The 11 Best Hair Gels Are Essential to Achieve Touchable Hold, a Sleep Slick Back Bun, and Everything In Between
Whether your hair is curly, fine, thick, or somewhere in between.
The hair gel marketing team has had some major wins and major losses over the centuries (yes, centuries—humans have been using hair gel in some form or another since the days of ancient Egypt). We've had Grease as a Halloween costume, slick bun fever, and the wet look. But with the rise of "undone" beauty and the realization that no one wants their hair to look—or feel—crunchy, the styling product has gotten a bit of a bad rap. But when you're using one of the best hair gels? The latter isn't going to happen.
"A great hair gel gives you control and hold without making the hair feel stiff or crunchy. It should enhance the natural texture, add shine if you want it, and be versatile enough to use for sleek looks or to tame flyaways," explains celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan. "A bad gel is the opposite. Too sticky, heavy, or drying. If it flakes, leaves buildup, or feels like helmet hair, that is when you know it is not the right formula."
When used properly, hair gel is a versatile product for curly hair, slick back buns, and even updos, explains Adam Federico, R+Co's Vice President of Technical Education. "It can create sleek polish or an edgier, more lived-in finish depending on how it’s applied," he says. "I love working it through damp hair for a sculpted look, or applying it to dry hair to refine edges and add shine."
No matter where your styling routine takes you, I've found the 11 best hair gels on the market to help you perfect the look you're going for. Keep reading to discover your favorite.
The Best Hair Gels
- The Best Hair Gel Overall: R+Co Motorcycle Flexible Gel
- The Best Hair Gel for Styling: Crown Affair The Flexible Hold Finishing Hair Gel
- The Best Hair Gel for the Ingredient-Sensitive: Innersense Organic Beauty I Create Hold Hair Gel
- The Best Drugstore Hair Gel: Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Gel
- The Best Hair Gel Wand: IGK Frizz and Flyaway Lightweight Hair Gel Taming Wand
R+Co's Motorcycle Flexible Gel was created to combine the benefits of a hair gel and a hair wax. Inside this cute squeeze bottle (the brand always features iconic names and graphics), you'll find an easy-to-use, clear formula that provides controlled hold when your hair is wet or piece-y hold and separation on dry hair. It holds strong with no crunchiness, stickiness, or flakes, and washes out easily—quite frankly, everything you need in a hair gel.
Size: 5 oz.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil (hydrating and defining); Sunflower seed extract (smoothing and protecting); Keratin (volumizing)
Hair Type: All
Cruelty Free?: Yes
What I Love: Combines the best parts of two favorite stylers; All-day hold; Great for all hair types; Hair feels smooth and looks shiny
What I Don't: Nothing
Review for MC: "I don't own a motorcycle, but I do own Motorcycle Flexible Gel. That's enough to make me feel cool most days of the week. This has been my favorite hair gel for years, but I haven't bought as many tubes as you might think—mostly because I only need a pea-size dollop to kick my hair into gear. I don't know how bikes work, but I do know that with this worked into my wet hair, my waves are at their best, and I won't have to deal with helmet hair. I recently used it on an international flight, and my hair looked tame enough when I arrived that I was comfortable enough to head straight to lunch without my signature airport bathroom zhuzh." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Sophia Vilensky used R+Co's Motorcycle Flexible Gel to help her natural texture shine. Would you believe it looked the same 12 hours later when she got off a plane?
Lightweight and flexible (it's in the name!), this gel cream blends right into your strands "without crunch, tackiness, or flakiness." You can use it for styling wet or dry hair if you're hoping to smooth frizz and flyaways—or craft the perfect slick back bun like Marie Claire's Beauty Director, Hannah Baxter.
Size: 4.1 oz.
Key Ingredients: Tsubaki seed oil (moisturizing and strengthening); Jojoba milk (smoothing and softening); Film-form polymer (provides hold and a polished finish)
Hair Type: Straight; Wavy; Curly
Cruelty Free?: Yes
What I Love: Hair-loving ingredients; Flexible hold; High-shine finish; Features Crown Affair's delectable signature fragrance
What I Don't: Hold isn't as strong as some options (which might be just what you're looking for!)
Review for MC: "I’m such a slick back bun devotee, but when you have textured hair and wiry grays that are determined to stick straight up no matter how much product you use, you need a gel that works overtime. The Crown Affair formula is flexible and high-shine with plenty of hold that never feels crunchy. There’s also zero flaking or sticky texture, which is appreciated if you want to wear the bun two days in a row, as I do. I haven’t tried to use this as a styler for my 2b waves just yet, but I have a feeling it will wow me in that context as well." — Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director
MC Beauty Director Hannah Baxter is a big fan of a slick back bun—and Crown Affair's hair gel. Here, she shows how she uses one to achieve the other.
