Best Gel For Wavy Hair Curly Girl Method (2025 Update)
Finding the perfect gel for wavy hair following the curly girl method can seem daunting. With so many options on the market, how do you know which one is right for your hair? When researching gels for wavy curls, there are a few key factors to keep in mind.
First, look for lightweight, water-soluble gels without harsh ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and silicones. These can weigh hair down, strip moisture, and cause buildup. Opt for gels made with natural ingredients like aloe vera juice, flaxseed, and glycerin that provide definition without crunchy, sticky results.
Consider your wave pattern too. Looser waves may benefit from a lighter gel while tighter coils require a stronger hold. Similarly, fine strands need a lighter formula compared to coarse, thick hair. How much humidity and weather conditions impact your hair also helps determine the best gel formula and hold level.
When trying a new wavy hair gel, take notes. How does your hair look and feel after application and drying? Does it maintain definition and control frizz through the day? Does it leave hair soft or crunchy? Finding the perfect curly girl-approved gel takes experimentation but it’s worth it for defined, frizz-free waves.
Ready to transform your wavy locks? Confused by all the gel options for curly hair? Want to master the curly girl method? Keep reading to discover the top gels for defined, touchable curls and how to pick the best one for your wavy hair type and texture.
20 Best Gel For Wavy Hair Curly Girl Method (20 Sellers)
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- Get defined curls with this strong hold styling gel
- Its moisture-locking formula keeps your hair nourished without frizz
- The color-safe formulation helps prevent damaging and fading of hair dye
- [curl keeper gel – ultimate hold power with frizz control to support all your favorite hairstyles ( 8 ounce / 240 milliliter )].
- Supports all your styling needs: curl keeper gel supports all your styling needs, from bantu knots, twist outs and more.
- Effective in high humid weather conditions: curl keeper gel will perform 100% of the time, on every curly head, in all weather conditions.
- Enriched with vitamin e to help provide nourishment to your hair
- Gel form offers you an easy and even application
- Its advanced formula gives a smooth and shiny texture to your hair
- Organic mango and shea butter moisturize your hair for a smooth texture
- Plumeria flower extracts gently rejuvenate your damaged hair for enhanced shine
- Frizz fighting formula leaves your hair soft and silky
- This styling gel is gentle on your hair as it is free from parabens and sulfate
- Keep your hair smooth and shiny with the help of this styling gel
- Formulated to help provide natural shine to your hair
- A blend of rice, keratin, amino acids, and enzymes.
- Which helps hydrate, condition, protect, and enhance curl retention.
- For all hair types with curly and wavy hair
- Shape, smooth or separate curls
- Frizz-free
- Infuse hair with moisture, forming a protective shield around each stand.
- Define coils with a light hold that never flakes.
- Lengthen coils without compromising their shape.
- Diligently developed to control frizz and leave your hair manageable
- The water-based formula helps keep your hair moisturized
- Gel form glides easily on your hair for an even application
- For all hair types with curly and wavy hair
- Shape, smooth or separate curls
- Frizz-free
- Embrace your natural curls: keep curls in place while adding moisture, shine and definition
- Soft, crunch-free feel: this rich blend holds strong without the crunchy texture of other hair gels
- Simple styling: just rake it through your hair and go. or use with a diffuser to mix up your look
- Deeply hydrating & regenerating, naturally improves hair & scalp health, helps prevent hair breakage
- Nourishes hair, boosts shine, improves curl definition, protects hair & scalp with vitamin e
- Known to promote healthy hair growth, anti-inflammatory & soothing to scalp
- Gives all curls ultimate curl flexibility.
- Non-flaking, non-stiff, non-crunchy & has a non-drying feel on hair.
- Dermatologist co-developed, backed by science and stylist approved.
- Apply evenly on wet hair from root to tip.
- Glide downward to elongate curls or scrunch to help define curls.
- Air dry or blow-dry with a diffuser for added volume and curl definition.
- Provides our strongest hold
- Encourages curl shape and definition
- Controls and reduces frizz
- Coconut oil: provides hair protection from environmental stressors, moisturizes, seals hair, and reduces breakage.
- Kahai oil: reduces frizz, provides shine, and is packed with vitamin e.
- Aloe vera gel: provides shine, hydrates, and moisturizes.
- Coconut oil: provides hair protection from environmental stressors, moisturizes, seals hair, and reduces breakage.
- Kahai oil: reduces frizz, provides shine, and is packed with vitamin e.
- Aloe vera gel: provides shine, hydrates, and moisturizes.
- Manage and define your curls effortlessly with the help of this organic gel
- Enriched with essential ingredients to keep your hair nourished
- Formulated with aloe vera and linseed extract to control frizz for healthy-looking hair
- Reduces frizz.
- Boosts volume.
- Produces defined curls.
- Prevents frizz
- Defines curls
- Flexible hold
1. All About Curls High Definition Gel 15 Oz.

