10 Best Vegan Hair Gels For Women (2024), As Per A Hairstylist
Show your furry friends some love by choosing gentle, plant-based hair gels.
Alicia Igess is an accomplished and award-winning stylist with over two decades of experience in hair design. She is the owner and founder of Urban Tangles, a hair and makeup studio focusing on makeovers. She, along with her team, has experienced tremendous success in building an exclusive “referral-only” clientele consisting of many of the who’s who of Atlanta.
Read full bio of Alicia Igess
Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
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: 3 yearsEshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
Read full bio of Eshna Das
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It is hard to resist the best vegan hair gel that solves your styling woes. If you are an environmental enthusiast, a high-quality vegan hair gel of 2024 will sit perfectly with your principles. This is that holy-grail styling product that is the answer to all your bad hair days. Many of these gels contain synthetic chemical thickening agents, polymers, and other such complex components that lead to product accumulation in your hair. However, if you switch to vegan ones, not only are they free of sulfates, parabens, dyes, and other harsh chemicals, but they also avoid unethical usage of animal-derived ingredients if that is what you stand for. Our round-up of the ten best hair gels of 2024 will do your hair justice.
In This Article
10 Best Vegan Hair Gels For Women
1. Best Color-Safe: Giovanni L.A. HOLD™ STYLING GEL
The Giovanni hair gel is formulated with natural ingredients, has a long-lasting strong hold on styled hair, and adds extra shine with its surface enhancers. This water-based styling gel will not dull, strip color, or damage your hair.
It is made with USDA-certified organic ingredients, which include natural extracts of grapefruit seed, aloe leaf, soybean, mallow, chamomile, field horsetail, yarrow, birch sap, and rosemary. Sunflower seed oil and vitamin E form the base of this gel and help to deeply nourish individual hair strands, cuticles, and the scalp. This lightweight clean hair gel secures the style and shape of all hair types, including dry, damaged, and treated ones. If you are an absolute beginner, this video review of a tester’s experience of using the product might be useful.
Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, chamomile extract, Soybean extract, Birch sap, Yarrow extract, and Horsetail extract
Pros
- Color-safe
- Adds natural shine
- Provides nourishment
- Strong hold
- Long-lasting
- Spreads well
Cons
- Overpowering scent
- Dries out hair.
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 1,159 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
2. Best Gentle Formula: Original Sprout Classic Hair Gel
This classic hair gel for frizzy hair is made with soothing and nourishing ingredients like apple, cucumber, arnica, and apricot extracts. It holds the most elaborate hairstyles securely while hydrating your hair. You can use it on wet or dry hair to tame frizz and flyaways.
The gentle pH of 4.5-5.5 makes it suitable for all hair and skin types, including those of toddlers and children. It contains no alcohol or honey. Instead, the coconut extracts hold your unruly hair in place and leave it feeling soft and natural. This vegan formula is easy to rinse and can be used every day to strengthen, nourish, and style frizz-free hair. Alicia Igess Jones, a hairstylist, says, “Original Sprout is one brand that I have recommended for years.” Therefore, this amazing product from the amazing brand is a must-try.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Apple extract, Apricot extract, Pineapple, extract, Arnica extract, Raspberry extract, Rosemary extract, Cucumber extract, and Calendula extract
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Skin-friendly pH
- Can be used on children and adults
- Nut-free
- Dairy-free
- Gluten-free
- Pediatrician tested
Cons
- Leaves flaky residue.
- Not easy to comb through.
Quick Tip3. Best Flake-Free: MGA Scalp Rescue Styling Gel
The MGA Scalp Rescue Styling Gel is a flake-free formula that has a medium hold on styled hair. It does not stiffen gelled hair and allows restyling throughout the day. This plant-derived, water-based gel protects styled hair from heat and humidity. The active botanicals from licorice, yarrow, tea tree, willow, nettle, pro-vitamin-B5, and essential nutrients nourish the hair strands and scalp; and also help to manage dry, flaking, and itching scalp often caused by dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. This rescue styling gel is gentle enough for damaged hair. It can also be used daily on all hair types, including colored and treated. Check out this review for a detailed understanding of this curly hair product and a reviewer’s experience of using it.
Key Ingredients: Licorice root extract, Yarrow extract, Burdock root, Pro-vitamin B5, Calendula extract, Willow extract, and Tea tree oil
Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Flake-free
- Non-sticky
- Polymer (PVP)-free
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Gluten-free
- Does not stiffen hair
- Long-lasting
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May trigger allergies.
- Hold not strong enough.
