20 Best Gels for Curly Hair and Coils That Won’t Cause White Flakes or Leave You With Stiff Strands
Have you ever shied away from using hair gels for curly hair, worried that it might leave your ringlets or coils feeling stiff as a board? You’re not alone. Hair gel often gets a bad rap in the natural hair community for its tendency to cause crunchiness and stiffness, and to be fair, some gels do. However, the right gel formula can truly transform your hair, giving you bouncy, defined, and lustrous-looking curls and coils.
Hairstylist and Amika-led pro educator Rashuna Durham says that the best way to apply hair gel is to damp hair because it creates a better hold due to the hair being easier to control while wet. "Section your hair and apply the gel from root to end, making sure that the product is dispersed evenly so you get a more uniform look and reduce frizz," Durham advises.
When it comes to finding the right hair gel, you should also figure out the type of style you want to achieve. If you're looking to create a super sleek ponytail or bun (like North West's signature look), we suggest opting for curly hair products with extreme hold (like this Got 2b styling gel), or if you're looking to get defined curls, opt for a gel with a lighter hold that will still allow your curls to have some body and movement (like this Eco Style gel). With so many variations and kinds of gels available in the market — each uniquely formulated to cater to different curl patterns — it could be difficult to find the perfect one (or two, or three) for you.
That’s where we come in with a robust list of 17 vetted, high-quality hair gels that'll work well on curly and oily textures. From drugstore picks to editor favorites and hairstylist-approved ones, any one of these gels for curly hair will have your hair looking amazing in no time.
Best Hair Gels for Curly & Coily Hair:
- Best overall hair gel for curls and coils: Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard Natural Hair Styling Gel, $18
- Best firm hold gel for curly hair: Eco Styler Professional Styling Gel, $5
- Best drugstore hair gel: Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly, $15
- Best lightweight hair gel: Pattern Curl Gel, $28
- Best hair gel for frizzy hair: The Doux Big Poppa Defining Gel, $14
The Doux Big Poppa Defining Gel
This humidity-resistant and frizz-fighting formula does a superb job of giving you shiny, defined curls no matter your hair type. With a flexible hold, it's perfect for achieving bouncy wash-and-gos or laying down your edges like a pro.
Key Ingredients: Babassu oil, Glycerin
Best for: Works for all curl types
Size: 16 oz
Pros: Fights frizz while defining curls
Cons: Some users have said that it can get flakey
Mizani True Textures Perfect Coil Oil Gel
3C to 4C naturalistas, this curl activator gel has your name written all over you. In fact, it was specifically created for enhancing very curly to tightly coiled textures. Infused with the goodness of moisturizing coconut oil, marula oil, and olive oil, you can define and shape your natural texture while keeping it hydrated.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, marula oil, olive oil
Best for: Those with 3C to 4C textured hair
Size: 10.98 oz
Pros: Moisturizes and defines natural textures with a petrolatum and silicone-free formula
Cons: Some users have said that you can’t manipulate your hair after it dries down
Eco Styler Professional Styling Gel
Another OG in the natural haircare world. When you need a hair gel with super strong hold to keep your curls and coils in place for hours on end, this is the one you need to reach for. It’s also great for getting those super slick buns and ponytails or keeping your edges in check.
Key Ingredients: Olive oil
Best for: Works for all curl types
Size: 16 oz
Pros: Gives you a long-lasting and strong hold
Cons: Some users have said it can be drying
Pattern Curl Gel
“This one is a personal favorite from Tracee Ellis Ross’ hair care line, Pattern. Formulated with aloe vera, coconut oil, and cacay oil, this hydrating creamy curl gel is perfect for when you need to lightly define your hair for wash-and-goes or twist-outs. It's lightweight, and a little goes a long way, so you don’t have to use much for springy curls or coils,” says Teen Vogue contributor Shammara Lawrence.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, coconut oil, cacay oil
Best for: Works for all curl types
Size: 3 fl oz, 9.8 fl ox, and 25 fl oz
Pros: Hydrates and defines curls without the crunch
Cons: Some users have said it’s more akin to a leave-in with a light hold
Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly
This is a staple for writer Ayesha A. “It’s hydrating, has no sulfates, silicones, parabens, artificial oils, colors and when I use it I noticed my curls are shiner and last longer,” she says.
