Best Hair Gels for Curly Hair of 2025

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 11 Feb 2025

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If you have curly hair, you know how difficult it can be to find the right hair products that work for you. That's why we've compiled a list of highly recommended hair gels specifically formulated for curly hair. These gels are designed to tame frizz, define curls, and add shine without leaving residue or weighing down your locks. Whether you have tight coils or loose waves, these gels will help you achieve the perfect look while keeping your curls bouncy and healthy.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly for Frizz Control Cover #TOP 1
Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly for Frizz Control
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Curlsmith Hydro Style Flexi-Jelly Gel for Curls Cover #TOP 2
Curlsmith Hydro Style Flexi-Jelly Gel for Curls
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Curlsmith In-Shower Style Fixer Gel Cover #TOP 3
Curlsmith In-Shower Style Fixer Gel
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Hair Gels for Curly Hair

Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly for Frizz Control

U005
Pink
200 ml (Pack of 1)
Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly for Frizz Control Cover
Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Scrunching Jelly 200ml - Frizz Solution Defining Hair Gel for 2a-4c Curly, Wavy, Coily Hair - Vegan & Cruelty-Free

The Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly is a cult favourite designed to tackle frizz while enhancing shine and defining your curls. This medium-hold gel is perfect for managing all types of wavy, curly, and coily hair, ensuring your locks look their best every day. With a silicone-free formula, it offers professional salon-quality results without harsh ingredients. Plus, it is vegan and cruelty-free, making it a great choice for eco-conscious consumers looking to embrace their natural beauty.

What We Like
Effective frizz control
Enhances shine and definition
Suitable for all curl types
Vegan and cruelty-free
Easy application method

Curlsmith Hydro Style Flexi-Jelly Gel for Curls

2622207
white
59 ml (Pack of 1)
Curlsmith Hydro Style Flexi-Jelly Gel for Curls Cover
Curlsmith - Hydro Style Flexi-Jelly - Vegan Defining Gel for Wavy, Curly or Coily Hair (59ml)

Curlsmith Flexi-Jelly Gel is a lightweight liquid gel designed to define and enhance your curls and waves. Its strong hold ensures your hair stays styled without feeling heavy or experiencing build-up on your scalp. For best results, simply apply it to soaking wet hair to seal in moisture and tame frizz. With Curlsmith's unique blend of healthy ingredients, you can achieve professional results without compromising on quality. Plus, it's free from harmful chemicals, making it a safe choice for your hair care routine.

What We Like
Defines and enhances curls
Lightweight and strong hold
No build-up on scalp
Free from harmful chemicals
100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free

Curlsmith In-Shower Style Fixer Gel

2622934
White
59 ml (Pack of 1)
Curlsmith In-Shower Style Fixer Gel Cover
Curlsmith - In-Shower Style Fixer - Vegan Extreme Hold Styling Gel for Dry, Wavy, Curly or Coily Hair (59ml)

The Curlsmith Styling Gel provides moisture and extreme hold for your hair, helping to tame frizz and flyaways effectively. By using it on soaking wet hair, you can achieve defined curls with a simple application method. Curlsmith stands out by combining fresh, natural ingredients with homemade remedies, ensuring healthy results for your hair. Additionally, this gel is free from harmful substances like sulphates and silicones, making it a safe choice for all curl types.

What We Like
Extreme hold without drying
Natural, healthy ingredients
No harmful chemicals
Curly Girl Friendly

Curlsmith Curl Defining Soufflé for Curls

CURLSMITH
White
59 ml (Pack of 1)
Curlsmith Curl Defining Soufflé for Curls Cover
Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé - Vegan Medium Hold Styling Gel for Wavy, Curly and Kinky Hair (59ml)

The Curlsmith Curl Soufflé is a versatile product that acts as both a moisturiser and a medium hold styling gel. Its unique semi-solid jelly texture not only provides essential moisture but also gives your curls a bouncy hold and clear definition. Once applied, it forms a light "cast" that locks in moisture, keeping your curls defined as they dry. You can easily break this cast by scrunching your hair, revealing soft and beautifully defined curls.

What We Like
Moisturises and defines curls
Creates a protective cast
Vegan and cruelty-free
No harmful ingredients

Eco Style Olive Oil Hair Gel, Hydrate and Style

ECOOLV08
Clear
236 ml (Pack of 1)
Eco Style Olive Oil Hair Gel, Hydrate and Style Cover
Eco Style Olive Oil Eco Styler Hair Gel, Hydrate and Style, Alcohol-Free, Green 236 ml (Pack of 1)

Eco Style Hair Gel offers a superior hold that is both weightless and nourishing. Infused with natural olive oil, this moisturising gel hydrates your hair from root to tip, ensuring it looks healthy and shiny. It is suitable for all hair types, whether you want to define your curls, lay your edges, or maintain a sleek updo. Additionally, being vegan and alcohol-free means you can style your hair without harmful ingredients, making it a great choice for your daily hair care routine.

