10Best.Guide

Hair Gel for Men

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Provides a strong hold for hair.
  • Gives a natural look with no shine.
  • Works well with damp and dry hair.
  • Does not cause flakiness.
  • Smells good.
Cons
  • Pump is too short, making it difficult to get the product out.
  • Expensive.
Bottom Line
SexyHair Style Hard Up Hard Holding Gel provides a strong hold for hair and gives a natural look with no shine. However, the pump is too short, making it difficult to get the product out, and it can be expensive. It can also leave a blue hue on hair and hands and is not clear in color, which can be annoying.
Pros
  • Provides a strong hold for all-day styling
  • Pleasant and subtle fragrance
  • Easy to apply and distribute evenly
  • Holds thin hair in place
  • Doesn't leave hair feeling greasy
Cons
  • Smells "manly" or like cologne
  • Minimal gel properties
Bottom Line
Johnny B Mode Styling Gel is a great option for those looking for a strong hold, easy application, and a pleasant fragrance. However, it may not be suitable for those who dislike the "manly" scent or are looking for a more affordable option. The container design may also be inconvenient for some users.
Pros
  • Great hold
  • No scalp irritation
  • Nice smell
  • Effective for messy look
  • Small and travel-friendly
Cons
  • Over-concentrated
  • Can get crunchy
Bottom Line
American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel is a great option for those looking for a strong hold without scalp irritation or flaking. However, it may require some experimentation to find the right amount to use and can be inconsistent in formula.
Pros
  • Works as expected
  • Good value for money
  • Great hold
  • Non-flaking
  • No overwhelming scent
Cons
  • Inconsistent consistency
  • Delivery issues
Bottom Line
American Crew Firm Hold Gel is a strong-hold hair gel that provides good value for money. It has a non-flaking formula and a subtle scent. However, the consistency can be inconsistent, and some customers have experienced delivery issues.
Pros
  • Great hold for curly hair
  • Affordable price
  • Large quantity
  • Water-based
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Strong scent
  • May cause flaky residue
Bottom Line
L.A. Looks Sport Gel is an affordable and effective option for those looking to create a strong hold for their curly hair. However, it may not work for all hair types and has a strong scent. Some users have reported flaky residue and hair hardening.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Hair Gel for Men: Types, Features, Tips, and More

Overview

Hair gel is a popular styling product for men that helps create a variety of hairstyles, from slicked back looks to messy spikes. With so many hair gel options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your hair type and desired style. In this buying guide, we'll explore the types of hair gel available, key considerations to keep in mind when shopping, important features to look for, and tips for using hair gel effectively.

Types

- Strong hold hair gel: Provides maximum hold and is ideal for creating structured styles that require a lot of hold, like slicked back looks or pompadours.

- Matte finish hair gel: Gives a natural, non-shiny finish and is great for creating messy, textured hairstyles.

- Shiny finish hair gel: Provides a glossy, polished look and is perfect for creating sleek hairstyles.

- Natural hair gel: Made with natural ingredients and free from harsh chemicals, making it a great option for those with sensitive scalps or who prefer eco-friendly products.

- Alcohol-free hair gel: Does not contain alcohol, which can be drying and damaging to hair.

- Vegan hair gel: Made without any animal products or byproducts.

- Cruelty-free hair gel: Not tested on animals.

- Texturizing hair gel: Adds volume and texture to hair, making it a great option for creating messy, tousled styles.

- Styling hair gel: Can be used to create a variety of styles, from slicked back looks to messy spikes.

Key Considerations

- Hair type: Consider your hair type when choosing a hair gel. Thick, coarse hair may require a stronger hold gel, while fine hair may need a lighter, more flexible hold.

- Desired style: Think about the style you want to achieve and choose a hair gel that will help you achieve that look.

- Ingredients: Look for hair gels that contain nourishing ingredients like aloe vera or keratin, and avoid gels that contain harsh chemicals like sulfates or parabens.

- Scalp sensitivity: If you have a sensitive scalp, look for hair gels that are free from irritants like alcohol or fragrances.

- Price: Hair gel prices can vary widely, so consider your budget when shopping.

Features

- Hold strength: Hair gels come in a range of hold strengths, from light to strong. Choose a gel that provides the hold you need for your desired style.

