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Best Gel for Curly Black Hair in 2023

Are you looking for the best gel for curly black hair? If you have curls or coils, it’s important you get the right product for your hair type. This post lists all the best gels for both high and low porosity curly hair.

Best Gel for Curly Black Hair

Curly hair tends to be drier than other hair types. For this reason it’s important to look for gels with hydrating and moisturising ingredients such as coconut oil, vitamin E, aloe vera, Argan oil or avocado oil.

When you get the right gel your your own hair type, if won’t leave the hair crunchy, flaky or covered in residue. In this post I look at how you can find the right hair gel for your own curly black hair, as well as techniques for applying gel to the hair.

Best Gel for Curly Black Hair

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure here.

What is Gel?

Gel is a hairstyling product that is used to form a cast around the hair and hold it in a particular style. With curly hair, having a a gel layer over the curls can help to maintain curl formation and prevent the hair becoming frizzy.

Gel can be applied to the hair either when it’s damp or dry, and helps to hold the hairstyle in place for longer periods of time.

Getting the right gel for your hair type is important however. A good gel will clump curls together and give them definition. The wrong gel can lead to dryness or buildup on the hair.

Tips on Finding the Right Gel for You

The right gel will depend on the hair’s texture and porosity level.  Low porosity hair types should choose lighter gels that are less likely to lead to product build up. For high porosity hair, you’ll want a moisturising gel that forms a seal on the hair shaft.

If you’re not sure what your hair porosity level is, take my quiz to find out!

You should also check to see if the gel contains drying alcohols. Short-chained alcohols like propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, and ethanol are all drying on the hair. These ingredients are often found in gels to get the product to dry quickly on the hair, but it can end up drying out your hair strands and leaving them frizzy.

The gels chosen in this post are all free from drying alcohols! They are also all approved for the Curly Girl Method!

The Best Gel for Curly Black Hair

Imbue Curl Empowering Crème Gel

Imbue Curl Empowering Crème Gel

The Imbue Curl Empowering Crème Gel works well on all hair textures. The formula contains a mixture of both lightweight oils such as sweet almond, avocado and jojoba oil, and heavier oils such as coconut and olive. It is completely free from silicones, parabens, SLS or SLES, drying alcohols, mineral oil, or mineral waxes.

This gel can be used on all curl types from 3A to 4C. It provides strong hold to enhance curl definition, and shine. This product should be applied to either wet or damp hair, and scrunched in before leaving the hair to dry.

Imbue Curl Empowering Crème Gel, Vegan & Curly...
  • Your curls will feel lightweight and bouncy due to the gel creme's flake free, lightweight finish....
  • Apply to clean wet hair and comb, twist or finger style as desired. Air dry or diffuse depending on...
  • When tested on type 3 & type 4 hair: 94% Said they had a flake-free finish, 76% Said their curls...

Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Umberto Giannini Curl Scrunching Jelly

Umberto Giannini Curl Scrunching Jelly

The Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly helps to banish frizz and add shine in both curly and wavy hair. It provides a medium hold and helps to give volume and fullness to thin hair. The alcohol-free formula is vegan and cruelty free, and leaves natural curls defined and bouncy.

Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Scrunching Jelly,...
  • The One & Only Cult Favorite - Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly formula banishes frizz, adds shineand...
  • Define Your Tresses - Combat manageability, flopand whatever your curls throw at you on a daily...
  • For All Types of Curls - Ideal for those with wavy, curly and coily hair textures; Embrace the vegan...

Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

CANTU Shea Butter Moisturizing Twist Lock Gel

CANTU Shea Butter Moisturizing Twist Lock Gel

The CANTU Shea Butter Moisturizing Twist Lock Gel contains natural ingredients including pure olive oil, and pure shea butter to nourish the hair. Shea butter is a hero ingredient for curly hair since it adds moisture to dry hair, nourishes the hair cuticle and promotes hair growth.

This gel reduces frizz and leaves you with beautiful, soft curls. The natural oils in its formula, such as avocado oil and jojoba oil, are rich in fatty acids which seal moisture into the hair strands. It also contains silk amino acids to soften the hair.

This is a great choice for high porosity hair since it contains heavy oils and butters which coat and seal the strands.

Sale
Cantu Moisturizing Twist & Lock Gel 370g
  • Controls frizz for a silky smooth hold
  • Unique moisturizing cream gel viscosity
  • Great for twists & braid outs

Last update on 2024-11-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Noughty Hey Curl Scrunching Jelly

Noughty Hey Curl Scrunching Jelly

The Noughty Hey Curl Scrunching Jelly adds definition and shine to naturally curly and wavy hair. It contains sea kelp and Irish moss to hydrate the hair and reduce frizz and flyaway strands. This is a lightweight gel that would suit low porosity hair. The formula won’t lead to product build-up or leave any greasy residue.

If you are looking for a gel that is lightweight but with medium hold, this is one of the best hair products I’ve found. It provides great hold for all curl types from 3A to 4C hair. It also helps to smooth baby hairs and prevent fluffy or frizzy hair.

Sale
Noughty 97% Natural Hey Curl Scrunching Jelly,...
  • CURLY HAIR CARE: Deeply conditions and defines waves and curls, leaving hair shiny and frizz-free...
  • PLANT POWER TO THE RESCUE: Suitable for everyday use, this moisturizing conditioner helps hair feel...
  • TAME YOUR HAIR: Carefully selected natural ingredients nourish curls, helping to improve suppleness,...

Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

As I Am Curling Jelly

As I Am Curling Jelly

The As I Am Curling Jelly Coil and Curl Definer locks moisture into curls and coils whilst detangling and softening the hair. The lightweight gel contains aloe vera, sugar beet root and vitamin E, to reduce shrinkage and eliminate frizz. This is another great choice for low porosity hair, or curly girls who prefer lighter curl gels.

