Wednesday, May 1, 2024

15 Best Curly Hair Gels in 2024, Tested and Reviewed

hair gel for curly hair

But which are the best gels to try for your bounciest, most defined curls ever? Ahead, keep scrolling for 16 of the very best gels for curly hair. What’s more is that the gel works like a charm for people with all hair types – those with fine, thin, and thick curly hair all express that this gel is their holy grail. Makes curls bouncy and well-defined, but doesn't make them feel crunchy. Contains vitamins and omega-7 oils derived from the sea buckthorn berry that nourish and moisturize hair. While the "I woke up like this" look has never been cooler, those of us with curly or wavy hair know that it's not as effortless as it sounds.

What to look for in a hair mousse for every hair type, according to an expert

Deep conditioners and hair masks, like regular conditioners, are used in-shower after shampooing. Though they are rinsed out, they are left on for a longer period of time and tend to offer deeper hydration than traditional conditioners — perfect for coarse or curly hair. Typically, you can use these one to two times a week for a hydration boost, but Shorter says, "If your hair is incredibly, excessively dry, you can run a conditioner through every time you cleanse."

Giovanni L.A. Natural Styling Gel Strong Hold

Curls range from type two (wavy) to type three (curly) to type four (coily and kinky), with subcategories from A to C that are based on the shape of the wave, curl, or coil. The curlier your hair, the more difficult it is for oils from the scalp to reach the ends of your strands, and the more moisture and conditioning you’ll need from your gel. It can also help to look at the ingredients used in the gel and opt for one that focuses on moisture if you have especially curly strands. Gels are made for all types of hairstyles whether you’re wanting a protective style, wash and go, twist out, or braids. There are tons of brands that now include hydrating ingredients like olive oil, shea butter, flaxseed, and other hydrating nutrients to help maintain definition and sculpt your curls.

Mizani True Texture Perfect Coil Oil Gel

This gel has hair-healthy ingredients like sugar beet root, vegetable glycerin, and wheat protein. It's specially formulated to define and hold your curl pattern even on humid days. It’s the stiff, hardened coating that stronger-hold gels often leave behind on curly hair. As your hair dries, the gel forms a crunchy shell around each of your curls/waves, defining it while protecting it from humidity and frizz.

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If you instantly cringe at the thought of that throwback, it's time to give the age-old styling product another chance. Because the year is 2022, hair products have come a long way since you last plastered your strands with palmfuls of green goop. Both Witherspoon and Strickland agree that how a gel is applied is just as important as its formulation. But applying one beforehand, particularly if it has a water base, can help hydrate curls and make them look more juicy. Witherspoon also recommends avoiding heavy oils in your hair when using gels, as the combination tends to leave hair looking limp and stringy.

hair gel for curly hair

Step 4: Scrunch out the crunch

hair gel for curly hair

Higher priced gels are usually free from parabens, sulfates, silicone, and phthalates. This type is kinky and naturally dry due to spongy (more porous) hair texture. Because lack of moisture is an issue, a leave-in conditioner and/or a conditioning gel is essential. Hair can be fine or coarse, but the pattern lays closer to the head.

You won't have to use a lot of this gel to get reliable hold, thanks to plant-based amino acids and clean ingredients. This mousse-gel hybrid from AG Hair Care gives you the best of both styling worlds. In Beauty Lab tests, this serum was the only product earn a perfect score in Lab humidity resistance tests where it actually prevented strands of hair from thickening and expanding in high humidity. Testers loved using it too, saying it made hair soft, shiny, and smooth, smelled great, and had an easy-to-apply texture.

Mizani True Textures Perfect Coil Oil Gel

I always noticed, though, that after using something with it, my hair would feel extremely dry and lack definition over time. Naturally, I was super frustrated by this since I'd recently decided to curate a silicone-free haircare routine. Silicones were often the culprit when my hair was feeling extra dry, but then, I realized something else must be causing it too. Finally, I realized there was a common thread among my products, and it was always the addition of coconut oil. I’ve spent years trying a variety of leave-in conditioners, but once I found this one there was no going back — the jumbo tub permanently lives on my counter. A nourishing cocktail of coconut, jojoba, avocado, and sweet almond oils hydrate curls, restoring bounce and locking in all that post-condition moisture.

Amika Defining Cream

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It's also packed with coconut, almond, and avocado oils to keep 3c to 4c hair moisturized and lightly held all day without feeling stiff or crunchy. And, because it's glycerin-free (a rarity in hair gels), it won't cause intense frizzing if you live in humid areas. If you've got fluffy waves or loose curls that need a little extra help in the curling and clumping department, try this medium-hold hair gel.

