Best Gel for 4C hair: 13 top picks in 2023

 Whether you’re looking for a strong hold or a lightweight formula, we’ve got you covered:

AllDay Locks Braid Gel

If you are looking for a gel that can help you achieve a sleek and defined look for your braids, locs, twists, and cornrows, then AllDay Locks Braid Gel is definitely worth trying out.

Pros

• The extreme hold formula ensures that your styles stay put for longer without any flaking or drying.
• The infusion of lavender, peppermint, witch hazel, and sage helps to alleviate dryness, itchiness, and flakiness, leaving your hair looking healthy and shiny.
• The gel doubles as an edge control, making it a versatile product that can be used in a variety of ways.

Cons

• Some users have reported experiencing scalp irritation when using this product.
• The gel can turn white and become hard to work with once it dries.
• It may not be suitable for all hair types.

AllDay Locks Braid Gel is easy to use – simply apply it to your sectioned hair before braiding or twisting and style as desired. For best results, finish off your styling with AllDay Locks Braid Foam and touch up any frizz and flyaways with the Braid Gel.

Overall, if you are looking for the best edge control for 4c hair that can help you achieve a long-lasting and sleek look for your braids, locs, twists, laid babyhair, and cornrows, then AllDay Locks Braid Gel is definitely worth considering.

Pattern Beauty Strong Hold Gel for Curlies, Coilies and Tight Textures 15 fl oz

If you’re looking for a strong hold gel for your 4c natural hair, then you should definitely give Pattern Beauty Strong Hold Gel a try. It is infused with Sea Moss, Aloe Vera & Chia Seeds to nourish & fortify curls. The fragrance is a sweet floral essence of Neroli, Rose & Patchouli which is clean & not overpowering.

Pros

• Lasting hold without damaging curls, coils or tight-textures
• Luscious slippage to easily distribute through the hair—ideal for a slick styles
• Infused with Sea Moss, Aloe Vera & Chia Seeds to nourish & fortify curls

Cons

• It might give white flakes
• The smell might be too strong for some people
• It’s a bit pricey

This gel is non-sticky and it holds your edges down without damaging your hair. It’s great for a slick look. It doesn’t leave any build-up and it doesn’t dry out your hair. However, it might give white flakes if you use too much. The smell is a bit strong but it’s not overpowering. It’s a bit pricey but it’s worth the investment.

If you’re looking for a gel that will hold your hair in place without damaging it, then Pattern Beauty Strong Hold Gel is the perfect product for you. It’s infused with natural ingredients that will nourish and fortify your curls. It’s also easy to apply and it doesn’t leave any build-up. So, give it a try and see the results for yourself.

SoftSheen-Carson Let’s Jam! Shining and Conditioning Hair Gel

If you’re looking for a hair gel that can provide extra hold, shine, and conditioning for your 4c natural hair, SoftSheen-Carson Let’s Jam! Shining and Conditioning Hair Gel is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Provides extra hold, shine, and conditioning with up to 3X less breakage
• Easy to apply and can be used on wet or dry hair
• No wax, no flaking, and no drying alcohol

Cons

• May not be the best for 4c hair during hot weather
• May not hold as strong as expected for non-perm hair
• Some people may not prefer the scent

This hair gel is great for styling, braiding, smooth edges, and twisting, with no drying alcohol. It helps to tame frizz and flyaways for smoother hair. The micro-emulsion technology used in the formula provides great extra hold, shine, and conditioning, with up to 3X less breakage. The gel is easy to apply and can be used on wet or dry hair.

One of the downsides of this hair gel is that it may not hold as strong as expected for non-perm hair, and it may not be the best for 4c hair during hot weather. Additionally, some people may not prefer the scent of the product.

Overall, if you’re looking for a hair gel that can provide extra hold, shine, and conditioning for your 4c natural hair, SoftSheen-Carson Let’s Jam! Shining and Conditioning Hair Gel is definitely worth trying.

