There are many different types of hair gels for curly hair, each designed to deliver a unique look and feel. From lightweight formulas to stronger holds, gels come in a range of consistencies and hold levels, so you can find the perfect match for your hair texture and styling preferences. At Curlsmith, our gels feature hold bars on the front of the packaging, making it easy to choose the level of hold that’s right for you. By Understanding the performance and benefits of different gel types, you can confidently create your desired result. Let’s get into it.
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What Are Hair Gels?
Hair gels are styling products that provide definition, and lasting hold. There’s a common misconception that hair gel makes curls stiff, crispy, dry, flaky, greasy, wet looking, or only for extreme styles, but gel has come a long way. Today’s formulas are designed to do so much more than just set your hair. In fact, gel is one of the most versatile styling products for curly hair, doing much of the heavy lifting when it comes to definition, hold and longevity. As not all gels are created equally, understanding the different types can make all the difference
Why Should I Use Hair Gel?
You maybe wondering whether using a hair gel is right for you. If you’re looking for defined curls, reliable hold, and a style that lasts, adding a gel to your routine will make all the difference. Gels help him enhance your natural curl pattern, reduce frizz, and lock in moisture, acting as the final step that keeps your curls looking their best. And the good news? Gels are for all curls types and textures, there’s an option for everyone, so you can enjoy definition and longevity without worrying about your curls being weighed down.
The 8 Types of Hair Gels
Gels are designed to meet the needs of every curl type and texture, helping you achieve your desired results. While some formulas may work better for you than others, the right gel can make all the difference. Curlsmith’s guide is here to help you find the gel best suited to your curls. Below, we break down the different gel formulas so you can choose with confidence.
1. Thin Gels
Consistency: Lightweight, watery, slippery.
Benefit: lightweight definition without compromising on volume, includes hyaluronic acid for moisture retention, reduces frizz, humidity control, creates a light cast
Hold level: flexible medium hold
Great for: all curl types, best for fine to medium textures
Curlsmith product example: Hydro Style Flexi Jelly
Some gels feature a lightweight, more watery consistency that feels effortless on the hair. Culrsmith Hydro Style Flexi Jelly is a great example of this gel type. Formulated with water as one of the first ingredients, it’s easy to distribute and won’t weigh curls down. This gel delivers flexible, medium hold that creates a light cast that can be scrunched out once dry to reveal soft, defined curls. Suitable for all curl types and porosities, it’s especially ideal for fine to medium texture.
2. Medium Gels
Consistency: lightweight and creamy
Benefit: anti-frizz, great for smooth long-lasting curls
Hold level: medium hold
Great for: frizzy hair, all curl types and porosities, best for medium to coarse textures
Curlsmith product example: Frizz Rescue Curl Retainer
Some gels hit that perfect sweet spot: a medium thickness that still feels lightweight on the hair. Curlsmith’s Frizz Rescue Curl Retainer is an example of this gel. It delivers exceptional frizz control without any stickiness or stiffness, leaving curls soft, shiny, and healthy looking. The result? Smooth defined curls that still move naturally. This gel is a go-to for effortless definition and frizz free days.
3. Thick Gels
Consistency: thick traditional gel consistency
Benefit: Locks in moisture and helps reduce frizz, long-lasting definition, humidity control, no flaking or buildup.
Hold level: Extreme hold
Great for: All curl types, porosities, and textures
Curlsmith product example: In Shower Style Fixer
Thick consistency gels are your stronghold specialists. These richer, more concentrated formulas are perfect for curls that can handle a bit more weight, especially for medium to coarse textures that thrive with a thicker gel. Often clear in color and infused with nourishing oils, they’re designed to deliver long-lasting hold and stand up to humidity with ease.
Curlsmith In-Shower Style Fixer and Fragrance-free Stronghold Gel are great examples, offering strong hold with humidity resistant ingredients to keep curls defined and frizz free. To make application seamless, we recommend working thick gels into very wet hair. Fine hair textures can still enjoy them too, just use a smaller amount or dilute with water for a more flexible result.
