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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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