Best Hair Styling Gels for Curly Hair of 2025

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

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Hair styling gels for curly hair are a must-have for anyone looking to maintain their curls and keep them looking defined and frizz-free. These gels come in a variety of formulas, from lightweight to heavy hold, and can be used on wet or dry hair. They work by coating the hair strands and providing a barrier against humidity, which is the main culprit for causing frizz in curly hair. Some gels also contain nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil to help keep hair healthy and hydrated. With the right hair styling gel, curly-haired individuals can achieve the perfect balance of definition, hold, and moisture.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Styling Gel for Thick, Curly Hair Cover #TOP 1
SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Styling Gel for Thick, Curly Hair
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Review: Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel Cover #TOP 2
Review: Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Gel Cover #TOP 3
Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Gel
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Hair Styling Gels for Curly Hair

SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Styling Gel for Thick, Curly Hair

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Hair Care
SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Styling Gel for Thick, Curly Hair Cover
SheaMoisture Defining Styling Gel For Thick, Curly Hair Coconut and Hibiscus Paraben-Free Frizz Control Styling Gel 15 oz

SheaMoisture's Coconut and Hibiscus + Flaxseed Defining Styling Gel is a paraben-free styling gel enriched with natural ingredients that defines, smooths, and tames flyaways for frizz control and a healthy shine without drying out hair. It provides long-lasting hold and control for twisting, braiding, and wash 'n go styles. It is easy to apply and manage curly and coily styles, and it is formulated without parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and petrolatum.

What We Like
Paraben-free formula
Enriched with natural ingredients
Defines, smooths, and tames flyaways for frizz control and healthy shine
Long-lasting hold and control for twisting, braiding, and wash 'n go styles
Easy to apply and manage curly and coily styles

Review: Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel

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Review: Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel Cover
Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel for Enhanced Curl Definition and Moisture Retaining with Aloe for Dry, Curly, Thick, and Frizzy Hair, Non-Sticky, 13 Ounces

If you have dry, curly, thick, or frizzy hair, Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel can nourish and encourage healthier, stronger hair without product buildup or damaging chemicals. The honey and ginger collection combines two natural antioxidants with certified organic ingredients like aloe leaf juice to keep your hair nourished and hydrated all day long. This haircare product is suitable for all hair types and low and high porosity levels. Mielle Organics continues to create quality natural hair care products that help nourish hair through all three phases of growth, and it's women-owned.

What We Like
Affordable
Enhances curl definition
Retains moisture
Healthy botanical ingredients
Non-sticky
#TOP 3

Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Gel

8 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Gel Cover
Marc Anthony Define & Hold Flex Hair Styling Gel, Strictly Curls - Medium to Coarse Curls - High Hold, Long-Lasting Frizz Control & Added Shine with Shea Butter - Anti-Frizz Hair Products for Women

Marc Anthony Curl Gel is designed to give you beautifully defined curls that last. This high-hold gel creates a flexible cast that helps keep frizz at bay while enhancing your hair's natural bounce. Infused with nourishing ingredients like Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, it provides moisture and shine without leaving a crunchy feel. You can easily apply it to wet hair, making it perfect for various styling methods like wash-and-go or twist-outs. With this gel, you can enjoy well-defined curls that look great all day long.

What We Like
High hold for lasting curls
Non-sticky, flexible formula
Moisturizing ingredients
Easy application

Garnier Fructis Curl Sculpt Gel

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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

ECOCO Eco Style Hair Gel - Curl And Wave - 8 Oz

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8 Ounce (Pack of 1)
ECOCO Eco Style Hair Gel - Curl And Wave - 8 Oz Cover
Eco Style Ecoco Hair Gel - Curl And Wave - Anti-Itch, Alcohol-Free Formula - Perfect Hold For Angled Or Tapered Sides - Ideal For Wavy Hair - No Flakes - Not Animal Tested - Moisturizes - 8 Oz

ECOCO Eco Style Hair Gel is an alcohol-free hair styling product that delivers the strongest edge control with extreme hold. It is perfect for creating high definition looks that last all day. This hair gel is flake-free and helps control edges, strays, and fly-aways. The product comes in a variety of options to suit different styles. Ecoco is committed to environmental consciousness and green technologies, and the product is made in the USA.

What We Like
Delivers the strongest edge control with extreme hold.
Flake-free.
Comes in a variety of options to suit different styles.
#TOP 6

Aunt Jackie's Coconut Crème Recipes Curl Boss Gel

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Curl Boss
Aunt Jackie's Coconut Crème Recipes Curl Boss Gel Cover
Aunt Jackie's Coconut Crème Recipes Curl Boss Coconut Curling Hair Gel for Naural Curls, Coils and Waves, 15 oz

The Aunt Jackie's Coconut Crème Recipes Curl Boss Coconut Curling Hair Gel comes in a 15 oz size that delivers impressive definition, shine, and softness to your hair without a stiff, tacky feel. With this product, you can achieve soft, bouncy, smooth, hydrated, radiant-looking curls, coils, and waves. Additionally, it minimizes shrinkage and won't flake, cake, or weigh down your hair, making it the perfect choice for natural hair curls, coils, and waves.

