Experts Agree: These Are the Best Hair Gels for Flake-Free Curls

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When creating the right cocktail of products for your next look, including one of the best curly hair gels is key. The thing is, using gel on curly hair can be tricky, and not all formulas are created equally depending on the amount of hold you're looking for. These gels deliver plenty of hold without stickiness or crunch, and when applied properly, won't flake.

According to hair stylist and owner of the Candace Witherspoon Salon in New York City, Candace Witherspoon, all curl patterns can benefit from using hair gels. "If you have wavy hair, gel should be on the lighter side. If you have dense thick hair, gel should have a stronger hold."

While Witherspoon uses curl type as her marker, Aishia Strickland, hair expert and CEO of Black Girl Curls says that gels should be chosen based on the user's desired finish, climate, and the longevity of desired curl definition. In other words, you can shop gels for curly hair by looking for formulas that target frizz control or by its hold level. "Styling products like gel are always added to the hair after the hair has been cleansed and conditioned," says Strickland.

Both Witherspoon and Strickland agree that how a gel is applied is just as important as its formulation. Generally, gel should be applied to wet hair from root to end. But applying one beforehand, particularly if it has a water base, can help hydrate curls and make them look more juicy. Witherspoon also recommends avoiding heavy oils in your hair when using gels, as they tend to leave hair looking limp and stringy.

Now that you have the know-how on styling down, read on to find out which staples experts recommend as some of the best gels for curly hair.

I Create Hold

Innersense's I Create Hold styling gel tops both Witherspoon and Strickland's lists. Its silicone-free formula uses moisturizing aloe along with nettle and eucalyptus to keep hair hydrated as it defines curls.

One satisfied customer writes: "This gel…omg. You just need to try it. Works amazing for wash and go's after a cream or mousse, but also works amazinggg as a styling product!! I will use this for my edges, to slick my hair into a tight bun for the gym, for cute styles, and my hair will last all day, not a hair out of place. Even when wearing my over-the-ear headphones for the gym. Thick, 3B/C hair." —Vega

Curly Magic Curl Stimulator

Here's another pick that's beloved by both curl experts and girlies. Uncle Funky's Daughter's Curly Magic Curl Stimulator has an aloe-based formula that first gets curls into formation, and then locks them into place without any crunch once it dries down. We recommend applying it to soaking wet curls.

One satisfied customer writes: "I love this product! It keeps my hair hydrated and bouncy all day!!" —Tiffany

Curly Potion

While it's not quite a gel, Oway's Curly Potion styling cream also comes recommended by both of our curl experts. It uses plant cellulose polymers to help shape curls and smooth away frizz. Plus, there's also an ingredient named organic hypericum extract that gets rid of free radicals in hair that keep curls looking shiny and ultra bouncy.

Curl Corps Enhancing Gel

You won't have to worry about this featherweight gel weighing fine hair down. It not only uses wheat protein to make curls more voluminous, but also oat peptide to prevent your hair from falling limp or getting frizzy in humid climates.

One satisfied customer writes: "Love the scent. Love the ease of use. Squeeze a little onto your palm and work through wet hair. Makes combing curly hair easier and leaves a softer result when it has dried. My hairdresser used this on me several years ago and I’ve been enjoying it ever since." —Carole

Wash and Go Flaxseed Gel for Curly Hair

Opt to use CurlMix's Wash and Go Flaxseed Gel in either light or heavy hold depending on your curl needs. It not only provides great definition, but is also packed with nourishing jojoba and avocado oils to leave hair shiny and strong.

One satisfied customer writes: "I began using CurlMix in October of 2022. At first I was not pleased with the product. I tell you after trying it again in April of 2023 I am sold. Your hair will never be the same. This product will enhance the beauty of your coils and curls. It's a product you must have in your hair arsenal tool box." —Anonymous

Mizani True Textures Perfect Coil Oil Gel

For more porous curls that need extra moisture, look to this oil-based pick from Mizani. A combo of coconut, marula, and olive oils keeps curls from drying out while adding a glossy finish on the outside.

