As the saying goes, “You can’t control everything. Your hair was put on your head to remind you of that!” But if you have unruly hair, you can style it out using the best hair gels for men.
Whether battling the Chicago winds or bar hopping on Bourbon Street, the best hair gels for men will help tame those tresses, quiffs, and curls.
Good hair gels for men vary from light to strong hold, meaning you can rock a host of hairstyles, including pompadours, top knots, slick backs, side parts, and more.
Hair gel is a process of pure chemistry. Polymers in hair gel react with amino acids and keratin on the skin. This allows the gel to harden and hold your carefully constructed cut in place.
Gels, powders, pomades, pastes, clays, and waxes; there are so many marvelous male hair styling products to choose from.
Powders and pomades are gentle. Pastes are ideal for low to moderate maintenance styles. Clays soften and disentangle tresses. Wax is excellent for controlling unmanageable hair. But if you’re looking for long-lasting hold with a classic shine, hair gel for men is your go-to preening product.
To make your mop the ‘mane’ event, I’ve collated the cream of the crop. So, style it out with the 8 best hair gels for men.
Key Takeaways
I’ve spent countless hours researching and reviewing feedback from buyers just like you. The result is my comprehensive list of the 8 best hair gels for men. Leading the charge is American Crew Hair Gel, a wallet-friendly hair gel for men that will level up your grooming game with impressive hold and hydrating ingredients. Close on its heels is my top Amazon find, Paul Mitchell Sculpting Gel, with a sexy, shiny finish that works miracles in taming rebellious hair.
Why it’s great: Tried and trusted men’s grooming brand American Crew knocks it out of the park with this best-selling gel that’s low in cost and high in quality. Whether new to the grooming game or a skilled stylist, consider this the peak of the best hairs gel for men.
Who this is for: Thanks to ginseng, sage, panthenol, allantoin, and safflower oil, this anti-flake formula is hydrating – great news for guys struggling with dry locks. Still getting to grips with styling your new cut? American Crew Gel delivers a strong yet flexible hold, allowing you to re-work strands.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This gel is lightly fragranced with American Crew’s signature scent. I find it mild and wearable, but scent is personal.
Hold: High hold | Finish: High shine | Size: 13.1 oz | Hair Type: All hair types | Scent: Light scent | Free From: Alcohol
Why it’s great: When picking the best hair gels for men to use daily, I want something kind to my hair. Body Building Hair Gel boasts a vegan, organic, and cruelty-free formula bursting with vitamins, oils, and feel-good ingredients. The result is a gel that adds volume, shine, and texture while soothing and moisturizing. That sounds like it should be expensive, right? Wrong!
Who this is for: If you’re done with your hair feeling flat and thin, this body-building gel could be just what the barber ordered. Run a small amount through damp hair to add texture and volume, making hair look thicker without unattractive flakes or crunch. Fake it ’til you make it!
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Body Building Hair Gel gives a natural-looking finish. It’s not going to defy gravity. But if you want a product to keep hair looking polished for work and casual occasions, this is the perfect gel for the job.
Hold: Natural | Finish: Shiny | Size: 3.4oz | Hair Type: All hair types | Scent: Light natural scent | Free From: Alcohol, synthetic fragrance, colorants, parabens
Why it’s great: For some guys, curls can feel more like a high-maintenance curse than a blessing. But that just means you haven’t found the right products. All About Curls High-Definition Gel will save you from your daily grooming battle with thick, unruly waves.
Who this is for: This is the best hair gel for men who are sick of crunchy, dry curls. All About Curls High-Definition Gel delivers a strong hold with moisturizing ingredients for defined, healthy-looking waves. The formula is free from nasty silicones, sulfates, and parabens.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Use this gel on wet hair. After applying, scrunch curls in an upward motion. This is a deal-breaker only if you’re looking for a dry hair product.
Hold: Strong Hold | Finish: Shiny | Size: 15oz | Hair Type: Curly, wavy | Scent: Natural| Free From: Alcohol, silicone, sulfates, parabens
Why it’s great: Boost texture and shine while locking in your perfectly tousled tresses. Paul Mitchell Super Clean Sculpting Gel works wonders on those who have coarse and rebellious hair.