Honey, this gel is good. Innersense's I Create Hold Styling Gel was developed to provide a structured hold and healthy shine for all types of curly hair. (I also personally love it on slick back bun day for my fine, wavy type 2a hair.) The bottle is refillable and contains clean, good ingredients with a lovely, soft scent that even the most sensitive among us will surely appreciate.
Size: 10 oz.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera (moisturizing and strengthening); Honey (shine and hold-enhancing); Eucalyptus oil (soothing)
Hair Type: Curly; Coily
Cruelty Free?: Yes
What I Love: Refillable bottle; Provides fantastic hold; Gentle orange blossom fragrance; A little goes a long way; Safe for glycerin-sensitive users
What I Don't: If you overdo it, expect a stiff feeling
Review for MC: "Offering a little moment of self-reflection every time you use it (the brand recommends taking a deep breath before you work it into your locks), I Create Hold is my go-to when I want strong definition that's still flexible. While I personally use this more for a slick back look, I have my boyfriend work it through his curls when he wants them to look their best. And guess what? They do, for multiple flake-free days." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Innersense's hair gel is great for highlighting natural curl...or for when you need to get your hair looking flyaway-free. Here, Sophia Vilensky shows how it looks pre- and post-testing.
If you're looking to condition while achieving maximum hold without breaking the bank, Eco Style's Olive Oil Styling Gel is for you. The 100 percent pure olive oil in this formula adds moisture back to the scalp and hair while offering maximum hold for all hair types and textures. Also important to note: you can literally buy it by the bucket. Amazon sells an 80-ounce version.
Size: 8 oz.
Key Ingredients: Olive oil (smoothing and shine-enhancing)
Hair Type: All
Cruelty Free?: Yes
What I Love: Super affordable; Strong hold; You can find it anywhere; Great for curly hair
What I Don't: I'd rather have a squeeze bottle than a giant tub
Review for MC: "After I got over the ick factor of digging my hand into a giant tub of gel (I much prefer a squeeze bottle, unfortunately), I remembered why this hair gel is so widely beloved. The texture isn't sticky and spreads so nicely through wet or dry hair. While I planned on wearing my hair in a slick ponytail, it looked cute enough once I'd slicked it back that I almost went with a traditional wet look. I eventually decided that might be a little too dramatic for book club, but hey—nice to have the option. And my hair stayed in place all night through many a serious discussion." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Eco Style's big tub of hair gel will allow for plenty of slick back buns. Here's just one of Sophia Vilensky's claw clip looks.
Just a little bigger than your favorite purse lip balm, this flyaway wand was made to instantly tame any frizz that pops up as you go about your day, perfect your slicked-back hairstyle, or detail edges anywhere you might find yourself. The wax-free formula promises 24 hours of frizz control with no residue.
Size: 0.46 oz.
Key Ingredients: Spirulina protein (strengthening); Snow mushroom extract (hydrating)
Hair Type: All
Cruelty Free?: Yes
What I Love: Travel-friendly; Large brush makes tackling all flyaways so easy;
What I Don't: Small package (but that's the way it goes!)
Review for MC: "Good behavior is a cute name, but this extra-large gel wand makes sure my hair is always on its best behavior. As someone who always finds herself throwing her hair up, no matter the style I leave the house in, having this in my bag is a godsend for making it look like I *meant* to wear it that way. The big wand makes it so, so easy to tackle every flyaway, and there's also enough formula to cover my whole head in a pinch...though I don't recommend using it all up that way." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Sophia Vilensky keeps IGK's Hair Gel Wand in her purse so she can fight flyaways whenever they arise. (So...always.)
Tracee Ellis Ross knows the power of a simple, slick look or an impressively styled updo. Strong Hold Gel can help with both, offering long-lasting hold that won't break or dry out your hair. Built-in slippage helps evenly distribute this gel throughout your hair, allowing you to style sooner.
Size: 15 oz.
Key Ingredients: Irish moss; Flaxseed oil; Castor oil
Hair Type: Wavy; Curly; Coily
Cruelty Free?: Yes
What I Love: Big jar; Built-in slippage; Strong hold
What I Don't: Scent can be overpowering
Customer Review: "I highly recommend this for people with thick curls. I've struggled to find a gel with a strong enough hold, but this does the trick. I noticed some initial flakes, but they went away with enough moisture and were gone after diffusing. This does a great job of lasting." — Sephora
This is technically a cream, not a gel. But we have to cut our fine-haired friends (moi) a break every once in a while. This does all the same styling tricks, but is exceptional for thin strands. Like their great salt spray, Sachajuan's Ocean Mist Texturizing Hair Cream gives your hair that special salt-water feeling, providing a second-day feel that'll help you style while improving humidity resistance.