What We Like
Superior hold without weight
Moisturises and adds shine
Suitable for all hair types
Vegan and alcohol-free

Eco Style Coconut Oil Hair Gel 473ml

I0107738
Clear
473 ml (Pack of 1)
Eco Style Coconut Oil Hair Gel 473ml Cover
Eco Style Coconut Oil Eco Styler Hair Gel, Moisturises and Conditions, 473 ml (Pack of 1)

Eco Style Hair Gel offers a superior hold, making it ideal for effortless styling while controlling frizz. Its conditioning properties come from a powerful blend of antioxidants, ensuring your hair remains moisturised and shiny. This gel is suitable for all hair types, whether you're defining your curls, laying your edges, or securing a sleek updo. Additionally, its vegan and alcohol-free formula means you can style with peace of mind, knowing you're using a product that cares for your scalp and hair health.

What We Like
Superior hold for styling
Moisturises and boosts shine
Suitable for all hair types
Vegan and alcohol-free formula

Eco Style Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Gel

905040
WHITE
473 ml
Eco Style Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Gel Cover
Eco Style Moroccan Argan Oil Eco Styler Hair Gel, Hydrate and Style, Alcohol-Free, Green 473 ml (Pack of 1)

Eco Style Hair Gel offers a superior lightweight hold that conditions and revitalises your hair while enhancing its shine. Enriched with natural argan oil and wheat protein, this gel nourishes your strands, seals the hair shaft to maintain moisture, and reduces breakage. It is suitable for all hair types, whether you want to define your curls, style your edges, or secure a slick updo. Plus, with its vegan and alcohol-free formula, you can style your hair without compromising on health.

What We Like
Superior lightweight hold
Nourishes and revitalises hair
Suitable for all hair types
Vegan and alcohol-free

Eco Professional Curl & Wave Styling Gel

001051
235 ml (Pack of 1)
Eco Professional Curl & Wave Styling Gel Cover
Eco Professional Curl & Wave Styling Gel Firm Hold All Types Of Hair 8 oz Pink

The Eco Styling Gel is designed to cater to all hair types, providing a firm hold that keeps your curls and waves in place. Infused with tea tree oil and chamomile, it not only helps to prevent dry hair and scalp but also restores shine, enhancing your hair's natural highlights. The sweet chamomile scent adds a pleasant aroma, making your styling routine more enjoyable. With this gel, you can achieve beautifully styled hair while keeping it healthy and vibrant.

What We Like
Includes tea tree oil
Restores shine
Prevents dry hair
Pleasant chamomile scent

Eco Style Olive Oil Hair Gel, 473 ml

I811A
473 ml (Pack of 1)
Eco Style Olive Oil Hair Gel, 473 ml Cover
Eco Style Olive Oil Eco Styler Hair Gel, Hydrate and Style, Alcohol-Free, Green 473 ml (Pack of 1)

The Eco Style Hair Gel offers a superior hold that is weightless and flexible, perfect for enhancing and sculpting all hair types. Infused with natural olive oil, this moisturising gel nourishes your hair from root to tip, giving it a healthy shine. Whether you want to define your curls, lay down your edges, or secure a slick updo, this gel is designed to help you achieve your desired look. Plus, being vegan and alcohol-free ensures it's gentle on your hair while delivering impressive results.

What We Like
Weightless hold for flexibility
Nourishes with natural olive oil
Suitable for all hair types
Vegan and alcohol-free formula
#TOP 10

Cantu Gel for Curly Hair Moisture

07005-12/3EU
unic
Cantu Gel for Curly Hair Moisture Cover
Gel Moisturizing Twist & Lock 370g - Cantu - Reduces Frizz and Moisturizes Curly Hair - Adds Softness and Shine

The Cantu Curl Gel is designed to reduce frizz and define your curls using nourishing shea butter and coconut oil. This powerful combination provides intense hydration, ensuring your hair remains soft and manageable. Its residue-free formula allows for a natural hold without the heaviness often associated with hair gels. Ideal for curly hair, it helps maintain a healthy shine, making your curls look vibrant and well cared for.

What We Like
Reduces frizz effectively
Intense hydration for softness
Natural hold without residue
Ideal for maintaining shine
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is hair gel good for curly hair?

The benefits of using gel on curly hair Gel helps define curls. It provides hold to curls, so that they don't fall flat through the day. By using gel, you ensure that your curls retain moisture better. And therefore you have less frizzy hair.

2. What can I use instead of gel for curly hair?

Use other holding products: There are other great holding products aside from gel, like mousse, butter, lotion, cream, or pomade. Many of these products are actually moisturizing, unlike most gels, and they also help to keep each strand in place.

3. Does gel dry out curly hair?

Or, like we're here to talk about today, hair gel. Finding a curl gel that gives you beautiful definition is a triumph—but tons of good, even great curl gels pack a level of alcohol that dries out your hair over time, leaving it dehydrated even as nothing in your routine changes, says Ouidad stylist Jessica O'Brien.

Editor's Notes

During our hair gel for curly hair research, we found 126 hair gel for curly hair products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 298,624 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair gels for curly hair list. We found that most customers choose hair gels for curly hair with an average price of £9.33.

The hair gels for curly hair are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair gels for curly hair, including Umberto Giannini, CURLSMITH, Eco Style, ECOCO, CANTU. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 258 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.