Who this is for: Super Clean Sculpting Gel is color-safe, so if you’re a sucker for changing up your look, this gentle recipe won’t damage dye. The blend is infused with hydrolyzed soy protein to hydrate parched strands.
Flaws but not deal breakers: The texture is quite watery for a hair gel for men. It may take a little getting used to if you typically use sticky, thick gels.
Hold: Firm hold | Finish: Shiny | Size: 3.4oz | Hair Type: All hair types | Scent: Citrus and herbal | Free From: Gluten, parabens
Why it’s great: My best budget hair gel for men isn’t technically the cheapest on this list. For me to rate a hair gel as great value, it has to offer quality, usability, and a fair price tag. Dove Men + Care Taming Gel brings the credentials. This hair gel for men offers a smooth, high shine, strong hold finish.
Who this is for: Looking for an easy-to-use, fuss-free option? If so, then this drugstore-brand hair gel for men is a no-brainer. Work a small amount of product between clean hands and run through damp hair for a sculpted and defined look.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: If you’re a matt-look kind of guy, you may not gel with Dove’s high-shine finish.
Hold: High hold | Finish: High-shine | Size: 3 x 7oz (multipack) | Hair Type: All hair types | Scent: Warm patchouli and spices | Free From: Alcohol
Why it’s great: My wife introduced me to Bumble and Bumble long before it became a luxe salon brand. For me, their products stand the test of time. Bumble and Bumble may fall in the splurge category, but if your hair is your crowning glory, why not indulge in quality products?
Who this is for: BB Gel is one of the best hairs gel for men who are craving something different. Although most gels tout immovable hold, Bumble and Bumble has a flexible formula. Offering medium hold and a soft, brushable finish, BB Gel allows you to re-shape your hair over the day. It’s a low-maintenance, easy-to-use gel with plenty of wiggle room for tweaking.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Bumble and Bumble BB Gel best suits low-maintenance, casual hairstyles.
Hold: Medium, flexible hold | Finish: Moderate shine | Size: 5oz | Hair Type: All hair types | Scent: Unscented | Free From: Alcohol
Why it’s great: There’s chatter amongst health nuts about harmful ingredients hiding in grooming products. Whether you believe the buzz or not, knowing what you’re slapping on your scalp is never a bad idea. Style and boost hair growth simultaneously with Blackwood BioFuse Hair Sculpting Gel, which is vegan, organic, and all-natural.
Who this is for: BioFuse is one of the best hairs gel for men who have sensitive skin. The soothing formula is enriched with castor oil to reduce follicle damage and scalp irritation. Meanwhile, nourishing ingredients like hydrolyzed silk boost moisture. BioFuse is the ideal gel for guys with thin hair. The lightweight formula won’t weigh strands down.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This gel offers a buildable medium hold with a natural finish. It’s not gonna be your jam if you’re after a high-shine, mega-hold product.
Hold: Medium | Finish: Natural | Size: 7.76oz | Hair Type: All hair types | Scent: Natural| Free From: Silicon, sulfate, parabens, phthalate, gluten, dye
Why it’s great: Quiffs, pompadours, and slick backs are some of the best and most popular haircuts for guys. They may be stylish and sexy, but you’ll need a hair gel for men with Hulk-level hold to keep these cuts fresh. Don’t just take it from me; Redditor Addictive_Substance3 says, “I use Got 2 B glued hair gel. Once it’s dry, it doesn’t move all day. Even with putting my hat on and off.”
Who this is for: If you appreciate a VIP endorsement, you’ll be pleased to know that Davontae Washington, celeb hairstylist, loves Ultra Glued. He says it “lives up to its ‘invincible’ claim.” This hair gel for men is the perfect wingman for thick hairstyles.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This ultra-firm hold gel can leave hands feeling sticky after application. But we’re all washing our hands after using styling products anyway, right?
Hold: Ultra high hold | Finish: Shiny | Size: 6oz | Hair Type: All hair types | Scent: Unscented | Free From: N/A
Buying Considerations for The Best Hair Gels For Men
Ingredients
Most of us avoid certain foods to stay healthy. But did you know you should also check the ingredients list on your grooming products? Lots of guys now opt for natural shampoo to reduce scalp irritation. The same level of care should also be applied when choosing hair gel for men.
