Best Hair Styling Gels for Wavy Hair of 2026

"I find that just a small amount of this product really helps define my waves and add texture, even though my hair is thin and not super curly. I love the fresh, clean scent and how it seems to boost the shine of my highlights. I recommend experimenting with how much you use to avoid any residue."

"As part of my multi-step curl routine, this gel is a winner. After layering it with the Got2B curl cream and foaming mousse, I get a gel cast that’s easy to scrunch out, leaving my curls bouncy, shiny, and nicely scented. It never feels stiff or too hard."

"I have 4a-4b hair and tried this with the styling cream for a wash n go. The result was okay, but I experienced some flaking and dryness. It could be that I used too much product. After a few days, I ended up re-washing my hair."

"After struggling with countless products that left my curls flat, frizzy, or crunchy, I finally discovered this gel. It keeps my curls bouncy and frizz-free for an entire day. I was skeptical because of the basic packaging, but the results blew me away—no crunchiness or greasy residue, just soft, well-defined curls. This gel is a game changer for anyone battling with unmanageable curls!"

"My hair is slightly curly and tends to get flyaway, but this gel holds my curls in place and enhances their shape. I used to rely on a similar product, but since that's no longer available, I'm relieved I found ECO Style Hair Gel. It works great for my hair type and gives a nice shine, without greasiness."

"I was desperate for a gel that wouldn't weigh down my curls or leave them crunchy. This product makes my hair soft and defined, and the value for the price is excellent. The only downside is the packaging, which can get a bit messy, but the effectiveness of the gel outweighs that minor issue."

"After trying several products that didn't work for me, I was pleasantly surprised by this one. My thin hair looks naturally wavy without being weighed down, and I absolutely love the results. I highly recommend this to others with similar hair types."

"When my longtime hair product was discontinued, I needed a new go-to. This gel became my perfect replacement. It leaves no film, isn't oily, and smells wonderful. I also appreciate the great value and the shine it gives my hair."

"I've had good experiences with this gel before, so I decided to get it from Amazon even though it was pricier. It's a solid product I would recommend, but you might find a better deal at a beauty supply store."

"I've tried a lot of gels, but this one really stands out for my curls. It doesn't leave any residue or flakes, and my hair feels moisturized and looks defined. There's also no weird smell. My daughter loves it too, so it's a win for us both!"

"For my 3a wavy hair, this gel gives the perfect balance of hold without being too heavy or too light. While it does feel a bit sticky when wet, that goes away after drying, and my hair ends up looking shiny, healthy, and bouncy for days. I'm definitely upgrading to the full-size bottle."

"I've always been on the hunt for a lightweight, non-sticky curl gel, and this one finally delivered. I just apply it after my shower, let my hair air dry, and it looks great every time—so easy for someone like me who wants a low-maintenance routine."

"I've tried countless gels for my fine, mature 3B hair, and none compare to this one. My curls are beautifully defined, hold up until the next wash, and the gel washes out cleanly with zero residue. I was worried it might be too heavy for my thin hair, but it's incredibly lightweight—just a tiny amount goes a long way. It's pure magic for my curls!"

"After struggling with heavy shedding and breakage, I used this gel on soaking-wet hair and was amazed. It immediately brought back my natural curl pattern, locked in moisture, and dramatically reduced shedding. My hair felt hydrated, revived, and the scent is wonderful. The only minor downside is a slight crunch when dry, but otherwise, this gel truly saved my hair—especially my 4C texture."

"This product is a game changer for my wash day routine. My curls stay defined for days, there's zero stickiness, and the ingredients are clean—no harmful additives. Best of all, it scores 100/100 on Yuka. I finally found a gel I trust and love!"

"I was really struggling to find something that could control my curls and frizz without making my hair crunchy or heavy. I was honestly skeptical because the packaging looked cheap and leaked a little, but I was seriously impressed. This gel gave me bouncy, frizz-free curls that lasted all day without any crunch. It honestly felt unreal how well it worked. I’m a total fan now!"