Size: 4.2 oz.
Key Ingredients: None highlighted
Hair Type: Fine
Cruelty Free?: Yes
What I Love: Leaves hair feeling super soft; Adds texture and grip without weight; Can be used with damp or dry hair
What I Don't: Smell is a little strong
Review for MC: "I'm a huge fan of Sachajuan's sea salt spray, and this gel gives me the same benefits in a fashion that makes so much more sense for my hair. I put it on when my hair is damp and get to scrunching. Once dry, I have the beachiest waves my 2a hair could hope for without any of the tangles the beautiful ocean always offers up. The smell is a little teen boy, but it's not bad—and so worth it for the texture." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
When McMillan debuted his new styling line, the hair community went wild. The products are all so good, including his new take on gel. With zero residue and a soft, buildable hold that leaves your hair brushable, this pretty blue tube will provide you with limitless looks sans frizz or flakes. You can brush it through without flaking, and it actually helps condition as you style. My tip is to start with less and build as you go.
Size: 5 oz.
Key Ingredients: HS3 Complex (heat protection); Hyaluronic acid (hydrating and frizz taming); Glycerin (provides shine)
Hair Type: All
Cruelty Free?: Yes
What I Love: Expert-crafted; Brushable finish; Offers heat protection
What I Don't: A bit expensive for a smaller tube
Customer Review: "This gel completely changed the way I style my hair. It gives that flexible hold without the crunch or stiffness. My waves still move, but they stay in place. I love that it never flakes or leaves any weird residue, even if I layer a bit more. It works great on damp hair for definition, and on dry hair for touch-ups. Super clean, soft finish, and no stickiness. Perfect for sleek buns, polished waves, or just keeping flyaways down." — Sephora
Redken has long been a go-to for color and care, but this is their first-ever styling line curl gel. They did it big, promising up to 72 hours of strong hold with a gel that sculpts, seals, and defines curls. Testing showed a 76 percent reduction in frizz, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of squalane and jojoba oil, which hydrate and help preserve your curl pattern.
Size: 8.5 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Squalane and jojoba oil (hydrating)
Hair Type: Curly; Coily
Cruelty Free?: Yes
What I Love: Unscented; Long-lasting; Hydrating ingredients
What I Don't: Stickier than other options
Customer Review: "This styling gel worked really well for my 3C hair. It just took me a little bit of manipulation to make it work this well. First use the proper brush when applying it into my hair. And then diffuse and crunched dry. It wasn't too stiff had flexibility and definition." — Ulta
Okay...a $125 hair gel might be a tough sell. But this tube of French goodness won a Marie Claire 2025 Skin Hair Award for a reason. "It’s just our luck that the gel that would make us fall in love with hair gels again would ring in at a hefty three figures. But this nourishing jelly from Sisley earns every dollar in its price tag with a laundry list of hydrating ingredients that nourish your locks as it adds touchable definition and long-lasting hold," the editors wrote when they named it best hair gel.
Size: 5 oz.
Key Ingredients: Coconut and shea oils (nourishing); Moringa oil (prevents frizz); Jojoba and sunflower wax complex (defines curls); Plant-based glycerin (softening); Plant-based conditioning agent (strengthening)
Hair Type: Wavy; Curly; Coily
Cruelty Free?: Not explicitly stated
What I Love: Hydrating ingredients; Hair feels glossy and soft after application
What I Don't: Super hefty price tag
Customer Review: "A luxurious, lightweight jelly that defines curls while keeping them soft, bouncy, and frizz-free. Infused with nourishing botanical extracts, it enhances natural curl patterns without stiffness or crunch. Hair feels hydrated, smooth, and effortlessly styled. A premium choice for those looking to elevate their curl care routine!" — Nordstrom
Olaplex does wonders for hair health, and their take on hair gel continues the trend. In a consumer perception study, 90 percent agreed this stuff helped their curls maintain hydration for a whopping seven days. It's humidity and frizz-resistant, reviving natural curl patterns in wavy and curly hair while the proprietary Olaplex Bond Building Technology strengthens curl-forming bonds.
Size: 6.7 oz.
Key Ingredients: Olaplex's Bond Building Technology (repairs disulfide bonds); Coconut-avocado milk (fortifying, nourishing, and conditioning)
Hair Type: Wavy; Curly; Coily
Cruelty Free?: Yes
What I Love: Extremely hydrating; Doesn't weigh curls down
What I Don't: Nothing
Customer Review: "I have super oily hair and this product is absolutely amazing. We suffer from dry hair as curly girls and I have to admit that this has truly made my hair feel soft, bouncy, and hydrated. I also love how it doesn't weight my hair down." — Sephora
What Should I Look for in a Hair Gel?
