Whether or not you want a gel for agency maintain, curl definition, or one thing in between, we’ve rounded up 10 standout formulation which can be truly price including to your routine.
Regularly Requested Questions
Greatest Total: Olaplex No.10 Bond Shaper Curl Defining Gel
Why we find it irresistible: The Olaplex No. 10 Bond Shaper Curl Defining Gel isn’t simply one other styler. It’s a remedy gel constructed for curly, coily, and wavy hair sorts that need each definition and restore in a single. Powered by the model’s patented Bond Constructing Expertise, this system rebuilds disulfide bonds to strengthen the curl sample and cut back breakage over time. Coconut-avocado milk provides a creamy contact, conditioning and softening the hair with out including weight or making it crunchy. The feel is silky and spreads simply by way of damp curls for even protection, providing you with that freshly-washed, outlined look. It is nice by itself, however layers effectively with leave-ins and oils.
“I do know it’s a curl gel, however I truly love utilizing this in sort of a nontraditional approach—on semi-wet hair to get that moist, outlined, wavy look that also feels mushy, not crunchy. I additionally clean just a little on the high of my head to assist with frizz and flyaways. It simply makes the whole lot look extra polished however easy.” —Angela Trakoshis, buying market editor
- Key elements: patented bond-building expertise, curl retention compound, coconut-avocado milk
- Greatest for: all hair sorts
- Maintain stage: medium maintain
Greatest for Shine: Oribe Curl Gloss
Why we find it irresistible: In case your curls look luscious till they dry down, Oribe’s Curl Gloss is your redemption arc. This gel delivers excessive shine, hydration, and curl definition with out the crunch. The weightless texture makes it very best for wavy to curly hair sorts, giving strands form and polish whereas maintaining frizz in verify. It’s powered by a luxe trio of actives: passionflower extract and cupuaçu, which drench curls in fatty acids to seal in moisture and tame frizz, amino acids to strengthen and help curl construction, and nutritional vitamins to nourish the scalp and promote long-term hair well being. Brazilian jicama smooths the cuticle, leaves a glass-like end, and the model’s signature advanced shields towards environmental harm. The result’s shiny, sculpted curls and an addictive Côte d’Azur scent that lingers like your favourite hair fragrance.
“This hair gel is so good for my curls, that are thick however simply weighed down. It’s an excellent skinny consistency, and I really like that it feels nearer to a serum than a goopy gel. I often put it on after leave-in, whereas my hair is barely damp, and it smells simply pretty much as good as my Oribe shampoos. I contact my hair loads and regardless of all of the finnicky actions, this gel has nice, versatile maintain. It leaves my hair shiny—however not onerous—and that i can toss my hair back and forth simply whereas sustaining my curls. A mainstay!” —Shanna Shipin, buying director
- Key elements: passionflower extract, cupuaçu, Brazilian jicama
- Greatest for: wavy to curly hair (2A to 3C)
- Maintain stage: gentle to medium maintain
Greatest for Critical Maintain: Got2b Extremely Glued Invincible Styling Gel
Why we find it irresistible: This gel isn’t for the faint of follicle. Got2b’s Glued Extremely Glued Invincible Styling Gel is for kinds that want to remain. I’m speaking about by way of sweat, humidity, wind, and no matter chaos your day brings. Its non-sticky, no-flake system is powered by a proprietary styling agent dubbed Alpha XTR, which delivers excessive maintain with a surprisingly light-weight really feel. It’s good for sculpted edges or gravity-defying kinds that demand construction. Regardless of the iron grip, it rinses out simply with shampoo. Consider it as hairspray in gel type—minus the crunch.
“I’ve tried extra hair gels than my pockets want to admit, however the one I’ve caught beside for over 5 years is Got2b’s Glued Extremely Glued Invincible Styling Gel. Earlier than I had locs, I used it to slick my buns and ponytails for days on finish—no touch-ups wanted. Now, with locs, I apply it to my edges to put my child hairs. And once I say lay, I imply I get up the subsequent day, and my edges are nonetheless intact. If you happen to’re searching for a stronger maintain and a heavy-duty hair styling gel, look no additional.”—Jailynn Taylor, contributor
Professional suggestions from New York Metropolis-based hairstylist Edgar Parra
“This hair gel is nice for a “snatched bun” look year-round. I really like its extremely robust maintain with out leaving any flakes on the hair. As you make the ponytail with dry hair, I might apply this gel straight on the hairline and brush the hair with a boar bristle teasing brush to get an excellent clean end. You possibly can then apply the gel to the dry ponytail, twist into just a little “nothing chignon” and pin the hair.”—Edgar Parra, hairstylist
- Key elements: alpha XTR styling agent
- Greatest for: all hair sorts
- Maintain stage: most maintain
Extra hair gels we love
Greatest for Versatile Maintain: The Doux Massive Poppa Defining Gel
Why we find it irresistible: Who says maintain has to imply onerous? The Doux’s Massive Poppa Defining Gel proves you may sculpt definition and combat frizz with out sacrificing bounce or touchability. This medium-hold gel presents curl management that strikes with you, not towards you. Babassu oil smooths and hydrates with out weighing curls down, keratin enhances softness, and oleifera extract locks in a versatile, crunch-free end. It resists humidity, gained’t flake, and delivers definition with or with out layering, good for the whole lot from slicked-back kinds to wash-and-gos.