One satisfied customer writes: "I have 4B hair, and it's incredibly hard to find a gel that works well with it. Although this isn't my "holy grail" gel (i.e., one that holds my curls well without being sticky or crunchy), it still leaves my curls softer than most and works better than many other gels I've tried." —Tricia

Supreme Defining Gel

Curl enthusiasts may already be familiar with this product from DevaCurl, which was formerly known as its Arc Angel Gel. The styler was reformulated with cleaner ingredients that don't compromise on locking in curl shape and minimizing crunch.

One satisfied customer writes: "This is the most buildable gel I have ever used. It plays well with every product I tried in combination. Makes hair shiny and flexible." —Sam

Coconut & Hibiscus Defining Styling Gel

SheaMoisture's entire Coconut and Hibiscus line is beloved by curl whispers, and this gel is no exception. Its alcohol-free formula keeps hair from drying out while keeping flyaways in check.

One satisfied customer writes: "Smells good and has a good hold. Ingredients are great. I actually bought it based on that. I like using this product knowing i am putting something on my hair that is beneficial for it. I can't say that for most gels." —Michelle

Hair-Gel

Bread Beauty Supply's Hair-Gel is perfect for styling the sleekest curls. We suggest running it through your hair while it's still wet, and letting its moisture-attracting, high-gloss-inducing formula work its magic as it dries down.

One satisfied customer writes: "I love this gel! It leaves my curls defined without getting flaky/hard. It has a great hold and the packaging is super cute." —bybriannastone

Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel

If you live in a warmer climate or have trouble keeping frizz to a minimum, Ouidad's Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel practically has your name on it. Its formula aims to block out humidity, thanks to wheat protein, which makes curls less porous. It also nicely contains UV filters to stave off any potential environmental damage.

One satisfied customer writes: "As a 2B to 3A girl, this is my number one product. My hair is high-porosity, high-density, and very fine, so it needs some strong hold to maintain its waves and curls, it doesn't do well with lots of weight. This gel is the best hold-to-weight ratio I've found on the market." —Megan

Big Poppa Define Gel

This versatile gel does the work of multiple stylers in one. Apply it right out of the shower, and finish by either air drying or diffusing your hair depending on your desired look. Either way, we're betting your curls will have a touchable hold without the flakes.

One satisfied customer writes: "The best gel I’ve ever used. It has a great hold. Leaves the hair soft with no left over residue. I mostly use it for finger coils on natural 4B hair. I highly recommend this product." —LaTasha S.

Coco Creme Curl Shaping Cream Gel

Skip the cream step in your routine without compromising on hair's much-needed moisture. This two-in-one gel features coconut oil and milk to deeply hydrate curls while defining their shape.

One satisfied customer writes: "I use this on days when I let my hair air dry and curl. It is the perfect gel if you do not want crispy Crunchy hair. My curls are soft and bouncy and they smell amazing. It holds really well all day and keeps my girls from getting frizzy. Very impressed with this product!" —Jennifer M.

Pequi Styling Gel

This medium-hold gel combines nourishing pequi oil, strengthening açai extract, and moisturizing aloe to define limp curls while enhancing their shine. Plus, you won't have to worry about its non-sticky formula making your fingers feel tacky after it's applied.

One satisfied customer writes: "This is the best styling gel I have used! Pequi oil products are amazing for curly hair and this gives my hair hold and lift, but it feels soft and natural. I love the scent too." —cindc

Curl Gelèe for Shine & Definition

Oribe's Curl Gelèe uses macadamia, neem, and apricot oils that make it easy for its formula to glide through your curls and define them. And as a bonus, it also features Oribe's signature Cotê d'Azur scent.

One satisfied customer writes: "Well worth the price! You only need a small amount for shoulder length hair, smells amazing and my curls are soft. Tames the frizz, too!" —Carol

Motorcycle Flexible Gel

Motorcycle Flexible Gel is ideal for finer hair textures that need extra hold without looking like a helmet. This gel runs the gamut from looser waves to tighter coils, and delivers the hold of a gel but with the flexibility of a hair wax.

One satisfied customer writes: "My hair stylist got me hooked on this product. It has a nice smell and gives my curly hair amazing shape without the curls being crunchy or hard. Highly recommend!" —Ginita

Meet the Experts

• Candace Witherspoon is a hairstylist and owner of Candace Witherspoon Salon in New York City which specializes in curly hair textures.

• Aishia Strickland is a licensed cosmetologist, as well as co-founder of Black Girl Curls and Cut It Kinky.

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