CocoBlack Naturals Curling Custard Ghana for Coily Kinky Type 4c Hair, 16 fl oz

If you’re looking for a natural product that can give you defined curls, the CocoBlack Naturals Curling Custard is definitely worth considering. With key ingredients like Argan Oil and the finest natural ingredients, this product is designed to enhance your natural hair texture while providing a strong hold to ensure that your defined curls are soft.

Pros

• Get defined curls for coily hair types
• Enhances shine with natural ingredients like Argan Oil
• Reduces frizz and flyaways

Cons

• Contains a non-permanent natural black colorant that may cause staining
• Hold may be too strong for other hair types
• May leave black flakes in hair after a day

This curling custard is great for styling and can be used as a styler for wash-n-gos, twist outs, braid outs, and rod sets. Customers have reported being able to maintain their wash n gos for two weeks or longer. However, it’s recommended that your hair is moisturized before using the product to avoid hardness. We recommend using the Coconut Oil & Milk Leave In Conditioner and Lanolin Moisturizer for best results.

Please note that the product has a dark purple black color which might not be ideal for light color treated hair. It dries clear but will make hair appear darker while wet. Also, the product contains a non-permanent natural black colorant which rinses out when hair is washed. It may cause staining while wet but is non-transferable when hair is fully dried. It’s recommended to wash hands after use.

Overall, if you’re looking for a natural product that provides a firm lasting hold and defined curls for Type 4 hair, the CocoBlack Naturals Curling Custard is definitely worth trying.

AFRICAN FORMULAS Super Grow Hair Gel

You should definitely give this gel a try if you’re looking for the best gel 4c hair that also promotes natural hair growth and gives your hair extra hold.

Pros

• SuperGrow Hair Gel
• Strength: Extra Hold
• Size: 4oz

Cons

• Strong scent
• May not work for all hair types
• May cause flaking if too much is used

This gel is made from natural plants, oils, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbal extracts that work together to stimulate natural hair growth, prevent hair loss or thinning, and give hair a new inner strength that makes it grow thicker, richer, and healthier. The extra hold strength ensures that your hair stays in place all day long without feeling sticky or crunchy.

One of the best things about this gel is that it doesn’t contain any mineral oil, which can clog your hair follicles and prevent hair growth. Instead, it’s made with natural ingredients that nourish your hair and scalp, making it perfect for those with thin hair.

However, the scent of this gel is quite strong, which may not be to everyone’s liking. Additionally, it may not work for all hair types, so it’s important to do a patch test before using it all over your hair. Finally, using too much of this gel can cause flaking, so it’s important to use it sparingly.

Overall, if you’re looking for a gel that promotes natural hair growth and gives your hair extra hold, African formulas Super Grow Hair Gel is definitely worth a try.

Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard

If you’re looking for a natural styling gel that can shape and hold your 4c natural hair, then Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard might be the one for you.

Pros

• Provides great hold without making your hair crunchy
• A little goes a long way, so the bottle lasts a long time
• Perfect for those who have skin issues that require them to avoid using oil in their hair

Cons

• Expensive compared to other gels in the market
• Might not work as well for those with wavy or fine hair
• Takes time to figure out the right amount to use for your hair

This gel is perfect for those who want to achieve defined and hydrated curls. It works well with 4c natural hair and provides a great hold without making your hair crunchy. The gel has a natural scent, which is a plus for those who prefer to avoid strong fragrances.

If you’re looking for a gel that will last a long time, then Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard is a great option. A little goes a long way, so you won’t have to worry about running out of the product quickly.

One of the best things about this gel is that it’s perfect for those who have skin issues that require them to avoid using oil in their hair. This gel is oil-free, which makes it a great option for people with Seborrheic dermatitis and other similar conditions.

However, this gel is quite expensive compared to other gels in the market. It might not work as well for those with wavy or fine hair. Also, it takes time to figure out the right amount to use for your hair, so you might have to experiment a bit before you find the perfect amount.

Overall, if you’re looking for a gel that can provide a great hold without making your hair crunchy, then Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard is definitely worth a try.

Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel

If you want defined curls that last all day, Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel is the product for you.

