10 Best Safe Hair Styling Gels For Kids – Reviewed By A Hairdresser – 2024
Try these chemical-free, kid-friendly hair styling gels for their delicate hair.
Alexandro Vasquez has been a hairdresser since 1997 and has worked in various countries, including Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Indonesia, Singapore, and UAE. His experience spans salon brands such as Toni&Guy, Aveda, and Leekaja. He specializes in traveling and training hair salon staff around the world.
Read full bio of Alexandro Vasquez
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
If you have children at home, you will probably know why we dedicated an article to the best hair gel for kids. Kids are no more of ‘the middle parting with coconut oil dripping’ category. They’d sure love to copy the celebs they like. While you would hesitate to hand over cosmetics to them, you know they’ll have it their way with tantrums. The best way to make it a win-win is to ensure the products they use are kid-friendly. Here is our list of 10 kid-friendly hair gels with multiple positive reviews that will keep you stress-free while your little star makes all the spikes out of his hair as he wants!
Hairdresser, Alexandro Vasquez, says, “Yes kids also need their own style products, help your kids to get more confident and independent teaching them how to have a touch of self care. Some hair cuts really need gel to style it properly so don’t be afraid to try.”
In This Article
10 Best Hypoallergenic Hair Styling Gels For Kids
1. Best Flake-Free:Hip Peas Hair Styling Balm
The Hip Peas Hair Styling Balm is one of the safest kids hair gels that provide all-day hold to your little one’s locks. This non-toxic hair gel for kids is free of all synthetics and is a kid-friendly formula. Reviewers love the gel’s lightweight texture that styles the curls and tames unruly strands without feeling sticky. It can be safely used on almost all toddler hair types and can be washed off easily. What’s more – it smells good – thanks to the all-natural formula with aloe leaf juice, blueberry fruit extract, comfrey root extract, and nourishing olive oil.
Kristy, a mother of two, uses this product on her son’s hair. She writes in her blog, “Once I’ve got the hair tamed I shape or style it with a little balm. I love this Hip Peas Hair Balm for kids. I rub a little balm on the spots that tend to pop up during the day too to help them stay down (i).”
Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, Lavender extract, Olive oil, Vitamins C and B5
Pros
- Suitable for everyday use
- No scalp flaking
- SLS-free
- Synthetic dye-free
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
- Petrochemical-free
Cons
- Greasy
- Leaves residue
Pro TipApply this hair styling gel while it is still damp. Take a pea-sized amount of the gel and smooth it all over your kid’s tresses beginning from the tips to the roots.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 2,971 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
2. Best Dermatologically Tested:Fresh Monster Natural Hair Gel
If you are looking for an alcohol-free hair gel for kids, the Fresh Monster Natural Hair Gel for kids is the answer. You can apply as much product as needed to fix flyaways, tame a ponytail, or hold styled hair in place. This vegan gel can be used on dry and damp hair. Multiple reviewers are impressed that it doesn’t make their munchkin’s hair crusty or crunchy. This alcohol-free, anti-frizz formula is dermatologically tested to suit sensitive skin and is formulated without any toxins and fragrances.
Key Ingredients: Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol and Dimethicone
Pros
- Lightweight
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dye-free
- Fragrance-free
- Gluten-free
- Soy-free
- BPA-free
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
- Sticky
Pro TipKeep this gel on for 10 to 15 minutes to make sure it has completely dried. Style your kid’s hair as per your preference once the gel is thoroughly absorbed by the tresses.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 2,309 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
3. Best Hypoallergenic: Lane & Co. Hair Paste
Lane & Co. Hair Paste is a 100% plant-based, and is one of the best hypoallergenic hair gels for kids. Its allergen-free formula lightly holds and tames baby hair without irritating the skin and scalp. With a blend of organic shea butter, coconut oil, and cocoa butter, this versatile styling product can be used on infants and toddlers. It has a light tropical fragrance. Multiple reviewers attest that it is easy to work with and just a little dollop would go a long way. This chemical-free hair gel sets the hair without making it stiff, messy, and crunchy – thanks to the nourishing plant oils and butter.
Key Ingredients: Organic shea butter, Coconut oil, Cocoa butter, Sunflower seed wax, Caprylyl Glycol, and Tapioca starch
Pros
- Vegan
- Lightweight
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-greasy
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Soy-free
- Non-GMO
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Dairy-free
- Synthetic dye-free
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
RememberDetangle your kid’s hair before applying the hair gel. The gel will not glide smoothly if the tresses remain messy and tangled.