4. Soufflés
Consistency: smooth, jelly-like
Benefit: locks in moisture, enhances shine, reduces frizz, lasting curl definition
Hold level: stronghold
Great for: all curls types and porosities, best for medium to coarse textures
Curlsmith product example: Curls Defining Styling Souffle
Souffles, often called custards, are a unique gel formula with and whipped, jelly-like texture. Typically, medium weight and slightly opaque thanks to their moisturizing ingredients, they deliver definition and hold with plenty of slip.
As they are so hydrating, souffles can often be used as a one-step styler. Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Souffle helps retain moisture a, seals hydration with nourishing oils and works beautifully on all curl types.
The hold is buildable so, so your in control. Use less for soft definition or layer it up for a stronger hold. The souffle creates a cast while your curls are drying, but once they are fully dry, scrunch the crunch to reveal you soft bouncy curls.
5. Cream Gels
Consistency: lightweight and creamy (Lightweight and watery, thick and creamy, etc)
Benefit: deeply hydrates, protects against humidity, and contains UV and thermal protection
Hold level: medium hold
Great for: All curl types and porosities, best for medium to coarse textures
Curlsmith product example: Awestruck Definition Cream
Cream gels are very similar to custards but often have even more moisturizing ingredients, making them lean more towards a cream styler. Unlike traditional curl creams, they include styling agents that help define curls while keeping them soft and hydrated. These usually have a very soft to medium hold and are ideal for smoothing frizz and combatting humidity. The Awestruck Definition Cream offers definition alongside protection against humidity, heat, and UV rays.
For high porosity or damaged hair, the Curlsmith Feather-Light Protein Cream delivers lightweight moisture, strengthening benefits, and a touchable hold. Many cream gels work well as a one-step styler, but if you need more hold, simply layer with a stronger hold gel.
6. Spray Gels
Spray gels are a similar formula to thin gels but comes in a spray bottle. These will usually have more water in them so they can be sprayed, making them very lightweight. This formula is ideal for styling wavy hair or fine hair who don’t want something to weigh down their curls. Spray gels can vary in hold level but will often be light hold due to the higher water content.
Consistency: Lightweight and watery with a fine, even mist
Benefit: defines curls, reduces frizz, and enhances curl clumping
Hold level: light to medium, flexible hold
Great for: All curl types and textures, especially fine hair low density curls
7. Mousses
Consistency: lightweight gel to mousse
Benefit: volumizing, reduces frizz, long lasting fuller curls
Hold level: medium hold
Great for: all curl types, porosities, and textures, best for flat dull curls
Curlsmith product example: Invincible Volume Mousse
Mousse gels bring together the best of both worlds; the airy cloud like feel of a mousse with the defining power of a gel. Their texture is typically foamy with a touch of slip, making it easy to spread through the hair. The Invincible Volume Mousse is perfect if you’re looking for weightless volume, defined curls, and fuller looking curl clumps. Thanks to its higher water content it offers a medium hold with plenty of bounce.
8. Jelly Gels
This is your standard type of styling gel that is often labeled on products as “gel” or “jelly” and can vary in consistency and weight. Hold and moisture levels can vary among all the gel consistencies, but certain consistencies may benefit your curls more depending on your needs.
Consistency: Lightweight to medium with a smooth, jelly-like texture that glides easily through the hair.
Benefit: enhances curl definition, reduces frizz and helps curls clump and hold their shape while maintaining moisture.
Hold level: medium to strong hold depending on the formula.
Great for: All curl types and textures
Finding the best gels for curly hair allows you to achieve all the benefits of gel such as definition and frizz protection. There are many different types of gels that all result in a slightly different look. Curlsmith offers a wide range of gels, varying in consistency and hold level, so you’re bound to find the right gel for you. All of Curlsmith’s products are silicone-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and contain ingredients that nourish your curls.
