Last Updated on September 5, 2022 by Verna Meachum
The hot summer sun can be tough on your hair. The humidity can leave it frizzy and unmanageable, and the heat can sap it of its natural moisture.
If you’re looking for a product that will help keep your curls in place while also protecting your hair from the summer elements, look no further.
Hair gel is a versatile product that can be used to create different hairstyles, from sleek and polished to messy and undone.
It can also help to tame flyaways and control frizz. Whether you’re headed to the beach or a backyard barbecue, we’ve rounded up the best hair gels for curly hair that will help you keep your curls intact all summer long.
Plus, we’ll give you some tips on how to use them to get the best results!
Overview
Not all gels are created equal- some work well for certain types of curls, while others make your hair look greasy or crunchy.
When it comes to choosing the gels for curly hair, there are many different factors to consider.
Some people prefer a lightweight and flexible formula that won’t weigh down their curls or make them look overly stiff or greasy.
Other people may be looking for a stronger hold, in order to achieve certain styling effects or keep their locks in place all day long.
Whatever your particular needs as a curly, there are countless options available on the market today that can help you achieve the perfect style.
Just a few of the top contenders for best hair gel for curly hair include Giovanni L.A Hold Styling Gel, and Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly by Curls.
Each of these gels is crafted specifically with curly hair in mind, using nourishing ingredients and unique formulations that give your curls just what they need to look their best.
Whether you’re looking to define and moisturize your curls, add lustrous shine and volume, or simply hold them all in place throughout the day, there’s sure to be an option that meets your hair needs exactly.
Adwoa Baomint Moisturizing Curl Defining Gel
Features: This is a concentrated cream-gel hybrid for medium and thick hair. It creates definition without the flakes and will provide a medium hold.
Best for: all curl types
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: Yes
Price: $14
Aunt Jackie’s Flaxseed Don’t Shrink Curling Gel
Features: If shrinkage is an issue with your curls, this styling gel gives the stretch to your curls that you need without the crunch. It is a lightweight gel that will give your hair a soft hold and can be used on wet or dry hair.
Best for: curly and coily
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: No
Price: $7.95 – $14.85
Aussie Instant Freeze 20-Hour Hold Hair Gel
Features: This maximum-hold hair gel is fragrant with citrus and aquatic notes and contains jojoba oil and sea kelp. If you struggle to get a gel cast, this strong-hold gel might be the answer.
Best for: all curl types
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: Yes
Price: $4.79
Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Quinoa Frizz Control
Features: This gel is lightweight, non-sticky, and silicone-free, so it will not leave your hair feeling heavy. The rice amino acids and quinoa work together to smooth the hair cuticle and add shine.
Best for: all curl types
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: No
Price: $22
Bouncecurl
Features: This is a lightweight styling gel with light, soft hold. It will make your hair feel light and it will keep your curl’s shape and will also minimize frizz. It is infused with its flagship ingredient – Black seed oil.
Best for: all curl types
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: No
Price: $17.99 – $27.09
Discount code: muse (all lower caps)
Bumble and Bumble Anti-Humidity Gel Oil
Features: This gel-oil combination adds moisture, bounce, and sheen while also protecting against the humidity. UV protection also helps to protect curls from the sun’s drying effects.
Best for: curly and coily
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: Yes
Price: $30 – $32
Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker
Features: This gel will give your hair definition, shine, and hold without weighing it down. The aloe vera juice, agave extracts, and marshmallow work together to give your hair a soft, bouncy, and shiny finish. No gummy or crunchy curls with this product.
Best for: curly and coily
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: Yes
Price: $17 – $22
Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly
Features: This jelly is formulated to define, defrizz, and hold your curl’s shape. Formulated with organic blueberry extract, and raw castor oil, this jelly will leave your hair feeling soft and looking shiny. Use a tiny dab. Treat it like a gel rather than a cream, which means you need only a little bit.
Best for: all curl types
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: No
Price: $17 – $18
Curlkeeper Original
Features: The Original formula is water-based, so it will not leave your hair feeling crunchy or cause any build up. This is a liquidity type gel, but it provides a strong hold and is ideal for humid weather.
Best for:
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: Yes
Price: $19 – $49
Curls Smooth Curl Butter Gel
Features: If you’ve ever used a gel that only has one benefit, such as a strong hold in your protective style, then you know how frustrating it is when your hair starts to feel dry. This curl butter gel gives your hair definition, a soft hold, and moisture all in one product.
Best for: all curl types
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: Yes
Price: $5.99 – $8
EcoSlay Orange Marmalade Gel
Features: What I love about this gel is the amount of curl definition this will give your hair. It is a lightweight gel, but will provide a firm hold. The gel is also hydrating and will make your curls shine.
