The Best Hair Gels for Hold, Definition, and Control

Senior commerce writer Angela Trakoshis has been using the Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Styling Gel for years. "I literally use this for everything," she says. "I'll scrunch my hair with it, use it for a slicked-back look, and even squeeze out some onto a spoolie and use it as a brow gel." The best part? It's under $5 – a real steal. 

Made for those with textured and curly hair, the Oribe Curl Gelée will give definition, shape, and hold. It features a butter complex (made up of murumuru and mango butter) that hydrates and detangles hair. Plus, macadamia seed and apricot oils seal all that moisture in and add shine — no wonder it won a Best of Beauty Award.

The Bumble and Bumble Sumogel is a clear, alcohol-free formula, so hair never feels dried out while it's working its magic. It can work multiple ways: either use a pea-sized amount to lay down baby or fly away hairs or apply a larger dollop to damp hair to give that wet hair look effect. 

R+Co's Wall Street Strong Hold Gel is a super-shine formula that gives hair hold, no matter the style. New York City hairstylist Mia Santiago loves it and says it doesn't leave your hair crunchy and is very versatile, meaning it works on all hair types and delivers firm hold. 

Formulated with a rice curl complex, the Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Hard Hold Hair Gel defines curls with long-lasting hold. It also tames frizz, hydrates, and has the yummiest citrus and jasmine scent that lasts all day. 

Toth says that the Kérastase Curl Manifesto Curl Defining Gel-Cream is a wonderful pick for curls. "It adds moisture and hold and keeps curls looking defined all day long," he adds. How you ask? It's all thanks to the manuka honey and ceramides in the formula.     

The Pattern Strong Hold Hair Gel is a flexible yet long-lasting gel with tons of hold. It's great for wavy to coily hair and can lay down even the most stubborn strands. Not to mention, it helps keep hair moisturized with the flaxseed and castor oil in the tub. 

Santiago says that the American Crew Styling Gel is a great formula that feels light as air and never weighs hair down. "It enhances shine, and just leaves hair looking exactly how you desired to style it, every time," she adds.

For an affordable pick, consider the Aussie Instant Freeze Gel. Toth states that it creates a hold that lasts all day and the formula doesn't feature a ton of hair drying or damaging alcohols. But it does feature moisturizing jojoba oil and sea kelp, which we love.

Tresemmé's Extra Hold Styling Gel provides hold so strong your hair will be resistant to humidity. Plus, it won't leave it crunchy so hair is still manageable and easy to style once dry. 

"Göt2b Glued Styling Spiking Gel is the stylist's go-to for all eternity," says Santiago. "It's not flaky and it's committed to holding hair down in any style." After you set your style, you don't have to worry or think about it all day.