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Top Hair Gels of 2025
From the slicked-back bun to the glossy wet-hair look that’s trending for the seasons ahead, some of today’s biggest hair trends share one secret weapon: gels. Today’s best hair gels are a far cry from the sticky, crunchy formulas you may recall from the early 2000s. Instead, brands are prioritizing flexible hold formulas that feel featherweight while imparting hold and shine only where you want it, making them staples for everyday hair looks and more editorial styles.
Unlike other hair styling products like mousse or wax sticks, hair gels stand out for their ability to provide control and longevity in a single step. Naomi Dove, Aveda’s North America artistic director on the company’s Texture team, says gels reign supreme for providing “long-lasting hold and definition,” and a “protective shell that holds up well in humidity and combats frizz, especially for curls and coils.” That combination of strength and flexibility is why hairstylists continue to reach for gel across a wide range of looks, from polished edges on curly hair types to tamping down frizz on tousled waves.
Beauty Inc.’s deputy art director Emily Harris finishes off slick wet hair look with Garnier’s Sleek and Tame Wand.
Photo by Gabriel Inghilterra for WWD.
Gabriel Inghilterra for WWD
Ahead, we rounded up the best hair gels for every hair type based off of extensive product testing. We included some of the most well-known brand names in the hair gel category, including TikTok-famous beauty products from Got2b and Dae, along with lesser-known options that wowed our panel of testers with their value and results. We also spoke with five professional hairstylists for their expert insight on the best hair gels and picked their brains for the qualities to seek out in these best styling gels when curating this comprehensive list. Our list also includes products featured in WWD’s list of the Greatest Hair Products of All Time, as voted on by nearly 700 beauty industry insiders.
For more hair styling inspiration, shop our Amazon storefront full of editor-loved essentials.
Editor’s Choice: Top 3 Hair Styling Gels of 2025
Hair gels range from lightweight, conditioning formulas to ultra-strong hold stylers designed for maximum control. Because the right gel often comes down to hair type and styling needs, our testers selected three standout formulas rather than a single “best overall.” The below picks earned top marks during testing for their performance, ease of use, and ability to deliver the specific results they promise.
- Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Frizz Tamer: Our choice for the best gel for edges and touch-ups, this portable wand makes it easy to smooth flyaways, polish a slicked-back bun, or tame frizz on the go. Lightweight and mess-free, it’s a great option to keep in your travel bag or gym kit for quick, fuss-free styling.
- Oribe Rock Hard Gel: Taking the top spot for maximum hold, this hair gel is our pick for creating structured styles with a glossy finish. It locks strands firmly in place while delivering a high-shine effect, making it ideal for bold looks that demand long-lasting control.
- Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel: Rated by our testers as the best hair gel for fine hair, this liquid formula provides definition and hold without weighing hair down. It also features hair-friendly ingredients like rosemary leaf extract, which helps condition strands while supporting a healthy scalp.
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Editor’s choice
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Frizz Tamer
Ingredients: Argan oil
This on-the-go hair gel comes in a clever wand applicator that instantly smooths flyaways, frizz, and baby hairs while boosting shine. Lightweight and clear, the formula delivers up to 12 hours of sleek, smooth hair without greasiness, flaking, stiffness, or stickiness—making it perfect for quick touch-ups or finishing a polished look.
More to love: It features a concentrated blend of ingredients like argan oil that nourish your hair while locking it in place. And unlike many drying hair gels, this one is silicone and alcohol free.
Our testers particularly loved how mess-free it is to apply: Rather than scooping sticky gel out of a tub, you can simply swipe the wand across targeted areas — whether your hair’s down, in a bun, or pulled back — for polished control.
Price upon publish date of this article: $9.99
WWD Shopping editors test the Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Frizz Tamer.
Gabriel Inghilterra for WWD
Editor’s choice
Oribe Rock Hard Gel
Sizes available: 3.3 oz
Ingredients: Moisturizing argan oil and shea butter and strengthening vegetable protein
Renegar swears by this moisturizing hair gel for ladies and guys because it’s versatile and moisturizing. Unlike traditional hair gels, it boasts a unique cream-gel texture with softening argan oil and moisturizing shea oil. And it doesn’t compromise on staying power. One of the best hair gels for long hair or high-shine looks, it makes your strands feel soft to the touch and look glossy, making it ideal for use as a root lift for a blowout, according to our testers. Given its paraben-free and sodium chloride-free composition, Renegar attests that it’s safe for color-treated hair and individuals with keratin treatments.
