Which Hair gel is good for Hair

Hair gels have been around for years and have so many uses. Here, we round up our favorite ones on the market. 

Channing Smith | Courtesy of brand

Hair gel has been around forever and has been a staple in the hair-care industry for years. Why you may ask? Well, it's a very versatile hair product. You can utilize hair gel for various styling techniques like creating beachy waves, defining curls, or even just to help manage and control frizz. You can even use gel to hold down baby hairs, tame flyaways, or create slick-back looks (like the Scandi sleek ponytail that's taking over our TikTok feeds). Sometimes, we even use hair gel to control our brow hairs.

Because there are so many styling gels on the market, it can feel overwhelming to find the right one for your hair type, texture, and hairstyle you're going for. After all, many gels are alcohol-based and can cause dry hair or damage in the long run. 

Luckily for you, we are here to help find the right one for you with a comfortable and moisturizing formula. Below, you'll find some of our and our favorite hairstylist friends' favorite hair gels. Some are a bit of a splurge while others you can snag at the drugstore or on Amazon for as little as $4 (looking at you, Garnier Fructis). So, keep scrolling to browse and shop the best hair gels on the market.

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

• Ceremonia Pequi Styling Gel

  Ceremonia's Pequi Styling Gel is a medium-hold formula that’s great for fine hair. The active ingredient is pequi oil, making it very moisturizing. This oil nourishes hair while leaving it shiny and never sticky. Not to mention, it has açai extract and aloe vera in it, which strengthen and boost shine while adding hydration.   

• Harry's Sculpting Gel

  For a root lifting gel, check out Harry's Sculpting Gel. New York City hairstylist Devin Toth says that it's really good at giving hair volume with little to no crunch or flaking. We also love it to sculpt baby hairs and keep down flyaways. 

• Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Styling Gel

  Senior commerce writer Angela Trakoshis has been using the Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Styling Gel for years. "I literally use this for everything," she says. "I'll scrunch my hair with it, use it for a slicked-back look, and even squeeze out some onto a spoolie and use it as a brow gel." The best part? It's under $5 – a real steal. 

• Oribe Curl Gelée

  Made for those with textured and curly hair, the Oribe Curl Gelée will give definition, shape, and hold. It features a butter complex (made up of murumuru and mango butter) that hydrates and detangles hair. Plus, macadamia seed and apricot oils seal all that moisture in and add shine — no wonder it won a Best of Beauty Award.

• Bumble and Bumble Sumogel

  The Bumble and Bumble Sumogel is a clear, alcohol-free formula, so hair never feels dried out while it's working its magic. It can work multiple ways: either use a pea-sized amount to lay down baby or fly away hairs or apply a larger dollop to damp hair to give that wet hair look effect. 

• R+Co Wall Street Strong Hold Gel

  R+Co's Wall Street Strong Hold Gel is a super-shine formula that gives hair hold, no matter the style. New York City hairstylist Mia Santiago loves it and says it doesn't leave your hair crunchy and is very versatile, meaning it works on all hair types and delivers firm hold. 

• Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Hard Hold Hair Gel

  Formulated with a rice curl complex, the Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Hard Hold Hair Gel defines curls with long-lasting hold. It also tames frizz, hydrates, and has the yummiest citrus and jasmine scent that lasts all day. 

• Kérastase Curl Manifesto Curl Defining Gel-Cream

  Toth says that the Kérastase Curl Manifesto Curl Defining Gel-Cream is a wonderful pick for curls. "It adds moisture and hold and keeps curls looking defined all day long," he adds. How you ask? It's all thanks to the manuka honey and ceramides in the formula.     

• Pattern Strong Hold Hair Gel

  The Pattern Strong Hold Hair Gel is a flexible yet long-lasting gel with tons of hold. It's great for wavy to coily hair and can lay down even the most stubborn strands. Not to mention, it helps keep hair moisturized with the flaxseed and castor oil in the tub. 

• American Crew Styling Gel

  Santiago says that the American Crew Styling Gel is a great formula that feels light as air and never weighs hair down. "It enhances shine, and just leaves hair looking exactly how you desired to style it, every time," she adds.

• Aussie Instant Freeze Gel

  For an affordable pick, consider the Aussie Instant Freeze Gel. Toth states that it creates a hold that lasts all day and the formula doesn't feature a ton of hair drying or damaging alcohols. But it does feature moisturizing jojoba oil and sea kelp, which we love.

• Tresemmé Extra Hold Styling Gel 

  Tresemmé's Extra Hold Styling Gel provides hold so strong your hair will be resistant to humidity. Plus, it won't leave it crunchy so hair is still manageable and easy to style once dry. 

• Göt2b Glued Styling Spiking Gel

  "Göt2b Glued Styling Spiking Gel is the stylist's go-to for all eternity," says Santiago. "It's not flaky and it's committed to holding hair down in any style." After you set your style, you don't have to worry or think about it all day.

Angela Trakoshis is a senior commerce writer for Allure. When she's not covering all things product-related, the Queens native is an avid taco lover and proud beauty-hoarder.