In 2024, you can be stylish and set with the 8 best hair gels available for men.

As the saying goes, “You can’t control everything. Your hair was put on your head to remind you of that!” But if you have unruly hair, you can style it out using the best hair gels for men.

No matter if you’re battling Chicago winds or going bar-hopping on Bourbon Street the best hair products for men can help tame your quiffs, curls, and tresses.

The best hair gels can be used to create many different hairstyles. These include top knots or pompadours. They also come in light and strong holds.

Hair gel is made by pure chemistry. Hair gel polymers react with amino acids on the skin and keratin. This causes the gel to set and keep your cut in place.

There are many wonderful male hair styling products available. These include powders and pomades as well as clays, waxes, and pastes.

Powders and pomades can be used to create styles that are low maintenance. Pastes can be used for styles with low to moderate upkeep. Clays can be used to soften and detangle hair. Wax is great for managing unmanageable tresses. But if you’re looking for long-lasting hold with a classic shine, hair gel for men is your go-to preening product.

To make your mop the ‘mane’ event, I’ve collated the cream of the crop. Style it up with the best 8 hair gels for guys.

What you need to know

I’ve spent countless hours researching and reviewing feedback from buyers just like you. My comprehensive list of eight best hair gels is here. American Crew Hair Gel is the first to be ranked. This hair gel will improve your grooming with its impressive hold and hydrating formula. Paul Mitchell Sculpting Gel is my favorite Amazon find. It has a sexy finish and works wonders to tame rebellious hair.

Why it’s great: Tried and trusted men’s grooming brand American Crew knocks it out of the park with this best-selling gel that’s low in cost and high in quality. Consider this gel the pinnacle of best hairs for men whether you are a stylist or new to the game.

This page is for: Thanks to ginseng, sage, panthenol, allantoin, and safflower oil, this anti-flake formula is hydrating – great news for guys struggling with dry locks. Are you still trying to get your head around styling your new hairstyle? American Crew Gel is a flexible gel that provides a strong hold.

The flaws are not the end of the world This gel is lightly fragranced with American Crew’s signature scent. The scent is not for me, I find it mild.

Hold: High hold | Finish: High shine | Size: 13.1 oz | Hair TypeAll Hair Types | Scent: Light scentBuy Free From: | Free From: Alcohol

Why it’s great: In choosing the best men’s hair gels, I look for something gentle on my hair. Body Building Hair Gel has a vegan formula that is organic and cruelty-free. It contains vitamins, oils and other ingredients to make you feel good. The result is an incredibly hydrating and soothing gel that adds texture, shine and volume. It sounds expensive, doesn’t it? Wrong!

Who is this for? If you’re done with your hair feeling flat and thin, this body-building gel could be just what the barber ordered. Use a little gel to add volume and texture, making your hair look thicker. Fake it ’til you make it!

The flaws are not the end of the world The Body Building Gel creates a natural look. It’s not going to defy gravity. If you’re looking for a product that will keep your hair looking great for both work and casual events, then this gel is for you.

Hold: Natural | Finish: Shiny | Size: 3.4oz | Hair TypeAll Hair Types | Scent: Light natural fragranceBuy Free From: | Free From: Alcohol, synthetic fragrance, colorants, parabens

Why it’s great: For some men, curls are more of a hassle than a blessing. But that just means you haven’t found the right products. The All About Curls Gel with High Definition will help you to overcome your daily battles with unruly, thick waves.

This page is for: This is the hair gel that men need if they are tired of dry, crunchy curls. The All About Curls Gel High-Definition provides a strong hold and moisturizing ingredients to create defined waves with a healthy appearance. The formula contains no silicones or sulfates.

The flaws are not the end of the world Apply this gel to wet hair. Scrunch curls upwards after applying. This is a deal-breaker only if you’re looking for a dry hair product.

Hold: Strong Hold | Finish: Shiny | Size: 15oz | Hair TypeCurly, Wavy | Scent: NaturalBuy Free From:| Free From: Alcohol, silicone, sulfates, parabens

Why it’s great: The gel will enhance texture and shine, while locking in perfectly tousled hair. Paul Mitchell Super Clean Sculpting Gel does wonders for coarse or rebellious-looking hair.

