The 15 Best Curly Hair Gels Experts Recommend

Expert Pick

Innersense Organic Beauty I Create Hold

Expert Pick

Innersense Organic Beauty I Create Hold

Pros

• Boosts shine

Innersense’s I Create Hold styling gel tops both Witherspoon’s 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

Best for Definition

Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulator

Best for Definition

Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulator

Pros

• Moisturizing

Cons

• Features a subtle scent that may be off-putting to some

Here’s another pick that’s beloved of 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

Best for Bounce

Oway Curly Potion

Best for Bounce

Oway Curly Potion

Pros

• Moisturizing

Cons

• Doesn’t provide as much hold as a typical gel

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.

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Best Lightweight Gel

Amika Curl Corps Enhancing Gel

Best Lightweight Gel

Amika Curl Corps Enhancing Gel

Pros

• Great for fine hair
• Can be used on dry or wet curls

You won’t have to worry about this featherweight gel weighing fine hair down. It uses not only 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

Best Soft-Hold Gel

CurlMix Wash and Go Flaxseed Gel for Curly Hair

Best Soft-Hold Gel

CurlMix Wash and Go Flaxseed Gel for Curly Hair

Pros

• Helps boost shine

Cons

• Subtle blackberry scent may be off-putting to some

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

Best for High-Porosity Curls

Mizani True Textures Perfect Coil Oil Gel

Best for High-Porosity Curls

Mizani True Textures Perfect Coil Oil Gel

Pros

• Formula is rich in antioxidants

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

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Best for No Crunch

DevaCurl Supreme Defining Gel

Best for No Crunch

DevaCurl Supreme Defining Gel

Pros

• Has a non-flaking formula

Curl enthusiasts may already be familiar with this product from DevaCurl, 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

Best for Thicker Hair

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Defining Styling Gel

Best for Thicker Hair

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Defining Styling Gel

Pros

• Boosts shine

Cons

• Subtle scent may be off-putting to some

SheaMoisture’s entire Coconut & Hibiscus line is loved by curl whisperers, and this gel is no exception. Its alcohol-free formula prevents 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

Best for Shine

Bread Beauty Supply Hair-Gel

Best for Shine

Bread Beauty Supply Hair-Gel

Pros

• Water-based

Bread Beauty Supply’s Hair-Gel is perfect for styling the sleekest curls. We suggest running it through your hair while the hair is 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

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Best for Frizz

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel

Best for Frizz

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel

Pros

• Top-rated at Ulta
• Seals the hair cuticle

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

Best for Coils

The Doux Big Poppa Define Gel

Best for Coils

The Doux Big Poppa Define Gel

Pros

• Humidity-resistant

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.

Best for Dry Hair

Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Curl Shaping Cream Gel

Best for Dry Hair

Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Curl Shaping Cream Gel

Pros

• Non-drying

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.

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Best Medium-Hold Gel

Ceremonia Pequi Styling Gel

Best Medium-Hold Gel

Ceremonia Pequi Styling Gel

Pros

• Vegan

Cons

• Not ideal for those looking for an intensive hold

This medium-hold gel combines nourishing pequi oil, strengthening acai extract, and moisturizing aloe to define limp curls while enhancing their shine. Plus, you won’t have to worry about its nonsticky 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

Best Salon-Quality Gel

Oribe Curl Gelée for Shine & Definition

Best Salon-Quality Gel

Oribe Curl Gelée for Shine & Definition

Pros

• Great for coily hair
• Nourishing

Oribe’s Curl Gelée 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

Best for Wavy Hair

R+Co Motorcycle Flexible Gel

Best for Wavy Hair

R+Co Motorcycle Flexible Gel

Pros

• Contains a thermal conditioner to protect hair from heat styling

Cons

• Must apply to wet hair

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

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Meet the Experts

Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

Nykia Spradley is a beauty journalist with over 10 years of experience. She has served as the interim beauty director at Elle.com, commerce editor for Allure, and beauty editor at Essence. Nykia’s writing has also appeared in ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Coveteur, TZR, and more. She holds a master’s degree in digital journalism from Columbia University. Nykia is a red lipstick and hot sauce enthusiast (respectively) and forever lover of ’90s R&B. Keep in touch on Instagram @nyksprads and learn more at nykiaspradley.com.

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