Key Ingredients: Organic blueberry extract, castor oil, chamomile extract
Best for: Works for all wavy and curl textures
Size: 8 fl oz
Pros: Keeps your curls in place with a medium hold while enhancing shine & moisture
Cons: Some users have said it smells overly sweet
amika Curl Corps Enhancing Gel
“This is my go-to styling gel for curls and coils alike, as it boosts curls without the frizz and that old-school crunchy feel,” Durham says. While she works for the brand, Amika has been praised all over TikTok for their pretty packaging and unique products that work well on various hair types.
Key Ingredients: Sea buckthorn berry, hydrolyzed wheat protein, oat peptide
Best for: Fine, medium, and thick hair seeking frizz-free curls
Size: 6.7 oz
Pros: Defines curls without frizz or stiffness
Cons: Users have said it doesn’t give you a lot of definition if you have tighter curls or coils
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus + Flaxseed Defining Styling Gel
For those with thicker curls and coils, SheaMoisture's Coconut & Hibiscus + Flaxseed Defining Styling Gel comes in clutch. Whether you want a smooth ponytail or a bouncy wash-and-go, this coconut oil-rich formula offers long-lasting hold and control without drying out your hair.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, flaxseed
Best for:If you have thick curls or coils
Size: 15 oz
Pros: Provides a long-lasting hold without making it feel dry and stiff
Cons: Not ideal if your hair doesn’t respond well to coconut oil
Matrix Styling Controller Gel
Give your curls and coils structure and shine with this pick by Matrix's Artistic Director, Michelle O’Connor. “The no crunch and no flaking formula will last all day and works great for edge control,” she says. As someone who’s had their hair done beautifully by O’Connor before, I always trust her recommendations.
Key Ingredients: Vegan formula
Best for: Works for all curl types
Size: 6.8 oz
Pros: It’s a multipurpose hair gel that can define curls and lay down edges
Cons: Some users have said it doesn’t work well for fine hair
Davines Medium Hold Modeling Gel
Looking for extra definition in your twist-out or braid-out? Davines Medium Hold Modeling Gel is the answer. The nonsticky formula hydrates while providing a firm yet flexible hold that's both long-lasting and humidity-resistant.
Key Ingredients: Water, Citric Acid
Best for: Works well for all hair textures
Size: 8.45 oz
Pros: Provides a longlasting and firm hold while eliminating frizz
Cons: One of the pricier options on the list
Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard Natural Hair Styling Gel
“I think it's super moisturizing, and the formula is easy to brush through it. Additionally, it smells great (almost like a custard, LOL!), but I don't think it's too sweet. A little goes a long way, which is nice since it's a bit pricey.” — Chandler Harris, Global Director, Creative Strategy, Home/Travel, Condé Nast Commercial Creative
Key Ingredients: Aloe Vera Juice, Vitamin E, Agave Nectar Extract
Best for: Wavy, curly, textured hair types
Size: 8 oz
Pros: Ethyl Alcohol-Free and Lightweight hold
Cons: Some users note if you mix this with other products it can cause flaking
Auntie Jackie’s Don’t Shrimp Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel
Put some pep in your curls step with this lightweight styling gel. With hair-loving Omega Fatty Acids and Vitamin E, the formula helps you strengthen your hair while giving you bomb definition without feeling sticky.