Price upon publish date of this article: $42
Editor’s choice
Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel
Sizes available: 8.5 oz
Ingredients: Strengthening rosemary leaf extract, hydrating glycerin, and soothing aloe leaf juice
The Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel is a favorite of celebrity hair stylist Cody Renegar. “It provides medium hold, but it is very lightweight and also conditioning,” he says. Renegar is among the many who appreciate the liquid gel texture that makes it easy to spread through the hair, along with being a big fan of its ingredients. One of its formula standouts is rosemary leaf extract, which a 2015 randomized controlled trial published in SkinMed Journal found comparable to the regrowth treatment minoxidil in its ability to deliver fuller-looking hair with consistent use.
During testing, our panel rated it as the best hair gel for fine hair, noting that a little goes a long way and the product doesn’t leave build up in its wake.
Price upon publish date of this article: $26.25
Got2b Glued Brows and Edges Gel
Sizes available: 0.54 oz
Ingredients: Castor oil
If your primary reason for picking up a hair gel is to tame your edges or finesse flyaways, consider Got2b’s Glued Brows and Edges Gel. Rather than a tub of gel or a standard tube, this top hair gel is packaged in a mascara-sized container with an included spoolie wand. So rather than coating your hands in the product to apply it, you simply dip the wand in the gel then use it to target your hair line or rogue strands near your ears or temples. It’s an excellent hair gel option for detail work as well as travel; the formula is similar in hold to Got2b’s aforementioned and bestselling Glued Hair Gel. And as the name suggests, you can also use it to lock down your brows.
What testers say: “It’s a good edging brush if you have soft or coarse hair. I like the minimal amount of styling gel used. It also smells really good for me as well. Easy to apply and keep in a small bag for convenience.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $8.49
American Crew Firm Hold Hair Gel
Sizes available: 3.3 oz
Ingredients: Soothing allantoin and moisturizing panthenol and safflower oil
This firming formula locks your hair in place for all-day wear without drying out your strands. Its formula includes moisturizing panthenol, safflower oil, and soothing allantoin, so you don’t have to worry about stripping your hair of hydration. Although it’s one of the best hair gels for men, testers of all genders highlight its universal appeal, noting that the entire family loves it because it’s non-flaky, gives the hair a natural-looking shine, and has a gender-neutral scent.
What testers say: “My family has very thick (male and female) hair, long, short, straight, frizzy, super natural curly, hair. This works on all of us for whatever look we are trying to achieve.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $18.73
Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Wand
Ingredients: Dragon fruit, cactus flower extract, prickly pear seed oil
This portable cream-gel hybrid pairs a nourishing formula with a built-in wand applicator, making it easy to smooth flyaways, tame frizz, and polish edges on the go. Infused with dragon fruit, cactus flower extract, and prickly pear seed oil, it delivers lightweight hold while moisturizing strands for a sleek finish that feels soft, not stiff.
Our testers loved its fruity scent and praised its versatility for keeping edges in place while adding a touch of hydration. The vegan formula is free of parabens and phthalates, and comes housed in eco-conscious packaging crafted from bio-resin and recycled materials.
Price upon publish date of this article: $18
Best Hair Gel for Straight Hair
Kenra Professional Styling Gel 17
Sizes available: 6 oz
Ingredients: Thickening copolymers
Struggling to style your stick-straight hair? Whether you have fine or thick hair, you’ll use this lightweight Kenra styling gel as frequently as your favorite hair straightener. Its formulation includes copolymers that actively coat your hair strands, creating body, texture, and, above all, a strong hold that lasts until you rinse it out in the shower.
What testers say: “I have tried a lot of different products trying to find something to give my hair some body. My hair is straight, fine and thinning, which makes it difficult to work with. The first time I used this Kenra styling gel I was immediately impressed. I washed my hair, wrapped it in a hair towel wrap to partially dry it, applied the Kenra styling gel and proceeded to dry it. I was amazed at the change in my hair. It was immediately noticeable how much body my hair had.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $17.99
Best Hair Gel for Curly Hair
Pattern Beauty Curl Gel
Sizes available: 3 oz, 9.8 oz, and 25 oz
Ingredients: Soothing aloe vera, strengthening rosemary leaf extract, and hydrating coconut oil
You asked, and Tracee Ellis Ross answered by creating the best styling gel for natural hair (no surprise here, as her brand, Pattern, also makes one of the best hair dryers for curly hair). This best curly hair gel contains aloe vera and hydrating coconut oil that defines curls yet leaves them soft, not stiff or hard, as is sometimes the case with other gels. It’s a favorite for wash and gos, and some testers have noted that they don’t even have to apply more the next day and that a touch of water has helped re-stretch and revitalize curls without adding more product.
