15 Best Gels For Curly Hair To Try In 2024, Hairstylist-Recommended
Flaunt your curls and be a head-turner with these God-sent and must-have hair gels.
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Curly hairs often tend to get messy if not treated well. They need some additional care to stay neat and defined. This is where the best gel for bouncy and defined curls comes in handy. It manages the flyaways and your hairstyle. In addition, these gels help to keep your hair grease-free and moisturized. This article contains a list of the 15 best hair gels that you can use on your curly hair to add shine, strength, and grace. Check them out below!
In This Article
15 Best Gels For Curly Hair In 2024
1. Best For Hair Growth: Aunt Jackie’s Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel
The Aunt Jackie’s Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel gives your curls, waves, and coils the right texture to look fabulous. It accelerates hair growth, improves scalp health, and prevents hair thinning. This paraben-free gel contains flaxseed, which is enriched with omega fatty acids that prevent scalp drying, flaking, and promote hair growth. This wash-n-go curling flaxseed gel helps you get tight curls in no time and nourishes the hair. If you need further convincing, check out this YouTuber’s review.
Pros
- Promotes hair growth
- Prevents thinning
- Improves scalp health
- Nourishes the hair
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive hair
"I love this product for its fantastic results on dry hair and curls. The gel is light, leaves my hair shiny, and enhances waves. We'll keep using it."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 17,863 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
2. Best For Dry And Itchy Scalp: Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel
The Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel is non-oily and helps relieve dry and itchy scalp. It forms a protective barrier, helping retain moisture in the hair. It contains 100% pure aloe vera and no preservatives, artificial colors, fragrances, or alcohol. This cooling and soothing gel can be used as a shaving gel, hair styling gel, or to heal blemishes. Unlike regular hair gel, this is certified by the International Aloe Science Council for purity and is also cruelty-free.
Pros
- No artificial colors
- Preservative-free
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Cruelty-free
- International Aloe Science Council certified
Cons
- Expensive
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 7,507 reviews claiming its efficacy.
3. Best Frizz-Control: Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel
Enjoy smooth and frizz-free curly hair by using the Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel. It is composed of rice, amino acids, and proteins that moisturize and protect your hair. You can use the gel on all hair types, including color and chemically treated hair to achieve desirable results. Multiple positive reviews claim that it is ideal to define the curls effortlessly
Pros
- Flexible-firm hold
- Long-lasting frizz control
- Flake-free
- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Gluten-free
- Affordable
Cons
- None
Aunt Jackie’s Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel Best For Hair Growth | Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel Best For Dry And Itchy Scalp | Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel Best Frizz-Control | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Curly, Coily | - | Frizz,Curl |
| Dimensions | 4 x 5 x 6 inches | 9 x 3.5 x 2.25 inches | - |
| Weight | 14.88 Ounces | 3.4 Pounds | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 17,863 | 7,507 | - |
| Price | $9.69 | $23.08 | - |
4. Best Long-Lasting: Kinky-Curly Curling Custard
The Kinky-Curly Curling Custard gives your natural, curly hair a perfect texture and pattern. It redefines your curls, eliminates frizz, and gives a long-lasting soft hold. This gel imparts a sheer shine to your hair without drying or any greasiness. It is made with 100% organic ingredients like horsetail, botanical infusion of water, nettle, marshmallow, chamomile, agave nectar extract, aloe vera juice, pectin, and tocopheryl acetate. These nourishing ingredients moisturize and nourish the hair and scalp. This soft-hold gel for curly hair reduces bulk and elongates curls. It is ideal for creating amazing two-strand twists and other kinds of twisted curls that will look gorgeous on you. To find out about a tester’s experience with using the hair product, check this video review out.
Pros
- Elongates curls
- Eliminates frizz
- Long-lasting hold
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Expensive
5. Best Paraben-Free: Garnier Fructis Style Curl Treat
The Garnier Fructis Style Curl Treat with coconut oil shapes, refreshes, and redefines your curls with extra care. It is made with naturally extracted key ingredients and has a 98% biodegradable hair-strengthening formula that provides 24-hour frizz resistance. This hydrating gel for curls does not contain sulfates, artificial colorants, mineral oil, parabens, or silicone.
Pros
- Hydrates the curls
- Fresh scent
- Reduces frizz
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Sulfate-free
- No artificial colorants
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
- Might feel greasy
- Thick consistency
6. Best Non-Sticky: Quidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel
The Quidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel makes your curls, waves, and coils manageable. The anti-frizz nanotechnology locks humidity, defines your curls, and tightens the curls throughout the day. It contains wheat protein and pliable styling polymers that form a layer of light weight, flexible lattice, which widens as the humidity level rises and holds the curls firmly. The proteins seal the cuticles and lock in essential moisture. This heat-protective gel for curls also protects your curls from heat and harmful UV rays and adds shine. It does not contain sulfates or parabens.
