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

While it’s not quite a gel, Oway’s Curly Potion styling cream also comes recommended by both of our curl experts. 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. For some people, how a product is applied is just as important as what it’ll do. If you’re not a fan of reaching into tubs or squirting gel into palms, this spray formula lets you apply gel directly onto hair (just be sure to rake it through so it’s evenly distributed).
Oils, Serums & Frizz Fighters
A little bit goes a long way for all-day hold, touchably soft curls, and an ingredient list you can feel good about. All you need for perfect curls is to use a leave-in conditioner followed by this gel. "You don’t have to do this whole series of creams, and it's not going to flake," says Hardges. She cautions that a little goes a long way — if you use too much, you could see some flaking.
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel
Whether you should use a mousse or a gel for your curls depends on what type of style you're going for. If you're looking to do a gel cast, protective style, twist/braid-out, or any other sleek and/or really defined look, you should be using a curl gel. On the other hand, if the look you're going for requires more of a lighter hold—yet still a bit of definition—you should be using a curl mousse. If you have finer hair, a curl gel can also be used on top of a mousse. This cream-gel hybrid is pure moisturizing goodness in a jar, and basically, every reviewer swears by its wash-and-go powers. It's incredibly thick and rich (thanks to the zillion different oils in the formula), so a little goes a long way, but even if you go overboard, your coils won't be left with any crunch or flakes.
The Doux Big Poppa Defining Gel
They also love that the gel is alcohol-free and non-drying to the hair. It also smooths the hair cuticles to make frizz a thing of the past. In addition to that, this gel contains protein, which is known to strengthen weak hair, and glycerin, a humectant that pulls moisture into the hair from the external environment. Byrdie contributor Bianca Lambert took it for a spin and gave it a perfect five-star rating. “My curls were not only soft to the touch but defined, and the moisture lasted all week,” she writes.
You’ll then use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute the product through your strands. After you’re done molding your hair into a style, you’ll allow time for the gel to dry. This gel is very concentrated and high performing, so don’t overapply it – a little goes a very long way. The ingredients in this gel are a little different from the ones in our other picks. Sorbitol adds slip to the gel and increases the elasticity of your hair so that after you apply the gel to your hair, it’s easy to manipulate your curls into your desired style. To get the most out of this gel, you’ll start by washing and conditioning your hair.
As far as leave-ins go, this one offers a lot of extra moisture without weighing down thicker curls. Try to avoid air-drying; use a diffuser or hooded dryer to set your curls. Aside from my ends, I didn't have to refresh all of my curls, but I'm not sure if I could go an entire week without touching up some areas. I could see myself refreshing my hair, at least with some water, on Day 4. The L. Erickson Hair Ties are my absolute favorite; I’ve been using them for years and never leave the house without one around my wrist. They come in an array of bright colors, metallics, and neutrals for all your style needs, and they even blend right into the bracelet stack I wear daily, disguising themselves as just another cute accessory.
This pick is our Editor's Choice because it not only offers a firm hold but also helps fight shrinkage and elongate curls. Whether you are into wash-and-gos or twist-outs or starting or starting, the shine-enhancing, aloe-based formula will knock out frizz and help you achieve your style goals. This high-hold gel will be a formidable force in the fight against humidity. It has the brand’s signature anti-frizz climate control technology, which creates a shield on strands to keep humidity out. Gel with extra hold like this one is also great for slicked-back styles or if you are hoping to create a wet look. From the kinkiest coils to loose waves, we're celebrating natural hair in its many forms by sharing expert tips for styling, maintenance, and haircare.
Pattern Leave In Conditioner

While all curls need attention, 3A types are a little more needy, and we love them all for it – especially if it means we get to reach for Oribe’s glinting, luxe green bottle on wash days. While we honestly believe the shampoo is a friend to all hair types, we recommend that those with finer strands use it more sparingly, otherwise, it could weigh down their waves. Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Gel is the best gel for curly hair.
Kinky Curly Original Curling Custard Styling Gel
Mielle Organics advises that the custard gel is formulated specifically for type four curls, but can also be used by individuals with other curl patterns. All curly hair routines need a trusty styling gel and trust me, I’ve tried plenty over the years. I like to apply this from my roots to my ends, while scrunching the hair throughout to create extra definition and volume around the crown.
Delivering essential nutrients, this gel may promote healthy hair. Regular use of this gel can also enhance the shine of your hair because of the presence of olive oil in it. The brand states that this product is free from cruelty, sulphates, silicones, paraben, waxes, alcohols and mineral oils. For me, I like to use gels when I'm doing my braid- and twist-outs for any hope of getting definition into my thick, coily hair. And if you like to wash and go, then you can actually apply most curl gels to wet hair and work them through with a Denman brush or while you finger-coil. Premium gels for curly hair will also smooth frizz, keep your curls locked in place throughout the day, and feel soft to the touch.
The 11 best products for taming curly hair - Daily Mail
The 11 best products for taming curly hair.
Posted: Tue, 23 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Traditionally speaking, the best hair for curly hair is the one with the strongest hold possible. The thing is, however, that traditionally that meant having to be satisfied with hair that was very stiff, had no bounce, and quite often PLENTY of flakes. Rub a small amount of gel between your fingers, then scrunch from your ends up towards your roots. This will encourage your curls to form and help make sure that you don’t end up with too much product on your hair, which can weigh your waves down. A past GH Beauty Awards winner, this budget-friendly conditioning treatment prevents breakage by strengthening hair with almond and protein. The brand also claims it can protect against heat up to 450ยบ which further prevents breakage.
Fighting Frizz? These Are The Best Anti-Frizz Hair Products, According To Experts - British Vogue
Fighting Frizz? These Are The Best Anti-Frizz Hair Products, According To Experts.
Posted: Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:17:44 GMT [source]
On fine thin hair, a weightless formula with thermal protection will keep stands healthy through the heat styling session while remaining plump. Mousse is more effective on wet hair to build body and get root lift with a blowdryer on straight hair, per Abramite. Of course, when using any hair product, it’s important to understand its benefits. Luckily, our expert simply explains the array of green flags that most hair mousses bring to light.
It has an extra hold that’ll help clump curls together without crunchiness. 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 legit cannot get a gel cast to save your life (it's an art! I still struggle! Help!) try this strong-hold gel.
It hydrates, seals in moisture, and detangles while also helping to enhance curl definition. "It softens and defines curls in just one step—pretty revolutionary for someone who typically uses a slew of other curl-defining products as well," says senior social media editor Star Donaldson. Think of this curl cream as nutrient-rich food for your curly hair.
Comments
Post a Comment