” The gel is formulated without parabens, mineral oil, or synthetic colors, but it does contain isopropyl alcohol, so could be too drying for daily use if you have really curly or dry hair. To apply, simply work it through your damp hair and then air dry or heat style. Actress Tracee Ellis Ross created Pattern specifically to fulfill the unique needs of those with curly hair. All of the products consistently pull in rave reviews, but if you’re going to try just one, make it this leave-in, a true hero SKU that gets tons of five-star reviews.

To use this gel, you’ll simply apply it to your wet or dry hair and smooth it in with your fingers, a comb, or a brush. You’ll then proceed with the rest of your hair styling routine. A. The best way to determine your curl shape (wavy, curly, or coily) is to identify it when your hair is sopping wet. We like to think of the subclassifications (A, B, and C) in terms of what your curl could wrap around (when dry). For someone with a type 3 curl, give yourself an A if your curl could wrap around a piece of sidewalk chalk, B for a Sharpie marker, or C for a straw or pencil. At the lower end of this spectrum, you may get hold but also unwanted crunch and additives.

Much like its assortment of hair products, it has a luxurious scent that’s packed with argan oil to give your locks a bit of an antioxidant and vitamin E boost. With a name I can’t help but love (Southern Belle, for high-to-the-sky, Texas-style hair), the Drybar Southern Belle Volume-Boosting Mousse is an iconic formulation to add to your hair-styling collection. It’s the best I found for giving your hair that much-needed lift, too — indicating that this product lives up to its name, and lives up to its name well. Sure, I’ve seen them and used them sporadically, but I never knew exactly how. Many of my curls stretched out and lost definition as the week went on, but I had minimal flyaways at the top of my hair. Again, you will likely need a touch-up at some point in the week, especially if it's humid, but the gel has worked 100x better than any other gel I've tried so far to prevent frizz.

Those who are satisfied with the product state that the hold they experience is out of this world. They also state that the gel is neither sticky nor flaky, which is a huge plus. People find that they can easily create gravity-defying styles, braided protective styles, and more with this gel. Now, to dive into things a little bit deeper, it’s time to look at the pros and cons of this gel. They’ll lend some insight into whether it’s the right gel for you. Melanie Rud is a Chicago-based writer with 10 years of experience covering beauty.

The 15 Best Curly Hair Gels Experts Recommend

hair gel for curly hair

Aesop is no stranger to products that smell as good as they work, so we'll go ahead and put money on this lightweight, sculpting gel's ability to make hair look (and, yes, smell) absolutely unreal. A little goes a long way with this gel, which one user loves for its no-flake finish. "Garnier's product is very light, nicely scented, and it stiffens my hair in place with a very natural look," she adds.

hair gel for curly hair

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Because they’re extra thick, stretchy, and comfy I never experience headaches, hair dents, or tangling. I even recently gifted them to a few friends on a bachelorette trip and everyone was so obsessed they wore them for the rest of the weekend. These ingredients could have a negative effect on your hair’s moisture levels and overall health. But it’s important to know that these ingredients aren’t present in large amounts, so chances are you won’t have much of an issue with them.

adwoa beauty Baomint Moisturizing Curl Defining Gel

For this reason those with really curly hair may want to use it only occasionally, or use it with a moisturizing conditioner or hydrating hair mask to offset any drying effects. This shampoo formula checks all of the curly hair shampoo boxes. It’s sulfate-free, first and foremost, so you don’t have to worry about it stripping away your natural moisture. The creamy formula cleanses super gently, and it contains hydrating ingredients (manuka honey and ceramides) to keep your curls in tip-top shape. Modern curly hair gels, like this one from Taliah Waajid, give you the definition and lasting hold you crave, but with soft, touchable curls.

Consider which type of gel you need

The best styling gel for Black women’s hair understands that one size most definitely does not fit all. This True Texture Perfect Coil Oil Gel from Mizani is designed for very curly hair, helping to elongate and define those amazing zig-zags, kinks, and coils. Before you apply various moisturizing and styling products on your hair, it’s important to test that these products will “play well” together first. In the palm of your hand, mix the leave-in conditioner with the gel you plan to use.

BEST FOR SHINE

It'll clump your curls to help protect them against frizz and humidity while you diffuse or air-dry. Remember to wait until your hair is 100 percent dry, though, before breaking the cast or "scrunching out the crunch," lest you awaken the frizz demons. To be clear, we're not talking about those dry, crunchy gels that make your hair look like it hopped right out of 2003. And we're definitely not here for any gels loaded with alcohol.

hair gel for curly hair

The lightweight formula contains rose water, acai berry, and olive oil and works very well with fine, low porosity hair. While identifying your curl type is useful for styling, to find the right products for your hair, you'll want to focus more closely on your hair density. "Products aren't necessarily specific to [curl] type," says Tippi Shorter Rank, celebrity hairstylist and Global Artistic Director for L'Oréal's Mizani.

