Top 11 Best Hair Gels For Men

Hair gel has long been a staple styling product for men. It has a rich history to say the least, with some of the most famous style icons of the last century (think: Gable, Dean, Travolta, Beckham) all fans of a firm hold. However, even though it’s been around longer than many other grooming essentials, it is perhaps the most precarious and intimidating product to use. Too much and the hair collapses like a sad scarecrow; too little and your barnet is bouncing around like an inflatable at a car dealership.

However, there are certain hair gels that are truly a cut above the fold, with both styling and nourishing benefits, and we’ve done the work of rounding up the best of them. Keep scrolling for the best hair gels for men.

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Top 11 Best Hair Gels For Men

Top 11 Best Hair Gels For Men

1. Kiehl’s Grooming Solutions Clean Styling Gel

Kiehl’s never looks at a product in a linear way, which is why the brand’s hair gel offering has conditioning benefits, too. Enriched with botanicals and formulated with pracaxi oil, the product nourishes the hair as much as it styles it. Overall, it does exactly what you would want your gel to do—it gives just the right amount of both shine and hold. Wins all around.

2. Bumble & Bumble Give ‘Em Gel

Any cool-kid salon will be stocked with Bumble & Bumble, a hairdresser go-to brand. More flexible than traditional gels, this one has a medium hold, moderate shine, and a non-sticky finish. It’s definitely a get-up-and-go kind of gel—the sort you need when you’re running late in the morning and just using your fingers.

3. Dove Men+ Care Hair Styling Controlling Gel

Gel enthusiasts have always liked the shine it can give and this one is the shiniest of the bunch. It still won’t dry your hair out as much as the old kinds and has a fresh, clean scent that lasts as long as your hairstyle.

4. American Crew Forming Cream

Unlike gels, this forming cream is easy to rework throughout the day so your style always looks fresh no matter what happens to it. It’s heavier, but still moisturizing, which makes it ideal for shorter styles and straight hair.

5. Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream

Styling creams are like gels, but much more moisturizing. If you have dry or brittle hair that’s prone to breakage or frizz, this cream will smooth everything out, but still give you the hold you need to keep your hair in check.

6. Amika Texture Gloss Haute Mess

This innovative gel has more in common with clay or paste than anything else. It has a matte finish and enhances natural texture for a lived-in, bedhead look without sacrificing the hold you expect from a traditional gel.

7. Redken Brews Stand Tough Maximum Control Gel

This is an extreme hold gel for lads with the toughest most unruly hair. Lock your locks in place all day with Redken Brews Stand Tough Maximum Control Gel, and know that they will not budge. This innovative formula uses ionic bonds to solidify your style, creating a hold to tame any mane.

8. Johnny B. Mode Styling Gel

Don’t let the logo’s uncanny resemblance to Johnny Bravo fool you. This styling gel is serious stuff. Although Johnny Bravo did have great hair, Johnny B’s formula will have your locks rivaling the 90s cartoon hunk. This no build-up, no-flake gel offers a medium hold leaving your locks feeling light and looking fantastic.

9. TRESemmé Hair Gel, Mega Sculpting

Another supremely strong gel for guys with thick or long hair is TRESemmé Hair Gel, Mega Sculpting. Not only will it hold even the thickest of strands in place all day long, but it will also leave your mane shiny and sculpted to perfection. It is also alcohol-free, meaning it is kinder on your hair and scalp. While the humidity resistant technology means you don’t need to worry about those frizzy flyaways.

10. Fatboy Hair Tough Guy Water Wax

The versatility behind this excellent styling tool is pretty remarkable. Apply Fatboy’s Tough Guy Water Wax to wet hair, damaged hair, coarse hair, or atop the brand’s Sea Salt Pomade, all designed to lock in moisture and provide a wet-look finish while taming flyaways.

11. AXE Messy Look Hair Gel

The AXE brand that you thought you knew is no more, now that the brand is focused on delivering more mature styles, products, and scents, including this hair gel for that coveted messy look (think how cool celebs like Robert Pattinson look with “bedhead,” right?). Mess up dry hair with a small amount — AXE says it should go a long way.

Hopefully, with the list of the best hair gels for men in the article, you will have the best choice for your hair.