Best Hair Styling Gels for Smoothing & Straightening Hair of 2026

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

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Hair styling gels are a popular choice for those looking to achieve a sleek and smooth hairstyle. These gels are designed to provide a strong hold and control frizz, making them an ideal product for those with curly or unruly hair. Some gels also contain ingredients that help to straighten hair, making it easier to style and manage. Whether you're looking for a wet or dry look, there are a variety of hair styling gels available to suit your needs. Simply apply a small amount to damp or dry hair and style as desired for a smooth and polished finish.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

BIOLAGE Styling Gelée Cover #TOP 1
BIOLAGE Styling Gelée
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Redken Max Sculpting Gel | 8.8 Oz Cover #TOP 2
Redken Max Sculpting Gel | 8.8 Oz
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Kenra Styling Gel 17 | High Hold Gel | 6 fl. Oz Cover #TOP 3
Kenra Styling Gel 17 | High Hold Gel | 6 fl. Oz
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 7 Hair Styling Gels for Smoothing & Straightening Hair

BIOLAGE Styling Gelée

80396
Beige
BIOLAGE Styling Gelée Cover
Biolage Styling Gelée - Styling Gel for Slick Backs and Heatless Curls, Firm Hold, Adds Shine & Controls Frizz, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, 16.9 Fl Oz

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
Lightweight texture
Non-sticky formula
Effective for fine hair
Subtle pleasant scent
Leaves hair soft and shiny
#TOP 2

Redken Max Sculpting Gel | 8.8 Oz

0884486178947
B000MTSVZU
Redken Max Sculpting Gel | 8.8 Oz Cover
Redken Max Sculpting Gel For All Hair Types - Provides Body & High Shine Finish With Long-Lasting Shape Memory, Flake-Free Control

Get the ultimate hold and high shine finish with Redken Max Sculpting Gel. Suitable for all hair types, this gel provides long-lasting flake-free control, thickness, and volume. Made with Castor Oil and Orange Zest Oil, this gel won't leave any residue when dry. Apply to damp hair and comb for a slick wet look or blow dry for controlled volume.

What We Like
Provides all-day strong hold and high shine finish
Flake-free and won't leave residue when dry
Can add thickness and volume to hair

Kenra Styling Gel 17 | High Hold Gel | 6 fl. Oz

2419764
clear
6 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Kenra Styling Gel 17 | High Hold Gel | 6 fl. Oz Cover
Kenra Professional Styling Gel 17 | High Hold Gel | Creates Fullness & Adds Shine | Controls Coarse, Unruly Hair Textures | Alcohol-Free, Non-Drying, & Non-Flaking | Medium To Coarse Hair | 6 fl. Oz

The Kenra Styling Gel 17 is perfect for anyone with coarse hair. It provides excellent support for any style, creates fullness, and adds shine to your hair. The gel is alcohol-free, non-drying, and non-flaking, which means it won't damage your hair or leave any residue. With its ability to control coarse, unruly hair textures, this gel is a must-have for anyone looking for a high hold gel that provides a natural-looking finish.

What We Like
Alcohol-free and non-drying
Non-flaking formula
Controls coarse, unruly hair textures
Provides excellent support for any style
Imparts fullness and shine
#TOP 4

Scruples Hair Straightening Gel 33.8 Fl Oz

SG_B00HQXVGD4_US
Scruples Hair Straightening Gel 33.8 Fl Oz Cover
Scruples Smooth Out Hair Straightening Gel - 33.8 Fl Oz - Shine Enhancing & Smoothing Frizz Control Styling Solution for Women and Men with All Hair Types

The Scruples Smooth Out Gel is designed to help you achieve smooth, shiny hair with ease. Its special formula controls frizz, making your hair look polished and well-managed. If you struggle with unruly curls or waves, this gel works to tame them, giving you a sleek and smooth finish. Applying it to damp hair before blow-drying helps you get that salon-quality straight look right at home. Plus, it nourishes and protects your hair, so you can enjoy both style and care in one product.

What We Like
Effective frizz control
Enhances hair shine
Tames curly, unruly hair
Nourishes and protects hair
Easy salon-style results
#TOP 5

Scruples Smooth Out Hair Straightening Gel

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Scruples Smooth Out Hair Straightening Gel Cover
Scruples Smooth Out Hair Straightening & Styling Gel - Shine Enhancing & Frizz Control Solution for Women and Men with All Hair Types (8.5 oz)

Scruples Straightening Gel is an anti-frizz hair balm suitable for all hair types. It helps you tame flyaways, control curls, and say goodbye to frizziness. With this lightweight formula, you can have soft, smooth, and manageable hair every day. It gently conditions and protects your hair against heat damage, breakage, and frizziness, leaving you with hair that's beautiful to look at. You can easily achieve a sleek updo look with this temporary solution. Say hello to your good hair days, every day with Scruples Straightening Gel.