Best for 3A Curls

But if you’re going for the gel cast, you'll need a lot of gel—like a huge handful of gel for fine, shoulder-length hair. Coat your hands with gel then rake and scrunch it through your soaking-wet hair section by section (here’s a gel cast tutorial I love, if you need a visual). This is especially important for curlies whose strands are already drier than other hair types by nature. I'm also not saying that you should immediately throw out your products if they contain coconut oil. Like I said above, it has a lot of amazing benefits, but I had to provide this PSA in case there's anyone else out there struggling with the same issue and can't pinpoint what it is.

It's important to find the right product combo for your curls, meaning you need to consider your hair's texture, porosity, thickness, and curl pattern when shopping for (and applying) products. Hairstylist and Amika-led pro educator Rashuna Durham says that the best way to apply hair gel is to damp hair because it creates a better hold due to the hair being easier to control while wet. "Section your hair and apply the gel from root to end, making sure that the product is dispersed evenly so you get a more uniform look and reduce frizz," Durham advises. The coconut oil might have tipped you off, but Francis loves this formula because of its ultra-hydrating properties. Plus, he says, it "has lightweight hold, and it's great for doing high shine or wet looks."

Curls Ultimate B Smooth Curl Butter Gel

"This is a tried and true styling product that never disappoints me. Creamy styling milks always leave my curls ultra-hydrated and defined. And this one does just that," confirms Byrdie editor Olivia Hancock. It’s lightweight with a firm and lasting hold so you can enjoy defined curls and a healthy shine all day long. Plus, your hair gets to enjoy the benefits of the flaxseed, shea butter, wheat protein, and extra virgin olive oil it contains.

If you have fine-textured hair, you’re likely to love this gel. The formula includes almond, coconut and avocado oils for extra nutrition. It’s a runny texture but sets coils and curls in place without looking stringy. Plus, it protects from UV rays, so it’s a good pick for holidays (when we can go on them again, anyway). When you want to achieve sleek, smooth, or defined styles on your curly hair, one thing you’ll need is the right gel.

While genetics determine curl formation, the key to creating shiny, bouncy, static-free tresses is finding products that are specifically formulated to provide hydration and create definition. With so many hair gels out there, that could take quite a bit of time and plenty of trial and error. You’ll probably have to go through several different products until you find the gel that’s right for your hair. As curly girls we have learned, through trial and plenty of error, that perfecting your styling techniques is just as important as finding a Holy Grail product. Many curly girls consider gel to be the ultimate curl definer, but if you have yet to master the technique of properly applying gel to your hair, you may not see what the fuss is about. Developed by curl queen Tracee Ellis Ross, this medium-hold gel delivers definition and hold, and has aloe vera and coconut oil to nourish curls.

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The key with a hair mask is to leave it on for some time — no less than five minutes. Usually, I’ll apply the mask with my fingers (making sure to hit everywhere from my roots to my ends) and throw it up with a plastic claw clip while I shave or exfoliate, before rinsing it out. Each of these picks on our list has its own list of benefits and will affect your curls differently. The vitamin E lends strength to brittle, breaking strands and gives your hair a lovely shine. And the botanical extracts prove to strengthen the hair, making it more resilient against breakage and environmental influences.

Plus, it claims to last a full 24 hours, if that's something you're into. You can do a lot with just $3—and it all happens to be in this (admittedly goofy) banana-shaped bottle. Hairstylists swear by this extreme-hold formula, which will shape any head of hair into whatever near-solid sculpture you wish. Not a problem with this Bumble and bumble favorite, which shapes curls and controls frizz in even the stickiest of situations. Packed with hyaluronic acid, this weightless hold gel will deliver just that. Katie Berohn is the Beauty Assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group.

And while finding the perfect product that provides both hydration and hold without the crunch could feel impossible — it's not. There are countless high-quality options, from foamy mousses and smooth creams to, of course, gels. This gel is basically all aloe, water, and honey, making it a hydrating, lightweight, defining dream for low-porosity curls (not sure WTF your hair porosity is? Uh, take this quiz immediately pls). It's best for medium-to-thick curls, so if your hair is easily weighed down like mine, don't go overboard on the application.

Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. A gel can work differently depending on who uses it, how much they use it, and more. Based on the ingredients alone, there may be some people who should probably pass on this gel. As far as negative reviews go, some are unhappy with their purchase because they believe that the gel isn’t as thick as they were used to it being. We independently evaluate all recommended products and services.

15 Best Curly Hair Gels in 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Table Of Content What to look for in a hair mousse for every hair type, according to an expert Giovanni L.A. Natural Styling Gel Strong Hold...