, it seemed to work for all kinds of hair types, from thin and fine to thick and voluminous. Reviewers also loved how the gel delivered a rich shine to their hair and didn't cause any flaking. They added that this product did the trick with only a small amount.
This gel provides extra strong hold, making it ideal for creating various styles, from sleek and sleek to textured and messy. Garnier claims that it won’t make your hair sticky, flaky, or crunchy and that it adds shine. TI also features aloe vera, acacia gum, and other natural ingredients rather than silicone, parabens, or dyes.
Reviewers say it helped keep their hair firmly in place while giving it a subtle shine. Those with limp hair further commented that the gel gave their hair some texture. The highly-absorbent formula was another plus point for reviewers, as it left behind no white flakes or greasiness.
This styling gel is crafted without any fragrance and is free from potential irritants such as parabens, alcohol, lanolin, and sulfates. It's a great choice for people with a sensitive scalp. It's dermatologist-tested, too!
A few buyers noted that they still got a reaction, like an itchy scalp or bumps. Check the ingredients carefully before purchasing.
Those who found the formula worked for them shared that the gel made frizzy hair much more manageable and it kept their hairstyle for a long time without clumping. Buyers with thin hair commented the product gave their hair body and texture.
If you're seeking a styling gel that can improve the appearance of your dull-looking hair, try this one! It's enriched with panthenol and castor oil, which have strong moisturizing properties and can give your hair a gorgeous luster.
A few buyers noted that the hair gel left behind white residue. But even those with thick hair found the product effective. Since the gel is pretty thick, reviewers commented that just a pea-sized dab with a tiny bit of water was enough to style their hair.
This styling gel from Nioxin might be able to help thin hair look more voluminous! Formulated with thickening polymers, it can provide a strong hold and add texture to your hair, thus giving it a fuller look. It's suggested you apply it to damp hair, then blow-dry.
Reviewers with thin hair confirmed that this styling gel added body to their hair without stiffening it. However, some buyers noted that the gel only worked after blow-drying, so don't skip that step!
Reviewers loved that the gel didn't feel sticky at all. They further mentioned that a little went a long way.
This hair gel is infused with various natural ingredients such as matricaria flower extract, nettle extract, and coltsfoot flower extract to help strengthen your hair, prevent breakage, and promote hair growth. Also, this product doesn't contain any form of alcohol, an ingredient that might dry out your hair.
Some people said it felt a bit tacky and questioned the product's authenticity, so we've included the manufacturer's site for you.
Yet, many people found that their hair looked much more voluminous after using it. They noted that the product had a medium hold and didn't stiffen their hair at all. Many loved that the gel kept the definition of their curls.
In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Courtney also took the time to answer a commonly asked question about hair styling.
"Hairspray can be just as effective as gel, depending on the style you're going for," Courtney explains. "Hairsprays also come in multiple levels of hold. They wash out easily and can last multiple days if needed. Beeswax or pomade is also a great alternative to gel. These products are heavier, so it would not be recommended for those with straight, fine, or thin hair."
Environmental factors such as pollution and UV rays can damage and dry out your hair, so it's important that you nourish your hair with treatments. Check out our articles to find out what products can nurse your hair back to health.
No. 1: Schwarzkopf Got2B|Ultra Glued Invicible Styling Gel|3 pack
No. 2: Johnny B. |Mode Styling Gel
No. 3: Paul Mitchell|Tea Tree Styling Gel
No. 4: Sexyhair |Style Sexy Hair Hard Up
No. 5: Garnier Fructis|Pure Clean Gel
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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