What We Like
Impressive definition, shine, and softness
Minimizes shrinkage and won't flake, cake or weigh down hair
Great for natural hair curls, coils, and waves

BIOLAGE Styling Gelée

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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 8

Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel for Natural Hair, 15 oz

1-692-15-1200
B00MKCMDMY
Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel for Natural Hair, 15 oz Cover
Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Recipes Don't Shrink Elongating Hair Curling Gel for Natural Curls, Coils and Waves, Helps Prevent Dryness and Flaking, 15 oz

Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Recipes Don't Shrink Elongating Hair Curling Gel is a 15 oz gel that adds nourishment to your hair, while giving bounce and stretch to withering curls, twists, and coils. It promotes hair health from the inside out and helps to prevent dryness and flaking. The gel is enriched with flaxseed and wheat protein, making it suitable for natural hair curls, coils, and waves.

What We Like
Adds nourishment to hair
Promotes hair health
Prevents dryness and flaking

All About Curls High Definition Gel

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All About Curls High Definition Gel Cover
All About Curls High Definition Gel | Crunchless Ultra Hold | Define, Moisturize, De-Frizz | All Curly Hair Types | Vegan & Cruelty Free | Sulfate Free | 15 Fl Oz

All About Curls High Definition Gel is a hair styling gel that delivers strong hold while locking in moisture, defining curls, and reducing frizz. It provides all the control without the crunch and is suitable for all curly hair types. This gentle cleansing gel does not lather and is perfect for nourished, defined, and defrizzed curls.

What We Like
Provides strong hold while locking in moisture.
Leaves curls defined without frizz.
Provides all the control without the crunch.
#TOP 10

LUS Brands Irish Sea Moss Gel for Defined Curls

8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
LUS Brands Irish Sea Moss Gel for Defined Curls Cover
Love Ur Curls Irish Sea Moss Hair Gel, Medium Hold Hair Styling Curling Gel for Defined Curly Hair, Waves & Coils, Vegan, Cruelty Free, 236mL

Get healthy, hydrated, ultra-defined curls with LUS Brands Irish Sea Moss Gel. This medium-hold styling gel is curl-activating and provides extra definition and long-lasting hold while helping to repair and improve the look of damaged curls. Made with Irish Sea Moss and Acai, Passion Fruit & Rice Bran Oil Complex, it injects moisture and shine to your hair, and improves the health of your curls over time. Suitable for all curl types, it is clean, vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and dermatologist-tested and approved.

What We Like
Provides extra definition and long-lasting hold
Helps repair and improve the look of damaged curls
Injects moisture and shine, and improves the health of your curls over time
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does styling gel work for curly hair?

Yes, styling gel can work wonders for curly hair. Using a gel cast can help add definition to your curls, giving them a more structured and defined look. It's an effective styling technique for those with naturally curly hair who want to enhance their curls.

2. Is mousse or gel better for curly hair?

The choice between mousse and gel for curly hair depends on the desired hairstyle. If you want a natural, loose, and airy look, mousse is the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a sleek and defined style, using gel will provide the hold and definition you need.

3. What is the 3 gel method for curly hair?

The 3 gel method is a hair-care and styling technique for curly hair. It involves layering three different gels over a cream styling product to moisturize the hair and lock in hydration. This method helps maintain moisture while providing definition to your curls.

4. Do you apply gel to wet or dry hair?

It is recommended to apply gel to wet or damp hair. Starting with wet or damp hair allows the gel to distribute more evenly and hold better. Applying gel right after showering when the hair is most malleable and cooperative is ideal for achieving the desired style.

5. Do you really need gel for curly hair?

While curl creams provide moisture and some hold, gels are often preferred for curly hair due to their stronger hold. If you want to extend your style or live in a humid environment, adding a gel on top of curl cream can provide extra hold and manage frizz.

6. Should you put cream or gel on curly hair first?

For best results, apply a cream formula as a primer to moisturize and then layer on gel for definition and hold. This combination helps lock in moisture while providing structure and definition to your curls. If you want to boost volume, consider using a foam or mousse.

Editor's Notes

During our hair styling gel for curly hair research, we found 48 hair styling gel for curly hair products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 227,469 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair styling gels for curly hair list. We found that most customers choose hair styling gels for curly hair with an average price of $12.06.

The hair styling gels for curly hair are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair styling gels for curly hair, including SheaMoisture, Mielle Organics, Marc Anthony, Garnier, Eco Style. 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.