Best Hair Styling Gels for Wavy Hair of 2025

"This gel works great for my thick and curly hair, and I found it to be a great price. It’s water-based, so I use it on dry hair, and it holds up all day."

"I absolutely love this product! It gives me amazing curls without the crunch. I've tried many products, but this one is by far my favorite for my fine 3c curls."

"While the gel itself is fantastic, the packaging was not great. The lid was off, causing a little leakage. However, it holds my waves nicely and is easy to wash out."

"I recently found this hair cream, and it has totally transformed my hair care routine. The amazing scent and exceptional moisturization really set it apart. My curls look better than ever, defined and lively!"

"As an older person with thinning hair, I appreciate how little product I need. It tames frizz and gives me volume for days! However, I do wish the fragrance was milder. But overall, I highly recommend this product!"

"I absolutely love this hair cream! It works wonders on my fine curly hair, leaving it frizz-free without weighing it down. Plus, the scent is fantastic! I've bought it multiple times!"

"I absolutely loved this gel! It gave my hair a wet look for the first few hours. I think it could have looked even better if I had used a bit more, but I was a little nervous the first time. After a few hours, it didn't look wet anymore, but it held my waves nicely during my afternoon at the lake."

"I've been using this product since the 90's. It’s tough to find in stores, so I was a bit hesitant, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. It keeps my curls nice and bouncy while maintaining that wet look I love."

"I enjoy using this gel when I want a wet look on my wig, especially when paired with curling cream. However, I did notice that it made my natural hair feel a bit dry and brittle. Despite this, I still think it’s a great product for wigs!"

"I’m thrilled with this styling gel! It works perfectly for my fine, wavy hair, providing a nice hold and soft finish. I find it even better than Biolage Gelee, and I’m planning to repurchase while also trying the styling foam."

"I absolutely love the scent! While I prefer floral and clean fragrances, I can see how some might not enjoy it. The hold is decent for my wavy-curly hair, but I wish the bottle was larger for the price. I’m on a budget and would appreciate more ounces for the same cost."

"I was a bit skeptical about trying this product since I’ve always straightened my hair. But after using it, I’m so happy! My hair is curly, soft, and bouncy after air-drying, and it smells subtle yet nice. The bottle is bigger than expected, and I didn’t need to use much."

"I'm really impressed with this no-heat styling gel! It's lightweight and easy to apply, providing great hold without needing any heat. My curls are defined and frizz-free all day, and my hair feels soft instead of crunchy. It’s a game-changer for my quick styling routine!"

"After a shower, this is perfect for wearing my hair naturally while minimizing those rogue hairs. However, I found it doesn't provide enough hold for styling."

"With my long thick hair, this product has been a lifesaver! It allows me to wash and go, combats humidity-related frizz, and gives a lovely beach wave without weighing my hair down. My stylist even bought it for her daughter because they both love it!"

"I find this product perfect for my 3a wavy hair. It provides the ideal hold—not too tight, not too lightweight. Initially, it felt a bit sticky while wet, but that completely disappears after it dries. My hair looks shiny and healthy whether I air dry or blow dry. Plus, the gel cast breaks easily with just a few drops of oil, resulting in shiny, non-frizzy, and bouncy curls that last for 4-5 days."

"I absolutely adore this gel! I have told all my friends about it. It works wonderfully and has a lovely fragrance. My curls look flawless throughout the day!"

"Initially, I almost returned this product, but after giving it another shot, I really like it! I have curly hair that has thinned over time, and I was concerned about it feeling weighed down. I used a spray conditioner beforehand and applied a tiny amount of the gel, being careful near the roots. After air drying, I noticed no stickiness and my hair looked great—a first for me! Combining it with a good conditioner made a significant difference."

"I have wavy to curly red hair and have tried nearly every curly hair product available since the 1980s. This Frizz Ease product is among the best I've encountered. It refreshes my curls on non-wash days, making them smoother, more defined, and less frizzy. I use it on damp hair and keep a spray bottle of water on hand to dampen my hair before applying. The result is bouncy and smooth curls that outperform pricier brands."

"I always use this to manage my frizzy hair. After many years of use, I can confidently say it works great!"

"As a busy mom of three little ones, I don't usually leave reviews, but I have to share that this product has reduced my frizz by over 70%! After lightly towel-drying my hair, I spray it all over, then follow with my usual mousse and gel. The bottle size is ample, and the value for the price is unmatched. It isn't greasy or heavy, and it holds up throughout the day. I'm rating it 10/10!"

"After trying countless gels, I finally found CURLSMITH Curl Defining Styling Soufflé. My curls look shiny and soft, and they last for days! I receive compliments all the time, and it feels great to have found my staple product!"

"I appreciate that this product gives my hair a soft hold without feeling heavy or greasy. It's perfect for my long, medium-textured 2B hair, and I can go days without washing!"

"I bought this for my mom, and she absolutely adores it! It keeps her curls hydrated and silky, and the smell is divine. However, we did encounter an issue with the second order arriving damaged, but it was resolved smoothly."

"This product is so lightweight that my hair doesn't get crunchy at all. I love the scent and how it makes my curls look! I have fine hair and my curls are about 2C/3A."

"I've been using this gel for my thick curly hair, and it's amazing! A small amount goes a long way, and my hair looks fantastic. It might be a bit pricey, but when you find something that works, it's worth it."

"I think this is an okay gel for curls. I've always had very curly hair, but this one feels a bit crunchy with too much product. It does hold a nice curl and smells good at first, but the scent changes as it dries."

"After trying 20+ products, I finally found the one that works! This gel is simply amazing! A small amount is enough, and when diluted with water, it gives zero frizz even days later. It has a hard hold and a bit of crunch, but my curls stay beautiful and frizz-free. I can even use it right in the shower without towel drying my hair. I just comb through, apply it to wet hair, and let it dry naturally. Thanks, Curlsmith!"

"I had a mixed experience with this gel. It was initially too much for my fine, low porosity hair; even a dime-sized amount felt heavy. However, after some experimentation and trying it with a leave-in, I found that it worked beautifully! Now I get the hype and can't wait to use the full size. This product truly takes practice, but it's worth it once you figure it out!"

"I absolutely love this gel! My curls look amazing, and I've received so many compliments. However, the packaging is frustrating—the cap broke, making it hard to squeeze out the product. It's a challenge when my hands are wet and slippery. I really hope they improve the tube because I want to keep using this fantastic product!"