Who is this for? Super Clean Sculpting Gel is color-safe, so if you’re a sucker for changing up your look, this gentle recipe won’t damage dye. This blend contains hydrolyzed soybean protein that hydrates parched hair.

Despite flaws in the design, it is not a deal breaker. It is quite watery, especially for a men’s hair gel. If you’re used to thick, sticky gels, it may take some time to adjust. 

Hold: Firm hold | Finish: Shiny | Size: 3.4oz | Hair TypeAll Hair Types | Scent: Citrus and HerbalBuy Free From: | Free From: Gluten, parabens

Why it’s great: My best budget hair gel for men isn’t technically the cheapest on this list. In order for me to consider a hair product as a good value, it must offer quality, usability and affordability. You can also find out more about the following: a fair price tag. Dove Men+Care Taming Gel is a product with credentials. This hair gel offers men a smooth finish, with high shine and a strong grip.

Who is this for? You’re looking for an option that is simple to use, and fuss-free? This drugstore brand hair gel is perfect for men. Apply a small quantity of the product to your clean hands, then run it through damp hair.

The flaws are not the end of the world If you’re a matt-look kind of guy, you may not gel with Dove’s high-shine finish.

Hold: High hold | Finish: High-shine | Size: 3 x 7oz (multipack) | Hair TypeAll Hair Types  | Scent: Spices and patchouli – a warm blendBuy Free From: | Free From: Alcohol

Why it’s great: Bumble and Bumble is a brand that my wife introduced me to long before it was a salon-only brand. Their products have stood the test of my time. Bumble and Bumble products may be expensive, but quality is worth it if you want to make your hair look its best.

Who is this for? BB Gel is a great hair gel for men looking for something new. Bumble and Bumble’s formula is flexible, unlike most gels that boast an immovable hold. BB Gel offers a medium hold with a soft, brushable surface. This allows you to reshape your locks throughout the day. It’s a low-maintenance, easy-to-use gel with plenty of wiggle room for tweaking.

The flaws are not the end of the world Bumble and Bumble BB Gel suits casual, low-maintenance styles.

Hold: Medium, flexible hold | Finish: Moderate Shine | Size: 5oz | Hair TypeAll Hair Types | Scent: UnscentedBuy Free From: | Free From: Alcohol

Why it’s great: There’s chatter amongst health nuts about harmful ingredients hiding in grooming products. Whether you believe the buzz or not, knowing what you’re slapping on your scalp is never a bad idea. Blackwood BioFuse Hair Sculpting is a vegan, organic and all-natural gel that will style and stimulate hair growth.

Who is this for? BioFuse hair gel is the best for men with sensitive skin. The formula is enriched in castor oil, which reduces follicle irritation and scalp damage. Hydrolyzed Silk and other nourishing ingredients boost moisture. BioFuse Gel is perfect for men who have thin hair. The lightweight formula won’t weigh strands down.

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. This gel has a medium-hold with a natural look. It’s not gonna be your jam if you’re after a high-shine, mega-hold product.

Hold: Medium | Finish: Natural | Size: 7.76oz | Hair TypeAll Hair Types | Scent: NaturalBuy Free From:| Free From: Silicon, sulfate, parabens, phthalate, gluten, dye

Why it’s great: These are the most popular haircuts among men. They may be stylish and sexy, but you’ll need a hair gel for men with Hulk-level hold to keep these cuts fresh. Don’t just take it from me; Redditor Addictive_Substance3 says, “I use Got 2 B glued hair gel. Once it’s dry, it doesn’t move all day. Even with putting my hat on and off.”

This page is for: If you appreciate a VIP endorsement, you’ll be pleased to know that Davontae Washington, celeb hairstylist, loves Ultra Glued. He says it “lives up to its ‘invincible’ claim.” This hair gel for men is the perfect wingman for thick hairstyles.

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. The ultra-firm gel can make hands feel sticky after use. But we’re all washing our hands after using styling products anyway, right?

