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Struggling to find the best gel for your 4A, 4B, or 4C hair? Let’s talk about the never-ending quest for the perfect gel, shall we? You know the struggle—wrestling with frizz, searching for that ideal hold, and praying for a product that won’t betray you with an annoying white cast. We know it can be a challenge with so many products on the markets to choose from.
But fear not, fellow naturalistas! We’re here to guide you through the maze of hair products and lead you straight to the holy grail of gels. Imagine a product that not only defines your coils but also locks in moisture and banishes frizz without leaving a trace of that dreaded white residue. Keep reading to learn more!
Things to consider when choosing a hair gel
Before we get onto our recommendations about the best gel for 4A, 4B or 4C hair. Let’s talk about some important factors to consider when deciding on what hair gel to choose. It’s good to know how gels may affect your hairs overall health or hairstyle. Here are 4 areas worth considering before splurging the cash on a gel that might not cater to your hair needs.
1. What look are you trying to achieve?
You’ll probably need to invest in a couple of gels to cater to all your hairstyle needs. For instance, if you’re wearing a wash n go style. You’ll want to use a gel with a light to medium hold which doesn’t dry out your curls and coils but also keeps them intact. But if you’re going for a sleek ponytail or bun style then you’ll want to use a gel with a strong hold. If your hair has been straightened and you don’t want it to revert back then you’ll want to use an edge control and/or wax stick to keep it straight.
As you can see – it all depends on what look you’re trying to achieve. Check out our recommendations below for gels which work best for sleek styles, wash n go’s and your edges.
2. Key ingredients in hair gel
Ideally you’ll want to stick to gels with moisturising benefits to keep your hair from drying out. Moisture is key for Type 4 girlies so it’s important to keep that at the forefront when picking products. Now, we appreciate this depends on the look you’re going for. For instance if you’re rocking a sleek ponytail and want no signs of waves then moisture will give it a slight wavy pattern.
The main key ingredients you’ll want to see on the packaging for moisturising benefits are:
- Water (1st and most important)
- Film forming humectants such as Marshmallow Root, Aloe Vera, Slippery Elm, Pathenol, Honey and Nettle Leaf tea or Nettle Extract.
You’ll also find polymers and thickeners in gel which are needed to give it the texture and hold required to keep your hair intact. “PVP/VA copolymer or just VP/VA copolymer – PVP (Poly N-Vinyl-2-Pyrrolidone) is one of the best film-formers. It absorbs water readily, thus making it tricky in humid weather. PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate) resists absorption of water but not as great as PVP in film-forming. PVP/VA copolymer or just VP/VA copolymer is a hybrid of the above 2 – Best of both worlds”1
3. Hair Porosity
Depending on your porosity you’ll want to use products that absorb into your har don’t just sit on top of it creating product build up. High Porosity naturals can use heavier gels whilst low porosity naturals should use lightweight gels. If you have normal porosity hair then you can choose from either.
4. Does it mix well with your styling products
Have you ever mixed your styling products with hair gel and noticed it clumps? Well, that’s because the 2 products don’t work well together. Some styling creams/curl pudding don’t work well with certain gels. So make sure to do a test before applying both products throughout your hair to prevent this from happening. A simple way to do the test is mix the 2 products together on the palm of your hand and see if it mixes well.
8 Best Gels for 4A, 4B, 4C Hair
Finding the perfect gel for type 4 hair can indeed be a challenge, but once you find the right one, it can make a world of difference to your styling routine. Here are a few tried and tested gels that cater to type 4 hair textures (NOTE: This list isn’t in any particular order) :
Ecostyle is a favourite amongst many naturalistas. It has a good hold and offers versatile styling options from slick back styles to wash n go’s whilst giving you that extra definition. It’s definitely had a bad rap over the last couple of years because the ingredients can be quite drying. However, many naturals still use this product because of it’s hold and versatility. There are many variations of Ecostyler gels but the Argan Oil version tops the range in our opinion. It’s not as drying as the Olive Oil version and doesn’t leave a white cast.
Another favourite amongst naturals, this gel is infused with marshmallow and agave extracts to provide moisture and enhance curl definition. It also has a lightweight formula that doesn’t weigh hair down making it perfect for low porosity naturals. It works best for Type 4A & 4B hair. 4C hair naturals can also use this gel but just be mindful you might not have the best hold. It’s one of the best gels for wash n go styles.
