Need a New Hair Gel? We’ve Got 16 for Every Hair Type

Best Hair Gels for Fine Hair

ALTERNA HAIRCARE Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Smoothing Gelee

Courtesy of ALTERNA HAIRCARE

Yes, fine hair types can use hair gel; the key is to find one that won’t weigh down your curls and waves. One we highly recommend is the ALTERNA HAIRCARE Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Smoothing Gelee. Made with caviar extract and marine botanicals, the alcohol-free formula instantly smooths dry, unruly strands while providing light hold, conditioning, and shine. Ipsters rave about how much they love the flexible hold and volume the curl-defining gel offers, with one sharing, “I have very thin (and getting thinner by the year) hair. This product is great, I use it at night and it gives my hair life again, [making it] fuller looking and oh so smooth.”

FLORA & CURL Sweet Hibiscus Curl Defining Gel

Courtesy of FLORA & CURL

The wrong gel can clump strands together, minimizing definition. When you have fine hair, that’s not at all what you want. The great thing about this hair styling gel is that it interacts with each hair strand to add body, control, and shine. Extra nourishing panthenol, rice protein, and marshmallow root work overtime, moisturizing every single strand, too. Reviewers rave about the versatility of the gel, noting it’s a go-to for styling wash-and-gos, twist-outs, updos, ponytails, roller sets, and more.

IGK HAIR Good Spin Curl Gelee

A medium hold gel that keeps curls frizz-free and crunch-free? They said it couldn’t be done, but IGK HAIR made it work with one of their best products to date. Formulated with marshmallow root for slip and moisture, flaxseed oil for spreadability and shine, and oat milk for nourishment and smoothness, the gel is safe for both color-treated and chemically treated hair, so you don’t need to fear if you have damaged hair; this gel puts your hair in good hands. Simply scrunch upwards into clean, wet hair, then air-dry or diffuse to style. Oh, and did we mention it offers up to 72 hours of frizz control? All hair textures that struggle with frizz need this to manage flyaways, especially fine hair types.

MISTIK Hydroserum

Courtesy of MISTIK

For those with fine hair who struggle with dryness, this is the hair gel for you. This gel-serum hybrid provides long-lasting hydration and lightweight hold thanks to ingredients like blueberry and flaxseed extracts. “[My hair] being as fine as it is, I need smoothing products that have a lighter formula to not weigh down my hair. I often use a volumizing mousse for the roots combed through a bit; then, I use this serum or a leave-in conditioner from the ends up the lengths,” shares one Ipster on their go-to routine featuring the MISTIK Hydroserum. Another shares that this product is the right amount of hydrating without weighing their hair down or making it greasy. As far as taming their frizzy curls goes, one Ipster says this is their holy grail product. “I applied a dime-sized amount to after-shower, damp hair and let it sit dry. My hair is SO soft!”

Best Hair Gels for Curly Hair

MARC ANTHONY Strictly Curls Define & Hold Flex Gel

In need of a hair gel that offers flexible, long-lasting hold? One Ipster swears this is the product for you. “It gives my hair a nice hold without feeling crunchy or stiff. My curls stay defined all day long, and it doesn’t weigh my hair down. The texture is light, and it’s easy to apply. Plus, it doesn’t flake, which is a huge bonus. I love how soft and natural my hair feels after using it,” they rave. That’s all thanks to the strong-hold formula made with coconut oil, castor oil, and flax seed Oils for lasting moisture and shine. Crunch and flake-free, the gel forms a flexible cast around each curl to enhance your natural curl pattern while offering styling slip and shine. You can also use it in a ton of different ways. Start on wet hair, then scrunch to lock in moisture and create well-defined curls. Use a diffuser to add volume by focusing on the roots. You can even use it to create slicked-back styles on dry hair. Your options are endless.

CURL KEEPER® Spray Gel

Free from sulfates, parabens, and silicones, this non-greasy, humidity-resistant, and easy-to-rinse formula is one of our fave styling products for curls. First, the innovative spray bottle makes it easier to disperse the gel throughout your entire head of hair. Second, it works for medium, tight, and kinky curl types. Third, and finally, you can use it throughout the day or between wash days if your curls are looking a little lackluster. Simply spray and scrunch onto dry hair and watch as new life is breathed into your coils. Reviewers love how easy the curl-enhancing product is to use and how you can use it on a daily basis.

ECO STYLE Olive Oil Gel 

Courtesy of ECO STYLE

There’s a reason drugstore brand ECO STYLE is regularly recommended when it comes to gels—they just understand curly hair better than anyone. From loose waves to tight coils, their gels provide maximum hold while allowing for flexibility of styling. The brand’s Olive Oil Gel is loved worldwide thanks to the fatty oil, which adds shine and locks in moisture. And while it does provide a stronger hold than most gels, you’re able to create any style you like, knowing it will last.

