There’s something so nostalgic about hair gel. The mere mention of the word transcends us back to the slicked-back ‘dos of the ‘60s, souped-up curls of the ‘80s, and super-scrunched waves of the ‘90s and early 2000s.
A good amount of time has passed since (gasp), allowing for a long tail of iterations and (most importantly) innovations. nce-crunchy concoctions have gotten a sleek update in the form of pliable, and some even brushable, formulas that are meant to help create and define ringlets. Basically, if you’re a curly girl, a hair gel should be a staple in your styling routine.
Read on for some of our top curly hair gel contenders from frizz-taming gels to transforming formula hybrids. We also answer some of the biggest questions surrounding hair gel for curly hair.
Good hair day by @salvatore_riccardi_hd.
Is gel good for curly hair?
One of the most rewarding (albeit sometimes challenging) parts of hair care is finding the right products and practices for your individual hair type and preferences. Those woes and wins are often amplified when you have curly hair, which can prove more finicky and therefore require a more particular set and standard of tools and tricks.
The good news is that many modern-day gels are formulated to be more malleable, often equipped with nourishing ingredients for not only minimizing harm, but actually aiding in the hydration and health of the hair. This is especially important for tighter textures and split-prone spirals.
Good hair day by @brunodviana.
What is the best gel for curly hair?
When it comes to choosing the best hair gel for curly hair, you’ll want to look for lightweight formulas that are designed to define, and not damper or deflate, your natural ringlets.
Prioritize product lines and labels that are specifically tailored toward your hair type, density, and texture, ideally chock-full of moisturizing components (such as vitamins and oils) for managing your mane and keeping breakage at bay.
If you’re ready to take your natural curls to the next level, get started with one of these six curly hair gel formulas.
Good hair day by @allisonponthier.
Our Best Curly Hair Gel Formulas To Try Now
True Textures Perfect Coil Oil Gel
A moisturizing hair gel that fights frizz and is flake- and crunch-free.
Mizani True Textures Perfect Coil Oil Gel
This naturally-derived, flake (and fuss)-free gel-oil hybrid will help to preserve your natural curl pattern, and features sustainably-sourced marula, coconut, and olive oils for keeping coils properly hydrated.
Total Results Curl Please Super Defrizzer Gel
An anti-frizz curl gel.
Matrix Total Results Curl Please Super Defrizzer Gel
If you like a defined shape, but not the crunchiness or stiffness that can come with it, check out this texturizing gel from Matrix. The lightweight formula goes on double-duty as a defrizzer—especially useful on humid days!
True Textures Twist & Coil Jelly
A curling jelly that enhances natural styles without frizz.
Mizani True Textures Twist And Coil Jelly
Twist and coil your hair to perfection with this curl-conscious jelly. Like the Mizani True Textures Perfect Coil Oil Gel, the strong-hold, non-stiff solution contains a plethora of moisturizing properties for maintaining your mane attraction.
Styling Texture Sap Gel
A lightweight, buildable hair gel with flexible, medium-control hold.
Biolage Styling Texture Sap Gel
TryBiolage’s Styling Texture Sap Gel if you’ve felt weighed down by gels in the past. It boasts a lightweight, barely-there formula and medium hold for giving short hairstyles a natural-looking boost. (It’s also buildable for customizing your desired level of control.)
Tecni.Art Transformer Gel
A multi-use styling gel that transforms to foam mousse right before your eyes
L’Oreal Professional Tecni.Art Transformer Gel
Prepare to be mesmerized! This shape-shifting formula can be used as a gel for (gently) defining curls, or as a mousse for adding volume and lift. Simply emulsify the product between your palms to watch the formula change texture.
Edge Taming Styling Gel
A high-hold hair gel with a dry finish.
Mizani Edge Trimming Hair Gel
This mineral and petroleum-free trimming gel can be used to tame and transform ringlets. It works particularly well for styling shorter haircuts and taming those stubborn wisps around your hairline. The formula also contains natural oils, along with ceramides and vitamin E to help strengthen strands and combat breakage.
Interested in consulting with a professional about the best way to care for your curls? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
Total Results Curl Please Super Defrizzer Gel
An anti-frizz curl gel.
True Textures Perfect Coil Oil Gel
A moisturizing hair gel that fights frizz and is flake- and crunch-free.
True Textures Twist & Coil Jelly
A curling jelly that enhances natural styles without frizz.
Styling Texture Sap Gel
A lightweight, buildable hair gel with flexible, medium-control hold.
Tecni.Art Transformer Gel
A multi-use styling gel that transforms to foam mousse right before your eyes
Edge Taming Styling Gel
A high-hold hair gel with a dry finish.
