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Have you experienced a spikey hairstyle during your high school era? If so, it is the perfect time to bring those historical hair gels back.
Contrary to popular belief, hair gels are far from tacky if used properly. In fact, it offers a firm hold, which many believe elevates their styles in an instant.
Among the greatest style icons from the last century, such as James Dean, David Beckham, and Alex Turner, are seen with a strong hold on their hair, allowing for a stunning look.
So, are you ready to achieve a sleek and slick look with a hair gel product? Ahead, we have compiled the seven options of the best hair gel for men. Read on!
Why Do You Need Hair Gel?
Hair gel is one of the ultimate hair products with a medium to firm hold that aids in creating slicked-back and sleek looks. Despite its retro reputation, hair gel never ceases to deliver a one-stop solution for men who aspire to have a neater and more appealing look.
When applied to dry hair, hair gel produces a moist look. Alternatively, it will produce a more classic look when applied to damp hair.
If you want to style your hair easily, hair gel is indeed the best choice.
7 Options of the Best Hair Gel for Men
Finding the right hair gel for your style can be tricky. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! From affordable drugstore finds to top-of-the-line styling aids, these are the best hair gels for men. So take your pick and get ready to show off those sharp looks!
American Crew Classic Firm Hold Styling Gel
American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel is a moisture-rich, alcohol-free hair gel loaded with various beneficial ingredients to keep your hair in check.
This hair gel is filled with natural components like vitamin B5 to make hair seem fuller and add more body. Also, it features a dual polymer complex to give a firm hold with a high, long-lasting shine. Additionally, it uses a non-flaking low-pH recipe with unique components that make it simpler to distribute throughout the hair, whether used on wet or dry hair.
Key Features
- Alcohol-free
- Offers firm hold
- High, long-lasting shine
- Filled with natural components, such as vitamin B5
- Great to use on both wet and dry hair
Harry’s Sculpting Gel
Harry’s has launched not only Harry’s Razor products but also skincare. One of them is sculpting gel. Harry’s Sculpting Gel is a one-stop solution for an easy-to-use hairstyle. Made without drying alcohol, this hair gel offers a non-drying finish with a firm hold and a polished finish without being over the top.
What we love about this hair gel is the light, pleasant scent of lemon and fresh herbs — it makes the styling experience more exciting. You can use it with dry or wet hair — both will result in a slick look!
Key Features
- Offers firm hold
- Polished finish
- Alcohol-free
- Exudes a light, pleasant scent
- Great to use on both dry and wet hair
Redken Brews Stand Tough Maximum Control Gel
Do you have wild, unruly hair? If so, this hair gel is a superior pick. Similar to its name, this hair gel will make your hair stand tough with maximal control.
This product offers a finishing touch to restore the usual, healthy appearance of brittle, dry, and dull strands.
What’s so great about this hair gel is the ionic bonds formula, making it capable of solidifying your style with its long-lasting hold. This way, you’ll get an extra firm hold to tame any mane.
Key Features
- Suitable for all hair types, especially wild, unruly hair
- Ionic bonds formula which offers an extra firm hold
- Healthy shine
Bumble & Bumble Give ‘Em Gel
Perfect for a go-to product for daily use, Bumble & Bumble Give ‘Em Gel offers more flexibility for any type of hair. With its non-sticky, non-flaky finish, you’ll get moderate shine with medium hold throughout the day.
Oh, great news for you who concerns with animal testing; this product is already certified as cruelty-free. Plus, it contains no harmful ingredients, such as parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, and formaldehyde, making it a safer choice for everyone.
Key Features
- Moderate shine
- Offers a medium hold
- Non-sticky, non-flaky finish
- Formulated without parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, and formaldehyde
- Cruelty-free
- Most suitable for straight to curly hair
TIGI Bed Head for Men Power Play Gel
Someone with long, thick locks might need more effort in searching for hair gel products to tame their mane. Luckily, TIGI Bed Head for Men Power Play Gel exists to cater to their needs.
This product provides a strong hold while remaining pliable enough to keep your messy hair light and breezy. The best part is that you won’t get a greasy finish because you only need a small amount of this gel to achieve a cool and secure look with a healthy shine.
Plus, it contains antioxidants and conditioners for added protection and hydration. Perfect for everyday use!
Key Features
- Most suitable for long, thick hair
- Stronghold
- Healthy shine
- Contains antioxidants and conditioners for extra protection and hydration
Larry King Velvet Texture Clay
Larry King’s Velvet Structure Clay is ideal for instantly adding body and texture to short to medium-length hair — with an addition of the sultry “Autumn Fog” smell.
This non-greasy product, which is made with gentle Beeswax, helps provide a cool second-day finish without leaving build-up. Try softly massaging it into the tips of your naturally curled or waved hair for a beachy effect.
Key Features
- Alcohol-free
- Non-greasy
- Ideal for short to medium hair
- Gives additional body and texture
- Sultry autumn fog scent
- Non-build up formula
Johnny B. Mode Styling Gel
A gel isn’t always the best option for men with thinning hair. However, a few formulas are beginning to change that, including this brand.
Johnny B Control Styling Gel adds volume to fine hair with an alcohol-free formula that doesn’t leave an oily or sticky residue that can weigh down your locks and make them appear finer than they are.
What we love about this product is its water-soluble characteristic. It makes it easy to wash without the use of additional cleaning agents such as soap or shampoo. Plus, it comes in a variety of sizes, from 3.3 fl oz to 56 fl oz.
Key Features
- Alcohol-free formulation
- Suitable for all hair types
- Long-lasting super hold
- High shine
- Formulated without silicone, BPA, and phthalate
- Light citrus scent
- Non-flaky, non-greasy finish
- Provides hydration
- Easy to rinse out
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Can women use these hair gels and pomades?
Of course! Though some hair gels and pomades are marketed as men’s products, they are suitable for both men and women. So, anyone can use hair gels and pomades just fine.
Does hair gel have side effects?
Most hair gels don’t have side effects. However, results may vary depending on the ingredients used to make the gel or pomade. Products made with questionable ingredients can eventually cause hair discoloration, split ends, and other types of hair damage. But don’t worry; our curated products above are safe to use.
How long can I leave the gel in without washing it out?
Professionals recommend leaving hair gel or pomade on for no more than 48 hours before rinsing it away with shampoo or merely water. Thus, keep an eye on it and wash it out if it becomes dry.
Conclusion
So, what’s the best hair gel for men? Ultimately, it depends on your needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for the best hair gels with a strong hold that will keep your style all day long, then we recommend trying TIGI Bed Head for Men Power Play Gel or Redken Brews Stand Tough Maximum Control Gel. For a more natural look with some light hold, try Bumble and Bumble Give ‘Em Gel.
No matter which hair gel product you choose, just make sure to avoid gels with high levels of alcohol, as they can be harsh on your hair and scalp. So, which are your picks of the best hair gels?