BRIOGEO HAIR CARE Curl Charisma™ Rice Amino + Quinoa Frizz Control Gel

Courtesy of BRIOGEO HAIR CARE

This light-to-medium-hold hair gel creates definition and minimizes frizz for curls, coils, and waves, thanks to rice amino acids, quinoa extract, tomato fruit ferment, glycerin, and shea butter. Nutrients seal the hair cuticle to lock out frizz and humidity, and strengthen elasticity. The non-sticky gel goes on clear, defined, and smooth onto damp hair. After the cast is formed, rake the BRIOGEO HAIR CARE Don't Despair, Repair!™ Strengthening Treatment Oil to add softness to your curls and waves, while also sealing split ends, repairing hair damage, and preventing future breakage.

Best Hair Gels for Thick or Coarse Hair

OUIDAD Curl Quencher® Moisturizing Styling Gel

Courtesy of OUIDAD

Formulated with moisturizing extracts and essential amino acids, this flexible hold styling gel, created specifically for thick hair, helps smooth, strengthen, and revive your natural curl pattern. Numerous reviews of the hair product swear no other gel has given their coarse curls as much definition as this one, while keeping frizzy hair at bay. To get the most hydration out of this gel, start by sectioning damp hair. Next, rake a nickel-sized amount of gel through each section, holding the ends of hair in each section to shake and create curls. You can let your hair air-dry, or use a diffuser if you’re short on time. Enjoy definition and softness without flaking until your next wash out.

DEVACURL Fragrance-Free & Hypoallergenic Ultra Defining Gel

Courtesy of DEVACURL

The coarse hair community loves this fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-flaking formula for those who have sensitive skin. It provides a strong hold and non-sticky curl cast that defines, fights frizz, and amplifies shine and bounce without fragrance, essential oils, dyes, or gluten. A bonus is that it plays well with others, so you don’t have to worry about other hair products in your routine disrupting the powers of this defining gel.

BUMBLE AND BUMBLE Gel Sculpting Medium

Courtesy of BUMBLE AND BUMBLE

Hair stylists are all about this sculpting gel from BUMBLE AND BUMBLE; it sculpts and shapes hair, while leaving a shiny, radiant finish that isn't flaky or sticky. For coarse hair types, it works especially well at controlling and maintaining frizz. Many appreciate that the gel is easy to work with, and more can be added throughout the day without it feeling like it’s building up on your coils. “For me, it's better curl and definition. I keep adding a little more, day after day, and my hair looks fantastic. It's not greasy or flaky. It's my new go-to gel,” says one reviewer.

INNERSENSE ORGANIC BEAUTY I Create Hold

Courtesy of INNERSENSE ORGANIC BEAUTY

Formulated with clean, organic ingredients (we’re talking organic aloe vera and bee-friendly organic honey), this styling gel offers structured hold and healthy shine for thick, coarse hair types. “I Create Hold does what it says. I have thick, coarse, curly hair, and this gives me the structure and the hold I need,” one reviewer notes. Additionally, you can use it to create slicked-back styles with ease on your natural hair.

Best Hair Gels for Wavy Hair

UMBERTO GIANNINI HAIR CARE Curl Scrunching Jelly

A fave among wavy hair types, this lightweight, medium hold gel allows you to create styles that last sans all that crunchy buildup. Does it banish frizz? Yes. Does it add shine? Of course. Does it define your waves? You bet. No hair look is unachievable with this curl gel on your side. One Ipster raves that it “works great at creating definition.” Another says it’s a staple in their hair care routine, noting, “I have 2C hair and this product works wonders. It held the curls all day, minimized frizz, and didn’t leave that sticky feeling on my hands.” Love, because who has time for tacky styling gel? Absolutely no one.

R+CO Grasp Intense Hold Shaping Balm

Though this strong-hold gel is marketed as more of a styling cream, those with wavy hair swear by this product as a styling gel. “This was a game changer for keeping a wave shape, plus using curlers had much better results,” says one Ipster. “This is a clear gel, and I didn’t need much, like a half-dollar size dollop for almost waist-length hair.” Others do appreciate the firm hold it offers for styling, with one Ipster noting, “It effectively holds hair in place without imparting a greasy appearance, and a small amount yields significant results.” So whether you’re hoping to maintain your waves or create a slicked-back look, this gel is perfect for you.

AUSSIE Instant Freeze Gel

Courtesy of AUSSIE

Reddit swears by this drugstore hair gel, as it provides definition and hold without being sticky or flaky. Not to mention, it’s a pretty low price for the amount of product you get. A dollop goes a long way; scrunch it through your waves, then let it air-dry and style as desired.

OLAPLEX Nº.10 Bond Shaper™ Curl Defining Gel

Courtesy of OLAPLEX

Want definition with flexible, all-day hold and no residue? This is the gel for your waves. With the Patented OLAPLEX Bond Technology™ and a Curl Retention Compound, you’re gifted with a humidity-resistant, curl-locking barrier that strengthens hair and repairs damage. Not too many hair gels provide that level of hair care along with styling benefits. From a clinical trial, 96% of participants noticed major enhancements to their natural curl pattern and three times greater curl retention. The results speak for themselves.