Men—when you think of hair gel, you may think of a sticky, inflexible product that stays in your hair for days (or your favorite greaser’s mane from an iconic 1970s movie). However, hair gel formulas have come a long way in the past few years and while you probably have your go-to pomades and styling creams, hair gels are a styling product that shouldn’t be overlooked. Whether you want to achieve a classic, slicked-back look, defined curls, or something a bit edgier, hair gel can help deliver.
Wondering what's our best hair gel for men? From formulas that promise all-day hold to lightweight options, keep scrolling for six hair gels for men we trust.
What do hair gels do?
Whether you’re going for a sleek, polished look or trying to keep any hairstyle in place throughout the day, hair gels help create movement and hold, add shine, and keep frizz at bay.
Is gel bad for hair?
Hair gels are generally not harmful to hair. Where you can get into trouble, however, is if you use the product incorrectly or too much of it at one time. If you pack on too much hair gel, you can end up with product build-up, flakes, or excess oil. That’s why each time you style your mane with gel, it’s essential to wash it out properly.
If you’re dealing with build-up, be sure to add a clarifying shampoo like Redken Brews Extra Clean Shampoo to your routine. This build-up remover for all hair types intensely cleanses to eliminate dirt and oil and removes build-up from men’s hair products.
Are you wondering what is the best hair gel for guys?? Keep scrolling for six of our favorites.
Our Best Hair Gels For Men
Baxter Of California Thickening Style Gel
If you struggle with fine or thinning hair, Baxter Of California’s Thickening Style Gel is a clear choice. This paraben-free styling gel strengthens and thickens hair while managing frizz and defining slicked-back styles.
Baxter Of California Thickening Style Gel, $19.00 MSRP
Brews Extreme Hair Gel for Men
A high-hold gel perfect for slicked-back styles.
Redken Brews Extreme Hair Gel
For a slicked-back pompadour or wet look that’s guaranteed to last throughout the day, you’ll need a formula like Redken Brews Extreme Hair Gel. This maximum hold formula adds shine, creates definition, and sculpts men’s hairstyles into place.
Redken Brews Clean Gel
There are days when you want to style your hair, but still want to be able to run your fingers through it. Redken Brews Clean Gel is a lightweight formula that provides mild hold and control with a barely-there, no crunch finish.
Brews Holding Gel for Men
A men's hair gel with medium hold and medium shine.
Redken Brews Holding Gel
Redken Brews Holding Gel offers medium hold and medium shine that lightly locks in men’s hairstyles while defining hair with separation and grip.
Tecni.Art Transformer Gel
A multi-use styling gel that transforms to foam mousse right before your eyes
L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Transformer Gel
If hold and volume are your main styling goals, opt for a formula like L'Oréal Professionnel’s Tecni.Art Transformer Gel. This product transforms from a gel to a foam styler when emulsified in your hands. This formula adds control, volume, and movement to your mane without residue.
Total Results Curl Please Super Defrizzer Gel
An anti-frizz curl gel.
Matrix Total Results Curl Please Super Defrizzer Gel
To keep your curls locked in throughout the day, use a hair gel specifically for ringlets like Matrix Total Results Curl Please Super Defrizzer Gel. This formula instantly delivers lightweight, strong-hold definition and frizz control. The result? Perfect, shiny curls without stiffness that lasts.
Searching for more men’s hair products? Shop the best salon-quality products at Hair.com.
Total Results Curl Please Super Defrizzer Gel
An anti-frizz curl gel.
Tecni.Art Transformer Gel
A multi-use styling gel that transforms to foam mousse right before your eyes
Brews Holding Gel for Men
A men's hair gel with medium hold and medium shine.
Brews Extreme Hair Gel for Men
A high-hold gel perfect for slicked-back styles.