Key Ingredients: Flaxseed, Shea Butter, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Best for: Works for all curl types
Size: 15 oz
Pros: Stretches and strengthens your curls or coils
Cons: Some users have said it can be drying
Design Essential Coconut & Monoi Curl Defining Gelee
“This is a super moisturizing gel that gives really good curl definition and shine. It smells great and gives a good hold.” — Melissa Augustin Manager, Diversity & Inclusion
Key Ingredients: Sunflower, Marshmallow Root, Aloe
Best for: All hair types
Size: 12 oz
Pros: Gives great curl definition and smells amazing
Cons: Some users note that it feels a bit sticky when applied to. the hair
Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel
Want firm yet flexible curls? The Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel will be your girl. It gives you highly defined curls with natural movement. No stiff curls here.
Key Ingredients: A blend of Rice, Keratin Amino Acids, and Enzymes
Best for: Looser curl patterns
Size: 6 oz
Pros: Has a pleasant citrus jasmine scent and molds curls without any crunchiness
Cons: Some users have said it doesn’t control frizz well
Innersense I Create Hold
“It's true to its name; it creates a very frizz-free hold with great definition. It's not greasy or flaky, and it is lightweight, so it doesn't weigh my hair down like other gels I've tried in the past.” — Emebeit Beyene, Associate Producer, Condé Nast
Key Ingredients: Eucalyptus, Aloe Vera, Rooibos Tea, Honey
Best for: Normal, Oily, Dry, All, Color Treated
Size: 10 oz
Pros: Increases shine and flexibility
Cons: Users note that a little bit of product goes a long way
Cantu Avocado Hydrating Styling Gel
If you’re looking for a gel on the lighter side, this fits the bill. With this, you can style and stretch your hair while maintaining the natural bounce and movement of your curls and coils.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, avocado oil
Best for: Works for all curl types
Size: 18.5 oz
Pros: Gives your curls and coils a crunch-free soft hold
Cons: Some users have said it doesn’t work well paired with other products
African Pride Moisture Miracle Gel ‘n’ Cream
Part gel, part cream, this works more like a leave-in. It’s great for moisturizing your hair and giving your curls and coils light definition for the day.
Key Ingredients: Flaxseed oil, shea butter
Best for: Type 4 curl types
Size: 6 oz
Pros: Enhances your curl pattern and add moistures to your hair
Cons: Some users have said it feels sticky
As I Am Curling Jelly
Your newest secret weapon for head-turning wash-and-gos. It works well on both dry and damp hair, and you don’t have to use a lot of it to get the job done.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Vitamin E, pectin, sugar beet root
Best for: Works for all curl types
Size: 16 oz
Pros: Gives you a long-lasting and strong hold
Cons: Some users have said it’s pretty liquidy
Oribe Curl Gloss Hydration Hold
If you’re looking for a “my curls and coils, but better” look, this lightweight choice is perfect for you. It will help you lightly style and shape your hair for all-day definition and shine.
Key Ingredients: Passionflower Extract, Cupuacu, Brazilian Jicama
Best for: Works for all curl types
Size: 5.9 oz
Pros: Pumps up your curls and coils without making your hair feel stiff
Cons: It’s on the pricier side
Eco Style Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil Styling Gel
“I love the Eco line, but the best gel is the Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil. This specific one doesn't get flaky by the end of the day, and it has great hold. I tend to use more since my hair doesn't gel down easily, but I never have get the flakiness at the end of the day.” — Elizabeth Bah, Ad Operations Specialist
Key Ingredients: Pure Olive Oil
Best for: All hair types
Size: 8 oz
Pros: Provides strong hold and hydrates the hair with natural ingredients
Cons: Some users note that tub bottle can be a bit messy
Bask & Lather Edge Control
Okay, so this isn’t traditional styling gel, but this TikTok sensation is a game-changer! Bask & Lather Edge Control has a strong hold, even on 4C hair (speaking from experience). Use it on wet or dry hair to tame your edges, or pull your hair back in a sleek bun or ponytail that will hold up for hours.
Key Ingredients: Glycerine
Best for: Works on all hair textures, especially 4C
Size: 5.3 oz
Pros: Tames edges and it’s perfect for achieving sleek hairstyles
Cons: Some users have said it leaves a white residue after a while