- Finish: Decide whether you want a matte or shiny finish for your hairstyle.

- Ingredients: Look for hair gels that contain nourishing ingredients like aloe vera or keratin, and avoid gels that contain harsh chemicals like sulfates or parabens.

- Application: Consider whether you prefer a gel that is easy to apply and work through your hair, or one that requires more effort to style.

- Scent: Choose a hair gel with a scent that you enjoy.

Prices

Hair gel prices can range from around $5 to $50, depending on the brand, size, and quality of the product. Drugstore brands are typically more affordable, while high-end brands can be more expensive.

Tips

- Start with a small amount of hair gel and add more as needed to avoid using too much.

- Apply hair gel to damp hair for best results.

- Use a comb or your fingers to style your hair after applying the gel.

- Experiment with different hair gel types and brands to find the one that works best for your hair type and desired style.

FAQs

Q: Can hair gel damage my hair?

A: Hair gel can be drying and may cause damage if used excessively. Be sure to use a nourishing shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair healthy and avoid using too much hair gel.

Q: How do I remove hair gel from my hair?

A: Use a clarifying shampoo to remove hair gel buildup from your hair.

Q: Can hair gel cause dandruff?

A: Hair gel can contribute to dandruff if it is not properly washed out of the hair. Be sure to thoroughly rinse your hair after using hair gel to avoid buildup.

Q: Can hair gel be used on all hair types?

A: Hair gel can be used on most hair types, but it is important to choose a gel that is appropriate for your hair type and desired style.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right hair gel for your hair type and desired style can be a daunting task, but with the information provided in this buying guide, you should be able to make an informed decision. Consider your hair type, desired style, ingredients, and budget when shopping for hair gel, and don't be afraid to experiment with different types and brands to find the one that works best for you.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Strong hold that lasts all day
  • Doesn't flake
  • Pleasant scent
  • Versatile for use on wet, damp, or dry hair
  • Easy to rinse out
Cons
  • Strong scent may be overwhelming for some
  • Greasy texture
Bottom Line
This hair gel is a great choice for those with thick, unruly hair who need a strong hold that lasts all day without flaking. It has a pleasant scent and is versatile for use on wet, damp, or dry hair. However, the strong scent may be overwhelming for some and the texture can be greasy. Additionally, the hold may not be as strong as other gels on the market.
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Holds well
  • Dries matte and flexible
  • Good for thick hair
  • Provides a great hold without any unnatural stiffness or appearance
Cons
  • Smell isn't great
  • Price is high
Bottom Line
American Crew Forming Cream is a great product for those looking for a flexible hold without stiffness or unnatural appearance. However, it may not be suitable for everyone due to its smell, price, and varying consistency.
Pros
  • Strong hold
  • Low shine/matte finish
  • Easy to apply
  • Good for thick, curly hair
  • Doesn't run into eyes
Cons
  • Some users received a knock-off product
  • Squeeze tube can get sticky
Bottom Line
American Crew Fiber Cream is a strong-hold, low-shine styling cream that is easy to apply and good for thick, curly hair. It doesn't require a lot of product and doesn't have a strong scent. However, some users received a knock-off product and the squeeze tube can get sticky.
Pros
  • Holds hair in place well
  • Reasonably priced
  • Smells good
  • Contains panthenol
  • Easy to dispense
Cons
  • Formula has changed and may not work as well as before
  • Inconsistent availability in stores
Bottom Line
DEP Flex Hold Gel is a reasonably priced hair gel that holds hair in place well and smells good. However, the formula has changed and may not work as well as before, and availability in stores can be inconsistent. Some users may also find that it does not provide a strong enough hold.
Pros
  • Good hold
  • Adds body to fine hair
  • Long-lasting hold
  • Holds hair without making it sticky
  • Allows brush to glide through hair while blow-drying
Cons
  • Heavy and weighs down hair
  • Unpleasant scent
Bottom Line
L'Oreal Clean Gel is an inexpensive gel that provides good hold and adds body to fine hair. It is long-lasting and doesn't make hair sticky. However, it may not work well on thick, curly hair, and it leaves a film on hair. The scent is unpleasant and lingers for some time.
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