This gel is formulated with honey and ginger extracts to provide moisture and hold without flaking or leaving a white residue. It’s lightweight but also has a flexible hold. It’s great for twist-outs, braid-outs, and wash-and-go styles. The honey in the product acts as a natural humectant helping prevent dryness and lock in moisture. Can be used by any Type 4 texture.
This gel is perfect for type 4 girlies who are looking for a gel with a strong hold. One of its key features is its ability to resist humidity, making it an excellent choice of gel for 4C hair. This gel can be quite drying and doesn’t have enough moisturising benefits to keep your hair hydrated. However, if you need a product that’ll give you maximum hold then this is a product you’ll want to use. Just use sparingly and apply small amounts to minimise flakes and residue. Similarly to Ecostyle, it’s had mixed reviews in the natural hair community due to its ingredients.
Great for naturals who want a great hold without sacrificing hair health. The lemongrass extract is the secret ingredient in this product. Known for promoting scalp health and stimulating growth whilst giving your hair a natural shine. It’s not as popular as the other gels listed but many naturals have experienced a great hold with this product. It’s free from harsh chemicals making it a great natural hair gel for 4A, 4B & 4C hair.
Another gel known for its moisturising properties.The blueberry extract helps promote hair growth and scalp health. Blueberries are rich in vitamins and strengthen hair making this a healthy product. The jelly texture provides excellent definition and hold for Type 4 hair, helping to enhance natural curl patterns and minimise frizz. It’s lightweight and doesn’t leave behind a sticky or crunchy residue, allowing for natural movement and bounce.
One of the newer gels on the market and is becoming increasingly popular amongst the Type 4 girlies. It’s a gel that offers a strong hold for 4A, 4B & 4C girlies whilst providing you with moisturising benefits. It’s infused with Sea Moss, Aloe Vera & Chia Seeds which nourish and fortify coils. It has a long lasting hold which doesn’t flake. Some 4C girlies have reported this product has left flakiness and not necessarily had a long lasting hold. Although the product can be used on dry hair – its worth applying on damp hair and apply a scarf on top to minimise flakiness and help it set.
This gel is loved for its natural ingredients and ability to define curls without leaving them feeling crunchy or dry. It contains botanical extracts and agave nectar which keeps hair moisturised and hydrated whilst reducing frizz. It’s really known for its curl definition! It helps your curls and coils clump together whilst minimising shrinkage. Great for wash n go’s, twist outs and braid outs.
FINDING THE RIGHT GEL TIP!
Remember, finding the right gel will require some trial and error, but don’t be discouraged! Pay attention to how your hair responds to different products and ingredients, and don’t be afraid to mix and match to create your own perfect styling cocktail. If you have thick 4B or 4C hair then you’ll want to use a gel with a stronger hold. Alternatively, you can layer a lightweight gel with a stronger one to give you the right amount of hold.
Best Gel for Sleek Ponytail on Natural Hair
For a sleek ponytail style that lasts all day, you’ll want to use a gel with a strong hold. Unfortunately, these types of gels don’t have as many moisturising benefits but will definitely keep your hair intact for at least 24 hours to a couple of days. You’ll find more thickeners and polymers in these types of gels.
Here are 4 gels known to work perfectly for sleek hairstyles:
1. Gummy Wax :
Classed as a wax and not a gel but very popular for sleek hairstyles. It provides a firm hold which lasts and you don’t have to worry about your hair moving out of place during the day. Gummy wax is known for it’s matte finish and doesn’t leave your hair looking greasy. Plus you don’t get any white flakes with this product which is an added bonus.
2. Got 2 B Glued Gel :
This gel has become extremely popular over the last couple of years due to its extreme hold. It’s water resistant making it ideal for humid environments and hotter climates. Regardless of if you’re sweating or come into contact with some rain – your hair will stay sleek. It’s not designed for Type 4 hair but reliable for sleek ponytail styles. This is a gel which works well for thicker/coarser 4B & 4C hair.
3. Ecostyle (Argan Oil or Olive Oil) :
A popular gel in the natural hair community and gives a fantastic hold. Our preference is the Argan Oil version but you can also use the Olive Oil one too and get the same results. If you don’t mind a slight wave then spritz your hair with water before applying the gel. This makes the product easier to work into your hair and will reduce any flakiness once dry.
4. Extreme Wetline Gel :
The key benefit of this gel is it resists humidity making it great for sleek ponytail styles. Just be careful with how much you use to minimise flakiness and white residue. It’s got a really strong hold so a little goes a long way with this product. This is a great gel for 4C hair girlies with thick hair who want to achieve a super sleek look.
SLEEK PONYTAIL TIP!