What testers say: “This product accomplishes 5 things for me. It seems to ACTIVATE my curls to start with (something few other products do). It also provides definition, the perfect amount of soft hold, natural shine, and completely eliminates frizz.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $26.99
Best Hair Gel for Edge Control
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Edge Gel
Sizes available: 2 oz
Ingredients: Strengthening rosemary leaf extract, soothing chamomile extract, and hydrating glycerin
Mielle Organics’ Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil may be wildly popular, but it’s not the sole product from the brand deserving of praise. Take, for instance, this edge control, which ensures no flakes, stiffness, or greasiness. Despite its compact size, a little goes a long way. It not only styles but also promotes edge health, preventing breakage, and it’s friendly for wavy to type 4C hair.
What testers say: “If you find wearing your hair up gets tricky, add Mielle edge gel to your hair to make wearing your hair up easier. Mielle edge gel does not harden your hair as other edge gels I have tried do. Therefore I use Mielle edge gel on a larger portion of my hair than just the edges. Absolutely love it.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $5.58
Best Hair Gel for Frizzy Hair
Moroccanoil Styling Gel
Sizes available: 6 oz
Ingredients: Hydrating argan oil, soothing rosemary leaf extract
Ditch frizz with the help of this luxurious formula from Moroccanoil. “What’s great about this gel is that it is argan oil infused, which is full of antioxidants and vitamins that are beneficial for your hair,” says Katelyn Ellsworth, hairstylist and founder of The Roslyn Salon and Style Icon in San Diego. The ingredient moisturizes the hair and, in turn, adds shine, protects from breakage and, as promised, fights frizz. We rate it as one of the best hair gels for thick hair, as a little goes a long way.
What testers say: “I bought this to slick my frizzy baby hairs whenever I pulled my hair back in a ponytail. It works amazingly well. No headbands needed!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $28
Best Flexible-Hold Hair gel
R+Co Motorcycle Flexible Gel
Sizes available: 5 oz
Ingredients: Hydrating coconut oil and smoothing sunflower seed extract
This R+Co formulation marries the benefits of a hair gel and wax in one, and there are different ways you can use it. For example: We love using it before a blowout for touchable texture, hold, body, and shine, but you can also use it on wet hair to create a heavily defined style, or on curls for hold and definition. Regardless of how and when you use it, you’ll still be able to brush through your hair; it won’t harden and feel like plastic, making it one of the best wet look hair products we’ve come across.
What testers say: “Motorcycle is the best gel for a natural look. It won’t leave your hair hard as a rock and your head full of white flakes.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $32
Best Hair Gel for Humidity
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel
Sizes available: 2.5, 8.5 and 33.8 oz
Ingredients: Humidity-fighting sericin, hydrating shea and murumuru butter, and strengthening ceramides
Those living in humid climates know the struggle to keep hair frizz-free and locked down. But this formulation from Ouidad — one of the most renowned curly hair brands — locks in moisture and locks out humidity with sericin (a protein derived from silk). It works in tandem with hydrating shea and murumuru butter, along with strengthening ceramides, to deliver curls that are both nourished and defined, with a soft feel.
What testers say: “I used to hate rainy, humid days (which is almost every day where I live, especially in summer) because my hair would lose all shape and become a poofy mess, but since I’ve been using this product, I don’t even think about it anymore! I’ve been using this gel for my 2B/2A fine, dry hair for a few years now, and it’s the only product I’ve used (I’ve tried Shea Moisture, Aussie, Herbal Essence, and most of the popular styling products) that doesn’t leave build-up or weigh down my hair.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $26
How to Get the Wet Hair Look With Hair Gel
Beyond controlling edges and sealing a slicked back bun in place, hair gel is an essential product for achieving today’s trending wet hair look. “A slicked back hair look doesn’t mean you have to pull your hair back into a bun,” says celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons. “I think that some people who are new to using gel don’t think that it’s necessarily for women or women with longer hair, but that’s not the case.” Just take a look at this year’s runways and red carpets, where we’ve seen stars like Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Rowland, Rita Ora, and Kim Kardashian (actually, the majority of the Kardashian-Jenner clan) wear short to long hair pushed back away from the face with a dripping-wet, shiny finish.
Rebecca Hall, Kim Kardashian, and Tyla wear wet hair looks on recent red carpets.