Pros

• Defines curls with natural softness
• Infuses deep moisture into hair
• Helps curls reclaim their natural curl pattern

Cons

• May not hold up in humid weather
• Not as strong as Ouidad’s Climate Control gel
• May not provide enough hold for some hair types

This gel is perfect for 4c natural hair. It defines curls without making them feel crunchy or stiff. The natural softness of your curls will be enhanced by the deep moisture that this gel infuses into your hair. You’ll love how your curls reclaim their natural curl pattern.

If you live in a humid climate, this gel may not hold up as well as Ouidad’s Climate Control gel. However, it still provides a good amount of hold for most hair types. If you need a stronger hold, you may want to try a different product.

Overall, Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel is a great choice for anyone who wants defined, moisturized curls that last all day. Try it out and see for yourself!

Pattern Beauty Curl Gel

If you’re looking for a gel that can provide defined, bouncy, and juicy curls with medium hold, then Pattern Beauty Curl Gel is the one for you.

Pros

• Provides defined, bouncy, and juicy curls with medium hold
• Nourishes with Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil & Cacay Oil
• Fragrance is clean and not overpowering

Cons

• May not hold up in high humidity or during workouts
• Some users may not like the fragrance
• May require a lot of product for thick hair

Pattern Beauty Curl Gel is a favorite for wash-and-gos, and it’s easy to see why. This gel provides touchable hold without leaving hair feeling crunchy or weighed down. Plus, it’s packed with nourishing ingredients like Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, and Cacay Oil to help keep hair healthy and hydrated.

One of the best things about Pattern Beauty Curl Gel is its fragrance. Tracee Ellis Ross, the founder of Pattern Beauty, picked a sweet floral essence of Neroli, Rose, and Patchouli that smells amazing without being overpowering.

While Pattern Beauty Curl Gel is great for defining curls, some users have found that it may not hold up in high humidity or during workouts. Additionally, some users may not like the fragrance, although this is subjective. Finally, if you have thick hair, you may need to use a lot of product to get the desired hold.

Overall, if you’re looking for a gel that can help you achieve defined, bouncy, and juicy curls with medium hold, then Pattern Beauty Curl Gel is definitely worth checking out.

Pure O Natural Neatbraid Beauty Professional Conditioning Shining Gel 16 oz

If you’re looking for a gel that can give your 4c natural hair the ultimate shape and look, then you should definitely consider the Pure O Natural Neatbraid Beauty Professional Conditioning Shining Gel. It’s a strong-hold hair gel that offers the strongest grip on the hair and is ideal for gravity-defying hairstyles and/or hairstyles that need very-precise shaping and molding.

Pros

• The gel provides a strong hold that lasts all day long.
• It adds shine to your hair, making it look healthy and radiant.
• The gel is protein-rich, which means it helps to strengthen your hair and prevent breakage.

Cons

• The gel is a bit on the expensive side.
• It may not work as well for people with fine or thin hair.
• It can be a bit difficult to wash out of your hair.

The Pure O Natural Neatbraid Beauty Professional Conditioning Shining Gel is a great product for anyone who wants to achieve a sleek and polished look for their 4c natural hair. The gel is easy to apply and provides a strong hold that lasts all day long. It’s also protein-rich, which means it helps to strengthen your hair and prevent breakage.

One of the best things about this gel is that it adds shine to your hair, making it look healthy and radiant. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to achieve a glossy, polished look for their hair.

However, the gel is a bit on the expensive side, so it may not be the best choice for people who are on a tight budget. Additionally, it may not work as well for people with fine or thin hair, as it can be a bit heavy and weigh down your hair. Finally, it can be a bit difficult to wash out of your hair, so you may need to use a clarifying shampoo to remove all traces of the gel.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality gel that can help you achieve a sleek and polished look for your 4c natural hair, then the Pure O Natural Neatbraid Beauty Professional Conditioning Shining Gel is definitely worth checking out.

Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Shine Pomade

If you want to moisturize your scalp, condition your hair, and control frizz, Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Shine Pomade is a great option for you.

