TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.0*
Why it's great: Readers say this gel is designed specifically to manage curls without weighing them down. "The consistency isn't too thick, and it's easy to work," claims one user. Other reviewers rave about the "heavenly smell," as well as how much they appreciate that the product doesn't flake at the end of the day.
"It defines my curls, and it actually makes my hair curlier," reports one reader. "I've tried so many hair gels and creams for my curly hair, and none have worked as well as this. Especially for the price."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.2*
Why it's great: This is a favorite among our hairstylist readers, who "recommend it to clients with thin hair [who want] to achieve a more voluminous look." They also use the product themselves. "It doesn't leave my hair sticky or hard! It's quiet possibly the best product of this type I've tried," one stylist shares. Other reviewers are fans of the fact that their hair really does look "big and sexy" after using this gel. "I love it," says one user. "I have tried so many products and have never had good results. I use a small amount at the roots and the results when I blow dry are amazing."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.5*
Why it's great: We've all seen someone with a bad gel job. You know, the person walking around with hair so stiff that you swear they had it glued that way? Well, readers say this product holds curls while still allowing hair to have movement.
"Most of my family and I have wavy to curly hair," says one reader. "This gel is great for holding curls and [is] not stiff or sticky." Other readers say the product doesn't flake and is worthy of replacing any of your expensive salon gels. "OMG, there is nothing as affordable and good out there as this stuff," proclaims another user. "It really holds for the whole day without damaging your hair, and there is no stickiness or flake build up. It's my favorite stuff."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.6*
Why it's great: "[This gel] provides awesome all-day hold with no flaking," says one reader. "Best of all, it's super cheap. It doesn't smell like alcohol, and the consistency isn't extremely thick or hard to run through hair." Readers are also impressed with how well this hair gel tames frizziness and adds shine, regardless of hair type. "I have been using this product for six months," shares one reader. "I can use it on wet hair and blow dry it straight or if I want to go curly, I just put it on wet and go. It's a great product!"
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.7*
Why it's great: Readers are fans of the flexible hold this gel provides. "I usually mix a little styling cream in with my hair gel to cut the crunchiness and add a little shine, but there's no need with this," says one user. "It emulsifies when you rub it in your hands and works amazingly to bring out and hold my waves without looking '80s-crispy -- and the smell? It's the very best part. I get more compliments on the scent of my hair than any perfume I ever wear."
Other reviewers say this product has a "lighter consistency than most gels" and that it's worth its hefty price tag. "I use this product every day and it keeps flyaways totally under control," says one user. "It also maintains my style without feeling stiff like some gel products make your hair. It's a great value for the money, too, because a little goes a long, long way."
We love hair gel because it's such a versatile product. Use it on straight hair to add dimension and shine. Apply hair gel to your natural curls to boost volume and keep frizz in check. But if you choose the wrong hair gel, you'll be stuck with a crunchy, greasy mess that smells like alcohol or bad perfume to boot. We're here to eliminate the trial-and-error process for you. Click through for the 11 best hair gels that our readers say are the answer to all of your hair styling woes.