"This gel curl lives up to its claims and is ideal for my 3a curls. It maintains a good balance of hold without the crunchiness. The natural ingredients keep me safe from all the chemical buildup. The gel also works well with various leave-in products."
| Giovanni L.A. HOLD™ STYLING GEL Best Color-Safe | Original Sprout Classic Hair Gel Best Gentle Formula | MGA Scalp Rescue Styling Gel Best Flake-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Dry | All | Wavy, Curly |
| Dimensions | 2 x 2 x 7 inches | - | 1.97 x 1.97 x 7.87 inches |
| Weight | 6.8 Ounces | 4FL OZ | 10.93 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,159 | 616 | 974 |
| Price | $8.99 | $8.99 | $19.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Non-Sticky: Ash:ba Botanicals Right Ringlets ™ Curl Defining Gel
This curl defining gel specifically caters to the needs of curly and wavy hair types. It provides medium to strong hold for long-lasting and natural-looking, healthy curls. This vegan hair gel comes with a perfect blend of amino acids from organic extracts and moisturizing fats from jojoba esters. Together, they smoothen and seal the hair cuticles, control frizz, and protect the hair from styling damage. This organic hair product is lightweight, easy to wash, and leaves no sticky residue. You can use it on non-wash days to refresh and style your hair. Multiple reviewers mention that the product provides great hold for curls and keeps the hair soft and bouncy.
Key Ingredients: Vegetable glycerin, Hydrolyzed jojoba, Chamomile extract, Milk thistle extract, Vitamins B5, and E, and Black cohosh root extract
Pros
- Defines curls
- Safe for colored hair
- Non-sticky
- Long-lasting hold
- Lightweight
Cons
- Runny consistency
- Dries out hair.
5. Best For Sensitive Skin: Nature’s Brands Herbal Choice Mari™ Organic Hair Gel
This vegan hair gel is made from only the purest, gluten-free, and organic ingredients. It has hexane-free, cold-pressed, untreated oils of lemongrass, olive, thyme, rosemary, rosehip, sweet orange, and evening primrose. Plant-based ingredients like guar and xanthan gums help in achieving a strong, long-lasting hold while setting your hair. The product creates a protective layer that helps keep your hair tamed, be it during the day or through the night. This hair gel is suitable for sensitive scalp and it adds a weightless shine and bounce to your hair.
Key Ingredients: Organic guar gum, Xanthan gum, Organic vodka, Lemongrass oil, Olive oil, Apple cider vinegar, Green tea, Thyme oil, and Rosehip oil
Pros
- Strong hold
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Soy-free
- GMO-free
- Hexane-free, cold-pressed oils
- Refreshing scent
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Weightless
Cons
- Contains alcohol
- Leaves residue after wash.
"This hair gel offers a good hold without the flakiness or crunch. The organic formula is gentle and nourishing for my damaged hair. It makes my hair soft and tames flyaways effectively. Remember to apply on wet hair for the best results."
6. Best Organic Sculpting Formula: Max Green Alchemy MGA Vegan Sculpting Hair Gel Tube
The Max Green Alchemy MGA Vegan Sculpting Hair Gel is a hard gel perfect for curly hair. It holds frizz, flyaways, and curls firmly and is gentle on scalps with sensitive skin. It doesn’t cause stickiness, stringiness, and sliminess, and can be washed out easily. It even protects the health of your hair. It contains licorice root, burdock root, and cornstarch that promote soft tresses and help firmly hold any hairstyle. It is humidity-resistant, won’t affect color-treated hair, and has a flake-free formula. Additionally, no animal testing is conducted on this vegan hair styling product, which makes it ideal for hair care enthusiasts seeking cruelty-free options.
Pros
- Good scent
- Lightweight
- Value for money
- Soft on the hair
Cons
- None
"This styling gel works wonders for my curly hair, defining it without leaving residue or crunch. I find it useful for both styling and taming frizz in humid climates. The fresh scent is lovely and lasts for a while making my hair smell good. It has become a staple as a clean and effective hair care option."
7. Best Curl-Enhancing Formula: Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé
This Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé is ideal for curly hair. It helps define curls and provides a flexible hold, so you can experiment with lots of different styles. The cruelty-free product is also infused with andiroba and avocado oil extract to nourish the scalp and leave your curls feeling fresh and soft. It is made from natural hypoallergenic natural products like avocado oil and irish moss which hydrate dry strands and give a smoother and softer hair which you crave for. This multipurpose, volumizing gel can be used on wet or dry hair which creates the ultimate tousled texture and gives your curls a polished look. The creamy-rich formula provides shine and helps define curls without weighing them down. The lightweight product leaves your locks looking curly and voluminous. Rave reviews on Amazon mention that this vegan hair product dries quickly and effectively holds curls in place.