Getty Images
To pull off the wet hair look at home, Fitzsimons suggests having two products at the ready: Hair gel and a shine spray. “Start by coating your hands with hair gel, then use your hands to push your hair back from your hair line to the back of your head,” says Fitzsimons. Next, “let it dry, don’t touch it, and your hair will set in that shape.” Most hair gels leave a shiny finish once they’ve set, which will create a line of demarcation between the gelled hair and dry hair. “You’ll want to use a good amount of shine spray on the hair that doesn’t have gel in it so there’s more of a seamless texture throughout the lengths of your hair.” Fitzsimons recommends Naturelab Tokyo’s Perfect Shine Oil Mist for the job, which reflects shine with pearl extracts and platinum fibers.
What to Look for in the Best Hair Gels
- Polymers: All the best hair gels contain polymers, creating a film on the hair that helps lock your hairstyle into place. Polymers fall into two categories: naturally derived and synthetic. While many brands use synthetic polymers, some choose natural alternatives. For instance, Carina Organics and Aveda use naturally derived polymers from Acacia Senegal tree bark and cellulose, respectively. In contrast, SexyHair and Got2B utilize synthetic polymers and copolymers like PVP and VP/VA. Regardless of which they use, it’s important that they’re present, especially if the product is marketed for its hold. To identify them in a product, a quick scan of the ingredient list to find words like “polymer” or “copolymer” will do the trick. In cases where these terms are absent, a brief ingredient lookup will help you determine if they’re using a natural polymer instead.
- Key ingredients: While polymers are essential for achieving hold, an ideal ingredient list should also cater to your specific hair type. The best hair gels in this story use strengthening ingredients like rosemary leaf extract, moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil or shea butter, and soothing ingredients like aloe and safflower oil.
- Textures: No hair gel formulation is created equal these days. Unlike in the past, when hair gels were commonly thick and sticky, today’s formulations come in a diverse range of textures. In this piece alone, we covered gel-cream formulations, lightweight gelées, serum-like liquid gels, and more traditional yet modernized goopy gels. The texture you choose is ultimately up to personal preference on your desired feel. Gel-creams and serums will provide more of a soft touch, where true gels often provide more shine and hold.
- Size: Bottle size is worth considering when choosing a hair gel, and they vary drastically. It’s important you ask yourself a few questions: Do you plan to travel with it in a carry-on or weekender bag? If so, opting for a size under 3.4 ounces is the way to go. Planning to use it daily? In that case, you might prefer a formula that comes in a bigger bottle, such as the Biolage All Purpose Styling Gelée, or one where a small amount goes a long way so you don’t run out too quickly.
How We Selected the Best Hair Gels
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
To find the best hair gels of 2025, our team thoroughly conducted market research, studied hundreds of customer reviews (including the good and bad), and interviewed professional hairstylists to learn about their tried-and-true favorites and what to look for in the best hair gels. Using their advice and building off our research, we curated a list of top hair gels, including drugstore and high-end options and a mix of formulas such as gel-cream textures and more traditional true-gel ones. Learn more about us here
Meet the Experts
Courtesy
Andrew Fitzsimons is a celebrity hairstylist and founder of his eponymous hair care line. Fitzsimons counts Bella Hadid, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Megan Fox, Joan Smalls, and Shay Mitchell as his regular clientele.
Davontae Washington is a celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles. He specializes in natural hair, wigs and hair extensions and has a host of celebrity clients including Kim Kardashian, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, and Winnie Harlow, among others.
Naomi Dove is Aveda’s North America Artistic Director on the company’s Texture team. She is also the salon director at The Blue Daisy Salon and Day Spa Aveda Concept Salon in Buckeye, Arizona.
Katelyn Ellsworth is a hairstylist as well as a natural color and extension specialist. She’s the founder of The Roslyn salon and Style Icon in San Diego.
Cody Renegar is a celebrity hairstylist with over 25 years of experience working in top salons across the country and is regarded as a master colorist & stylist, and master barber – a rare combination. An influential style maker, Cody has been featured in Vogue, People, InStyle, and Oprah Daily, to name a few.
Meet the Authors
Claire Sullivan is a contributing commerce editor for WWD and Footwear News, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion, and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She’s tested hundreds of products during her time as an editor, so she’s well-versed in selecting the products that make a meaningful difference in your skin and hair. Sullivan contributed to the August 2025 update of this article on the best hair gels with additional expert-back product picks as well as tips on how to use hair gel to create the trending wet hair look.
This article includes original reporting conducted by writer Marisa Petrarca.