When applied to wet hair, the hair gel will yield a wet look to be carried throughout the day, [with] a high shine [and] more polished finish,” Machado tells us. However, when used on dry hair, the gel is more for “holding the style created by a hairdryer or air-dry finish.” If you have curly hair, chances are you want to define your curls without weighing them down or causing frizz. Finding a product that works for curls is harder than it seems. If you've tried every curly hair product in the books and are still looking for something with a little extra oomph, it may be time to consider using a hair gel. Hair gel is water-soluble, making it easy to wash out of your hair. Simply rinse your hair with water, and the gel will dissolve, leaving your hair clean and free from product buildup. You can use your regular shampoo to cleanse your hair after using gel, ensuring that all traces of the product are removed. Alcohol-free: Alcohol can be a problem in any hair care product. In textured hair, it can increase dryness. Since textured hair tends to err on the dryer side already, this can be damaging and can make hair look dull. Fortunately, many products on this list are free of alcohol, including CURLS Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly. Put a liberal amount of gel into your fingertips and do a basic mussed-up look, getting your hair into a combination of spikes and casual messiness. Then, take a medium-tooth comb, wet it, and run it along the sides of your head, above each ear.

Hair gel is renowned for its strong hold and ability to keep even the most unruly hair in place. It offers a firmer hold compared to hair wax, making it suitable for hairstyles that require maximum control and structure. Hair gel can keep your hair styled for extended periods, even in humid conditions or when exposed to wind. Hair wax vs hair gel controlThere are many different styles you can achieve with gel–it is really versatile,” says McLaren. “Gels are great for hold, definition, shine, and humidity protection.” For long-lasting styles, “Gel has more grit and a better hold than most hair creams allowing for styles to last all day,” says Harrington. “Gels behave more as a bonding unit for styles while creams and oils can make hair too soft to hold a desired look.” Yes, Francis says. "Because it's a water-based product, it will distribute much better, giving better coverage and desired style execution." If you need it for serious styling help, he says, "You could use a tiny dot of gel on dry hair if you have stubborn flyaways that you would apply with the tips of your fingers." What should you look for in a hair gel? Hardges says to apply when your hair is still soaked. "You always want to layer gels: You never want to mix them with anything in your hand because they’ll curdle." Opt for using a leave-in conditioner first, then following up with a gel. Hardges likes to squeeze in an oil after her gel has dried to get rid of any gel cast (the hard coating some gels can leave behind) and add extra moisture. Start by] squeezing a dime-size amount to hands and warming it up by rubbing hands together until product disappears,” Machado explained. “Then apply from root to tip, making sure to work [the hair gel] through the entire head. Don’t be scared to really get in there for the best effect and longest wear.” 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.

A gel will provide that separation that you like to see when you have curls, and it's also going to give you a little bit more definition," says Leigh Hardges, a Chicago-based hair stylist. "Because of the way it coats the hair, it's going to help prevent frizz." According to Hardges, hair gel works best on 3A (loose, springy ringlets) to 4A (tight, defined, S-shaped curls) hair types. But first, how do you apply hair gel? Hair gel, on the other hand, is a styling product that is designed to provide a strong hold and maximum control over your hair. It is usually made from a combination of water, alcohol, and polymers. Hair gel is known for its ability to create sleek, structured hairstyles that stay in place for extended periods. Composition Hair wax composition Most hair gels contain some form of polymers, which are what creates the long-lasting hold. They can be in the form of naturally derived ingredients, such as starch, cellulose, silk protein, or hydrolyzed wheat protein. Then, synthetic polymers appear on a list as copolymers, polyquaternium, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, silicone ingredients, or acetates. All hair gels are not created equal—and if you have curly, coily, or kinky natural hair, then you know that different occasions call for different gels. The right gel will provide clumping for your wash-and-go curls and definition for your twist-outs, but the wrong gel? Well, that’s just a dry, crunchy mess.Whether you have curls, coils, waves, or straight hair, gels can work with your hair type. “Gels are for a wide variety of hair types,” says Harrington. “Those with curly hair tend to like gels because they can create amazing curl definition, fight frizz and its versatility,” says McLaren. “However, gels are also great for short hairstyles, sleek looks–like a sleek ponytail as well as creating a more sculptural style or even a wet look.” Different hair gels can suit different hair types, but overall you'll want to look for something that will hold your hair in place throughout the day, while also having some actual benefits to your hair's health. Look for products that are infused with ingredients such as vitamin B5, as well as hydrating agents and proteins. You may also want to look for something that's infused with essential oils, if you're after an aroma, and make sure to opt for something that's flake-free and doesn't leave a residue. Just take a look below for some of our current favourites. Is hair gel bad for your hair? The most important thing to remember when applying hair gel? Less is more. In fact, that simple rule is so important that we’re going to say it again: when applying hair gel, less is more. Catherine Hufton is a London-based lifestyle journalist and has been a contributing writer and editor for Byrdie since 2022. She digs deep into all things fashion and beauty to find the very best shopping must-haves—from the most effective collagen serums to the best drugstore makeup essentials.