"My hair is just a bit curly and tends to get wild, but this gel really holds my style in place and brings out my curls. I love that it’s not greasy and makes my hair shine without weighing it down. The size could be better, but overall, it works great for my needs."

"After a long search for the right product, this gel has been a game changer for my 3a curls. It defines my curls without making them stiff or dry, and if I apply it properly, I get a really nice gel cast. My curls are soft and full of life now!"

"I've tried countless products for my frizzy, wavy hair, but this one stands out. It leaves my hair soft, voluminous, and frizz-free without weighing it down. When I use the right amount, the finish is touchable, airy, and never greasy. Even after twisting my hair up post-drying, my curls last for hours. This has definitely become my new favorite!"

"I have 2B waves and have struggled with definition and frizz. This styler gives me great definition and almost zero frizz—plus, there's no crunch or stickiness. It works incredibly well on soaking wet hair, leaving my hair shiny and smooth, and it doesn't weigh it down. The only downside is the instructions could be clearer."

"As someone who is extremely sensitive to scents, Odele's Air Dry Styler has been a game-changer. It controls frizz, leaves my curls shiny, and the texture is never sticky. This is the first time I've ever left a review because these products truly helped me embrace my natural curls without any bothersome fragrance."

"I use this on my daughter's curly hair and am really happy with the results. Her curls look soft and defined, never stiff or crunchy. The spray is super easy to use, and I appreciate that it has a clean, light scent and doesn’t leave any residue. The only thing is I wish the hold was a little stronger for frizz, but for daily use, it keeps her curls looking cute and natural. For the price and quality, I would definitely recommend it to other parents of curly-haired kids!"

"As someone with curly hair living in the humid Deep South, I can say this product is a game changer! It keeps my curls tight, shiny, and soft, with absolutely no heaviness. Even with all the moisture in the air, my hair stays frizz-free and feels like baby hair. I love that I can use this on my grandkids too—this is a product that really works for all ages."

"I hoped this would be my new favorite, but for me, it didn’t provide much hold or curl definition. However, I did find it helpful for styling my bangs, as it holds them in place with cleaner ingredients than most products."

"Since I started using this hair cream, my hair care routine has completely changed for the better. The scent is truly delightful and adds a touch of luxury every time I use it. I love how hydrated and silky my curls feel, and the definition it gives to each curl is just amazing. Whether I let my hair air dry or use styling tools, my natural curl pattern looks more lively and defined than ever."

"As someone with long, thinning, wavy hair, I appreciate that this product feels lightweight and never weighs down my hair. I only need a small amount, and it effectively controls frizz and gives me volume that lasts for days. While the fragrance is a bit too strong for my taste, it does fade quickly. Overall, I highly recommend this and look forward to trying more from the line."

"I have thick, curly hair, and I might have used too much of this cream because, after drying, my hair looked a bit wet and greasy. However, the scent is amazing—light and not overpowering. I’m a big fan of the matching shampoo and conditioner as well."

"I am genuinely impressed by how this product leaves my hair incredibly soft, clean-feeling, and full of spirals without any heaviness or crispiness. The scent is light and fruity, and the list of nourishing ingredients like rosemary, sage, and shea butter is impressive. I love how bouncy and glossy my curls turn out, even from the first use. This has quickly become a favorite in my hair routine!"

"Having tried countless products, I keep coming back to this gel for my naturally curly hair. It offers a lightweight, medium hold without making my curls crunchy, and after it dries, my hair stays soft and manageable. The ingredients are clean and vegan, and although it's a bit pricey, the quality and the way my hair responds make it worthwhile. It’s my go-to for curl definition and softness."

"With my fine, frizz-prone curls, this soufflé works wonders. The trick for me is using less product on sopping wet hair—that way, my curls turn out soft, voluminous, and frizz-free without any cast to scrunch out. I've tried other brands, but nothing delivers the same results. A little goes a long way for perfect curls!"