| Hip Peas Hair Styling Balm Best Flake-Free | Fresh Monster Natural Hair Gel Best Dermatologically Tested | Lane & Co. Hair Paste Best Hypoallergenic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | All | All | All |
| Dimensions | 3 x 3 x 1 inches | 1.75 x 1.75 x 6.5 inches | 2.3 x 2.3 x 1.5 inches |
| Weight | 2 Ounces | 6 Ounces | 2.89 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,971 | 2,309 | 1,023 |
| Price | $12.95 | $13.98 | $16.95 |
4. Best Non-Sticky:CurlyKids® Curly Gel
The CurlyKids® Curly Gel is developed especially for multi-textured baby hair types. The curl-defining hair gel for kids defines and controls curls and keeps dry and dull hair moisturized. This texturizing hair gel is formulated without toxins and fragrances and tames rough and unruly hair with care. This gentle water-based formula for kids prevents hair from getting crunchy and stiff as it is free of heavy oils and synthetic waxes. This non-greasy toddler hair gel lightly holds the hair in place without making the scalp flaky. You can apply this non-sticky gel to dry or damp hair. This awesome hair gel is free of artificial fragrance and ensures that your kid never has a bad hair day. Check this video of a tester’s experience to learn more about the product.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Aloe leaf extract, and Hydrolyzed Wheat gluten
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Little goes a long way
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Artificial color-free
Cons
- May leave residue
5. Best Lightweight:Snip-its Silly Slicker Ultimate Sculpting Gel
The Silly Slicker Ultimate Sculpting Hair Gel for kids is a gentle formula crafted to provide a day-long hold to kids’ hair. It reactivates with water and helps keep your munchkin’s hairstyle intact. This gel comes with a formula that doesn’t flake hair and keeps hair from feeling crunchy or stiff. This toxin-free blend comes with a subtle natural fragrance making it ideal for baby hair. This hypoallergenic formula helps with gentle styles and holds kids’ hair without making it crunchy and stiff. It is enriched with ethically sourced ingredients, and loves both your child and our planet!
Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf extract, Panthenol, and Hydrogenated castor oil
Pros
- Pleasant smell
- Lightweight
- Hypoallergenic
- 100% cruelty-free
- No-flake formula
Cons
- Needs frequent reapplication
6. Best Protective:Fairy Tales Curly-Q Styling Spray Gel
The Fairy Tales Curly-Q Styling Spray Gel is an extremely lightweight formula that doesn’t weigh your hair down. The spray gel is formulated with quinoa, murumuru butter, and aloe vera. It doesn’t dry the scalp and skin. The quinoa works to create a defensive layer over your hair shafts and keep them hydrated, lustrous, and elastic, adding natural shine. The murumuru butter controls frizz, detangles mess, creates beautiful curls, and enhances your style. The aloe vera provides the additional moisture that your hair and scalp might need. This cruelty-free hair gel gives you well-styled, amazing baby hair. For lively, bouncy curls, include this incredible formula of gel for kid’s natural hair care routine!
Key ingredients: Quinoa, Murumuru Butter, Aloe Vera
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Soy-free
- Dairy-free
- Cruelty-free
- Non-GMO
- Daily use by kids
Cons
None
7. Best For All Hair Types:Cantu Care For Kids Styling Custard
The Cantu Care For Kids Styling Custard is a frizz controlling hair gel for kids that holds puffs and ponytails in place and reduces frizz. It contains pure shea butter, coconut oil, and honey, with no harsh ingredients or chemicals. This styling custard is specifically formulated with a blend of ingredients that nurtures and nourishes textured baby hair like fragile coils, curls, and waves. This affordable hair gel is gentle and mildly scented. It suits all infant and toddler hair types. Just what your kids need a messy play date!
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Honey extract, Shea butter, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, and Modified Corn starch
Pros
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Silicone-free
- Paraffin-free
- Propylene-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Too greasy
8. Best Volumizing:Hot Tot Styling Gel
The Hot Tot Styling Gel is a shine-enhancing hair gel for kids that adds volume to fine to medium hair. Organic ingredients such as organic shea butter, sweet almond extract, and aloe leaf juice make this styling formula nourishing and moisturizing hair gel for kids. This hair styling product leaves the hair healthy and is safe for sensitive scalp. This medium-hold gel contains Japanese green tea for UV-ray protection and vitamin B5 for hydration. Apply this high holding power hair gel generously to wavy, damp, or dry hair for an increased hold. It contains no harmful ingredients or harsh chemicals. For more information about the product, click this video to learn more about the tester’s experience.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Sweet Almond extract, Aloe leaf juice, Japanese green tea, and Vitamin B5Pros
- Vegan
- Dermatologist-tested
- pH-balanced
- Non-GMO
- Cruelty-free
- Soy-free
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Dairy-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
None
9. Best For Textured Baby Hair:Africa’s Best Kids Organics Smoothing & Styling Gel
The Smoothing & Styling Gel from Africa’s Best Kids Organic is a clean, alcohol-free formula fortified with virgin olive oil. It is a conditioning gel that holds styled hair in place without making it stiff and crunchy or weighing it down and adds shine and volume. This styling gel for kids braids and ponytails adds shine and moisture to nourish curls that are left loose in it.
