The Best Gel for Curly Hair: Get Perfect Curls with Hair Gels

Table Of Content

• Best Hair Dryer for Curly Hair
• Buying guide for Best gels for curly hair
• The 15 Best Curly Hair Products for Bouncy, Defined Curls, Tested & Reviewed
• Giovanni LA Natural Styling Gel – best affordable hard hold gel
• Best Curly Hair Products to Help You Finally Master Your Curls
• Q. How do I figure out my hair type and pattern?

Otherwise, there are a couple of reviews mentioning that the gel doesn’t give them much hold. Of course, these reviews aren’t the norm – only 3% of the reviews mentioned claims like this. Just like every other product on this list, Moco de Gorila gel comes with a unique list of pros and cons. Let’s get into them below to ensure that you’re getting a comprehensive picture of this product.

Best Hair Dryer for Curly Hair

When a curly girl proudly rocks her natural ringlets and coils, we love to see it. But when the summertime humidity hits, even the healthiest of curls can lack definition and be prone to frizz. If you want to turn up the volume a bit on your curls, this is your gel. It has a medium hold but a lightweight texture to define curls and bring on the bonus of a little body.

Buying guide for Best gels for curly hair

Also, consider avoiding formulations that contain additives that might irritating to the scalp and inadvertently cause dryness or itchiness, such as harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances. Instead, seek out those that have been dermatologist-tested, says Dr. Shaver. Get the definition you need with zero of the grease you feel from using heavy gels. This also applies to coconut, which technically is not a protein, but would also have the same effect on your protein-overloaded hair.

The 15 Best Curly Hair Products for Bouncy, Defined Curls, Tested & Reviewed

And with a convenient pump bottle, you can get just the right amount of product for your curls — apply a small amount to wet or dry hair, then use your fingers or a comb to work it through. According to multiple reviewers, the result is soft, bouncy curls that don’t feel stiff or greasy. The cream gel is free from sulfates and parabens, and comes in 8- or 3-ounce sizes, or bundled with other products from the line. One of the most important elements of any curly hair education is identifying your curl type.

The 24 Best Curly Hair Products of 2024 - PEOPLE

The 24 Best Curly Hair Products of 2024.

Posted: Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Its alcohol-free formula prevents hair from drying out while keeping flyaways in check. Opt to use CurlMix’s Wash and Go Flaxseed Gel in either light or heavy hold, depending on your curl needs. It not only provides great definition, but is also packed with nourishing jojoba and avocado oils to leave hair shiny and strong. All you need for perfect curls is to use a leave-in conditioner followed by this gel.

And Oribe Curl Gelée for Shine & Definition is an excellent choice for anyone open to splurging on a high-quality product. If you're interested in dipping your toes (or rather, your tips) back into the gel pool, we've got good news. Today's formulas aren't like the goopy blue hues of decades past. They're a little creamier, often nourishing, totally versatile, and offer a flexible hold that lasts for hours. For those rocking a pixie, slick back, cropped cut, sleek updo, or scrunchy curls—and anyone wanting to explore the wet hair look—gel is your friend.

They create a great cast, and leave your curls shiny, soft, and bouncy. This is my favorite lightweight gel with curl enhancing effects, medium hold, and softness. I have assigned a number from 1 to 5 for each category, 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. Of course, they are all silicone free and drying alcohol free, which is what makes them curly girl approved. Mousse can be used as often as you style your hair and works best on damp hair. It has even distribution down the hair strands when it’s wet and clean, too.

Containing an impressive 98 percent naturally derived ingredients, the brand's Pure Clean Styling Gel offers a strong yet weightless finish without any flakes. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Now, watch beauty mogul Huda Kattan nail her everyday glam routine. All products featured on Teen Vogue are independently selected by our editors.

Formulated with polymers and plant-based oils for an ultra-moisturizing effect. 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. This is actually where the issue lies, especially when it comes to curly hair. If coconut oil prevents water from getting into the hair shaft, it can lead to hair that becomes drier or more brittle over time.

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. As soon as I’m done washing and conditioning my hair, I’ll lather a layer of this on and let it soak in before moving on to my stronger-hold gel. If you prefer to detangle outside the shower (personally, I’m an in-shower detangler), this leave-in has tons of slip and will get the job done without pulling. Plus, I love the scents in all of Pattern’s products — they’re so fresh, like perfume for your hair (but not too strong). This gel is specially formulated with mongongo and hemp seed oils to tame frizzy curls by sealing the hair cuticle, blocking humidity and frizz and giving you shiny, smooth, perfect curls.

Although there are a lot of great products out there, an expensive gel for the curly girl method does not guarantee a great formula. The star ingredient of this Virtue hair mousse is Alpha Keratin 60ku, a proprietary healing protein that’s a dupe for keratin, so it can repair damaged hair from the inside. Not only does the whipped formula feel rich on our hands, but it delivers a flawless finish too. We’re talking hydrated, smooth, and frizz-free, even in swampy conditions. This aloe-based, organic, 2016 NaturallyCurly Editor’s Choice Award Winner defines curls while providing frizz control.

Gels are also more effective in high-humidity areas and are top for frizz-prone hair. As one of the top firm-hold gels for curly hair, the Kinky Curly Original Curling Custard Natural Styling Gel won’t make your hair feel crunchy despite its strength. Ouidad has nailed its formula when it comes to locking in curls without getting crunchy or sticky, both of which are major issues that most curly girl method-approved gels don’t address. The oil base of this gel—coconut and castor—seals in moisture to ensure your coils don’t feel dried out. It also includes extracts of pomegranate, seaweed and aloe for maximum softness. If you aren’t a fan of product cocktailing, this is a great option for a gel-cream hybrid.

It uses plant cellulose polymers to help shape curls and smooth away frizz. Plus, there’s also an ingredient named organic hypericum extract that gets rid of free radicals in hair that keep curls looking shiny and ultra bouncy. Innersense’s I Create Hold styling gel tops both Witherspoon’s and Strickland’s lists. Its silicone-free formula uses moisturizing aloe along with nettle and eucalyptus to keep hair hydrated as it defines curls. If you legit cannot get a gel cast to save your life (it's an art! I still struggle! Help!) try this strong-hold gel. It'll clump your curls to help protect them against frizz and humidity while you diffuse or air-dry.

Do you need a high-hold styling gel to achieve the sleekest ponytails or smooth down stubborn flyaways? It’s one of the most popular gels in the curly hair community and is sure to give you the hold and control you need to achieve your desired styles. Sometimes too much leaves hair crunchy and flaky, while too little won't provide enough hold.