The Best Hair Gels

Sexy Hair Style Hard Up Hard Holding Gel

No Doubt About It

Sexy Hair’s Style Hard Up Hard Holding Gel is our pick for the best overall hair gel. No matter what kind of hair you have, it can achieve the look that you are going for with ease.

Best Overall

Find on Amazon

Pros:
The best thing about Hard Up gel is that it’s suitable for all hair types–even thick or curly hair types can be managed with a small amount of gel. What’s more, the gel will keep your hairstyle strong for the whole day without making it dry or brittle. The gel has a very subtle but pleasant smell, which is made less apparent by how little you need to use. This means that you aren’t going to be running out any time soon; in fact, the bottle can last up to six months on mid-length hair.

Cons:
The product is one of the more expensive options available on the market. But, it’s very high-quality with a strong hold that’s sure to last you a long time, assuming you don’t use more than you need.

Tea Tree Firm Hold Gel

Add Volume and Moisture

Tea Tree Firm Hold Gel hydrates your hair without sacrificing holding power.

Best Ingredients

Find on Amazon

Pros:
Using tea tree oil, this hydrating hair gel can help to relieve any sore or itchy scalp with only a small amount of product. It offers you a firm and long-lasting hold, particularly with short hair. The product has a clean, pleasant scent and a smooth and luxurious texture. As a bonus, by applying generously, you can achieve a wet look style with little extra effort.

Cons:
While the gel holds up well against rain, sweat, and wind, it won’t be as effective if you fuss with it throughout the day. This applies to most brands but is something we noticed in particular when using the Tea Tree Firm Hold Gel.

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Lock It Gel

Lock It In

The L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Lock It Gel really holds up against all manners of troublesome conditions, giving you a style that lasts you all day long.

Best Strength

Find on Amazon

Pros:
This hair gel locks your style into place and holds up throughout the whole day. It doesn’t matter what condition your hair is in or how stubborn it is. Unlike other hair gels, you only need a small amount to achieve the look you’re going for. But even if you apply too much, it won’t cause any problems once the hair dries. The hair gel’s scent is quite understated but smells quite pleasant upon closer inspection.

Cons:
The L’Oréal Paris hair gel dries quickly, so you won’t want to spend too much time styling as its extreme hold lives up to the name. The best way to manage this is to use small amounts of hair gel until you are better used to styling it.

FAQs

Can I find a natural hair gel without preservatives?

There are many natural hair gels available on the market that are free from harmful preservatives. What’s more, many of these brands have a firm hold and are as long-lasting as traditional hair gels. Unlike many natural products in other cosmetic categories, natural hair gel isn’t only available at a premium price. In fact, many of the modern hair gel brands contain beneficial ingredients such as shea butter and coconut oil. There are many options available for those on a budget that don’t compromise on quality.

Can hair gel be bad for my hair?

Hair gel can be bad for your hair in certain circumstances. Some brands contain harmful ingredients that will damage your hair if used frequently or every day. Others contain ingredients that are harmful to certain kinds of hair or those with sensitive skin. If you are worried about this, it’s best to do some detailed research into the ingredients of any given product and to read as many reviews as you can. Luckily, there are many available brands of hair gel, so you can always find one that is suitable for your particular situation.

How much hair gel should I use?

When it comes to using hair gel, there are very few rules. You can apply as much or as little as you want. A great rule of thumb is to test a product you have confidence in by using a small amount and increasing slowly if necessary. However, if you want to achieve a very wet and shiny look, apply the hair gel more generously.

Is hair gel for men or women?

Typically, you can use any hair gel for your hair regardless of gender. The only real difference between gendered hair gel is how it deals with a particular length of hair. Hair gel for women is typically designed to style longer hair, while men’s hair gel is ideal for giving short hair a very firm hold. Some hair gel is scented to attract a certain gender, so it’s important to give your hair gel a sniff before purchasing it.

How do I wash hair gel out of my hair?

If you’ve used a very small amount of hair gel, you can probably brush it out with a comb at the end of the day. If, however, you’ve gone for that wet look, your hair might be feeling very hard to touch and will need a good scrub before bed. Normal shampoo will remove most hair gels.