Best Hair Gel for Men

Best Hair Gel for Men

The best hair gel for men is the one that suits your haircut, your hair type and the finish you want at 5pm, not just at 8am. Gel is still the go-to for sharp, defined styles that need to stay put. The trick is picking the right hold and shine for how you actually wear your hair.

Start with the haircut

Short, textured crops and spiky styles need less product than most people think. A firm gel worked through towel-dried hair gives separation and lift without looking wet. Slick backs, side parts and pompadours need more control, so a strong hold with some shine suits them. If the top is longer than a few centimetres, a heavy gel can drag it down. A lighter hold that you can rework with your fingers during the day is usually the better buy.

Hold: how firm do you want it?

  • Light to medium hold keeps hair in place but lets it move. It suits everyday office cuts and fine hair that goes flat under heavy product.
  • Strong hold sets firm. It suits thick, coarse or stubborn hair, and styles that have to get through a long day.
  • Extra strong hold sets hard. It's made for spikes and sharp lines, but use too much and it goes crunchy and flakes.

More hold is not always better. If your style sets hard and then cracks by lunch, drop a level and use a little less.

Finish: wet look or natural

High-shine gels give the classic wet look that suits slick backs and short, sharp cuts. Matte and low-shine gels look closer to bare hair and suit messy, textured styles. If you're not sure, a medium shine is the safe middle ground.

Your hair type matters

Fine hair does best with a lighter gel used sparingly, because heavy product makes it look thinner and greasy. Thick hair can take a stronger hold and a bit more of it. Curly and wavy hair need a gel that defines without setting stiff, so start with our best hair gel for curly hair or hair gel for wavy hair picks. If frizz is the main problem, the best hair gel for frizzy hair is a better place to look.

Think about washing it out

Water-based gels rinse out with a normal shampoo, which matters if you style every day. Heavier formulas can take a second wash. Product left in day after day makes hair look dull and flat, so wash it out properly at night rather than restyling over yesterday's gel.

What's in this collection

We've put men's gels across a range of hold levels and finishes on one page, from salon brands, so you can compare them side by side. If you want to see every option, browse all hair gel.

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Your Questions Answered

The best hair gel for men, for most short styles, is a strong-hold, water-based gel. It holds the shape you set and rinses out with a normal shampoo. Go lighter if your hair is fine or longer on top, and pick a high-shine formula only if you want the wet look. If gel isn't right for your cut, compare our men's hair styling products.

Use a pomade or hair wax instead. Work a small amount through damp or dry hair, comb it straight back and smooth the sides flat. Wax and pomade give a softer finish than gel and you can restyle them during the day. For a lighter look, blow-dry your hair back with a brush first, then finish with a little styling cream.

Start with towel-dried hair and a pea-sized amount of gel. Rub it between your palms, then work it from the roots to the ends so it spreads evenly. Shape the style with your fingers or a comb before it sets. Add more only if you need it, because too much leaves hair stiff and flaky. Wash it out at night so it doesn't build up.