Pros

• Lightweight hair moisturizer that soothes dry itchy scalp
• Helps soften and strengthen all curl types without weighing it down
• Moisturizes scalp, conditions hair, and can help edge control

Cons

• Might not work for all hair types
• Some people might not like the citrus scent
• Might need to use a lot of product for best results

This hair pomade is perfect for dry, brittle, and textured hair. It’s made with shea and cocoa butter and rosemary oil to keep your hair healthy. You can use it daily to start seeing results.

If you’re looking for a hair product that will help you define your curls, control frizz, and moisturize your scalp, Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Shine Pomade is a great choice. The lightweight formula makes it easy to use, and the citrus scent is refreshing. With regular use, you’ll start to see healthier, shinier hair.

Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel

If you’re looking for a gel that can enhance your curls and retain moisture, then you should definitely consider the Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel.

Pros

• Encourages healthier, stronger hair with natural ingredients like honey, ginger, aloe extract, and babassu oil
• Suitable for all hair types, including 4C natural hair
• Non-sticky and doesn’t cause product build-up or damage to your hair

Cons

• The raw ginger scent can be strong for some people
• May dry out hair if used alone without a leave-in conditioner
• Some customers have reported that it doesn’t provide enough hold for their curls

This gel is perfect for those who want to keep their hair nourished and hydrated throughout the day. The honey and ginger collection is a powerful combination of natural antioxidants that can help promote the health and maintenance of your natural hair.

The Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel is suitable for all hair types, including low and high porosity levels. It’s made with certified organic ingredients like aloe leaf juice and is free of harmful chemicals like parabens.

When using this gel, you’ll notice that it doesn’t cause product build-up or damage to your hair. It’s non-sticky and provides a natural hold for your curls. However, some customers have reported that it doesn’t provide enough hold for their curls, so it may not be the best option for those with very thick or coarse hair.

Overall, the Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel is a great choice for anyone looking for a natural hair care product that can help enhance their curls and keep their hair healthy and hydrated.

Design Essentials Natural Honey Curl Forming Custard

If you’re looking for a product that can define and stretch your curls and coils while providing a medium to firm hold, then Design Essentials Natural Honey Curl Forming Custard is a great choice for you.

Pros

• Highly defines curly to tightly-coiled textures while fighting frizz and shrinkage
• Enriched with honey and chamomile, elements that soften, soothe, and protect the hair strand during styling
• Long-lasting hold without experiencing the typical, flaky white residue left behind by other custards and gels

Cons

• May not hold curls as well as other products for some hair types
• Can leave a heavy feeling in the hair until it dries completely
• Some users have reported difficulty in removing product buildup

This custard is formulated with natural ingredients like honey and chamomile, which work together to soften and protect the hair while defining and elongating curls. It’s perfect for wash-and-go styling, finger coils, two-strand twist-sets, and Bantu-knots.

The product is easy to use in just three steps: apply to hair in sections, smooth from root to ends, and comb, twist, or finger style as desired. You can then air dry, diffuse, or use a hooded dryer to finish.

One of the best things about this product is that it provides a long-lasting hold without the typical, flaky white residue left behind by other custards and gels. It’s also great for dry hair, as it’s specifically formulated for curly, coily, and kinky textured hair from normal to dry, and color-treated textures to revitalize the hair’s natural luster.

Overall, if you’re looking for a natural hair gel that provides a medium to firm hold while defining and elongating your curls, Design Essentials Natural Honey Curl Forming Custard is a great choice.

LOC N Gel LOC Twists Braids Wave Edge Gel 16 OZ. -Extra Hold-

If you want to achieve sleek and smooth edges while adding shine and definition to your waves, you should definitely consider purchasing the LOC N Gel LOC Twists Braids Wave Edge Gel. Its powerful holding technologies provide long-lasting hold, boost shine without stickiness or build-up, and make it perfect for creating any style of locs, braids, or pipe cleaner curls.

Pros

• The firm hold of this gel is perfect for taming your locs, braids, and pipe cleaner curls with a little extra tackiness.
• It adds extra grip and hold to your style, making it ideal for creating any style of locs, braids, or pipe cleaner curls.
• The improved formula has more grip than locking moisturizer, making it perfect for those who want a firmer hold.

