Men have so many different kinds of products readily available when it comes to styling their hair. There’re waxes, pomades, sprays, clays, and the most classic one hair gel.
It all comes down to making your hair look the best. However, only shampooing and conditioning your hair isn’t going to help you out.
Hair gel is one of the oldest styling products that have been used to create numerous hairstyles in long or short hair.
If you like to style your hair frequently, you must use hair gel to help you hold shape when you’re styling your hair. Moreover, it’s safe to use and won’t cause any damage to your hair.
So, we’ve come up with the 10 best hair gels that will help you lock in your favorite hairstyle.
Let’s have an in-depth look at our top ten picks for the best hair gel for men.
Contents
Top 10 Hair Gels Review
1. American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel
Key Features
- Alcohol-free
- Prevents the dryness of hair and scalp
- Avoids flaking
- Distributes quickly through the hair
The American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel has earned numerous favorable reviews from people who’ve used this product. It can work very well with various types of styles and hairs. So, you’ll be impressed with the control it gives you.
You can apply this product to your hair and get your preferred style easily. After you’ve managed to acquire your preferred style, you don’t need to worry about it fading away as this product has a firm hold which can last all day, especially in the cases of shorter to medium hair.
It’ll lift your hair to create a thicker and healthier look for your hair. You can use this not only on wet hair but also on dry hair, as it can perform well on both forms of hair. However, although it features a firm hold, it doesn’t feature a lot of rigidity. It also doesn’t include heavy shine.
You can dissolve this product into the water as it’s water-soluble. This feature lets you wash the product away from your hair so that you won’t find any flakes remaining in your hair. In addition, the fragrance of this hair gel is very natural and not overpowering at all.
Moreover, this hair gel is free from impurity as it’s enriched with natural elements like vitamin B5, Panama bark, sage, etc.
Pros
- Provides excellent texture.
- Cost-effective.
- Lasts longer.
- Widely available.
Cons
- It might create itchy scalps.
2. Style Sexy Hair Gel
Key Features
- High-quality ingredients
- Powerful wax base
- Great fragrance
- Flake-free
This product is made from ingredients like titanium, lanolin, etc., that have the ability to increase the shine of your hair and maintain your hair’s health. In addition, it includes a potent wax base which plays a significant role in creating the long-lasting hold you’ll find using it.
The hold of this product is very extreme. It can last through workouts and unhelpful weather. It can also last through swimming sessions. Whenever you use this gel, you can expect some shine. However, it’s not that much you’d expect since it includes a high hold.
The texture of this product is unexpectedly non-sticky and non-greasy. When you start using this product, it’ll release a clean, light scent that you can’t be able to identify at all. It features two sizes. One is a major 16.9 oz size, and the other is a tiny travel size.
The tiny size of this product is costly, while the 16.9 oz size is cheap compared to the small size. So, if you think this is the perfect gel for your hair, then you should go for the 16.9 oz size. However, if you’re still not sure about this product and just want to test a sample of it, then you can try the tiny size.
Pros
- Adds some shine.
- Works well with high styles.
- Great price.
- Easy to apply.
Cons
- Might face some issues with the dispenser.
3. Jack Black Body Building Hair Gel
Key Features
- Alcohol-free
- Provides long-lasting hold
- Dries completely
- Contains organic elements
The Jack Black Body Building Hair Gel is dependent on an alcohol-free ingredient profile. Therefore, it’ll be able to provide your hair with a natural and healthy style without creating any flakes or crunches.
If you can’t handle the strong smell of hair gels that are usually released from using them, then you don’t have to worry about this problem as this product is fragrant-free. So whenever you use this product, you won’t sense any strong fragrance coming out of it.
It features a light-to-medium strength hold and is entirely free from adulteration. If you’re used to using clay or traditional hair cream for styling your hair, you’ll be highly pleased with this product, like clay or traditional hair cream. This product will also give you the same results as them.
Moreover, the manufacturing company of this product designed it to hold up to the strict TSA standards. So, if you have to travel with this product, you can pack this with your luggage without having to worry about throwing it away after reaching the airport.
Overall, you won’t make a wrong decision if you decide to buy this product. This product can leave your hair looking great by taking help from its highly natural ingredient profile that includes an alcohol-free formula.
Pros
- Doesn’t feature alcohol.
- Doesn’t release any chemical smell after being used.
- Provides a flake-free hold.
- Suitable for all hair types.
Cons
- Expensive.
4. Gentleman Republic Refined Molding Gel
Key Features
- Made in the USA
- Can resist humidity
- Provides shine and hold for 24 hours
- Follows a professional formula
If you have medium-length or short hair, then the Gentleman Republic Refined Molding Gel is the right product for you. This hair gel relies on an alcohol-free formula that can offer your hair shine and hold for the entire day.