Tester suggestions from Taylor
“In my pre-loc’d life, I swore by The Doux’s Massive Poppa Defining Gel as my go-to curl gel. It’s the uncommon system that truly lives as much as its curl-enhancing claims. It left my 3C coils hydrated, touchable, bouncy, and smelling wonderful. I by no means needed to reapply; actually, my curls by some means regarded higher as the times went on. I’m speaking day seven by way of ten, with definition nonetheless holding robust and frizz minimal.”
- Key elements: babassu oil, keratin, oleifera extract
- Greatest for: all hair sorts
- Maintain stage: medium, versatile maintain
Greatest for Smoothing Frizz: Crown Affair The Ending Gel
Crown Affair
The Ending Gel
Why we find it irresistible: Crown Affair’s The Versatile Maintain Ending Hair Gel delivers gentle, buildable maintain with no crunch, stiffness, or residue. Tsubaki seed oil deeply moisturizes, strengthens strands, and provides shine with out weighing hair down. Jojoba milk softens and smooths, whereas a film-form polymer creates a versatile end that holds kinds in place and resists frizz. It may be used on damp or dry hair and brushed out cleanly, so no have to rewash. Ideally suited for glossy buns, ponytails, or refining air-dried waves, it really works particularly effectively on wonderful to medium textures. Use it to tame flyaways and for long-lasting maintain.
Professional suggestions from Parra
“I really like this gel for shopper’s on a regular basis use. The product works amazingly on curly hair that wants the product to lock in moisture. I might use this beginning on moist or towel-dried hair, then apply small quantities of the gel to your ends, working your approach up the hair strands however off the scalp. You wish to virtually scrunch and squeeze it into your hair. You possibly can then comply with with a diffuser or simply let the hair air dry, and you might be performed, able to go. I additionally love that it leaves the hair mushy, with a touchable and crunch-free end.” —Parra
- Key elements: tsubaki seed oil, jojoba milk, film-form polymer
- Greatest for: straight, wavy, and curly hair (wonderful to medium density)
- Maintain stage: gentle, buildable maintain
Greatest for Longwear: Fenty Magnificence The Gelly Kind Sturdy Maintain Gel
Fenty Hair
The Gelly Kind Sturdy Maintain Gel
Why we find it irresistible: While you’ve acquired an all-day occasion, zero time for touch-ups, and want your high knot or slick-back to remain put all day, Fenty Hair’s The Gelly Kind Sturdy Maintain Gel comes by way of. This stronghold gel grips kinds with out flaking, crunching, or drying out strands. It’s infused with replenicore-5, a mix of amino acids, hydrolyzed protein, and nutrient-dense botanicals like jackfruit and Barbados gooseberry to hydrate, restore, and strengthen hair as you put on it. Bamboo sap water provides light-weight moisture, maintaining edges mushy and cut up ends in verify. The system spreads easily, units agency, and rinses clear. Plus, no sticky buildup or white solid, and it has a refined scent profile of yuzu, amber, and creamy sandalwood.
“As a pure hairstylist, once I discover a robust maintain, water-based styling gel that lasts all day, doesn’t flake, and is infused with strengthening elements—I think about it a holy grail stage product! The great thing about The Gelly Kind is it may well really be used on all hair sorts, from the tightest of coils to the straightest of strands. After I apply and clean the gel onto my hair, I tie it down with a shawl and sit below a hooded dryer for about 25 minutes to permit the product to dry totally. As soon as dry, I’m left with a clean, glossy end that may final me all week lengthy.”—Krystal Marie, Nashville-based hairstylist
- Key elements: replenicore-5 advanced, bamboo sap water
- Greatest for: all hair sorts
- Maintain stage: robust maintain
Greatest for Versatile Styling: Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel
Eco Type
Olive Oil Styling Gel
Why we find it irresistible: A real magnificence provide retailer staple, Eco Type’s Olive Oil Styling Gel is a cult traditional for a motive. Recognized for its most maintain and unbeatable worth, this gel delivers severe management with out drying hair out. The system blends 100% pure olive oil, wealthy in oleic acid and antioxidant fatty acids, to penetrate the hair shaft, seal in moisture, and enhance shine. Whereas hydrolyzed wheat protein permits strands to retain hydration and elasticity, making it a standout for protecting kinds, slick ponytails, twist-outs, and wash-and-go curls. It defines and units with out flaking or stiffness, and the alcohol-free system gained’t strip strands. Whether or not you’re laying edges or sculpting a method for longevity, it provides you shine, construction, and softness in a single scoop.