Pros
- Controls frizz
- Prevents flyaways
- Non-sticky
- Light weight
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Not suitable for all weathers
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 2,861 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
7. Best Hold: MopTop Curly Hair Custard Gel
The Mop Top Curly Hair Custard fights frizz, improves natural waves, and adds shine to curly hair. It hydrates the scalp deep from the roots, imparting sheen to the hair. This hair styling gel is made with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, honey, and sea botanicals that provide maximum hold and moisture to the hair. It also contains silk amino acids, nettle, and honey that act as natural curl activators. as natural curl activators. This lightweight, curly hair custard is perfect for those with frizzy hair and is free of parabens, dyes, phthalates, and sulfates. This hair product has multiple positive reviews vouching for its powerful composition and efficacy.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
"This product to work wonders for my curls. The smell isn't my favorite, but it works well on my dry hair and holds the curls beautifully. I am drawn to its ease of use and it does a grand job with a diffuser. I'd say this is a worthwhile product for people who seeks crunchiness."
Quick Tip8. Best Flake-Free: As I Am Curling Jelly
The As I Am Curling Jelly is an anti-shrinkage, anti-frizz, and flake-free formula. It gives you tight curl patterns with vibrancy and buoyancy. This is one of the best anti-frizz gels for curly hair that improves stretch to make your curly hair manageable. It is formulated with Nature’s best moisturizers and curl boosters – aloe vera, pectin, vitamin E, and sugar beetroot. The jelly has shown proven efficacy in maximum curl retention even after 5 hours of exposure to humidity.
Pros
- Minimizes frizz
- Detangles the hair
- Flake-free
- Prevents shrinkage
Cons
- None
9. Best Lightweight: Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper
The Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper has a water-based texture and helps control frizz and tighten the curls. This gel holds and reactivates the curls with water. The premium quality ingredients redefine the curls without any sticky residue. This light weight product is cruelty-free, vegan, and suitable for all weather conditions. It can be used regularly and does not contain silicones or harmful preservatives.
Pros
- Light weight
- Long-lasting results
- No harmful preservatives
- Silicone-free
- Controls frizz
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Can be used daily
Cons
- Expensive
10. Best Fragrance: Miss Jessie’s Quick Curls
The Miss Jessie’s Quick Curls smoothens your curls without any fuss. The freshly scented conditioning formula is blended with ginger flower essence and lime fruit. This lightweight, smoothing gel for curls tames frizz, plumps the hair, and adds shine.
Pros
- Adds shine
- Smoothens the curls
- Tames frizz
- Pleasant smell
- Light weight
Cons
- Not suitable for thick hair
11. Best Organic: Curls Goddess Curl Botanical Gelle
The Curls Goddess Curl Botanical Gelle gives you frizz-free curls. It moistures and revitalizes damaged hair. This moisturizing gel for curls contains certified organic plumeria alba flower extract, shea butter, mango seed butter, and jojoba which helps in curl-refreshing and redefining.
Pros
- Redefines curls
- 100% organic
- Rejuvenates damaged hair
Cons
- Might get crunchy
12. Best Color-Safe: Herbal Essence Totally Twisted Curl Scrunching Gel
The Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Scrunching Gel is color-safe and pH-balanced. It contains the essence of mixed berries for frizz-free hair. This strong-hold gel for curly hair has a Level 3 strong-hold formula to protect the curls from damage and provide long-lasting hold. This non-crunchy gel for curls can be used daily and does not contain mineral oil and colorants.
Pros
- Controls frizz
- Long-lasting hold
- Mineral oil-free
- No colorants
- Color-safe
Cons
- Strong smell
13. Best Natural Ingredients: Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Ultra-Hold Gel
The Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Ultra-Hold Gel maintains your curls in their best form while offering hydration, shine, and curl definition. It contains aloe vera, coconut oil, papaya, and plumeria extract, which work together to control frizz and nurture your curls. The rich combination holds your hair in place all day and the natural ingredients in this gel for defining curls also tame frizz. It’s the best gel for volume and bounce in curly hair, and it’ll help you structure your curls.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Silicon-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Synthetic dye-free
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Flake-free
- Controls frizz
- Hydrates the curls
Cons
- None
"I've grown to really like this product, mainly for its ability to retain my hair's curl structure. It has a great scent and includes aloe vera that promotes less breakage. It has helped both me and my son's curls look healthier. Despite its thickness, it's not sticky and doesn't overly sparkle. It's effective on my wavy hair and the pleasant, coconutty aroma adds to its charm."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 1,857 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
14. Best Hydrating: Alikay Naturals Aloe Berry Styling Gel
The Alikay Naturals Aloe Berry Styling Gel prevents hair damage caused by traditional styling. It contains berry extract, essential oils, aloe vera gel, and botanicals that hydrate your hair. This alcohol-free gel for curly hair provides medium hold for natural curls. The avocado oil enhances hair elasticity without dryness.
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Prevents hair damage
- Provides medium hold
Cons
- May stain the hands
"Perfect for creating slick backs and defining curls, this gel delivers adequate moisture and shine when used alongside another styling gel. The scent isn't quite to my liking, but the performance is spot-on. It's a decent solution for personal styling. This gel provides a good balance of hold, suitability for different hair types, and naturally derived ingredients."