Key Ingredients: Olive oil, Aloe leaf juice, Shea butter, Hydrolyzed Soy protein, Tea tree oil, Rosemary leaf oil, and Vitamin E
Pros
- Long-lasting hold
- Ideal for textured baby hair
- Pleasant smell
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Leaves residue
10. Best Extra-Firm Hold:Manic Panic Dye Hard Styling Gel
The Manic Panic Dye Hard Styling Gel in Electric Blue color is a temporary hair color-cum-styling gel. It is free of all toxic chemicals and synthetics and ammonia making it a kid-friendly formula to tame frizzy hair. It is also easy to wash out hair gel with shampoo. This vegan formula is crafted with natural ingredients and colors that do not irritate a child’s delicate skin/scalp and keep it nourished and soft. All you need to do is apply thick layers of this gel on desired parts of the scalp and hair and brush it out. This lightweight gel also provides an extra-firm hold on hair styled as mohawks, spikes, or braids. This completely chemical-free hair gel works for both adult hair and toddlers’ hair.
Key Ingredients: Castor seed oil, and Vegan lactic acid
Pros
- Leaves no residue
- Washes easily
- Great coverage
- Dries quickly
- Cruelty-free
- Ammonia-free
- PPD-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Resorcinol-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Too sticky
- May make the hair crunchy
Now that you know about the best hair styling gels available on the market, here are a few points you need to consider before buying one.
What To Consider While Buying A Hair Styling Gel For Kids?
- Composition/Ingredients
If a product should go on baby skin or scalp, it needs to be free of all chemical additives. The gentler it is, the safer for kids’ skin/scalp. Pick a product that contains nourishing ingredients and is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, artificial colors, paraffin, mineral oil, etc. Opt for allergen-free ingredients for sensitive skin.
- Desired Hairstyle
If you are looking to style your baby’s hair into a mohawk, spikes, or poof, strong-hold hair gels are best. If your child wears his/her curls in braids, ponytails, or pigtails, you might want to work with a hair paste or plant butter.
- Effect On Scalp
Hair gels can help parents style their kids’ hair effortlessly. But cheap ones can mess up kids’ hair texture and scalp health. Some may leave residue after washing, while some may make the scalp flaky. So, choose organic, vegan, and soft hold hair gels for kids to protect your child’s delicate hair and scalp. Avoid super strong hair gels on kids’ hair as it can cause damage.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For And Avoid In Hair Gels For Kids
You can invest in a kid-friendly hair gel and style your kiddo’s hair the way you want. Kids have delicate skin, so buying a safe and toxin-free product is a must. Check out the infographic below to learn what ingredients to look for and which ones to avoid when buying hair gels for your child.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
To tame your child’s rough and unruly hair, you need the best hypoallergenic styling gels for kids. Children are into a lot of outdoor activities, which is why their hair tends to become frizzy very easily. These long-lasting hair gels for kids are devoid of synthetic dyes, enriched with nourishing ingredients, and suitable for everyday use. The Hip Peas Hair Styling Balm is lightweight and provides long-lasting hold, while the Fresh Monster Natural Hair Gel can be used on damp hair without making it crusty. But if you are looking for something suitable for all infant hair types, try the Cantu Care For Kids Styling Custard. These gels are safe for your child’s delicate hair and leaves their hair soft and nourished. Consider the ingredients and effects on the scalp before choosing the best hypoallergenic hair gel for kids. Also, remember to conduct a patch test before application to check for an allergic reaction.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, has a keen interest in hair care. She has done thorough research and read many customer reviews on trusted forums to compile the list of best hair gels for kids. These hair gels are the best way to style your little ones’ hair, as they are lightweight, chemical-free, and skin-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hair gel be used for kids every day?
No. Regular use of hair gels is hazardous for kids. These gels block your follicles, and make the hair frizzy.
At what age can I use hair gel for kids?
There is no age bar for using hair gels on kids’ hair. However, make sure to use a product free of any harmful chemicals to avoid irritating their delicate scalp.
Does hair gel damage your kid’s hair?
No, but certain hair gels contain alcohol and other toxic chemicals that mess up the moisture level of your kids’ hair and cause breakage. Therefore, opt for products that are safe and specially formulated for kids.
What hair products are safe for babies?
Hypoallergenic and organic hair gels for kids are safe. They have a delicate scalp, and excessive use of chemical-based products ultimately irritates and damages their hair health.
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
(i) Boys Ahoyhttps://boysahoy.com/hair-tips-for-little-boys/
Best Baby Hair Gels
Best Recommended Natural Hair Products For Kids
Best Natural Hair Gels Along With Buying Guide
Best Organic Curly Hair Products
Stylish Hairstyles For Your Little Girl – Styling Tips
Read full bio of Alexandro Vasquez
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
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