Professional suggestions from Marie
“Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel stays on my product advice listing particularly for the DIY haircare women searching for a flexible but budget-friendly styling gel. For individuals who prefer to bounce backwards and forwards between a super-defined wash and go and a slicked-back look, this styling gel is a good all-in-one styler! For the very best outcomes, emulsify the product in your arms earlier than smoothing it on moist hair. As soon as styled, you’ll want to enable your hair to dry totally below a hooded or handheld dryer to attain most maintain.” —Marie
- Key elements: olive oil, hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Greatest for: all hair sorts
- Maintain stage: robust, versatile maintain
Greatest for Wash-and-Go Curls: Mizani True Textures Smooth Holding Gel
Mizani
True Textures Smooth Holding Gel
Why we find it irresistible: In case your wash-and-go wants just a little construction with out sacrificing softness, then go for Mizani’s True Textures Smooth Holding Gel. Whether or not you are defining 3B curls or locking in shine on 4C coils, this gel delivers long-lasting, flake-free maintain with out the crunch. It is filled with coconut oil, olive oil, marula oil, and sea moss extract to hydrate, clean, and strengthen when you type. Coconut and marula oils add shine and enhance manageability, olive oil controls frizzy strands and repairs cut up ends, and sea moss delivers a heap of moisture that softens strands. And the very best half? It really works simply as effectively on dry hair for midweek touch-ups.
Professional suggestions from Marie
Though extraordinarily versatile, I really like Mizani True Textures Smooth Maintain Gel particularly for the Wash and Go women! This gel gives an enduring but versatile maintain, making it very best for reaching the definition of day one curls with the quantity of day three. When utilizing this product for a wash and go, it’s at all times finest to use it to freshly washed and detangled hair. Curl styling may be performed with a detangling brush or your fingers to do the shingling methodology. After the drying session, I like to finish the look by diffusing the hair to interrupt the solid and create just a little extra quantity. —Marie
- Key elements: coconut oil, olive oil, marula oil
- Greatest for: all hair sorts
- Maintain stage: robust, versatile maintain
Greatest for Gentle Maintain: Reverie Hymn Hair Gel
Why we find it irresistible: Whereas most gels could make your hair really feel prefer it’s been dipped in concrete, there’s a time and place for a lighter maintain, particularly once you need definition with out the stiffness. Reverie Hymn Hair Gel delivers simply that: a versatile, ethereal end with sufficient management to maintain curls sculpted or a blowout bouncy. It’s filled with skincare-grade elements like pullulan for humidity resistance and clear maintain, trehalose to lengthen kinds and shield towards warmth, and amaranth peptides to bulk up strands for fuller, shinier hair. Whether or not you’re air drying waves or aiming for a lifted blowout, this gel works throughout textures. The system melts in like a serum and smells clear and natural.
- Key elements: pullulan, trehalose, amaranth peptides
- Greatest for: all hair sorts
- Maintain stage: gentle maintain
Greatest Edge Gel: SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus + Flaxseed Edge Gel
SheaMoisture
Coconut & Hibiscus + Flaxseed Edge Gel
Why we find it irresistible: What’s a slicked-back type with out the ornamental edges to tug all of it collectively? That’s the place SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Flaxseed Outline & Shine Edge Gel is available in. It champions coconut oil for moisture and shine, flaxseed oil for light-weight maintain, and silk protein to strengthen strands vulnerable to breakage. It’s particularly good on thicker textures that want one thing a bit extra severe to clean flyaways and child hairs into place. The end? Excessive-shine with a mushy maintain that lasts all day. And due to the added neem oil, it additionally soothes the scalp. The scent profile is tropical however by no means overpowering, and the system applies cleanly with fingers or an edge brush. It’s budget-friendly, accessible, and doesn’t sacrifice efficiency. This one earns a everlasting spot on the lavatory shelf.
“I’ve a flaky scalp, so usually edge management instantly causes a flare-up. Nonetheless, this system is alcohol-fre, so I haven’t got that problem. It has sufficient maintain to maintain my hairline in verify, however not a lot that I really feel like I have to rinse my hair after making use of on daily basis. It additionally would not go away any white flakes in my hair like some gels do.” —Jessica Merciless, editor in chief
- Key elements: coconut oil, silk protein, neem
- Greatest for: thick and curly hair
- Maintain stage: robust maintain
Regularly Requested Questions
Is it okay to make use of hair gel on daily basis?