Since it sticks to an alcohol-free formula, you won’t find your hair or scalp drying. You can find this product available in either a container that weighs 8-ounce or a container that weighs 16-ounce. You’ll get plenty of use out of this product, no matter what the size of its container is.
Apart from providing a stronghold, it can also work well in humid conditions. You know how difficult it’s to keep your hair perfect in hot or humid places. So, if you live in these types of environments, then this product is the best at keeping your hair in place perfectly.
Once you’ve applied this hair gel product to your hair, you’ll find a nice and pleasant shine on your hair. Therefore, your hair would look lovely. As far as the matter of smell it emits when being applied, you’ll find it bearable and manly, not obnoxious.
Pros
- Never flakes.
- Offers stronghold.
- Free from alcohol.
- Keeps hair perfect in humid environments.
Cons
- Pricey.
5. Woody’s Mega Firm Hair Gel
Key Features
- Ideal for normal hair
- Alcohol and paraben-free
- Can create all sorts of styles and looks
- Made from natural resources
Woody’s Mega Firm Hair Gel is one of the best hair gels available on the market. It came with an incredible price and was made from various beneficial natural ingredients such as aloe vera, ginger root extract, rosemary leaf extract, etc.
As it’s made from these natural resources, it’ll be able to work as a natural anti-fungal that can help you repel the regularity of dandruff on your scalp.
This product is designed based on alcohol and paraben-free formula. So, even if you use this product for a long time, you can rest assured that your hair won’t get flaky because of this product.
It can provide you with a firm hold that can be used to create almost every hairstyle, no matter what the type and length of your hair are. So, it doesn’t matter whether your hair is long or short, curly or straight when you’re using this product.
After you’ve applied it to your hair, you’ll find your hair shining slightly. Though your hair will shine less after the application, it would remain evident. So, if you’re looking for a hair gel that’s very simple to use, then you should definitely try this one.
Pros
- Smells great.
- Works well.
- It won’t create flakes after prolonged use.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- The hold might seem too strong.
6. Revita Styling Gel
Key features
- Nano some delivery system
- High tech water-based formula
- Sulfate-free, paraben-free
- All-day resilience
The DS Laboratories’ Revita Styling Gel is another quality styling gel on our best hair gels review. Though the price is a bit higher, it’s definitely worth an investment as you’re getting a hair loss treatment along with the hair gel as well.
This gel delivers a firm but shapeable hold, which means you can run your hands through your hair without feeling that it’s tangled. As a result, you’ll get maximum control and texture without leaving your hair feeling too stiff.
Also, you’ll be able to give your hair a lift and style it into waves.
It features a unique Nano delivery system. This feature takes ingredients to the scalp and hair for optimal hair health. Also, it’s a process that changes the liposomes found in most other hair and skin products.
According to the American Hair Loss Association, almost 85 percent of men by the age of 50 will start to lose hair. So, if you’re one of those, then you should definitely consider this truly unique hair gel.
Moreover, all the DS Labs products go through rigorous testing, including clinical trials. You’ll be glad to know that the Revita Styling Gel passes with flying colors and does everything you’d wish from a quality gel.
Overall, this hair gel is best for thinning hair.
Pros
- Easy to shape hair.
- Offers excellent control and texture.
- Promotes hair growth.
- Nice medium hold.
Cons
- Expensive.
7. Johnny B Mode Styling Gel
Key features
- Remarkable shine
- FDA certified
- Alcohol-free design
- Formulated with sorbitol
The Johnny B Mode Styling Gel smells fantastic with a fragrance that’s cologne-like but not overpowering. Also, it’s pretty easy to use. All you need is a small amount of use to get the desired style and hold.
It comes in a lucrative sky blue color. The hold is strong enough for thick hair. Though it doesn’t have the stiff hold that you’ll find in other products, however, it’ll last throughout the day. So, it has just enough hardening to make you feel the hair is in place.
This gel gives you a nice, pleasant shine. However, you won’t get glossiness, especially if your hair is already on the greasy side. You can use the gel to dry or wet hair. However, to get the best styling results, blow-drying your hair after you use it.
You can get assured of a natural, non-chemicalized hold thanks to sorbitol which has been used as the main ingredient. Sorbitol works as a substance in skin and hair care products. Also, it’s used to avoid loss of moisture by retaining water from the atmosphere.
Overall, this is the best medium-strength hair gel. In addition, it’s among the highest reviewed gels out there that you’ll find. So, if you want a styling gel that gives excellent value, then you can try this one.
Pros
- Great smell.
- Last long.