Hold: Ultra High Hold | Finish: Shiny | Size: 6oz | Hair TypeAll Hair Types | Scent: UnscentedBuy Free From: | Free From: N/A

The Best Hair Gels for Men: What to Look For When Shopping

Ingredients

We avoid certain foods for our health. You should also be checking the ingredients of your grooming product. Natural shampoos are now popular among men to soothe their scalp. Hair gel for men should be chosen with the same care.

If you’re trying to go green, avoid gels with harmful sulfates, parabens, and silicones. Choose vegan products with organic ingredients, such as Blackwood Hair Sculpting gel and Jack Black Body Building Hairgel. Alcohol can dry hair. Look for alcohol-free male hair gels, like my top pick.

Hair Type

According to a study, genetic factors play a significant role in determining your hair’s texture. Even though your hair can be curly or straight, there is one thing that remains: the follicle. There are only three types of texture: fine, medium and thick.

The London School of Barbering says, “Using hair gel in your hair before blow-drying will add a layer of weight to your hair, making it feel thicker. There are different strengths to choose from for different effects, including height and volume of your hair.”

Bumble and Bumble’s BB Gel will help you achieve your au naturel vision. It’s a flexible, medium-strength hair gel for men who have casual, relaxed cuts. You can also choose the Got 2B Ultra Glued invincible styling gel if you need a lot of hold to create statement styles.

Scent

The best men’s hair gels have a masculine, subtle scent. I’m a fan of fresh citrus-scented products like Paul Mitchell Super Clean Sculpting Gel. Call me a hippie, but I also can’t get enough of Dove Men+Care Taming Gel scented with patchouli.

If you don’t want your grooming products to fight for olfactory space with your signature cologne, opt for an unscented hair gel for men. Men who are sensitive to scent will love Bumble and bumble BB Gel or Got 2 B Invincible Hair Styling Gel.

Keep in mind that a hair product may say it’s fragrance-free but still have a faint scent because of its other ingredients. If you like products that smell natural, Jack Black Body Building Hair Gel or All About Curls high-definition gel are for you.

How we choose these products

How can you tell which hair gel is best for men when every brand claims to be better than the other? The most stress-free way to decide on a good hair gel for men is to find a reputable source that’s already put in the leg work. Luckily for you, I’ve done just that. Here are my criteria for judging the best hair gels available to men:

Customer Reviews One guy’s holy grail product could be another’s DNF (did not finish). It wasn’t enough for only me to love the product. So, I read reams of reviews from fellow gents to verify that the best hair gels for men weren’t one-hit wonders.

Price: I wanted the majority of these 8 best men’s hair gels to be affordable to the average man. But, if you feel like treating yourself, you’ll find some boujee buys, too.

Personal Experience When writing reviews, I imagine I’m chatting with my best mate or brother. In the same way I wouldn’t steer my nearest and dearest wrong with a duff product, I take the review process seriously. If I recommend a product, you can believe it’s one I’d be happy and confident to use myself.

Why you should trust us

When it comes to navigating the vast world of men’s grooming, few have the expertise and keen insight of Mal, a seasoned writer for FashionBeans. Mal’s extensive portfolio spans a diverse range of topics, from the intricate details of selecting the best blue colognes to practical advice on everyday grooming habits.

His work demonstrates not just a passion for the subject, but a deep understanding of what makes a product stand out, whether it’s the allure of Ferragamo colognes for the modern man or the cozy, masculine vibes of teakwood colognes.

Mal’s ability to dissect the nuances of coffee perfumes and amber perfumes and oils with precision and flair is unmatched. His reviews are more than just recommendations; they’re a roadmap to elevating your grooming game. Mal’s personal experiences and expert advice help him guide readers through the many options, allowing them to make informed choices based on their preferences and needs. This is evident in his review of the top hair gels for males.

Final Verdict

Whether you have thin hair that you wished looked fuller or thick hair that’s a beast to tame, hair gel deserves a place in every Millennial man’s styling arsenal. The best hair gels have hydrating ingredients and offer a shiny, attractive finish.

American Crew Men’s Hair Gel is my go-to grooming product, and with a wallet-friendly price tag, sexy signature scent, and flexible hold, it could soon be yours, too.