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Best Styling Gels for Men
Updated March 2023
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Schwarzkopf Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel
Schwarzkopf
Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel
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Bottom Line

Super strong hold in a clear styling gel that keeps hair looking great without looking dry. Easily the strongest hold in the market.

Pros

Glue-like hold. Transparent with no white residue. Just a bit needed to secure and style hair for hours. Works well for vertical styles.

Cons

Requires lots of water to wash out.

Best Bang for the Buck
TIGI Bed Head for Men
TIGI
Bed Head for Men
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Bottom Line

Helps create a classic tight finish for hair. Contains antioxidants and conditioning agents to protect hair.

Pros

Features an alcohol-free, solid hold formula. Offers control and luster. Flake-free formula. Medium hold for more natural grooming. Wet-look gel that smells fresh.

Cons

Fragrance is strong.

Johnny B Mode Styling Gel
Johnny B
Mode Styling Gel
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Bottom Line

Powerful styling gel for men gives you the control and muscle to tame difficult hair.

Pros

Effective styling with just a small amount. Fragrant scent is refreshing but not overpowering. Works great for medium to thick hair. Offers flexible styling. Alcohol-free, so it doesn't dry out hair. Easy to rinse out.

Cons

Not ideal for thinner hair.

Maeko Blackgel
Maeko
Blackgel
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Bottom Line

Unique product is a styling gel and black hair dye product in one. Designed to cover up gray hair.

Pros

One application lasts all day. Barber and hairdresser recommended for covering up graying hair. Washes off easily in the shower. Doesn't stain clothes or leave residue. Suitable for all hair types and lengths.

Cons

Not a general use styling gel.

American Crew Classic Gel firm Hold
American Crew
Classic Gel firm Hold
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Bottom Line

Classic styling gel. Provides very high hold with a high shine.

Pros

Prevents flaking. Does not dry the hair and scalp. Allows for easier distribution through hair. Great for a variety of styles, from slicked back wet look to spikes. Adds texture and volume. Works well on wet or dry hair.

Cons

Hold may be a bit too firm.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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30
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
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Men’s hair is different from women’s, and most men prefer scents that are far different than the abundance of fruity, floral, sweet smells in women’s styling gels. Most hair styling gels made specifically for men have a musk, clean scent – or no scent at all. They also tend to be heavily formulas for a firm, long-lasting style, to build body and hold flyaways in place. Men’s styling gel is a great product for unique hairstyles, like mohawks, highly textured waves, curls, and to give fine, thin hair a thicker and fuller appearance (with the right formula and application). A little tends to go a long way, so even a small tube or bottle should last months, and most cost less than $15.

Our Top Picks
Schwarzkopf
Best of the Best
Schwarzkopf
Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel
Bottom Line
Super strong hold in a clear styling gel that keeps hair looking great without looking dry. Easily the strongest hold in the market.
Shop Now
TIGI
Best Bang for the Buck
TIGI
Bed Head for Men
Bottom Line
Helps create a classic tight finish for hair. Contains antioxidants and conditioning agents to protect hair.
Shop Now
Johnny B
Top Pick
Johnny B
Mode Styling Gel
Bottom Line
Powerful styling gel for men gives you the control and muscle to tame difficult hair.
Shop Now
Maeko
Top Pick
Maeko
Blackgel
Bottom Line
Unique product is a styling gel and black hair dye product in one. Designed to cover up gray hair.
Shop Now
American Crew
Top Pick
American Crew
Classic Gel firm Hold
Bottom Line
Classic styling gel. Provides very high hold with a high shine.
Shop Now