It will depend on your hair kind, the way you apply the gel, and the way typically you cleanse your scalp. In line with two skilled stylists with over a decade of expertise, there’s no one-size-fits-all reply, however there are some key pointers price following.
Krystal Marie, a hairstylist based mostly in Nashville, advises towards every day use. “Hair gels aren’t supposed for every day use,” she says. “Utilizing them on daily basis can result in extreme dryness, scalp buildup, and quite a lot of different points that will not be reversible in only one salon go to.” As a substitute, she recommends specializing in correct nighttime upkeep to protect your type between wash days. “Hair gel is a styling support meant to assist obtain a selected look,” she explains. “As soon as that look is about, your every day upkeep and nighttime care routines assist protect the type and cut back the necessity for every day reapplication.”
Edgar Parra, a hairstylist in New York Metropolis, takes a extra versatile view. “Sure, hair gel is totally protected for on a regular basis use,” he says, however with a couple of situations. “It is very important have in mind how typically you might be shampooing your hair as effectively. If you happen to do use hair gel on daily basis, it’s possible you’ll have to shampoo your hair extra regularly.” He additionally cautions towards formulation with drying elements. “I might take a look at the elements within the hair gel merchandise (i.e. alcohols and mineral oils) that may dry and weaken your hair over time,” Parra provides. “I might keep away from placing the gel straight in your scalp to keep away from any irritation and product buildup.”
How are you going to use hair gel with out damaging your hair?
“Whether or not you are making use of gel to moist curls or prepping freshly blow-dried hair for the long-lasting slicked-back look, selecting the best styling instruments and methods will assist you to keep away from damaging your hair,” says Marie. “The important thing to correct utility is to use the gel to detangled hair after which work the product by way of utilizing your fingers or a mushy boar bristle brush. This method minimizes the chance of breakage.” On the subject of eradicating buildup, she provides, “You’ll want to totally rinse your hair to dissolve any product residue earlier than transferring on with a deep cleaning shampoo and moisturizing conditioner.”
Parra echoes the significance of eradicating product totally. “Step one is to rinse hair with heat water till you’re feeling a lot of the product is out of your hair,” he says. “Subsequent, you may shampoo your hair with a clarifying shampoo or shampoo the hair twice with a standard, on a regular basis shampoo.” And don’t skip the aftercare: “When you totally rinse out the shampoo, apply conditioner to the hair to replenish moisture and hydration, after which rinse out the conditioner.”
Meet the consultants
How we take a look at and overview merchandise
We at all times enlist a spread of testers for our make-up vertical, however hair-care merchandise and instruments are one other story. Whereas there are actually merchandise that can be utilized throughout completely different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colours (pure and unnatural), and desires, hair merchandise are sometimes created with particular customers in thoughts. Many are created as a way to handle a priority (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most successfully for a selected hair kind (4C curls, wavy hair, grey hair). You wouldn’t wish to choose up a purple shampoo that’s solely been reviewed by somebody with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s by no means been examined by anybody with curls—proper?
For our overview of the very best gels for curly hair, we enlisted the assistance of a number of editors, writers, contributors, and hair stylists of various curl patterns searching for outlined, frizz-free outcomes. Testers thought-about efficiency throughout 4 main classes: efficacy, texture and expertise, perfume, and packaging. For extra on what’s concerned in our reporting, take a look at our full opinions course of and methodology web page.
Our workers and testers
A magnificence product is a private buy. You is likely to be looking for a face cream to deal with persistent dryness or a brand new nail product so as to add to your Sunday self-care routine; it’s possible you’ll merely be shopping round for the most recent launches to hit the hair market. It doesn’t matter what you search or your particular person wants and issues, Attract needs to make sure that you like something we advocate in our tales. We consider that having a various staff of writers and editors—along with the wide selection of outdoor testers and trade consultants we frequently name upon—is important to reaching that objective.
In any case, can we actually say a skin-care product is the “finest” for individuals over 50 if the one testers we have solicited opinions from of us who’ve but to hit 30? Can we actually deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned money if it’s by no means been examined on curls? We’re proud that our workers spans a variety of ages, pores and skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which signifies that we’re capable of pretty assess any magnificence product that comes into the sweetness closet.
Discover extra Attract editor-approved picks for curly hair:
Achieved studying? Now, watch Renee Rapp’s 10-minute routine for an evening out.
Store all of our newest obsessions in a single place! And remember to comply with Attract on Instagram and TikTok—or subscribe to our publication to remain updated on all issues magnificence.
