Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The 7 Best Hair Gels for Men for Wet Looks, Extra Hold, and More

Our Top Men's Hair Gel Picks for That Perfect Summer Style

There are various types of products that you can use nowadays to help to style your hair. A classic that has been gaining in popularity lately just so happens to be hair gel. That’s right — you’d do very well to pick up some of the best styling gel as you refresh your hairstyle these days, and there are options for both wet and dry hair. No matter your budget, you're sure to find the best option for you in our handy list.

Here are some of the best options available today that you can add to your grooming rotation. Once you find the one that’s right for you, you'll be looking well-groomed heading to the office or on your monitor as you work from home.

Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Gel
Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Gel
Jump to details
Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel
Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel
Jump to details
L'Oreal for Men Paris Studio Line Clean Gel 
L'Oreal for Men Paris Studio Line Clean Gel 
Jump to details
American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel
American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel
Jump to details
Old Spice Hair Gel
Old Spice Hair Gel
Jump to details
Johnny B Mode Styling Gel
Johnny B Mode Styling Gel
Jump to details
AXE Messy Look Hair Gel
AXE Messy Look Hair Gel
Jump to details
Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Styling Gel

Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Gel

Made from nearly 100% naturally derived ingredients, Garnier Fructis delivers this clean styling gel with a 24-hour hold in mind. That extra-strong hold also delivers a natural shine and finish when applied to wet hair. This is best for hair that can use an extra boost and a thicker look. 

Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Gel
Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Gel
Aveda hair styling gel.

Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel

This innovative Aveda liquid gel is designed to provide a more natural medium-level hold to damp hair. Even better, it’s fortifies hair with additional protein, too. 

Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel
Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel
L'Oreal for Men Paris Studio Line Clean Gel

L'Oreal for Men Paris Studio Line Clean Gel 

For just a "hair" under $5, this incredibly affordable men’s hair gel delivers what the brand calls “clean definition” — that means you should apply it to damp hair for classic styles (think a pompadour or a clean-cut side part), then work through with your fingers or a comb. 

L'Oreal for Men Paris Studio Line Clean Gel 
L'Oreal for Men Paris Studio Line Clean Gel 
American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel

American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel

Invest in one of the best hair gels for men and reap the benefits when it comes to a sharply coiffed ‘do. Apply this product to towel-dried hair for a thicker, natural-but-strong look. 

American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel
American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel
Old Spice Hair Gel

Old Spice Hair Gel

Made for use on damp or dry hair, Old Spice’s Swagger Hair Gel works best for those who want an edgier, spikier look with a matte finish and high hold.

Old Spice Hair Gel
Old Spice Hair Gel
Johnny B. Mode Styling Gel

Johnny B Mode Styling Gel

With a solid hold and relatively high shine, this old-school styling gel works on wet or dry hair to provide control and all-day versatility. We like the idea of using it to tame your hair into a classic side part for dressy occasions and outfits. 

Johnny B Mode Styling Gel
Johnny B Mode Styling Gel
AXE Messy Look Hair Gel.

AXE Messy Look Hair Gel

The AXE brand that you thought you knew is no more, as it now focuses on delivering more mature styles, products, and scents, including this hair gel for that coveted messy look. Mess up dry hair with a small amount — AXE says a little should go a long way. 

AXE Messy Look Hair Gel
AXE Messy Look Hair Gel

Hair products such as hair gels and hairspray work differently for every type of hair texture. Hair gels tend to work best if you’ve already got naturally thick, straight hair (picture David Beckham in a suit), but hair gel can also offer a boost to thinner or coarser hair. Some hair gels help to straighten curls or even naturally enhance a curly head of hair, too. 

If you want a higher, longer-lasting hold and more shine, you’re going to want to reach for a hair gel that works well with wet hair (think a slicked-back, retro look). For more texture or a natural finish, opt for a hair gel made for dry hair.

Depending on your hair type, a styling alternative to gels could be hair oils. Hair oils are a lighter styling substitute for heavy hair gels.

Lastly, be sure to pick up a hairbrush to help you get the perfect hairstyle to suit you.

Editors' Recommendations

The best beard brushes: Our top picks for achieving the perfect look
The 6 best beard brushes for taming your whiskers in 2023
beard brush

Beards are a great sense of personal style so long as you keep up with the regular maintenance of it. If you have had one for a while you’re probably well-acquainted with the tools of the trade, from nourishing beard conditioners to beard balms and beard oils. If you sport longer facial hair, or if your whiskers are growing longer than you anticipated, there’s another essential tool you need in your grooming arsenal: a high-quality beard brush.

The best beard brushes can help you in multiple ways from taming lengthy beards, reducing irritation and beard itch, and adding a bit more style and polish to unruly facial hair. While high-quality beard combs are helpful in their own right, longer beards require a brush. The ideal beard brush features a wooden base or handle with bristles crafted from the finest materials like boar hair, as you need dense bristle materials to work through disheveled facial hair, all the better to slowly but surely soften your beard as you brush.

Read more
The best beard washes to clean your beard in 2023 (because it’s kind of filthy)
Keep your beard clean with these fantastic washes
man beard hand face

Growing out a beard can be a great way to add to your overall appearance, but maintenance is the part where more can definitely do a better job. That takes a bit of time and commitment but can make a vast difference between looking groomed and disheveled. One of the easiest ways to clean up your facial grooming routine is by quite literally, cleaning up your beard and choosing one of the best beard washes.

Using one of the best beard washes is but one key step to maintaining your grooming and your personal hygiene. You should also incorporate beard oil or beard balm to soften and tame your whiskers, as well. First off, let's start with the benefits of using a beard wash and why it is crucial to your grooming routine.

Read more
The best Valentine’s Day gifts under $25, $50, and $100: Perfect for any budget
Cheap Valentine's Day gifts may be inexpensive, but they don't have to be poor quality
vday gift box.
Read more