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Hair gels have been around for years and they have so many uses. Here we round up our favorites on the market.
Hair gel has always been around and has been a staple of the hair care industry for years. Why you might ask? Well, it’s a very versatile hair product. You can use hair gel for different styling techniques such as: B. creating beachy waves, defining curls or just to control and manage frizz. You can even use gel to hold baby hairs in place, tame flyaways, or create slick looks (like the slick Scandi ponytail taking over our TikTok feeds). Sometimes we even use hair gel to control our brow hairs.
With so many styling gels on the market, finding the right one for your hair type, texture and style can be overwhelming. Finally, many gels are alcohol-based and can cause dry hair or damage over time.
Lucky for you, we’re here to help you find the right one for you with a comfortable and hydrating formula. Below are some of our favorite hair gels and those of our favorite barber friends. Some are a bit flamboyant, while others can snag them at drugstores or Amazon for as little as $4 (I’m looking at you, Garnier Fructis). So keep scrolling to browse and shop the best hair gels on the market.
This article originally appeared on allure.com
#1 Ceremonia Pequi Styling Gel
Ceremonia’s Pequi Styling Gel is a medium hold formula that’s great for fine hair. The active ingredient is pequi oil, which makes it very moisturizing. This oil nourishes the hair leaving it shiny and never sticky. Not to mention that it contains açai extract and aloe vera that strengthen and enhance shine while moisturizing.
#2 Harry’s modeling gel
For a root lightening gel, check out Harry’s Sculpting Gel. New York hairstylist Devin Toth says it’s really good at adding volume to hair with little to no crunch or flaking. We also love shaping baby hair and keeping flyaways.
#3 Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Styling Gel
Lead trade writer Angela Trakoshis has been using Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Styling Gel for years. “I literally use this for everything,” she says. “I’ll scrunch my hair with it, use it for a slicked back look, and even squeeze some on a spoolie and use it as a brow gel.” The best part? It’s under $5 – a real bargain.
#4 Oribe Curl Jelly
Designed for those with textured and curly hair, Oribe Curl Gelée adds definition, shape and hold. It contains a butter complex (from Murumuru and Mango butter) that moisturizes and detangles the hair. Plus, macadamia seed and apricot oils lock in all that moisture and add shine—no wonder it won a Best of Beauty award.
#5 Bumble and Bumble Sumogel
Bumble and Bumble Sumogel is a clear, alcohol-free formula, so hair never feels dry while it works. It can work in several ways: either use a pea-sized amount to lay baby down or fly hairs away, or apply a larger dollop to damp hair for that wet hair effect.
#6 R+Co Wall Street Gel with a strong hold
R+Co Wall Street Strong Hold Gel is a super shine formula that gives hair hold no matter the style. New York hairstylist Mia Santiago loves it and says it won’t leave your hair crunchy and is very versatile, meaning it works on all hair types and offers a firm hold.
#7 Not Your Mom’s Curl Talking Hair Gel
Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Hard Hold Hair Gel with a rice curl complex defines curls with long-lasting hold. It also tames frizz, moisturizes and has the most delicious citrus and jasmine scent that lasts all day.
#8 Kérastase Curl Manifesto Curl Defining Gel Cream
Toth says the Kérastase Curl Manifesto Curl Defining Gel-Cream is a wonderful choice for curls. “It adds moisture and hold and keeps curls looking defined all day,” he adds. how do you ask All of this is thanks to the Manuka honey and ceramides in the formula.
#9 Patterned hair gel for strong hold
The Pattern Strong Hold Hair Gel is a flexible yet long-lasting gel with lots of hold. It is excellent for wavy to curly hair and can smooth even the most stubborn strands. Not to mention that it helps moisturize hair with flaxseed and castor oil in the tub.
#10 American Crew Styling Gel
Santiago says the American Crew Styling Gel is a great formula that feels light as air and never weighs hair down. “It boosts shine and leaves hair looking exactly how you want it to be styled, every time,” she adds.
#11 Aussie Instant Freeze Gel
For an affordable choice, consider the Aussie Instant Freeze Gel. Toth states that it creates a hold that lasts all day and the formula doesn’t contain a ton of hair drying or harmful alcohols. But it does contain hydrating jojoba oil and sea kelp, which we love.
#12 Tresemé Extra Hold Styling Gel
Tresemmé’s Extra Hold Styling Gel offers such a strong hold that your hair is moisture-resistant. Plus, it doesn’t get crusty, so hair is still manageable and easy to style after drying.
#13 Göt2b Glued styling spike gel
“Göt2b Glued Styling Spiking Gel is the go-to stylist for all eternity,” says Santiago. “It’s not flaky and holds hair in place in any style.” After you’ve established your style, there’s no need to worry or think about it all day.
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