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It seems like for a long time, we were all a little scared of hair gels. The ‘90s convinced us that they were crunchy, flakey monsters that would make our hair look crispy. But sometime in the past few decades, brands have come out with some truly astonishing innovations that make them essential to almost every style. Are you trying to define your curls? Gels are the answer. Get rid of frizz for good? Gels. Get the sleekest Bella Hadid-esque ponytail? G-E-L. But that doesn’t mean that gels are easy to navigate. There are so many on the market, and some of them do very different things. Here, find 12 of the best hair gels on the market for every hair type and every desired style.
Pros
- Not sticky
Cons
- Can flake
Whether you’re looking to define curls, sleek ponytails, or set flyaways hairs, this hydrating gel can do it all. It uses olive oil to hydrate hair while it’s on, so fragile hair can get the most out of its benefits.
Pros
- Adds definition
Cons
- Can feel crunchy
For curls that need a little extra definition, this gel can get it done. It works well for waves, curls, and tighter coils, without flaking or feeling too sticky. Your hair will never feel greasy with this gel.
Got2B Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Hair Gel
Pros
- Extreme hold
Cons
- Can be damaging for brittle hair
With a gel this strong, anything is possible. It’s strong enough and reliable enough to be used to secure lace fronts, lay edges even in humid weather, and create the sleekest, highest ponytail possible. Whenever you're ready to change styles, it washes out easily with water.
shu uemura Ishi Sculpt Texturizing & Sculpting Hair Paste
Pros
- Adds texture
Cons
- Pricey
To add texture and definition to the hair, this gel pomade can create volume in even pin-straight hair. It dries down to a non-sticky, matte finish, and works well on short or medium-length styles.
PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Strong Hold Gel
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Pricey
Creating slicked-back looks without damaging the hair can be a task, but this gel makes it look easy. Designed for curls and coils, this gel is easy to distribute in the hair and will hold styles all day long.
Pros
- Strong hold
Cons
- Can flake
For that editorial, sleeked, shiny look, this clear gel can get you there. It’s an alcohol-free formula that has an intense hold and is excellent for creating sleeked-back styles.
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel
Pros
- No crunch
Cons
- Pricey
Curly girls know the horror of a humid day. This gel helps combat the frizziness and lack of definition accompanying that weather. This medium-hold gel helps define curls without weighing them down.
Cantu Moisturizing Twist & Lock Gel
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Can flake
This gel is super moisturizing, making it great for brittle, dry hair. It works well on waves, looser curls, and tight coils to add definition and hydration.
Kérastase Curl Manifesto Curl Defining Gel-Cream
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Pricey
With ceramides and honey, this gel adds beautiful shine and definition to curly and coily hair. Its hydrating properties make it an excellent choice for anyone with compromised, dry hair.
Pros
- Volumizing
Cons
- Sticky
If you want to rock a sleek style but have fine hair, this gel adds hold and contains thickening agents that help the style not look stringy.
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel
Pros
- Strengthening
Cons
- Can flake
For hair that’s been damaged, this gel contains proteins that strengthen strands overtime. It has a medium-hold, which makes it great for defining, de-frizzing, and styling curls.
FAQs
What do gels do?
“There are many different styles you can achieve with gel–it is really versatile,” says McLaren. “Gels are great for hold, definition, shine, and humidity protection.” For long-lasting styles, “Gel has more grit and a better hold than most hair creams allowing for styles to last all day,” says Harrington. “Gels behave more as a bonding unit for styles while creams and oils can make hair too soft to hold a desired look.”
Can all hair types use gel?
Whether you have curls, coils, waves, or straight hair, gels can work with your hair type. “Gels are for a wide variety of hair types,” says Harrington. “Those with curly hair tend to like gels because they can create amazing curl definition, fight frizz and its versatility,” says McLaren. “However, gels are also great for short hairstyles, sleek looks–like a sleek ponytail as well as creating a more sculptural style or even a wet look.”
What ingredients should you look for in gels?
“Ingredients to look out for in hair gel are similar as in other hair products,” says Harrington. “Parabens, formaldehyde, SLS, phthalates are all undesired ingredients. Drying alcohols are also an ingredient to avoid because there can cause hair to become dry and brittle. However, not all alcohol is the same; cetearyl and cetyl are safe and can soften your hair.”
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