For the best sleek results, apply a scarf on your hair immediately after your hair has been styled. This will give the gel time to dry and mould your flyaways for a long lasting hold. You can also use a hair dryer if you don’t have time and apply a hair spray for maximum hold.
Best Gel for Wash N Go
To achieve the best wash and go hair, you want to opt for lightweight gels that have a light to medium hold but also have moisturising benefits. Alot of the gels we’ve listed in the best gel for 4A, 4B, 4C hair are great for wash and go hair. We’ve listed the most popular ones below;
Defines curls and reduces frizz. A lightweight get that provides long-lasting hold without leaving a sticky residue.
Defines curls and adds shine without weighing them down. Great for enhancing curl definition
Not one we listed in the original list but is known for its ability to define curls whilst minimising shrinkage. Leaves curls feeling soft and bouncy.
OTHER GELS
You can also use Ecostyle or Wetline Xtreme for thicker textures if the above gels are too lightweight for your hair.
What are Botanical Gels? & Why is it important for coily hair?
Botanical gels are becoming increasingly popular due to it’s natural ingredients. They tend to be plant-based and water-soluble making it a better alternative for your scalp and hair health. The ingredients vary from product to product but are typically made from herbal extracts or humectants which prevent your hair from drying out. Making them the perfect gel for wash and gos, twist outs and braid outs.
As the ingredients are natural, you’re not likely to have any flakiness or white residue. If you’re a natural who’s conscious about using natural ingredients then this is a great option. The only downside some Type 4 naturals have experienced is not having a long-lasting hold. So it you’re a 4B or 4C natural, this gel might not give you the best hold. You may need to layer it with another gel to give you that long lasting hold and definition.
Here are list of some botanical gels :
- Eco Slay Jello Shot
- Uncle Funkys Daughter Curl Magic
- Camille Rose Curl Maker
- Curls Goddess Botanical Gelle
- Flora & Curl Defining Sweet Hibiscus Gel
FAQ’s re; Hair Gels for Natural Hair
1: Can I use gel on my natural hair everyday?
Yes you can use gel on your hair daily. But be be mindful of how much you re-apply to minimise any build up and cast on your hair. The best way to top up your gel is to spritz your hair with water to reactivate the product. Then re-apply a minimal amount on top. Now this will depend on the hairstyle you’re wearing. For example if you’re wearing a wash n go or textured bun/ponytail then this will work. But if your hair is straightened then you’ll want to avoid water to prevent your curls reverting. In silk press cases – you may opt for an edge control or some holding spray to help your style last longer. Regarding edges, you can definitely re-apply the gel to the area daily.
You’ll know how your hair reacts to products so take that into consideration when deciding how often to top up your gel. Feel free to try other products such as mousses or holding spray if you want to tidy up your look. Always sleep with a scarf at night to keep your hair intact.
2: What’s the difference between hair gel and custard?
Hair gel gives you a hold, keeps flyaways at bay and keeps your style in place. Custards are styling products designed to add definition to your coils and coils. Gels can also define curls but may leave a slight crunch if you use it alone or apply too much. Custards on the other hand tend to have more moisturising benefits.
You can definitely use them in conjunction by layering the products. The best way to layer your products is to apply your leave in first, followed by your custard and lastly your gel. Always do a test beforehand to make sure both products mix well together.
3: Which gel is best for laying edges?
You can use any of the gels we listed above such as Ecostyler Argan Oil, Xteme Wetline Gel or Pattern Beauty hold gel to style edges or an edge control. Some people prefer to use an edge control such as Gummy Wax. The preference is really yours!
4: What is the difference between styling gel and edge gel?
Styling gel tends to have a liquid base and moisturizing properties that create a film to hold in place without excessively drying it out. Whilst edge control tends to have a paste like texture. You’ll use styling gels to help add definition to your styles like a wash n go or a puff. Whilst an edge gel is purely for styling your edges.
To be honest – you can use styling gels to also style your edges – it just depends on if your preference. For instance, I use styling gel for my edges and overall hairstyle but will use edge when I’m wearing braids, cornrows or a sew in.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In conclusion, we trust this article has provided valuable insights and helped you discover quality gel products for your specific needs. Our focus on the best gels for 4A, 4B, and 4C hair, inspired by popular choices among Naturalistas. With countless options available, we invite you to share your favourite gels in the comments below. Your input not only enriches our community but also ensures no gem goes unnoticed. Let’s continue this haircare journey together!
- The CG Method – Good Gel Ingredients : https://www.cgproducten.nl/en/blog/good-gel-ingredients ↩︎