Best for: all curl types
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: Yes
Price: $29
Eco Style Gold – Olive Oil
Features: This is a strong-hold gel that will give your hair a lot of shine and definition. It is alcohol-free, so it will not dry out your hair. You can also use it on wet or dry hair every day!
Best for: all curl types
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: No
Price: $12.99
Giovanni L.A Hold Styling Gel
Features: This is a strong-hold gel that will give your hair definition and shine, due to aloe and mallow extract. It is alcohol-free and will not weigh the hair down.
Best for: all curl types
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: No
Price: $6.44
Innersense Organic Beauty I Create Hold
Features: This gel will give your hair a soft, crunch-free hold. The certified organic ingredients will also leave your hair feeling moisturized and looking shiny. This gel is essentially aloe, water, and honey, making it a hydrating, lightweight formula.
Best for: medium to thick curls
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: No
Gluten-free: Yes
Price: $26
Jessicurl Spiralicious Styling Gel (Citrus Lavendar
Features: This gel gives your hair a soft, crunch-free hold with a refreshing citrus scent. It is aloe-based and will leave your hair feeling moisturized.
Best for: all curl types
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: Yes
Price: $16.95
Kenra Styling Gel 17
Features: This is an alcohol-free, lightweight gel that will give your hair a strong hold. The gel is also humidity-resistant, so it’s great for frizzy hair.
Best for: all curl types
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: No
Price: $16.99
Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard
Features: There’s a reason why this hair gel is one of the most frequently recommended for curlies; it clumps softly, moisturizes, and defines without weighing hair down. If you have low-porosity hair, this is a great gel to try because it’s super moisturizing.
Best for: all curl types
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: Yes
Gluten-free: Yes
Price: $18.49
LA Looks Extreme Sport Alcohol-Free Hair Gel
Features: You’ll get a lot of hold and definition from this gel, but it’s not too crunchy. It’s also alcohol-free so it won’t dry out your hair. It’s suitable for all climates, so it will keep your hair under control even in high humidity.
Best for: wavy hair
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: No
Price: $2.12 – $10
Mop Top Curly Hair Custard Gel
Features: This custard gel will give your hair definition, shine, and hold without being crunchy. It is also alcohol-free and won’t weigh your hair down.
Best for: all curl types
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: No
Price: $16.49 – $18
MopTop Salon Anti-Frizz Medium Hold Gel
Features: This is a medium-hold gel that will give your hair definition and shine. It is also humidity-resistant, so it’s great for frizzy hair. It’s infused with sea botanicals and honey, which will leave your hair feeling moisturized.
Best for: all curl types
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: No
Price: $23 – $49
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel
Features: This is a lightweight styling gel that helps to lock out humidity and protect curls from heat and UV damage. It has Anti-Frizz Nano Technology for advanced frizz protection.
Best for: most curl types
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: No
Price: $26
Shea Moisture Daily Hydration Styling Gel
Features: This is an alcohol-free gel that adds hydration. No hard crunchiness and a medium-strong hold keep your style in place with soft, smooth strands. It wraps your hair in nourishing Coconut Milk, Acacia Senegal, and a creamy blend of 100% Virgin Coconut and Shea Oils.
Best for: all hair types
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: Yes
Price: $10.49
SheaMoisture Frizz Control Styling Gel for Curly Hair Papaya and Neroli Alcohol Free Hair Gel
Features: This is a moisturizing and curl gel with frizz control that provides a touch of moisture and shine while keeping the curls smooth. It is also fights against the humidity to keep your curls frizz-free. Made with Papaya, juicy Neroli, Elder flower and Fair Trade Shea Butter.
Best for: Curly and wavy hair
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: Yes
Price: $9.99
Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulator
Features: This is an aloe-based firm hold curl enhancing gel. It is great for definition, shine, and hold. It also works well for taming frizz, elongating curls, and increasing moisture.
Best for: all curl types
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: No
Gluten-free: No
Price: $24.99
Wetline Xtreme Professional Extra Hold Wet Line Styling Gel
Features: This is an affordable alcohol free (Free of ethyl alcohol)styling gel that provides extra hold without any residue.
Best for: all hair types
Color-safe: Yes
Protein-free: Yes
Gluten-free: Yes
Price: $4.14
How To Choose Gel For Curly Hair?
When it comes to choosing a hair gel, there are many factors to consider.
The type of curl, the level of hold, and the ingredients are just a few of the things that can make a big difference in the final result.
For those with curly hair, finding the best hair gel can be a bit of a challenge. However, by keeping a few key factors in mind, it is possible to find a gel that will work well for your specific hair type.
Curly hair type
First, consider the type of curl you have. If you have loose curls, you will need a gel with a bit more holding power.
Those with tighter curls will need something with a bit more light, but can add something stronger when needed.
Ingredients
Second, pay attention to the ingredients. Some gels can be very drying, so it is important to choose one that contains hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or glycerin.