What We Like
Tames flyaways
Controls curls
Suitable for all hair types
#TOP 6

Scruples Smooth Out Shine Gel

VC-189-651458592106-KIT2-CA
Scruples Smooth Out Shine Gel Cover
Scruples Smooth Out Shine Enhancing & Frizz Control Gel for All Hair Types - Straightening & Styling Solution for Women and Men, 8.5 oz (Pack of 2)

Scruples Shine Control Gel is your go-to solution for achieving smooth, frizz-free hair. With its unique formula, this gel nourishes and protects your hair while effectively managing unruly curls. You can effortlessly transform your waves into sleek strands, giving you the straight hair look you desire. For best results, simply apply it to damp hair and blow-dry for a professional finish. Enjoy the benefits of enhanced shine and frizz control, making your hair look salon-styled right at home.

What We Like
Effective frizz control
Sleek, straight finish
Nourishing ingredients
Easy to use
#TOP 7

CMR Cosmetics Brazilian Keratin Hair Treatment Gel

CMR Cosmetics
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
CMR Cosmetics Brazilian Keratin Hair Treatment Gel Cover
CMR Cosmetics Brazilian Keratin Hair Treatment Gel - Straightening, Smoothing & Repairing Formula, Adds Volume & Gloss, Reduces Frizz, Preserves Waves, Suitable for All Hair Types

CMR Brazilian Keratin Gel is a powerful hair product that deeply nourishes your hair with Brazilian keratin. It helps you achieve smooth, straight hair while repairing and strengthening each strand, giving you salon-quality results at home. This gel also tames frizz, making your hair easier to manage and style daily, saving you time and effort. Its effects last for two months or more, so you can enjoy sleek hair without constant touch-ups. Plus, it respects your natural hair texture, allowing you to keep your waves or curls when you want, giving you flexible styling options.

What We Like
Deep keratin nourishment
Frizz reduction
Long-lasting smoothness
Maintains natural texture
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What to apply to hair to make it silky when straightening it?

To make your hair silky when straightening it, you can apply serums. Serums are recommended to be applied after the heat protectant and before blow-drying. They help seal in moisture and achieve a smooth, straight finish.

2. Can I use hair gel before straightening?

It is not recommended to use hair gel before straightening. Except for a heat protectant, it is advised to stay away from oil or any other hair product. Your hair should be product-free to ensure optimal results when straightening.

3. How do I keep my hair straight all day without frizz?

To keep your hair straight all day without frizz, you can follow these tips: Set your flat iron to a low heat setting, use a flat iron spray to protect against heat damage and lock in moisture, and finish with a frizz-fighting hairspray to combat humidity and maintain straight strands.

4. What do hairdressers use to straighten hair?

Hairdressers often use a chemical hair treatment called rebonding to straighten hair. Rebonding involves using a cream or relaxant softener to break the natural hair structure, followed by a neutralizer to re-bond the structure, resulting in straight, shiny, and sleek hair.

5. How can I make my frizzy hair soft and straight?

To make frizzy hair soft and straight, you can follow these steps: Wash your hair with moisturizing shampoo, apply a strengthening treatment, gently squeeze out excess moisture with a towel, detangle with a wide-toothed comb, let your hair air-dry partially, and apply heat protectant from root to tip.

6. What should I not do before straightening my hair?

Before straightening your hair, you should avoid applying anything to dry hair. The heat from the straightening iron can essentially boil the product into the hair follicle, especially if it contains alcohol. It is best to apply products to damp or wet hair before straightening.

7. Why won't my hair stay straight after I straighten it?

If your hair doesn't stay straight after straightening, it could be due to exposure to humidity. High humidity can cause your hair to revert back to its natural state. To keep your hair straight, it is important to avoid humidity and moisture. You can try pulling your hair up into a high ponytail before activities that may cause sweating or exposure to humidity.

8. How can I make my hair straight and silky naturally permanently?

To make your hair straight and silky naturally, you can try various DIY treatments. Some options include using a milk spray, applying a hot oil treatment with castor and coconut oil, using coconut water and lemon juice, creating a mask with eggs and olive oil, using a banana and papaya mask, applying an aloe vera hair mask, rinsing with rice water or apple cider vinegar.

Editor's Notes

During our hair styling gel for smoothing & straightening hair research, we found 48 hair styling gel for smoothing & straightening hair products and shortlisted 7 quality products. We collected and analyzed 83,019 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair styling gels for smoothing & straightening hair list. We found that most customers choose hair styling gels for smoothing & straightening hair with an average price of $16.23.

The hair styling gels for smoothing & straightening hair are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair styling gels for smoothing & straightening hair, including Biolage, Redken, Kenra, Scruples, CMR Cosmetics. 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.