If you’re trying to go green, avoid gels with harmful sulfates, parabens, and silicones. Instead choose vegan options with organic ingredients like Blackwood Hair Sculpting Gel and Jack Black Body Building Hair Gel. Alcohol can dry out locks. So, be on the lookout for alcohol-free hair gel for men, such as my top pick, .
Hair Type
According to a study, genetic factors play a significant role in determining your hair’s texture. Although your hair may be curly, wavy, or straight, one follicle fact remains. There are only three texture types: fine, medium, and thick.
The London School of Barbering says, “Using hair gel in your hair before blow-drying will add a layer of weight to your hair, making it feel thicker. There are different strengths to choose from for different effects, including height and volume of your hair.”
If your vision is to go au naturale, Bumble and Bumble BB Gel is the one for you. It’s a flexible, medium-strength hair gel for men who have casual, relaxed cuts. Then again, if you want mega hold for statement styles, opt for Got 2 B Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel.
Scent
The best hair gels for men have a subtle, masculine scent. I’m a fan of fresh citrus-scented products like Paul Mitchell Super Clean Sculpting Gel. Call me a hippie, but I also can’t get enough of Dove Men+Care Taming Gel scented with patchouli.
If you don’t want your grooming products to fight for olfactory space with your signature cologne, opt for an unscented hair gel for men. Bumble and Bumble BB Gel and Got 2 B Invincible Styling Gel are ideal for men adverse to aroma.
Keep in mind that a hair product may say it’s fragrance-free but still have a faint scent because of its other ingredients. Jack Black Body Building Hair Gel and All About Curls High-Definition Gel will be right up your alley if you appreciate natural-smelling products.
How We Choose These Products
When every brand makes more impressive claims than the last, how do you know which is the best hair gel for men? The most stress-free way to decide on a good hair gel for men is to find a reputable source that’s already put in the leg work. Luckily for you, I’ve done just that. Here are the criteria I used to judge the best hair gels for men:
Customer Reviews: One guy’s holy grail product could be another’s DNF (did not finish). It wasn’t enough for only me to love the product. So, I read reams of reviews from fellow gents to verify that the best hair gels for men weren’t one-hit wonders.
Price: I wanted to ensure that the majority of my 8 best hair gels for men were accessible to the average guy. But, if you feel like treating yourself, you’ll find some boujee buys, too.
Personal Experience: When writing reviews, I imagine I’m chatting with my best mate or brother. In the same way I wouldn’t steer my nearest and dearest wrong with a duff product, I take the review process seriously. If I recommend a product, you can believe it’s one I’d be happy and confident to use myself.
Why you Should Trust Us
When it comes to navigating the vast world of men’s grooming, few have the expertise and keen insight of Mal, a seasoned writer for FashionBeans. Mal’s extensive portfolio spans a diverse range of topics, from the intricate details of selecting the best blue colognes to practical advice on everyday grooming habits.
His work demonstrates not just a passion for the subject, but a deep understanding of what makes a product stand out, whether it’s the allure of Ferragamo colognes for the modern man or the cozy, masculine vibes of teakwood colognes.
Mal’s ability to dissect the nuances of coffee perfumes and amber perfumes and oils with precision and flair is unmatched. His reviews are more than just recommendations; they’re a roadmap to elevating your grooming game. By sharing his personal experiences and expert tips, Mal guides readers through the myriad options available, helping them make informed decisions tailored to their needs and preferences. Such is the case here, in his analysis of the best hair gels for men.
Final Verdict
Whether you have thin hair that you wished looked fuller or thick hair that’s a beast to tame, hair gel deserves a place in every Millennial man’s styling arsenal. The best hair gels for men boast hydrating ingredients, great hold, and an attractive, shiny finish.
American Crew Men’s Hair Gel is my go-to grooming product, and with a wallet-friendly price tag, sexy signature scent, and flexible hold, it could soon be yours, too.
FAQ
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Good hair gel for men is a must-have styling product thanks to its hold and control. Gel helps to create lots of different looks. Use it to shape hair and give definition. Between cuts, I have crazy caveman hair. When this happens, I use gel to smooth strands and keep them in check.
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You can use hair gel for men daily if you follow some simple rules. Wash your hair frequently using a clarifying shampoo and conditioner. More importantly, never leave gel in your hair for over two days without shampooing. Otherwise, you’ll create a build-up of oil and product that can dry out and irritate the scalp.
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