Product Details:
Specifications:
Sulfate-Free | Yes |
Silicone-Free | Yes |
Paraben-Free | Yes |
Weight | 15 oz |
Reviews:
2. Curl Keeper- Curly Hair Gel (8 Ounces )

Product Details:
Specifications:
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Product Dimensions | 1.8 x 1.8 x 7.5 inches; 8 Ounces |
Reviews:
I use a leave in conditioner applied in the shower to soaking wet hair. I then use a curl primer. I scrunch these products into hair and micro plop to remove excess water. I then apply curl keeper just like gel, using praying hands method to coat each curl. I add more to the crown and smooth over waves. I then plop for 10-30 minutes depending on if I’m air drying or diffusing.
I actually prefer to air dry and this product allows that, though it takes hours to dry. Can form a slight cast which I actually love. Once fully dry any crunch is easily scrunched out. I NEVER have shine in my hair due to the coarse texture but with this my curls are defined and shiny. Best part is that even in high humidity this holds perfectly.
I cannot speak to 2nd or 3rd day hair as I haven’t been able to test this part yet.
This product will always be in my rotation!Rachel W
3. Dippity-Do Girls With Curls Gelee 11.5 Fl.oz

Product Details:
Specifications:
Product Form | Gel |
Frizz-Free | Yes |
Weight | 11.5 fl oz |
Alcohol-Free | Yes |
Paraben-Free | Yes |
Reviews:
4. Curls Botanical Gelle, Goddess Curls – 8 Fl Oz

Product Details:
Specifications:
Container Type | Bottle |
Volume | 8 fl oz |
Alcohol-Free | Yes |
Paraben-Free | Yes |
Sulfate-Free | Yes |
Reviews:
5. Thank God Its Natural Styling Gel, Moisturizing, Curl Bomb – 13.0 Fl Oz

Product Details:
Specifications:
Product Type | Styling gel |
Sulfate-Free | Yes |
Cruelty-Free | Yes |
Paraben-Free | Yes |
Suitable Hair Types | All |
Reviews:
6. Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Sculpting Gel – 9.7 Fl Oz

Product Details:
Specifications:
Derived Nutrition Claim | Salt Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Soy Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Paraben Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Nitrite Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Dairy Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Nitrate Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Caffeine Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Wheat Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Nut Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Artificial Color Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Lactose Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Peanut Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Gluten Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Tree Nut Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Egg Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Shell Fish Free |
Rich Ingredients | WATER (AQUA), GLYCERIN, VP/VA COPOLYMER, PROPANEDIOL, PVP, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, LACTOBACILLUS/TOMATO FRUIT FERMENT EXTRACT, ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) EXTRACT, KERATIN AMINO ACIDS, LEUCONOSTOC/RADISH ROOT FERMENT FILTRATE, ACYL COENZYME A DESATURASE, CARBOMER, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), DISODIUM EDTA, PHENOXYETHANOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM HYDROXIDE. |
Ingredients | WATER (AQUA), GLYCERIN, VP/VA COPOLYMER, PROPANEDIOL, PVP, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, LACTOBACILLUS/TOMATO FRUIT FERMENT EXTRACT, ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) EXTRACT, KERATIN AMINO ACIDS, LEUCONOSTOC/RADISH ROOT FERMENT FILTRATE, ACYL COENZYME A DESATURASE, CARBOMER, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), DISODIUM EDTA, PHENOXYETHANOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM HYDROXIDE. |
Nutrition Claim | Paraben Free |
Nutrition Claim | Cruelty Free |
Nutrition Claim | For Hair |
Nutrition Claim | Humane |
Reviews:
7. Dippity-Do Girls With Curls Light Hold Gelee

Product Details:
Specifications:
Product Dimensions | 3.5 x 3.5 x 3.2 inches |
Reviews:
8. Ouidad Coil Infusion Good Shape Defining Gel

Product Details:
Specifications:
Item traits | 8.5 fl oz |
Formulation | Gel |
Volume | 8.5 fl oz |
Reviews:
9. Curl Keeper Ultimate Hold With Frizz Control Gel – 8 Oz Bottle

