Styling My Type 4 Hair Would Be Nearly Impossible Without These Defining Curl Gels
These are my go-tos.
As a person with type 4 curly hair, frizz is basically my number one enemy, and more often than not, my haircare routine requires more than just a simple leave-in conditioner or curl cream to get my curls in their best shape. That's where curl gels come in. These are gel formulas (some of them are even non-sticky) that not only give my hair so much more definition than a cream can provide, but they're also capable of blocking out frizz.
"If you’re looking for your curls to last two to four days, gels are one of the best ways to give your curls definition, shine, and longevity," says celebrity hairstylist Cassandra Normil. "Gel does this by creating a cast over your curls to lock in the shape and moisture while minimizing frizz as the hair dries."
There's a method to applying curl gels though. Usually it's best if you apply them to clean curls, and they work best when applied in between other hair products. "Curl gels are usually applied after cream or foam to lock all of the products in," Normil adds.
To see the curl gels that are currently keeping my curls in shape (literally) read ahead.
These curl gels are in my hair hall of fame.
Budget Buys
I'm of the opinion that drugstore hair gels are just as good as the more luxe formulas you'd find at Sephora. In fact, some of my favorite curl gels ever that I use regularly to this day just so happen to be inexpensive drugstore formulas. See them for yourself ahead.
Of all the curl gels I've tested—and, believe me, there have been many—this is the one that I come back to most often. I normally apply this at the end of my twists to keep them from unraveling overnight or throughout the day, but what I love about it is that is has a gel texture that almost feels like it melts into your hair when you pick it up.
I'm not really a wash-and-go girl, but the handful of times that I've worn them, I've found that this gel works best for them. It's an inexpensive jar that comes with tons of product (convenient when you have to use gel all over your head) and it effortlessly defines curls and coils.
This gel from Not Your Mother's features a blend of amino acids and rice proteins that nourish the hair while also helping to define the curls and give your hair a better shape overall. Use it with a curl cream for best results.
Odele's formula uses shea butter and aloe to define curl and coils as advertised while also giving the hair a shinier, more glossy finish.
Frizz Fighters
Not to be dramatic, but my worst nightmare is unraveling a set of twists or braids only for the day's humidity to transform my curls into a puffy, frizzy mess. Moisture in the air can't always be avoided, but these curl gels can at least help with keeping frizz from ruining my day.
This is Olaplex we're talking about here, so even though this product is a gel, it still uses the brand's patented technology that strengthens the hair. Aside from that, though, it also features coconut and avocado milks that soften the hair while also locking curls into place so that they don't fall, frizz up, or shrink for at least three days.
Any curl gel that's good enough for Tracee Ellis Ross is good enough for me. It's another wash-and-go-friendly product that holds curls without flaking or hardening on top of the hair.
Curlsmith's gel formula uses hyaluronic acid to hydrate the curls while giving them a little bit of bounce and movement. It still gets the job of taming frizz done, but it's light on the hair and doesn't weigh it down.
True Definition
These are the gels that can transform your curls from being flat and lifeless to having a smooth and stretched finish.
Bamboo extract and sugar complex come together in this formula to create long-lasting hold, while aloe moisturizes the hair and elongates curls at the same time.
You really can't go wrong with any of amika's curl products, but this gel is especially good. It's a thick gel that stretches curls and adds a bit of shape to them without leaving behind any flakiness or white film.
Aveda has a big lineup of curl products that are surprisingly reliable, and this smoothing gel (while a little sticky) gave my type 4 hair some of the best definition it's ever seen.
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Meet the Expert
Cassandra Normil is a celebrity hairstylist based in New York City. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Elle, Galore, and more, while her roster of celebrity clients includes Willow Smith, Dinah Jane, and Amandla Stenberg.
