Best Hair Styling Gel Creams of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025

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Hair styling gel creams are a popular choice for those looking to achieve a sleek and polished look. These products offer a versatile hold that can range from light to strong, depending on the desired style. They are typically applied to damp hair and can be used to create a variety of looks, from slicked-back styles to more textured and tousled looks. Unlike traditional hair gels, gel creams typically do not leave hair feeling stiff or crunchy, making them a great option for those who want a natural-looking hold. Many hair styling gel creams also contain nourishing ingredients such as vitamins and oils to help keep hair healthy and strong.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Garnier Fructis Curl Sculpt Gel Cover #TOP 1
Garnier Fructis Curl Sculpt Gel
ftb score rating icon 9.9
BIOLAGE Styling Gelée Cover #TOP 2
BIOLAGE Styling Gelée
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel and Defining Cream (2-Pack) Cover #TOP 3
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel and Defining Cream (2-Pack)
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Hair Styling Gel Creams

Garnier Fructis Curl Sculpt Gel

603084026852
Curl
Garnier Fructis Curl Sculpt Gel Cover
Garnier Fructis Style Curl Sculpt Conditioning Cream Gel for Bounce & Moisture, 5.1 Fl Oz, 1 Count (Packaging May Vary)

Garnier Fructis Curl Sculpt Gel is a multi-purpose hair styling product that combines the benefits of a gel and a cream. With nourishing shea and a unique cream-gel formula, this gel provides controlled definition for your curls while also conditioning them. The curl-sculpting polymers and silicones in the formula help to shape and define your curls, while the moisturizing conditioners keep them hydrated and bouncy. Unlike other gels, this one doesn't leave your curls feeling crunchy or stiff, giving you natural-looking and touchable curls. Whether you want to enhance your natural curls or create a new curly style, Garnier Fructis Curl Sculpt Gel is the perfect choice for achieving beautiful, well-defined curls.

What We Like
Controlled definition
Nourishing and conditioning
Non-crunchy and bouncy curls

BIOLAGE Styling Gelée

80396
BIOLAGE Styling Gelée Cover
BIOLAGE Styling Gelée | Firm Hold That Adds Body, Shine & Control | For All Hair Types | Paraben-Free | Vegan

BIOLAGE Styling Gelée is a firm hold gel that adds shine, body, and control while taming flyaways and frizz. Suitable for all hair types, this all-purpose professional hair gel can be used for a variety of hairstyles to help create and hold the shape of your hair style without residue or crunch. It adds volume and shine to the hair for a finished look, and can be reactivated for versatile styling by misting hair lightly with water.

What We Like
Sealed packaging prevents spills during shipping
Provides a firm hold without stiffness or flakiness
Tames curls and frizz for soft and manageable hair
Allows for easy restyling by reactivating with water
Long-lasting, a bottle can last up to 8 months to a year
#TOP 3

Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel and Defining Cream (2-Pack)

White
6 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel and Defining Cream (2-Pack) Cover
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel & Defining Cream (2-Pack) - 6 fl oz - Formulated with Rice Curl Complex - All Curl Types

The Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel and Defining Cream (2-Pack) is a hair styling product designed for all curly hair types. The curl defining gel provides a flexible-firm hold and controls frizz, while the curl defining cream locks in moisture, de-frizzes, and adds shine to define curls. Formulated with Rice Curl Complex, the product hydrates and conditions hair, protects it, and enhances curl retention. Additionally, it is sulfate surfactant-free, silicone-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, drying alcohol-free, gluten-free, dye-free, and cruelty-free.

What We Like
Provides flexible-firm hold and controls frizz
Locks in moisture, de-frizzes, and adds shine to define curls
Formulated with Rice Curl Complex to hydrate, condition, protect, and enhance curl retention
Safe for all curly hair types and natural or color-treated hair
Sulfate surfactant-free, silicone-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, drying alcohol-free, gluten-free, dye-free, and cruelty-free
#TOP 4

American Crew Men's Fiber Cream

7240806000
Multi
American Crew Men's Fiber Cream Cover
American Crew Men's Fiber Cream, Like Hair Gel with Medium Hold & Natural Shine, 3.3 Fl Oz

American Crew Men's Fiber Cream is a moisture-rich gel that provides a defined look while taming hair leaving a natural shine finish. It works well when a textured definition, frizz-free hair and a defined look is desired. This cream provides high hold and high shine while moisturizing and conditioning the hair for a frizz-free defined look. It is easy to use and style as desired on damp or dry hair. American Crew is a leader in Men's Grooming for HAIR, BODY, SHAVE, STYLE, FRAGRANCE categories with products that make great fathers day gifts.

What We Like
Provides high hold and high shine
Moisturizes and conditions the hair for a frizz-free defined look
Easy to use and style as desired on damp or dry hair
#TOP 5

Cremo Premium Hair Styling Matte Cream, Light Hold, Low Shine

20853382004920
WHITE
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Cremo Premium Hair Styling Matte Cream, Light Hold, Low Shine Cover
Cremo Hair Styling Matte Cream, Premium Barber Grade, Light Hold, Low Shine, Hair Cream and Hair Products For Men, 4 Oz

Cremo Premium Barber Grade Hair Styling Matte Cream is a lightweight cream that provides a barely-there look, ideal for all hair lengths. It offers a light hold and low shine, perfect for achieving a stylish messy look when applied to dry hair. You can also mix it with any other Cremo Hair Styling Product to decrease hold without compromising shine.