- Formula
When peeking at a hair gel's ingredient list, keep an eye out for the star ingredient: polymers. The long molecules stick to the hair's surface and help adjacent strands attract one another. You can find all sorts of polymers (natural, such as keratin, cellulose, or guar gum, synthetic, such as vinyl monomer-derived PVP, or semi-synthetic), and they also help perfect the gel's texture, thicken the formula, and might offer shine and humidity resistance.
"I always recommend formulas that are alcohol-free, since those won’t dry out the hair," adds Grenia. "If you want shine, go for a gel labeled 'wet look.' If you want more natural movement, look for 'soft' or 'flexible hold.'"
- Hair Type
Hair gel can be a great tool for any and every hair type. The key, according to Federico, is choosing the right gel and using the right amount of it.
"It just depends on the formula and application," adds Grenia. "If you have fine hair, look for lightweight gels that won’t weigh it down. Curly and coily hair: Gels with added moisture or polymers are great for definition. Thick or coarse hair: Stronger-hold gels give the control needed for sleek or sculpted looks."
- Hold
Federico suggests finding a gel that "offers hold without stiffness or flaking." It should give control while still keeping hair touchable and modern, he explains.
How Do I Use a Hair Gel?
Grenia thinks the key to perfect hair gel application is starting small. That means a pea-size amount for short hair or a dime-to-quarter size for longer or thicker hair. "Add more gradually rather than overloading at once. If you see white residue or stiffness, you’ve used too much. If the style doesn’t hold, or frizz escapes quickly, you probably need a bit more," he says.
It's also important to make sure your gel is working with your other favorite products. "For curly hair, a gel will really shine when layered over a hydrating leave-in conditioner," Fedrico adds. "This combination creates memory, structure, and definition while keeping curls hydrated and touchable."
Another styling tip? Apply it on damp hair and comb it through to distribute evenly. "This prevents clumps and ensures shine and control from root to tip," the expert says. Then, follow McMillan's advice and let it air-dry. "It really defines the natural wave or curl and keeps it looking polished," he notes. "For shorter cuts, I like running it through to give that cool, lived-in shape. On longer hair, I like smoothing it into a clean part or ponytail for that chic, pulled-together finish. I love a good slick back."
How Do I Remove Hair Gel?
We all know how important a good shampoo is every once in a while—especially when you're big on hair gel.
"When you use gel regularly, it’s important to cleanse properly so the product doesn’t build up on the scalp. I recommend alternating a gentle, sulfate-free daily shampoo with a clarifying shampoo once a week to fully reset the hair and scalp," Grenia says. "Follow with a lightweight conditioner to keep the hair balanced."
How We Tested
Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky found the best hair gels on the market based on customer reviews, Marie Claire editor recommendations, expert recommendations, and her own testing. After receiving samples of numerous hair gels and returning to some old favorites, she went on a mission to perfect her slicked-back bun and perfect her wave pattern (and her boyfriend's curls!), evaluating each product based on texture, price, ingredients, hold, and (hopeful lack of) crunch level.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
Meet the Experts
Born and raised in California’s cultural hub, Adam Federico has created a niche for himself among craft hairdressings most practiced artisans. His skillset is broad, yet honed, and he counts Master Educator, Creative Director and Stylist as his defining roles.
Aaron has quickly become one of NYC’s most sought-after stylists. His unique eye for hairdressing and ability to capture personal style has attracted industry icons and fashion’s most elite. Aaron’s home base is IGK’s NYC salon in SOHO.
Whether or not you’ve ever even heard the name Chris McMillan, chances are your life has been touched by his work. Chris has been cutting hair for over three decades. He is the creator of The Rachel—the cut from the TV show Friends that defined the 1990s.
He’s also the mastermind behind the sexy, beachy wavy look that is currently ubiquitous on every red carpet. When Kim Kardashian got engaged, it was Chris she wanted to do her hair for the big day. When a certain rock star wanted a whole new image to shake the foundation, she called Chris—and Miley Cyrus’ new look was born.
Chris is pure California—he was born in Huntington Beach and never truly left Southern California. In 2002, The Chris McMillan Salon opened in Beverly Hills. His work has appeared on the covers of Vogue, Elle, W, InStyle and most every fashion and beauty magazine published today. But at the end of the day, it’s the clients at the salon—and his three Jack Russell terriers—that have always been his true passion.