Key Ingredients: Andiroba, Irish moss, and Avocado oil
Pros
- Scalp-friendly formula
- Lightweight
- Easy application
- Offers volume
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
Cons
- Not fragrance-free
"This has a lightweight formulation that doesn't weigh down my finer curls. It also stops frizz and gives a good definition to my curls. The hold lasts a few days with a simple water spritz. A small amount goes a long way too."
8. Best UV Protection: Framesi BY Hydro Gel Light
The Framesi BY Hydro Gel Light is enriched with pearl protein, castor oil, and provitamin-B5. It enhances the texture, shine, and bounce, leaving the coarse hair manageable. This vegan hair gel has thermal and UV protectants that shield your hair from sun exposure, heat, and humidity. As it is a lightweight, water-based gel, there will be no product buildup issues. Not to mention, the vegan product is suitable for all hair types, from curly to kinky hair.
Key Ingredients: Panthenol, Wheat protein, Castor oil, and Manganese carbonate
Pros
- Color-safe
- No buildup
- Gives flexible hold
- Lightweight
- UV protection
- Doesn’t make hair stiff
Cons
- Contains parabens
- Hold not strong enough.
"This light hair gel is a blessing for my fine hair! It balances a stronghold and flexibility, without any stickiness or flaking. The formula allows for easy brushing and provides a good shine."
9. Best For Daily Use: FRAGFRE Styling Gel
This styling gel from FRAGFRE is specially formulated to not irritate the skin or scalp. It works particularly well for those with skin sensitivity, scalp dryness, itching, and irritation. Scalp issues cannot stop you from fixing bad hair days if you give this styling gel a try. It soothes scalp irritation and can be used every day with no product buildup hassles. Multiple reviewers mention that the product tames frizz, does not weigh the hair down, and holds it strongly.
Key Ingredients: Propylene glycol and Glycerin
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Non-drying
- Ideal for daily use
- Gentle
- Long-lasting
- No flaking
Cons
- Leaves sticky residue.
- May trigger allergies.
10. Best For Detangling: TPH by TARAJI Tough Cookie
This medium hold styling gel defines curls and keeps them manageable. It also helps detangle and control frizz, clumps, and baby hair and fixes any hairstyle on any hair type. The baobab protein and xanthan gum help maintain a style throughout the day and the night. The castor and linseed oils condition and nourish styled hair to maintain its moisture level better. This vegan gel can be used on dry or wet hair to provide extra hold and definition. It does not crumble or flake and slicks the hair into the desired style effortlessly. The product can be used after a blow dryer or diffuser as well to keep the hairstyle intact throughout the day.
Key Ingredients: Xanthan gum, Castor oil, Linseed oil, Baobab protein, and Glycerin
Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Doesn’t crumble or flake
- No residue
- Long-lasting
- Non-crunchy
Cons
- Watery consistency
"This is good for a light hold that does not make the hair too stiff. The scent is pleasant, and the texture is not heavy on my strands. It leaves a nice shine without flakiness."
The Bottom Line
It takes so much effort to get the perfect hairstyle. Sometimes the baby hair or frizzy flyaways make your hair style look messy. So your hair needs hair gel to hold the hair properly in place. And unlike regular hair gels, the best vegan hair gels are loaded with the goodness of the nourishing ingredients and tame the frizz. Some hair gels listed above nourish your hair strands, scalp, and cuticle, while some tame the flyaways and hydrate the hair. In addition, some manage itchy scalp and flakes. For best results, you can try the Giovanni L.A. HOLD™ STYLING GEL which reduces damage and boosts natural shine, the Nature’s Brands Herbal Choice Mari™ Organic Hair Gel which adds bounce and leaves a refreshing fragrance, and the FRAGFRE Styling Gel which relieves scalp itchiness and doesn’t lead to product buildup. Consider investing in hair gels that are gentle on your hair. And stay away from the hair gels that have a watery consistency.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author, loves to write articles about hair care and she is a big fan of vegan hair gels for hair styling. She conducted a thorough research on product specifications, ingredients, and user feedback available on multiple online forums to curate this list for the benefit of her readers. The recommended products have long-lasting, non-sticky formulas that define the hair without harming the planet.
Read full bio of Alicia Igess
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Eshna Das
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