From spikes to fade-outs and mohawks, men’s hairstyles may change, but one thing remains consistent.
You need the right hair gel to get the latest look! So we’ve got this list of the top mens hair gel brands to make your morning rituals all the better.
A good hair gel is probably just as important as a shampoo or a conditioner for getting those lush and perfect tresses.
The right hair gel will not only keep your hairstyle in place for all those busy hours of the day, but it also leaves your mane looking soft and healthy.
Hair gels are also more popular among the younger crowd as they’re lighter than a cream or a pomade.
| Men's Hair Gel Brands | Best For | Links On Amazon |
| American Crew Styling Gel Classic Firm Hold | Best Overall | View on Amazon |
| R+Co Motorcycle Flexible Hair Gel | Best For Thick Hair | View on Amazon |
| Jack Black Hair Gel Body-Building Gel | Best Natural Gel | View on Amazon |
| TIGI Bed Head for Men Power Play Gel | Best For Longer styles | View on Amazon |
| Mitch Steady Grip Hair Gel | Thinning Hair | View on Amazon |
| Redken Brews Stand Tough Maximum Control Gel | Best Super Strong Hold | View on Amazon |
| Dove Men+Care Hair Styling Controlling Gel | Best For Curly Tresses | View on Amazon |
| Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Sculpting Gel | Best For Black Tresses | View on Amazon |
| Esquire Grooming Texture Gel | Best Salon Brand | View on Amazon |
| Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Gel | For Spikes | View on Amazon |
| American Crew Forming Cream | Best For Medium Hold | View on Amazon |
What is the best gel brand for men's hair?
From all our research and looking through reviews, we think the title of the best gel brand should go to the American Crew's Styling Gel. It’s a top strong hold gel yet lets you resculpt your hairstyles. And the formulation is also alcohol-free, so you don’t have to worry about it hurting your scalp. This one gets our vote!
They give you the shine of cream, without any of the greasiness. And for the modern man who loves switching up his hairstyles, the flexible nature of the gel is much better than a stubborn wax.
But the question remains the same… which gel or pompadour to choose! We’ve it easy for you guys with our top mens hair gel brands list. Check it out!
Best Men's Hair Gel Brands 2023
How To Choose The Best Mens Hair Gel Brands For Your Hair
Choosing the perfect hair gel can be a daunting task. With so many brands out there, it can be tough to know where to start. But fear not, we have got you covered! Simply follow these tips to choose the best hair gel brands for your hair.
Hair Type: Firstly, consider your hair type.
If you have fine or thin hair, opt for a lighter gel that won't weigh down your locks. Conversely, if you have thick or curly hair, a heavier gel will provide the hold you need. It’s also important to consider the texture and shine you want. Do you want a matte look or something with a bit of gloss?
Lifestyle and Climate: Next, think about your lifestyle. If you lead an active lifestyle, you’ll want a gel that’s long-lasting and can withstand sweat and humidity. If you work in an office, you might want something that’s more subtle and has a professional finish. Don’t forget about the scent!
Formula and Fragrance: Choose a gel with a fragrance that you love and can tolerate throughout the day. Remember this scent will be right under your nose.
Ingredients: Lastly, take into account the ingredients. Opt for a hair gel that contains natural ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, or coconut oil. These ingredients not only keep your hair nourished but also protect your scalp from irritation.
In conclusion, choosing the best mens hair gel brand for your hair can be tricky, but it’s all about finding the right balance between hold, texture, shine, scent and ingredients.
What kind of hair gel is suitable for men's curly hair
Curly hair is a blessing, but it can become a curse if you don't know how to tame it. The right hair gel is essential for keeping those curls under control.
When it comes to choosing a hair gel for men's curly hair, there are a few things to consider.
Firstly, look for a hair gel with light to medium hold. You don't want your curls to be weighed down, or worse, crunchy. A lighter hold will allow your curls to bounce freely while still maintaining their shape.
Secondly, consider the texture of the gel. Thicker gels may be too heavy for your curls, but a thinner gel might not have enough hold to control them. Look for a gel with a creamy, pudding-like consistency. These types of gels are usually formulated to work with curly hair.
Thirdly, choose a gel that won't leave residue. Curly hair can be prone to dryness, and a gel that leaves residue can cause flakes and itchiness. Opt for a gel that is water-soluble so that it can be easily washed out.
Lastly, consider the ingredients of the gel. Look for gels that contain nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera or shea butter.
These ingredients will help to keep your curls moisturized and healthy. In summary, when choosing the right hair gel for men's curly hair, look for a lighter hold, creamy texture, no residue, and nourishing ingredients.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different gels until you find the perfect one for your curls. Your hair will thank you!
What ingredients to look for in a hair gel for men
When it comes to styling your hair, choosing the right hair gel can make all the difference. But what ingredients should you be looking for in a hair gel for men?
First and foremost, look for a hair gel that provides a strong hold without leaving your hair feeling stiff or crunchy. Look for ingredients like hydroxyethylcellulose or acrylates copolymer, which help to create a firm hold without making your hair feel weighed down.