Cons

• Some users have reported a build-up after a few days of use.
• The gel may leave some residue after a few days.
• It may not be suitable for those who prefer a lighter hold.

If you’re looking for a gel that can hold your locs, braids, or pipe cleaner curls in place for days on end, the LOC N Gel LOC Twists Braids Wave Edge Gel is an excellent choice. Its anti-dandruff properties and sulfate-free formula make it ideal for all hair types, and it has received rave reviews from customers who have used it.

This gel works great for my hair. My hair is thin but I have a lot so it looks thick, 3c curls, and my hair gets oily. But this gel doesn’t get my hair overly oily and the HOLD!! lasts for days and days. Another user with bi-racial children said that it has always been a struggle to find a product that holds well and does the job, but this product has maximum hold that leaves somewhat of a build-up. A professional stylist said that the product has a great consistency, isn’t oily, holds loc perfectly that it doesn’t even need a clip when retwists, and lasts about 6-7 clients depending on how many locs they have.

Overall, if you’re looking for a gel that can provide a firm hold and add shine and definition to your waves, the LOC N Gel LOC Twists Braids Wave Edge Gel is definitely worth checking out.

Botanic Hearth Hair Gel

If you’re looking for a hair gel that provides a firm hold and tames frizz, you should definitely consider Botanic Hearth Hair Gel. This keratin-infused styling gel is perfect for all hair types, including curly, frizzy, straight, wavy, and fine hair.

Pros

• Provides a flexible and firm hold
• Helps tame frizz and reduce flyaways
• Restores natural shine to dull and damaged hair

Cons

• May not provide a strong enough hold for some hair types
• The gel may dry out hair if too much is used
• The scent may be too strong for some people

This hair gel is lightweight and adds volume to your hair, leaving it with a polished finish. It’s suitable for both men and women and is ethically sourced and cruelty-free.

Botanic Hearth Hair Gel is easy to use and provides a long-lasting hold. It’s perfect for creating your desired hairstyle and maintaining it throughout the day. The keratin protein in the gel helps to strengthen hair and make it more manageable.

One thing to keep in mind is that this gel may not provide a strong enough hold for some hair types. Additionally, if too much of the gel is used, it may dry out your hair. Finally, some people may find the scent to be too strong.

Overall, if you’re looking for a hair gel that provides a firm hold and helps tame frizz, Botanic Hearth Hair Gel is definitely worth considering. It’s easy to use, provides a flexible hold, and helps restore natural shine to your hair.

Mielle Organics Curl Smoothie with Pomegranate and Honey

Get ready to tame your frizz and enhance your curls with the Mielle Organics Curl Smoothie with Pomegranate and Honey. This product is perfect for those with thick, curly Type 4 hair who want to nourish and moisturize their hair using wholesome ingredients.

Pros

• This curly hair cream uses a carefully balanced blend of ingredients including pomegranate extract and honey that help moisturize hair and strengthen them from the roots to the tips using only wholesome ingredients for day to day use.
• The Pomegranate and Honey Infused Curl smoothie help nourish hair through all three phases of growth along with helping detangle and define curls as well as helping support thicker hair growth for a silky feel and bouncy curls.
• Our curly hair cream for women is formulated specifically for Thick, Curly Type 4 Hair but can also be used for other hair types including dry, oily, normal, straight, and frizzy hair to help deliver gentle pampering and moisture.

Cons

• It may not be suitable for all hair types, as some users have reported that it dried out their hair instead of moisturizing it.
• It is a bit overpriced for the size of the container, according to some users.
• The pump bottle may not be the best quality, as some users have reported that it broke easily.

If you’re looking for a natural hair care product that will help you achieve beautiful, defined curls, the Mielle Organics Curl Smoothie with Pomegranate and Honey is definitely worth considering. This product is easy to use and will leave your hair feeling soft, silky, and bouncy. Just make sure to apply it to washed, conditioned, and towel-dried hair all the way down to the roots to make hair more manageable, easier to style, and reduce frizz.