Compatibility
Finally, make sure to select a gel that is compatible with your other hair products. If you use products with silicones, for example, you will need to use a silicone-free gel to avoid build up.
By taking these factors into account, you can be sure to find the best hair gel for your curly locks.
Gel cast
When it comes to curly hair, the question of whether to use a crunchy gel or a non-crunchy gel is a common one.
Both have their pros and cons, and ultimately it comes down to personal preference.
However, there are some general guidelines that can help you decide which type of gel is best for your hair.
If you have very frizzy hair or if the dew point level is high outside, then a hard holding gel can help to tame the flyaways and give your curls definition.
On the other hand, if you have naturally defined curls and don’t want a lot of hold, then a non-crunchy gel can help to enhance your curl pattern without making your hair feel stiff or crunchy.
Ultimately, the best way to find out what works for you is to experiment with both types of gels and see what gives you the best results.
Ways to Apply Hair Gel for Curly Hair
There is not a one-size-fits-all when it comes to applying hair gel to curly hair. The best method for you will depend on the type of curl you have, the level of hold you need, and your personal preference.
Here are a few of the most popular methods:
The Scrunch
This method is best for those with loose, undefined curls. To scrunch the gel into your hair, simply apply a generous amount of gel to wet or damp hair and then cup your hair into your hand and scrunch it repeatedly.
The Finger Coils
This method is best for those who want a lot of definition. To finger coils, start with a small amount of gel on wet or damp hair. Then, use your fingers to twist small sections of hair around each other until they form coils.
The Diffuser
This method is best for those with frizzy hair who want to enhance their curl pattern while keeping the definition. To diffuse, apply a generous amount of gel to wet or damp hair and then diffuse it on low heat until your hair is mostly dry.
Wet Hair
This method is great for any curl pattern, who want a lot of definition. Make sure the hair is not sopping wet. To do this, apply a generous amount of gel to wet hair and then use your fingers or styling tool to help distribute the product throughout the hair.
For a slippery texture, the amount of water to product should be greater. Once the gel is evenly distributed, you can proceed to style your hair as usual.
Soaking Wet Hair
To get curl definition, apply a generous amount of gel to soaking wet hair. It’s best to rake and smooth the product into the hair in sections from roots to ends, as this will guarantee that the product is uniformly distributed throughout the hair.
To finish, you can diffuse, air dry, or whatever your preference is, then once fully dried – fluff and you’re ready to go.
Apply in Sections
Apply in small sections using your preferred styling tool. This could be a wide-tooth comb, Denman brush, or your fingers. Work the product through each section from roots to ends.
Once all sections are complete, you can proceed to dry and style your hair as usual.
Start with Less and Add More
This method is best for those who are new to using hair gel or have never used it before. Start with a small amount (nickel-size) of gel and work it through your hair from roots to ends.
If you need more, simply add more until you get the desired result.
Damp Hair
Apply gel to damp hair in small sections, using your fingers or your favorite styling tool to work it through the hair from roots to ends.
Once all sections are complete, you can proceed to style your hair as usual. If you need more hold, you can always add more gel as you go.
Rake
Using your fingers, rake the gel through your sopping wet hair in sections, re-wetting each section as you work (trust the technique). Once all sections are complete, proceed to dry and style as usual.
Trial and Error
When it comes to finding the best hair gel for curly hair, there is no magic formula. What works for one person may not work for another, so it is important to experiment with different gels until you find the one that gives you the best results.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different application methods, ingredients, and hold levels until you find the perfect combination for your hair.
With a little trial and error, you will be sure to find the best hair gel for your curly locks.
FAQs
What does styling gel do to curly hair?
Styling gel can help to enhance your curl pattern, add definition, and tame frizz. It can also help to keep your hair in place and maintain the shape.
What’s a gel cast and why is it good?
A gel cast is the stiff, shiny, “wet look” you see after applying gel to your hair and allowing it to air dry.
The gel forms a crunchy shell around each curl as it dries, defining, and protecting it from humidity and frizz.
It is good because it is a great way to get defined, frizz-free curls.
Is hair gel good for curly hair?
Hair gel can be good for curly hair if it is used correctly. When selecting a gel, look for one that is alcohol-free and provides medium to strong hold.
A gel is usually advised for curly, frizzy hair. If you don’t use it, your hair will be more prone to environmental aggressors that can make it frizzy. It is great for taming frizz and defining your curl pattern.
Is gel or cream better for curly hair?
While not all gels and creams are created equal, gels generally offer a stronger hold as compared to creams.
Creams are more popular for their moisturizing properties. If you go through the ingredients list and make an informed decision, both gels and creams can work wonders.
Conclusion
Now that you know the basics of choosing and applying hair gel, you are one step closer to achieving perfect curls.
By following these simple tips, you can be sure to find the best hair gel for your curly hair and get the perfect results every time.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start gel’ing those curls!
Available Now!
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