If you have particularly dry or brittle hair, look for a hair gel that contains moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or panthenol. These ingredients can help to keep your hair hydrated, preventing breakage and damage. Another important consideration is the scent of the hair gel.
Some hair gels can have a strong, overpowering scent that may clash with your cologne or other grooming products. Look for subtle, refreshing scents like mint or citrus, or opt for a fragrance-free hair gel if you prefer. Finally, consider the ingredients that you don't want in your hair gel.
For example, you may want to avoid hair gels that contain alcohol, which can be drying and damaging to your hair. Similarly, some hair gels contain harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, which can be harmful to the environment and your health.
By taking the time to research the ingredients in your hair gel, you can find a product that gives you the hold and style you want, while also keeping your hair healthy and nourished.
Whether you are looking for a strong hold, a matte finish or a product that will add volume to your hair, there is a gel out there that will meet your expectations. My top picks include American Crew, Baxter of California and Jack Black, which all have unique characteristics that make them worth considering.
American Crew Styling Gel Classic Firm Hold
Best Strong Hold Hair Gel
Even among the top mens hair gel brands, it’s difficult to find a product that strikes a balance between flexibility and hold.
But the American Crew Styling Gel manages to do just this! The hair gel is flexible enough to let you change your hairstyles. And it also gives a strong-hold that keeps your mane in place all day long.
We think it’s one of the best hair gels for men as it’s not just about styling. Its vitamin B formula nourishes your strands and keeps them protected as well.
The gel is also alcohol-free, so you needn’t worry about it drying out your scalp.
The product also gives you good value for money, as a little goes a long way.
And if you do use a bit excess by mistake, you don’t have to worry about your mane looking greasy either.
Pros:
- · Contains no alcohol
- · Keeps the scalp and hair moisturized
- · Holds the hair firm
- · Contains Vitamin B which helps promote hair health
Cons:
- · Priced higher than other hair gels
R+Co Motorcycle Flexible Hair Gel
Best Hair Products For Men With Thick Hair
Most guys with thicker manes prefer gels over waxes as they’re much easier to apply. But if you want the flexibility of a wax, with the hold and slip of a gel, you should go for this product by R+Co.
The texture of this gel is thin and not goopy at all. So it spreads quite smoothly through the strands. The product leaves a matte texture behind.
Want to know the main reason we put the R+Co Motorcycle Flexible Gel in our top mens hair gel brands list?
It comes packed with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, sunflower seeds extract, and keratin. This blend helps condition your tresses and adds thickness and volume too.
Its heat complex also shields your mane from damage due to styling tools.
Some of the users did find the fragrance of this gel to be a bit strong. But other than that, it’s one of the best hair gels for spikes, curls, and other styles.
Pros:
- · Promotes hair protection from heat damage
- · Has a good fragrance
- · Perfect for application on wet hair
- · Promotes hair shine
Cons:
- · Hold on hair doesn’t last for extended periods of time
Jack Black Hair Gel Body-Building Gel
Best Natural Hair Gel For Men
Don’t let the name fool you - this one isn’t for men looking to be bodybuilders. The Jack Black Hair Gel helps add body or volume to your mane.
If greasy, limp locks keep you from getting that bouncy coiffure and quiffs, this is the product for you.
We also think it’s the best natural hair gel for men as it contains glycerin, grapefruit oil, lavender oil, and sunflower seed oil.
Then there’s also tea tree and lavender to keep your mane from getting oily and giving you the volume you want.
This is one of the top mens hair gel brands if you’re looking for products that are free of alcohol, parabens, or synthetic fragrances.
Pros:
- · Contains organic ingredients
- · Makes the hair look voluminous with a renewed shine
- · Dries up completely after application
Cons:
- · Doesn’t contain any scent
- · May not hold the hair firm for longer periods of time
Related: For more oily hair care, try these dry shampoos for oily hair today!
TIGI Bedhead for Men Power Play Gel
Best Hair Products For Men With Long Hair
It can get difficult to style long locks. Too much product can make it look greasy, and it’s more troublesome to keep in place than short, spiky styles.
It’s a good thing the Tigi Bed Head Gel exists. If you ask us, it’s one of the top mens gel brands. And for a good reason too!
The hydrolyzed wheat protein in the formula adds volume to your tresses, smoothens frizzy hair, and protects them from damage too.
We like how you only need a little product to get a firm hold. So even if you’ve got longer locks, the gel doesn’t run out soon. This means its a budget pick despite the price.
Most users seem to love the fragrance this TIGI Bedhead gel leaves behind on your tresses. You can use this versatile hair produc on dry hair or wet hair.
Pros:
- · Contains no alcohol
- · Suitable for all hair types
- · Provides a flexible hold on hair
- · Doesn’t have a greasy finish
Cons:
- · May not hold hair for long periods of time
- · Best for styling only short or medium hair, not for longer hair
Mitch Steady Grip Hair Gel
Best Hair Gel For Men's Thinning Hair
Most of the top mens hair gel brands focus on keeping your hair laying low. But what if you need to add volume and thickness to thinning locks?
Well, just try the Mitch Steady Grip Hair Gel. The product doesn’t feel wet at all. So your strands don’t get weighed down.
