Best Hair Styling Gels for Oily Hair of 2026
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For those with oily hair, finding the right hair styling gel can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are a variety of gels on the market that are specifically designed to combat excess oil and provide long-lasting hold without weighing hair down. Look for gels that contain ingredients such as tea tree oil, which has natural antibacterial properties that can help control oil production, or kaolin clay, which absorbs excess oil and impurities. Additionally, opt for lightweight formulas that won't leave hair feeling greasy or sticky. With the right hair styling gel, those with oily hair can achieve a sleek, polished look that lasts all day.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
#TOP 1
9.8
#TOP 2
9.7
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9.5
Top 10 Hair Styling Gels for Oily Hair
Nioxin Thickening Gel for Thinning Hair
The Nioxin Thickening Gel is a professional hair gel that provides a noticeable volume boost and a fuller end look. It gives thinning hair definition and strong hold without stiffness or stickiness. This gel is recommended for clients with short to mid length hair looking for firm hold. To use, apply 1-5 inch product into palm of hand and work through damp hair, blow dry and style as desired. For best results, use in combination with Nioxin System 2 Cleanser Shampoo and Scalp Therapy Conditioner.
Cremo Barber Grade Hair Styling Gel
Cremo Barber Grade Hair Styling Gel is a medium hold, volumizing formula designed for fine or thinning hair. It provides flexible control without weighing down the hair, and is alcohol free. Used and approved by top barbers, it has a light shine and is easy to apply. However, some customers have noted that it has a strong scent.
Vanicream Hair Styling Gel, Sensitive Skin Friendly
The Vanicream Hair Styling Gel is a fragrance-free and gluten-free hair gel designed for sensitive skin. This hair styling gel is free from common chemical irritants, such as dyes, fragrance, and parabens. It is alcohol-free, sulfate-free, and phosphate-free, making it ideal for daily use on wet or dry hair. This hair gel provides firm and long-lasting control without leaving greasy or sticky residue. It nourishes and repairs damaged hair, reduces flakiness, and adds body, leaving the hair manageable and static-free. Dermatologist tested and suitable for damaged and dry hair.
SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Styling Gel for Thick, Curly Hair
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.
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Styling Gel
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Styling Gel is a paraben-free hair styling gel enriched with natural ingredients that defines, smooths, and tames flyaways, offering frizz control and healthy-looking shine. It's perfect for twisting, braiding and wash ‘n go styles that provide long-lasting hold and control. You can easily achieve updos or pulled back styles with this product.
T is for Tame - Hair Taming Cream for Kids
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.
Eco Style Moroccan Argan Oil Styling Gel
Eco Style Moroccan Argan Oil Styling Gel is a natural hair gel formulated with argan oil to maintain moisture and add long-lasting shine. It provides superior hold and frizz control while conditioning the hair. Ideal for all hair types, this alcohol-free gel is perfect for creating stunning styles that last all day.
AllDay Locks Braid Gel
AllDay Locks Braid Gel is a 5oz hair gel that smooths and tames frizz while providing extreme hold for braids, locs, twists, and cornrows. It is also great for use as an edge control. Infused with lavender, peppermint, witch hazel, and sage, this gel helps alleviate dryness, itchiness, and flakiness. It adds a beautiful shine to your hair to make you look even more gorgeous. To use, apply into sectioned hair before braiding or twisting, and finish styling with the All Day Locks Braid Foam. This hair styling gel is perfect for people who want to look beautiful, confident, and one of a kind.
Eco Style Black Castor and Flaxseed Oil Styling Gel
Eco Style Hair Gel is a magical combination of Black Castor Oil and Flaxseed Oil that nourishes and repairs damaged hair. Black Castor Oil helps maintain moisture preventing water loss, while Flaxseed Oil strengthens your tresses. This special gel provides superior staying power, while keeping your hair moisturized with natural ingredients. It is the ideal styling product to work into your morning routine and give you a boost of confidence. With the largest selection of hair styling gels, you can choose the right gel for any style you desire. Eco Style Hair Gel is made in the USA, setting the standard for quality products that care for you and the world around us.
Eco Style Coconut Oil Styling Gel
Eco Style Gel, made with 100% pure coconut oil, adds moisture, luster, and shine to your hair while promoting a healthy scalp. Its weightless formula provides superior hold without wax or grease, preventing breakage and split ends. Eco Style Gel is perfect for all hair types and styles, and it comes in a variety of options to meet your unique needs. With its long-lasting luster and superior hold, Eco Style Gel is the perfect styling product to give you confidence throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does hair gel help with oily hair?
Hair gel can be helpful for oily hair because it is a lightweight styling product that does not weigh down the hair. Unlike heavy or oily hair products, such as pomades or waxes, hair gel can provide hold and control without adding extra grease to the hair.
2. How can I style my greasy hair without washing it?
There are several ways to style greasy hair without washing it. Some options include braids, using dry shampoo, wearing a headband, blow drying the hair, washing only the front and sides of the hair, using baby powder, or using a strategically placed hair clip. These methods can help camouflage the greasiness and create a stylish look.
3. How can I hide my greasy hair at work?
To hide greasy hair at work, try sleek hairstyles that keep the hair in place. Options include a sleek ponytail, dutch braid, double-dutch low bun, french braid, halo braid, crown braid, or side braid. These hairstyles help to tuck away the greasy strands and can be secured with a hair elastic or claw clip for extra hold.
4. Should I use pomade for oily hair?
It is not recommended to use pomade for oily hair. Pomades contain oil, which can add to the greasiness of the hair. Instead, opt for water-based pomades that provide hold and shine without making the hair look greasy. Water-based pomades are a better choice for those with oily hair.
5. How do you make greasy hair not look greasy without dry shampoo?
If you don't have dry shampoo, arrowroot powder can be used to absorb oil and grease from the hair. Massage a small amount of arrowroot powder onto the scalp and hair, then brush away the excess. For darker hair, you can mix equal quantities of cocoa powder with arrowroot powder and apply it to the scalp.
6. How do I stop my hair from getting greasy after one day?
To prevent hair from getting greasy after one day, try using a purifying shampoo specifically designed for greasy hair. Apply conditioner only to the ends of the hair, not the roots. Use the right amount of shampoo, and consider using apple cider vinegar as a treatment for greasy hair. Dry shampoo can also help absorb excess oil, and hairstyles like buns or braids can help conceal greasiness.
7. How do you make your hair not look greasy when you don't have time to shower?
If you don't have time to shower, dry shampoo is your best option to quickly get rid of excess oil. Simply spray the dry shampoo onto the roots and scalp, let it sit for a minute or two to absorb the oil, then brush it through and style as usual. Dry shampoo helps to refresh the hair and make it appear less greasy.
8. Is wax or pomade better for oily hair?
For those with oily hair, hair wax is a better choice than pomade. Wax provides control and definition without adding extra greasiness to the hair. It helps combat frizz and can add moisture to curly hair. Opting for hair wax instead of pomade can help manage oily hair effectively.
During our hair styling gel for oily hair research, we found 48 hair styling gel for oily hair products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 228,093 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair styling gels for oily hair list. We found that most customers choose hair styling gels for oily hair with an average price of $10.66.
The hair styling gels for oily hair are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair styling gels for oily hair, including Nioxin, Cremo, Vanicream, SheaMoisture, T is for Tame. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
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.