What We Like
Provides a barely-there look
Light hold and low shine
Ideal for all hair lengths
#TOP 6

Men's Hair Forming Cream by American Crew

110017
Ivory
3 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Men's Hair Forming Cream by American Crew Cover
American Crew Men's Hair Forming Cream (OLD VERSION), Like Hair Gel with Medium Hold & Medium Shine, 3 Oz (Pack of 1)

American Crew's Men's Hair Forming Cream is a moisture-rich cream gel that provides medium hold, medium shine, and a natural look. It tames hair, reduces frizz, and works well for textured definition. To use, apply to towel-dried hair, comb through, and allow to dry naturally. American Crew is a leader in men's grooming and is committed to enhancing men's style and image.

What We Like
Provides a sleek, natural look with medium hold and medium shine
Moisturizes and conditions hair while reducing frizz
Works well for textured definition

Garnier Fructis Hair Filler Gel-Cream

0603084083039
5 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Garnier Fructis Hair Filler Gel-Cream Cover
Garnier Fructis Hair Filler Moisture Repair Gel-Cream, Hair Gel for Curly, Wavy Hair with Hyaluronic Acid, 5.1 Fl Oz, 1 Count

The Garnier Hair Filler Gel offers a unique blend of hydration and hold ideal for curly and wavy hair. It fills your hair with moisture, thanks to its sulfate-free formula enriched with hyaluronic acid. This gel-cream hybrid provides the benefits of a cream while locking in moisture like a gel, ensuring up to 100 hours of curl definition and frizz control without weighing your hair down. For best results, apply it to damp or dry hair, and enjoy beautifully defined curls that last all day.

What We Like
Moisture-rich formula
Long-lasting curl definition
Frizz control
Cruelty-free and vegan
#TOP 8

Harry's Hair Taming Cream 3 Pack

White
Harry's Hair Taming Cream 3 Pack Cover
Harry's Hair Taming Cream | Lightweight & Natural Finish | 5.1 Fl Oz, 3 Pack

Harry's Hair Cream is designed to give you a soft hold that enhances your natural look. It helps manage unruly hair while maintaining your unique style, making it perfect for those with curly, coarse, or thick hair. The lightweight formula ensures that you won’t experience any stickiness or stiffness in your hair, allowing for a comfortable feel throughout the day. With this conditioning cream, you can enjoy a polished appearance without sacrificing the natural texture of your hair.

What We Like
Soft, natural hold
Lightweight and non-sticky
Ideal for thick or curly hair
Maintains natural look
#TOP 9

Smooth Viking Hair Styling Cream for Men

SVFIBER-700
Hand Grip 870
2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Smooth Viking Hair Styling Cream for Men Cover
Smooth Viking Hydrating Fiber Cream for Men - Hair Cream for Men, Hair Gel for Men, Mens Hair Products, Mens Hair Paste, Styling Cream Men, Natural Hair Gel for Men - Made in USA, 2oz

Smooth Viking Hair Cream is a medium-hold, matte finish hair cream that keeps rebellious hair tamed all day long. It adds a modern look like the iconic slick back and pompadour. It can transform unhealthy, damaged hair into a fuller, revitalized mane while treating and preventing split ends. The cream provides a medium hold, separation, and texture with no crunchy residue, leaving natural shine and thicker-looking hair. Infused with hydrating properties, it nourishes follicles, leaving hair healthier and more vibrant. It's easy to apply to slightly damp or dry hair, designed specifically for shorter hairstyles, leaving you with a polished, put-together look for any occasion.

What We Like
Medium-hold, matte finish
Transforms damaged hair
Hydrating properties

T is for Tame - Hair Taming Cream for Kids

T4T001
White
T is for Tame - Hair Taming Cream for Kids Cover
T is for Tame - Hair Taming Cream for Kids, All-Natural for Frizz & Flyaways, Coconut Oil & Jojoba Leave in Cream, Safe for Babies & Toddlers, Not Sticky, Straight or Curly Hair

T is for Tame is an all-natural hair taming cream for kids that works on all hair types, from straight to curly hair, to calm frizz and flyaways. It is safe for babies and toddlers as it contains no chemicals, dyes, parabens, phthalates, or sulfates. The cream is made with natural ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, tapioca starch, and organic vanilla fragrance oil. It is easy to use and a little goes a long way. The product is made in the USA and comes with a 100% money-back guarantee within 30 days.

What We Like
All-natural and safe for babies and toddlers
Works on all hair types
Made with natural ingredients
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our hair styling gel cream research, we found 48 hair styling gel cream products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 242,546 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair styling gel creams list. We found that most customers choose hair styling gel creams with an average price of $16.76.

The hair styling gel creams are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair styling gel creams, including Garnier, Biolage, Not Your Mother's, AMERICAN CREW, Cremo. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.