The 11 Best Gels for Every Curl Type, According to Natural Hair Experts

Table Of Content

• Best for Frizzy Hair: Amika Curl Corps Enhancing Gel
• Best for Damaged Hair: Ouai Matte Pomade
• ECOCO Professional Styling Gel, Olive Oil
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• Paul Mitchell Super Clean Sculpting Gel (6.8oz), $14
• Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Styling Gel (6.8oz), $5

Individuals with Type 3 or Type 4 hair had the option to use their heat protectant and flat iron once a week. We used the same application methodology as the lab tests and recorded our insights at the end of the two-week testing period. We evaluated all products based on ease of application, absorption, efficacy, hair feel, and scent.

Best for Frizzy Hair: Amika Curl Corps Enhancing Gel

Aussie won’t flake on your or your hair thanks to ingredients like jojoba oil and sea kelp, which will nourish hair while providing definition, and, most importantly, sculpted shape. It’s also good for all hair types whether you have fine, thick, straight, wavy or curly hair. Because there are so many styling gels on the market, it can feel overwhelming to find the right one for your hair type, texture, and hairstyle you're going for.

Best for Damaged Hair: Ouai Matte Pomade

“I applied this on my damp hair before drying, and loved how well it defined and boosted my curls — and the subtly sweet scent,” says one tester. If you have curly hair, chances are you want to define your curls without weighing them down or causing frizz. If you've tried every curly hair product in the books and are still looking for something with a little extra oomph, it may be time to consider using a hair gel. Into the idea of a gel but worried you'll look like you're auditioning for a part in The Outsiders if you get your hands on the wrong one? Kiehl's has been making its non-greasy styling formula for years now, providing a lasting hold with minimal shine for all types of hair. Lightweight and infused with a blend of essential oils, the brand's signature gel—unlike your friend who bails last-minute on your plans to day-drink in the park—is also blissfully flake-free.

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ECOCO Professional Styling Gel, Olive Oil

“A spray is a quick way to apply [heat protectant] before detangling the hair,” Hatcher says. “If you have a lot of hair, or need a lot of product, a cream is the way to go.” For curly hair, Hatcher loves mousse because it can be scrunched in and leaves a weightless finish. She recommends oil products for day two hair to add shine and leave hair looking healthy and fresh.

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When browsing hair gels, world-renowned session stylist Kevin Murphy says to look for a "range of ingredients designed to protect the integrity of your hair and scalp while giving you that on-trend gel finish." If you're interested in dipping your toes (or rather, your tips) back into the gel pool, we've got good news. 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. 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. Science-y brand Virtue uses a human-identical form of keratin in its advanced formulas, meaning the hair recognises it and knows exactly how to put it to good use.

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It even provides some UV protection to prevent sun damage when spending long afternoons outside. For thick or curly hair, those nourishing ingredients combined with the flake-free copolymer formula make for a great all-purpose gel. Scrunch a small amount through your curls for definition or apply a thin layer to braids to smooth flyaways. For dry or damaged hair, the nourishing, non-drying formula can help heal and protect your hair and scalp to minimize breakage.

Paul Mitchell Super Clean Sculpting Gel (6.8oz), $14

Mousse is more effective on wet hair to build body and get root lift with a blowdryer on straight hair, per Abramite. 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. More, it also boosts waves and curly textures when air dried or used with a diffuser without being stiff, sticky or crunchy. Abramite provides more hairstyling expertise in our in-depth FAQ section.

Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Styling Gel (6.8oz), $5

Though curly hair needs extra moisture, it can be easily weighed down by heavy products. We love that this spray is a fine mist that evenly distributes through hair without having to use too much product. Before we blow dried our hair, it felt slightly oily, but this went away after styling. Overall though, this heat protectant made our hair feel smooth and lightweight, and it passed both of our heat tests. This product also doesn’t have a noticeable scent, so you’ll love this pick if you are sensitive to strongly fragranced products.

TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Color Shampoo and Conditioner

Creating slicked-back looks without damaging the hair can be a task, but this gel makes it look easy. Designed for curls and coils, this gel is easy to distribute in the hair and will hold styles all day long. For curls that need a little extra definition, this gel can get it done. It works well for waves, curls, and tighter coils, without flaking or feeling too sticky. Whatever your hair type and whatever look you’re going for, find the hair gel you need in this list of quality copolymer gel formulas. After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30?

Though I have no idea if the processes are similar, it feels like I’m exfoliating my hair and scalp, sloughing away dead skin, and God knows what else, to leave only the smooth and shiny. Color-treating your hair for the first time is not for the weak—let me tell you! Transitioning my virgin strands from their natural blackish-brown to an auburn hue has made my hair more susceptible to breakage and dryness.

Available in both a liquid and solid formula, this volumising hair wash is a hero for limp and lacklustre hair. It's effective at removing oil and dirt, without compromising on the soft, glossy finish we expect from a high-end shampoo. Did we mention the classic shampoo is obtained with 100% clean energy, while its solid counterpart is completely carbon offset? A fantastic investment for anyone looking to go greener with their haircare.