If you want to try curly hairstyles, this gel is great for the job. We’re amazed at how bouncy and plump it leaves your mane.
Its strong but clean scent can be a problem if you’ve got a sensitive nose. But it dissipates quickly, so it’s not too much of a bother.
Pros:
- · Comparatively cheaper than other brands
- · Promotes a natural hair shine
- · Has a long lasting hold
- · Suitable for both dry and wet hair useage
Cons:
- · May not be suitable for people with very voluminous or thick hair types
Related: Tresses looking thinner every day? Try these mens hair gels for thinning hair to leave them thick and bouncy.
Redken Brews Stand Tough Maximum Control Gel
Best Super Strong Hair Gel
Want to freeze your hairstyle in place for the whole day? Try this super strong hair gel from Redken Brews. This maximum control gel is just the thing for guys with unruly locks that simply won’t stay put.
All you need to do is apply this gel over damp locks. And voila! Your mane now looks instantly voluminous and shiny. It gives a very natural finish.
Now you can sculpt your mane into any style you want (beach wave, spikes, etc.) and be assured it’ll stay that way till the end of the day. Plus, it smells great too!
Pros:
- · Suitable for all hair types
- · Makes it easy to sculpt the hair in any way
- · Best for slick back hair styles
- · Promotes a better hair shine
Cons:
- · May not hold the hair for long periods of time
Dove Men+Care Hair Styling Controlling Gel
Best Mens Hair Gel For Curly Hair
This alcohol-free gel gives a smooth, wet look and doesn’t leave behind any white flakes even hours after staying on your mane.
The gel contains caffeine, which makes sure your tresses aren’t left looking greasy or limp after use. So it’s one of the top mens hair gel brands for curly hair.
We also give bonus points for being silicone-free and sulphate free and making your locks look thicker than they really are.
Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Sculpting Gel
Best Non-Flaky Hair Gel For Black Hair
Some products, even if they’re from the top gents hair gel brands, tend to flake and crust in your tresses.
This is especially true for coarse hair and fine Afro textures. So naturally, we were impressed with the Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Sculpting Gel.
Black hair is also more prone to frizz as it generally has a high porosity.
But with this gel, you get frizz-free smooth locks, no matter how humid it is outside.
As the gel gives that extra plumpness and body to the strands, it’s great for getting curl definition too.
We fell in love with the fragrance of this sculpting gel. The refreshing scent reminds you of citrus and will leave you revitalized!
Esquire Grooming Texture Gel
Best Salon Hair Gel Brands
The Esquire Grooming Texture Gel is one of the best salon hair gel brands out there. It’s everything you’d need in a styling product for daily use.
The gel offers medium but flexible hold, an amazing sheen, and doesn’t flake or crust on your mane.
But the top reason why this gel is on our best mens hair gel brands list is that the formulation is free of alcohol and paraben.
The cherry on top? It’s cruelty-free too and the water-soluble formula is easy to wash off!
And the masculine, oud fragrance is just… *chefs kiss*
Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Gel
Best Hair Gel For Spikes
If you need a basic but high-quality gel for everyday styles for shorter hair-like spikes, this Garnier Fructis product is your best friend. It’s super lightweight on your mane yet provides 24 hours of a firm hold.
Almost 98 percent of active ingredients in this gel are naturally derived, and there are no artificial dyes, silicones, or parabens in it either. So it’s the best gel for boys of younger ages as well.
The main component here is acacia gum, which is responsible for its holding prowess. But there are also citrus proteins, vitamin B3, aloe, and vitamin B6 to nourish your mane.
Oh, and we almost forgot the best part! It’s super affordable but works just as well as any expensive men's hair gel.
American Crew Forming Cream
Best Medium Hold Men's Hair Cream
If you are scared of flaking and hair gel getting crunchy, try this moisturizing cream instead. It gives a medium hold that is easy to reshape if you want to change your hairstyles, but it still keeps it in place.
As far as styling creams go, this one is the best. Its got natural ingredients and a water-based formula that doesn't make your mane greasy. But it locks in moisture. You can even run your fingers through your hair with ease.
Not only does it boost hair health, the cream also adds a touch of shine. It's good for shorter styles and gives a textured finish.
FAQs about the top men hair gel brands
Which is the best hair gel brand?
After checking all the user reviews, testimonials, ingredients and other factors, we think the American Crew Classic Firm Hold Styling Gel is the best hair gel brand out there.
It contains nourishing ingredients, does not contain alcohol, provides a reasonably strong hold and has good value for money too.
What hair gel do barbers use?
Some of the hair gel brands barbers love using include:
American Crew
Baxter
Kiehls
Smooth Viking
Jack Black
Redken
Conclusion
The right men’s hairstyling gel is everything the dapper man of today needs. It helps tame cowlicks, set hairstyles, add shine, and even gives volume to your mane.
But for the best effect, you need to buy a product that suits your needs and hair.
Do you want a strong-hold gel to keep your hair in place for those long hours at work? Or would you like something flexible to experiment with more hairstyles?
Whatever your needs are, we’re sure you’ll find something from our top mens hair gel brands list above.
So find the product you (and your hair) loves and try the most iconic hairstyles of the day!