15. Best Against Dryness: Curlisto Control II Gel
The Curlis to Control II Gel contains antioxidants that protect your hair against extreme humidity, dryness, and heat. It is a humidity resistance gel that tightens the curls, promotes hair growth, provides a strong curl hold, and improves scalp circulation. This alcohol-free gel contains soy protein that controls frizz and refines the hair.
Pros
- Adds shine
- Rejuvenates the scalp
- Alcohol-free
- Controls frizz
Cons
- None
Women with curly hair must look out for products that are specifically made for curly hair as it needs a little extra care. Hair gels are a big part of maintaining curly hairstyles, and when it comes to choosing the right hair gels, one must invest in a good-quality, curly hair product. Here are some important factors to consider while getting the best hair gels for your curly hair.
Things To Keep In Mind While Buying hair Gels For Curly Hair
- Ingredients
When you look out for curl-reviving gels, go for products that are rich in moisturizing ingredients. Look out for nourishing ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, natural oils, aloe vera, silicone, protein, coconut, etc. Generally, curly hair types are more likely to dry out faster than straight hair therefore, you must pick moisture-rich formulas in hair gels. You must avoid using curl-enhancing gels that include ingredients that can dry out your hair such as alcohol, paraben, sulfate, mineral oil, artificial colors, dye, phthalates, and other harmful ingredients.
- Long-lasting
Hair gels come with different holding and lasting power. You can choose the hair gels according to your schedule as well, such as if you want to set your hair with hair gels just for 2 or 3 hours and classic light hold gels are the best choice for your hair. However, for all-day set hair, go for long-lasting hold gels with strong hold and curl retention properties.
- Hair Type
Even with the curls, you must choose the hair gels according to your hair and curl type. For dry hair, choose hair gels that contain aloe vera and other essential oils that can moisturize your hair and provide deep nourishment. For oily hair, select curl-refreshing gels that offer maximum hold and include jojoba oil, and other lightweight essential oils.
- Consistency
Hair gel consistency defines their holding powers. Thin-consistency hair gels are generally not strong enough to hold your hair for a long period of time. To effectively maintain your hairstyle, pick a gel with a thick consistency. Also, look for lightweight gels for curly hair with non-greasy consistencies if you have oily scalp and hair.
- Formula
The hold and moisture content of gels developed for waves and curls are typically incredibly high, giving curls a stiffer, stronger, more defined appearance. For curly hair, you must prefer spray and wax formula hair gels. Spray gels are easy to use and distribute the products evenly. Wax gels on the other hand offer more hydration, and a better curl definition but application can be uneven if not applied carefully. So, invest in professional-grade formulas that match your hair type and needs well!
Infographic: How To Use The Best Gels For Curly Hair
If you are someone with curly or wavy hair, you know that perfecting the styling techniques is equally important as finding the right styling products. Hair gels today offer much more than just styling. They nourish your hair and protect it from environmental stressors and UV rays. Check out the infographic below for some easy-to-follow steps to style your curls the easy way. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Curly and wavy hair requires a lot of attention. One of the easiest ways to tame curly hair is to use the best CG-friendly (Curly Girl Method) gels available for curly and wavy hair. The Aunt Jackie’s Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel can improve scalp health, while the Kinky-Curly Curling Custard reduces bulk and elongates curl. If you are looking for lightweight gel, the MopTop Curly Hair Custard Gel is the perfect choice. These curl-enhancement gels come in handy, especially when you want to define your hairstyle. They keep your low-porosity hair moisturized, and grease-free and are devoid of synthetic preservatives. They effectively help in taming flyaways and frizz for a sleek look. They have been specially formulated to define and enhance your glorious curls. The gels will improve the elasticity of your curls and make them less prone to breakage. Additionally, to get your hands on the most suitable one, check what reviewers have to say and choose accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does gel do for curly hair?
A gel for curly hair gives it a crunchy, noodle-like-finish, and moisturizes it from the roots.
How do you apply hair gel?
Always apply curly hair gels on damp or wet hair, scrunch, or spread with your fingers to cover every strand. Let it dry naturally or blow dry to get your desired hairstyle.
Is gel or cream better for curly hair?
Both curl gel and curl cream have their pros and cons. Based on your hair needs, like moisturization, anti-frizz, definition, and shine, make a choice.
How much gel should I use for curls?
It depends on your hair volume and length. Mostly, a dollop (quarter size) of curling gel is enough.
Is aloe vera gel good for curly hair?
Yes. Aloe vera is lightweight and contains healthy fatty acids that nurture your curls, tighten them, and impart shine.
Can conditioners be used as hair gels?
No.Using conditioners as an alternative to hair gels are not recommended as they leave a greasy residue on your scalp and hair.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a hair care enthusiast and loves to write reviews about hair care products. She has carefully listed these hair gels for curly hair, selected based on user reviews and feedback available on multiple forums and brand websites. The products listed in this post accelerate hair growth, improve scalp health, and prevent hair thinning.
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