To use this gel, distribute it evenly through wet hair either by finger raking or using a wide tooth comb. Only separate or arrange your curls once the hair has completely dried. This is a popular gel for Afro hair and kinky hair.

Sale
As I Am Curling Jelly Coil and Curl Definer,...
  • As I Am Curling Jelly Coil and Curl Definer, 227g/8 oz.
  • Minimizes frizz
  • Adds body and bounce

Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Twisted Sista Dream Curls Gel

Twisted Sista Dream Curls Gel 

The Twisted Sista Amazing Dream Curl Gel contains sweet almond oil, coconut oil and avocado oil. It helps to elongate curls making them look bouncy and defined. It also adds volume to thin waves and curls.

Avocado and almond are both light oils which suit low porosity hair, but this curly hair product would also work well on high-porosity hair. This is because it contains coconut oil which is known to help coat and smooth the hair shaft, and seal any open or raised cuticles.

This gel provides hold for up to 48 hours and won’t leave any crunchy cast or residue on the hair.

Sale
Twisted Sista Amazing Dream Curls Cream Gel with...
  • With coconut, avocado and almond oils
  • Recommended for thin, or wavy curl textures
  • Elongates curls while infusing moisture

Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Gel Souffle

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Gel Souffle

The Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Gel Souffle helps to create beautiful curls by infusing the hair with moisture. The ingredient list includes flaxseed oil, aloe vera, silk protein and neem oil. The gel is designed to enhance and define thick, curly hair.

This product hydrates and seals the hair shaft and protects the hair from environmental stressors. It improves the hair condition and leaves it free from frizz. You only need to apply a small amount to either wet or dry hair and comb in through with a wide tooth comb.

Sale
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Gel...
  • SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Gel Soufflé helps hydrate, define and enhance curls with a...
  • This styling gel nourishes hair with fast-absorbing and nutrient-rich Coconut, Flax Seed and Neem...
  • SheaMoisture has delivered the perfect curling gel for thick hair that’s dry or susceptible to...

Last update on 2024-11-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé

Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé

The Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé is a semi solid jelly which adds hydration and shine to the hair. It’s both a styling gel and a moisturiser for the hair and gives curls definition, bounce and medium hold. This gel can be used on braids or twist outs and won’t leave a crunchy cast, residue or sticky feeling on the hair.

This is the best hair gel if you like using natural ingredients on your hair! Curlsmith blends are inspired by generations of homemade remedies. Their hair gel includes flaxseed, Irish moss, rosemary leaf, sage leaf, avocado oil, shea butter and babassu oil.

Sale
Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé - Vegan...
  • MOISTURE & DEFINITION - The Soufflé is a moisturiser AND a medium hold styling gel all in one! It...
  • HOW THE MAGIC HAPPENS - After it is applied, the Soufflé creates a slight "cast" on the curls,...
  • WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT - Inspired by generations of homemade hair remedies, Curlsmith blends fresh...

Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Lee Stafford For the Love of Curls Defining Gel

Lee Stafford For the Love of Curls Defining Gel

The Lee Stafford Defining Gel contains pro-vitamin B5, camellia, shea butter and coconut extract to help eliminate frizz and keep the hair hydrated. It helps to define the shape of curls by providing a firm all day hold.

This is a very lightweight gel which would suit low porosity hair. It’s great for keeping curls defined in humidity and leaves the hair shiny and glossy.

To use this product distribute it evenly through wet hair and don’t touch the hair until it’s completely dry. As the hair dries, the gel will help to enhance your natural curl pattern, and provide a firm hold.

How to Apply Gel on Curly Hair

It’s important to note that gel can sometimes leave your hair feeling crunchy. This is because some gels use thickeners and polymers as their “glue” to hold the cast of the gel in place on your hair.  Using too much of these types of gels can result in a sticky or stiff hair texture. 

The best way to use gel on your hair is to apply it when your hair is damp and then scrunch the product into your curls. This will help you avoid crunchy, sticky locks and lead to well-defined curls instead!

FAQs about Gels for Curly Black Hair

What gel is good for natural curly hair?

Two great gels for natural curly hair are the ECO Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel and the ECO Styler Black Castor & Flax Seed Oil Styling Gel.

The Eco Styler Gel with olive oil helps to reduce frizz and moisturise the hair. It’s great for especially dry or frizzy hair, and also helps to regulate oil production in the scalp.

The ECO Styler Black Castor & Flax Seed Oil Styling Gel helps to nourish and repair the hair, and promote growth. It contains wheat protein which strengthens and protects the hair.  This is a great choice for natural curly hair that’s damaged.

Is gel bad for natural black hair?

If you are using gels that contain drying alcohols, it could damage the hair over time. Using hair gel too often to pull back the hair tightly could also end up with your hair becoming thin and falling out.

If you only use good gels that are infused with moisturising ingredients, gel can actually help to keep the hair in good condition. The gels in this post are all moisturising and free from drying ingredients.

Is hair gel good for curls?

A good hair gel can help to define curls and improve the texture and condition of the hair. Gels also prevent frizz and enhance curl formation. The important thing is to choose a good gel that only contains moisturising ingredients and no drying alcohols.

POST FROM OTHER BEAUTY BLOGS

If you found this article helpful, you may enjoy the following posts from other beauty blogs that I follow and trust.

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NATURALLY CURLY

CURLY NIKKI

MANE ADDICTS

GET THE GLOSS

This post was all about the best gel for curly black hair

Thank you for reading my post about the best gel for curly black hair. If you have tried any of the gels in this post please leave a comment below and let me know how you got on. If you have curly hair it’s important to choose the right hair care products in order to get the best results.