Best Hair Styling Gels for Men of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 12, 2026

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Hair Styling Gels are the go-to products for men who want to achieve the perfect hairstyle. These versatile gels offer a strong hold that keeps hair in place all day long, allowing men to experiment with different styles and looks. Whether it's a slicked-back formal look or a messy, textured style, these gels provide the flexibility and control needed to create the desired effect. With various formulations available, such as matte or shiny finishes, men can choose a gel that suits their individual preferences and hair type. Hair Styling Gels are the ultimate tool for men looking to elevate their grooming game and achieve a polished, stylish appearance.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

American Crew Men's Hair Gel: High Hold and High Shine Cover #TOP 1
American Crew Men's Hair Gel: High Hold and High Shine
ftb score rating icon 9.8
American Crew Men's Hair Gel Cover #TOP 2
American Crew Men's Hair Gel
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Men's Hair Gel by American Crew Cover #TOP 3
Men's Hair Gel by American Crew
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Hair Styling Gels for Men

American Crew Men's Hair Gel: High Hold and High Shine

2523841
Multi
American Crew Men's Hair Gel: High Hold and High Shine Cover
American Crew Men's Hair Styling Gel, Firm Hold, Non-Flaking, 8.4 fl oz

American Crew Men's Hair Gel is a moisture-rich gel that provides a defined look while taming hair leaving a high shine finish. It works well when a textured definition, frizz-free hair and a defined look is desired. This hair gel is perfect for men who want a high hold and high shine. It provides moisturizing and conditioning benefits while taming the hair for a frizz-free defined look. Apply to towel-dried hair and style as desired. American Crew is a leader in Men's Grooming for HAIR, BODY, SHAVE, STYLE, FRAGRANCE categories with products that make great fathers day gifts. American Crew's ongoing commitment is to elevate men's style and enhance their personal image.

What We Like
Strong, reliable hold
No stiffness or flaking
Easy to wash out
Subtle, pleasant scent
Economical large size
#TOP 2

American Crew Men's Hair Gel

794437103587
Brown
American Crew Men's Hair Gel Cover
American Crew Men's Hair Styling Gel, Firm Hold, Non-Flaking, 33.8 Fl Oz, 33.8 fl oz

American Crew Men's Hair Gel is a moisture-rich gel that provides a defined look while taming hair and leaving a high shine finish. It works well when a textured definition, frizz-free hair and a defined look is desired. It is enriched with natural extracts to help hair look thicker with more body and shine, and is alcohol free. Customers have praised its ability to hold up even in hot weather, and its long-lasting effects without buildup.

What We Like
Strong all-day hold
No flaking or residue
Easy to wash out
Works for thick hair
Economical large size
#TOP 3

Men's Hair Gel by American Crew

76033
Plain
Men's Hair Gel by American Crew Cover
American Crew Men's Hair Styling Gel, Firm Hold, Non-Flaking, 3.3 fl oz

American Crew's Men's Hair Gel is a non-flaking styling gel that tames hair, provides a high hold, and high shine finish. It works well for a textured definition, frizz-free hair, and defined look. The gel provides moisturizing and conditioning benefits, avoiding drying hair. The alcohol-free formula is easy to apply to towel-dried hair and style as desired.

What We Like
Provides a high hold and high shine finish
Moisturizes and conditions hair, avoiding drying
Non-flaking formula

American Crew Men's Light Hold Hair Gel

American Crew Men's Light Hold Hair Gel Cover
American Crew Men's Hair Gel, Light Hold with Low Shine, 8.4 Fl Oz

The American Crew Light Hold Gel is designed to give you a natural look while keeping your hair manageable. This gel is great for adding moisture to dry or dehydrated hair, helping to bring it back to life. If you want a style with texture and no frizz, this gel works well to keep your hair defined and smooth. It offers a light hold with a subtle shine, so your hair looks natural, not stiff or overly shiny. Simply apply it to towel-dried hair, comb through, and let it dry naturally for easy styling that feels comfortable all day.

What We Like
Moisturizing formula
Light hold
Natural shine
Frizz control
Easy application
#TOP 5

Suave Barber Essentials Hair Gel 9 oz

Clear/Transparent
9 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Suave Barber Essentials Hair Gel 9 oz Cover
Suave Hair Gel For Men Barber Essentials Styling, Strong Hold and Low Shine, No Flakes, Barber-Quality Results, 9 oz

Suave Barber Hair Gel offers a strong hold that keeps your hairstyle in place all day, so you don’t have to worry about constant touch-ups. It delivers a natural finish with low shine, giving your hair a polished yet subtle look that suits any style. The gel’s alcohol-free formula helps maintain your hair’s moisture, preventing dryness and damage. Plus, it’s infused with a fresh sandalwood and lavender scent, keeping your hair smelling clean and pleasant throughout the day. This gel is a great choice if you want reliable styling with healthy hair care and a refreshing fragrance.