- The right amount of hold.
- Easy to wash out.
Cons
- Hard to find at shops.
8. GOT2B Ultra-Glued Invincible Style Hair Gel
Key Features
- Non-sticky
- It won’t create any flakes
- Works well with vertical hairstyles
- Alcohol-free
This product comes with glue on it. Since it features glue, it’ll be able to provide your hair with a firm hold. Although you won’t find the hold that strong when you compare it with other products, it’s flexible enough to style your hair into the looks you prefer.
It comes in a 3-pack of 6-ounce bottles. The bottles will last you a long time as you don’t need to use a lot of it for each application to get a perfect hold. Besides, you don’t need to worry about removing this product from your hair when you’re washing your hair. You can easily wash this product away by applying a small amount of shampoo.
If you have a vertical hairstyle, you can use this hair gel product, as it perfectly works with vertical hairstyles. You’ll be able to add extra texture and height to your hair by using this product. You can also use this product even if you have thick or wavy hair.
Lastly, this product should be used on dry or damp hair. To use it, rub a small amount of it between your palms. Once you’ve rubbed it between your palms, you must distribute it evenly so that it can spread throughout your hair.
Pros
- Offers long-lasting hold.
- Ideal for vertical hairstyles.
- Adds texture and height to hair.
- Free from parabens.
- Lasts a long time.
Cons
- White flakes might appear after combing.
9. Mitch Steady Grip Hair Gel
Key features
- Compact 5.1-ounce design
- Medium o firm hold
- Alcohol-free formula
- Natural look
Paul Mitchell always delivers when it comes to hair gels. There’re tons of reasons for Mitch Steady Grip Hair Gel to lives up to its reputation. It’s straightforward to use and provides a hold that will last for a long time. Although not as a firm of a hold compared to the other gels.
Starting with its compact tube size, which is exceptional for easily accessing the desired amount of hair gel with very little in the way of waste. In addition, it has a sturdy 5.1-ounce design, unlike some other containers that may be over 10 ounces.
Although the side of the label of this gel may claim to be a firm hold, when using this product, most people find it just a bit looser than firm. However, not everyone prefers a stronger hold; some people want their hair to have some movement. Still, it’ll give you a natural look to your hair, making it ideal for people who don’t like the crunchy or spiky look.
Overall, it’s a quality hair gel. If you’re looking for barbershop quality products, then this gel by Mitch is perfect for you. You’ll have a great look because of its excellent balance of hold and shine.
Pros
- Well-known brand name.
- Barber quality products.
- Quality hair gel.
- Excellent balance.
Cons
- Some people prefer more stronghold.
10. Clubman Styling Gel
Key features
- Includes castor oil and wheat protein
- Alcohol-free
- Non-greasy texture
- Natural shine
The Clubman Styling Gel by ED Pinaud for men is the last product on our best hair gels review. Although this gel qualifies as a budget choice, there’s nothing cheap about it. Nevertheless, it’s one of the best hair gels out there on the market.
There’re so many things that make it so good. First of all, its manly scent reminds you of a barbershop scent that won’t overpower you and, at the same time, is noticeable enough to let you and others know it’s there.
However, the scent isn’t a significant factor when it comes to evaluating different hair styling products. It always comes down to performance and effectiveness. You’ll be glad to know that it earns high marks in both categories from experts and reviewers alike.
This styling hair gel is versatile enough. You can apply it with your hands and leaving it in the hair to adjust its hold to be extremely stiff. If you want to have hair movement, then you can get a lighter hold as well. To have a lighter hold, try to use a brush to thin it out and leave a more even coating.
Lastly, the hold of this gel will last the day, yet your hair will feel soft. Also, you’ll be able to wash out the gel easily.
Pros
- Adjustable hold.
- Great scent.
- Extremely affordable.
- Washes out easily.
Cons
- Traditional hair gel.
Buying Guide
Whenever you’re buying yourself a hair gel, you must consider some factors before buying. If you don’t keep these crucial factors in mind, you might buy a product that can damage your hair and make you regret buying it. So here are some significant factors to consider before purchasing a hair gel:
Hair Type
The first major factor you must consider before buying a hair gel product is your hair type. First, you have to determine the type of your hair and the length, texture, and quality.
A few hair gels have been formulated specifically for long, short, curly, straight, etc., types of hairs. However, since every type of hair needs different hair gel products, you should spend some time choosing the suitable gel for your hair. In this way, you’ll be able to select the one that will be able to work well with your hair.
Another thing you must keep in mind is the thinness of your hair. If your hair is very thin, then you should buy a very light hair gel. However, if your hair is thick, then you can buy a heavy hair gel product. It’s a fundamental rule that must be kept into consideration.
Hold
The next significant factor to keep in mind is the hold of a hair gel product. Hair gel products usually can provide your hair with 3 types of holds.
High hold: If you like to add more tough hold and structure to your hairstyle, then you should think of buying gels that can give your hair either extra strength or stronghold. These types of gels can give your hair an extremely rigid structure that can last up to 24 hours.
Besides, if you like to add a spiky touch to your hair, these hair gel products are the right option for you. Whenever you apply them to your hair, you’ll feel your hair’s very spiky once you touch it.
Moreover, if you prefer to keep your hair in place because you are involved in complex activities, you must buy hair gel products with an extra stronghold. However, these types of hair gel products can build up in your hair if they’re used regularly.
If you experience this case, you must scrub your hair with shampoo whenever you’re washing. Therefore, you’ll be able to get rid of the entire residue completely.
Medium hold: You can also buy hair gel products with medium hold if you prefer midday and light styling your hair. They can provide your hair with a decent structure and make it look really great. Moreover, they can also allow you to show off a wide variety of hairstyles while you’re busy doing lighter activities.
Low hold: If you want to achieve a particular hairstyle with thin or fine hair, you must buy a hair gel product with light or a natural hold. This type of hair gel product will offer your hairstyle a shape that won’t make you look like you’ve put a hair gel product in your hair. However, they don’t last long. So, you might have to restyle your hair multiple times a day.
Shine
The shine of a hair gel product refers to the shininess of your hair after applying the product. When choosing a hair gel product, you must choose it thinking about the level of its shine based on your hairstyle.
If you want to allow your hair to look classic or slicked-back, then you must buy products that can offer maximum shine to your hair. However, if you like to give your hair a modern or light look, then you should look for products with less shine.
The shine of a hair gel product can even make a dull hairstyle or hair color look interesting. So, it’s important to remember this factor if you want to buy yourself the perfect hair gel product.
Ingredients
Another important detail that you must remember while buying a hair gel product is the ingredients that are used to make it. Various components are used to make a hair gel product. Although these ingredients are necessary to create a hair gel product, they can also negatively impact your hair.
The most important ingredient of a hair gel product is alcohol. Two types of alcohol are used to make a hair gel product. They are short-chain alcohols and long-chain alcohols. Short-chain alcohols include propanol, ethanol, etc. On the other hand, long-chain alcohol includes lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, etc.
If you notice short-chain alcohols are featured in the ingredients of a hair gel product, then you shouldn’t buy it. Short-chain alcohol-based hair gel products can dry out your hair and scalp.
However, if you notice long-chain alcohols, then you can buy that product. Long-chain alcohol-based hair gel products are good for maintaining your hair and scalp. They can work on any type of hair. So, before buying a hair gel product, you must notice whether it features these two major ingredients as they’re essential in maintaining your hairstyle.
Wax
Most hair gel products commonly feature lanolin wax. This ingredient gives a hair gel product the ability to keep your hair in place. Moreover, this element helps prevent your hair from falling out of place after it gets wet.
Weather
If you live in an area where the humidity level is very high, then you might face some difficulties finding the right hair gel product for you, as there are a few hair gel products that can meet such weather conditions. Unfortunately, the same case goes for winds, as few hair gels can provide a stronghold against strong winds.
You should buy a hair gel product that can resist humidity and offer your hair a firm hold in such conditions.
FAQs
Q) Is it good to put gel in your hair every day?
Ans: If you use hair gel every day, only then can it really cause damage to the hair. It can get even worse if you sleep with the product. However, it doesn’t cause hair loss directly.
Q) What is the best way to remove the hair gel?
Ans: The best way to remove hair gel is by using a clarifying shampoo thoroughly to avoid buildup. If you’re using hair gel every day, then you should use shampoo more often too.
Q) How to apply hair gel properly?
Ans: The most common problem when using hair gel is applying too much. If you know how to apply the hair gel, then half the battle is won. Always weave your fingers through your hair when using the gel. Don’t make the mistake of pressing or patting down the gel to your hair.
Q) What is reworkable hair gel?
Ans: A reworkable hair gel is also known as dry hair gel that gives an all-day hold when you’re in desperate need of it. It’s all about consistency, a hold that lasts all day. However, it can be a pain to get out of your hair.
Conclusion
Hair gel is the signature look of the gentleman across the globe; it has never gone out of style. You always want to look sharp as a knife, and the right hair gel can do that for you.
So, we hope that our hair gels review and buying guide that we’ve mentioned above will help you find the perfect hair gel for you. Whether you’re looking for a bit more shine or one that gives you a matte finish, our picks outlined above will definitely make you happy.