What We Like
Strong all-day hold
Natural low shine finish
Alcohol-free, moisturizing
Sandalwood and lavender scent
#TOP 6

American Crew Men's Hair Fiber

885376760235
3 Ounce (Pack of 1)
American Crew Men's Hair Fiber Cover
American Crew Men's Hair Fiber, Like Hair Gel with High Hold & Low Shine, 3 oz

American Crew Hair Fiber is a versatile hair styling product that provides a pliable hold and a modern matte finish. This fiber works to thicken and texturize your hair, giving it increased fullness and a desired matte look. It is recommended for straight to wavy hair types and is suitable for hair lengths between 1-3 inches. With its high hold and low shine finish, this hair fiber is perfect for achieving a matte, texturized style. It washes out easily, making it convenient for everyday use. American Crew Hair Fiber is the go-to choice for those looking to add volume and texture to their hair.

What We Like
Strong all-day hold
Natural matte finish
No greasy or crunchy look
Subtle, pleasant scent
Easy to apply and wash out
#TOP 7

DOVE MEN + CARE Styling Gel - Strong Hold Hair Taming Gel

White
7 Fl Oz (Pack of 3)
DOVE MEN + CARE Styling Gel - Strong Hold Hair Taming Gel Cover
DOVE MEN + CARE Styling Gel 3 count Hair Taming Gel for a Strong Hold Hair Styling Product for Thicker and Healthier Looking Hair 7 oz

DOVE MEN + CARE Styling Gel is specially designed for men to create a strong hold, controlled, smooth, and wet-look style. This alcohol-free hair gel formula contains caffeine, which gives the appearance of healthier and thicker hair. This product is ideal for a sleek and smooth finish to your hairstyle without leaving hair looking thin, flat, or greasy.

What We Like
Creates controlled, smooth, wet-look styles with a strong hold
Alcohol-free hair gel formula to secure your looks
Gives the appearance of healthier and thicker hair once applied
#TOP 8

Men's Hair Gel by American Crew

76040
Multi
Men's Hair Gel by American Crew Cover
American Crew Men's Hair Gel, Light Hold Styling Product, 13.1 fl oz

American Crew's Men's Hair Gel is a moisture-rich gel that provides a light hold and natural shine, taming the hair for a frizz-free natural look. It works well when a textured definition, frizz-free hair, and a natural look are desired. This alcohol-free gel also conditions the scalp with ginseng and sage extract, while protecting hair from blow-drying. Simply apply to towel-dried hair and allow it to dry naturally. American Crew is committed to elevating men's style and enhancing their personal image.

What We Like
Natural finish
Non-flaking formula
Alcohol-free
Easy application
Versatile for styling
#TOP 9

Viking Revolution Strong Hold Hair Gel for Men

Viking Revolution Strong Hold Hair Gel for Men Cover
Hair Gel for Men Strong Hold - Mens Hair Gel Extra Strength - Styling Gel for Hair Clear Hair Gel - Firm Hold Gel Hair High Shine Non-Flaking Curly Hair Gel (10oz)

The Viking Revolution Hair Gel for Men is a lightweight yet strong styling gel that provides a firm hold to keep your hair in place all day long. It is a non-flaking styling gel that works well for hair of all lengths and styles, providing a smooth, sleek finish with high shine. This hair gel is perfect for those who want a long-lasting hold without having to worry about constantly reapplying it throughout the day.

What We Like
Provides a long-lasting hold
Does not flake, leaving hair looking and feeling clean
Works well for hair of all lengths and styles
#TOP 10

Clubman Hard to Hold Styling Gel

279255
B00112TIIG
Clubman Hard to Hold Styling Gel Cover
Clubman Pinaud Hair Styling Gel - Hard to Hold & High Shine Hair Gel for Men, Alcohol-Free Formula, Men's Grooming, 16 oz

This hair styling gel is designed to provide a strong hold for your hair. The model number of the product is 279255, and its item package weight is 1.06 lb. The item package dimensions are 8.636cm L x 8.636cm W x 9.652cm H. The Clubman Pinaud Styling Gel Hard to Hold is a perfect choice for those who want to keep their hair in place all day long.

What We Like
Provides a strong hold for your hair.
Compact size and lightweight.
Easy to apply and style your hair.
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should men use for styling hair?

Use a comb to part hair but finish with a brush to add volume to any style. Blow Dry If you do use hair dryer, protect hair by using medium heat and finish with a cold blast. Thin Hair Products A pre-styler, or product used before styling, can boost hair thickness and volume.

2. What does mens hair gel do?

HAIR CREAM Hair Creams are another option for styling men's hair. Creams, like Easy Hold, are low fuss products that are easy to apply, wash out and style with. Cream's generally offer light hold and keep the hair looking natural. They will give the hair a fuller appearance while keeping it nice and tidy.

Editor's Notes

During our hair styling gel for men research, we found 48 hair styling gel for men products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 254,415 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair styling gels for men list. We found that most customers choose hair styling gels for men with an average price of $17.71.

The hair styling gels for men are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair styling gels for men, including AMERICAN CREW, Suave, DOVE MEN + CARE, Viking Revolution, Clubman. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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.