Product Details:
Specifications:
Size | 8 oz |
Product Form | Gel |
Container Type | Bottle |
Recommended Age Group | Adult |
Frizz-Free | Yes |
Reviews:
I use a leave in conditioner applied in the shower to soaking wet hair. I then use a curl primer. I scrunch these products into hair and micro plop to remove excess water. I then apply curl keeper just like gel, using praying hands method to coat each curl. I add more to the crown and smooth over waves. I then plop for 10-30 minutes depending on if I’m air drying or diffusing.
I actually prefer to air dry and this product allows that, though it takes hours to dry. Can form a slight cast which I actually love. Once fully dry any crunch is easily scrunched out. I NEVER have shine in my hair due to the coarse texture but with this my curls are defined and shiny. Best part is that even in high humidity this holds perfectly.
I cannot speak to 2nd or 3rd day hair as I haven’t been able to test this part yet.
This product will always be in my rotation!Rachel W
10. Dippity-Do Girls With Curls Gele 11.5 Fl.oz (Pack Of 2)

Product Details:
Specifications:
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Package Dimensions | 7.32 x 3.66 x 3.66 inches; 1.76 Pounds |
Reviews:
11. Maui Moisture Gel, Ultra-Hold, Curl Quench + Coconut Oil – 340 G

Product Details:
Specifications:
Derived Nutrition Claim | Salt Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Soy Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Paraben Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Nitrite Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Vegan |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Dairy Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Nitrate Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Vegetarian |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Caffeine Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Wheat Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Lactose Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Peanut Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Gluten Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Egg Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Shell Fish Free |
Rich Ingredients | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Carbomer, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Plumeria Alba Flower Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Titanium Dioxide, Tin Oxide, Tetrasodium EDTA, Aminomethyl Propanol, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum). |
Ingredients | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Carbomer, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Plumeria Alba Flower Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Titanium Dioxide, Tin Oxide, Tetrasodium EDTA, Aminomethyl Propanol, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum). |
Nutrition Claim | Paraben Free |
Nutrition Claim | Cruelty Free |
Nutrition Claim | Not Tested on Animals |
Nutrition Claim | For Hair |
Nutrition Claim | Vegan |
Nutrition Claim | Humane |
Nutrition Claim | Gluten Free |
Reviews:
12. Rizos Curls Light Hold Gel – 8 Fl Oz

Product Details:
Specifications:
Derived Nutrition Claim | Salt Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Soy Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Paraben Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Nitrite Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Dairy Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Nitrate Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Caffeine Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Wheat Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Artificial Color Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Oil Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Lactose Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Peanut Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Gluten Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Egg Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Shell Fish Free |
Rich Ingredients | Water (Aqua/Eau), Glycerin, Sorbitol, Polysorbate 20, Glycereth-26, Sodium Polyitaconate, Arginine, Carbomer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Triethyl Citrate, Tocopherol, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf Extract, Ulmus Fulva Bark Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Aminomethyl Propanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Disodium EDTA, AMP-Acrylates Copolymer, Polyurethane-14, Fragrance (Parfum), Phenoxyethanol |
Ingredients | Water (Aqua/Eau), Glycerin, Sorbitol, Polysorbate 20, Glycereth-26, Sodium Polyitaconate, Arginine, Carbomer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Triethyl Citrate, Tocopherol, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf Extract, Ulmus Fulva Bark Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Aminomethyl Propanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Disodium EDTA, AMP-Acrylates Copolymer, Polyurethane-14, Fragrance (Parfum), Phenoxyethanol |
Nutrition Claim | Paraben Free |
Nutrition Claim | For Hair |
Reviews:
13. Devacurl Ultra Defining Gel Strong Hold 32 Oz

Product Details:
Specifications:
Hair Type | All Hair Types |
Styling Effect | Curl Defining/Enhancing |
Hold Strength | Mega Hold |
Formulation | Gel |
Volume | 32 fl oz |
Reviews:
14. Aveda Nutriplenish Curl Gelee-Shine And Definition For Waves, Curls And Coils 6.7oz / 200ml

Product Details:
Specifications:
Package Dimensions | 6 x 6 x 6 inches; 8.78 Ounces |
Reviews:
15. Devacurl Supreme Defining Gel – 12 Oz

Product Details:
Specifications:
Weight | 1 oz |
Reviews:
16. Pattern Curl Gel – 3 Fl Oz

Product Details:
Specifications:
Derived Nutrition Claim | Salt Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Soy Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Paraben Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Nitrite Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Dairy Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Nitrate Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Caffeine Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Artificial Color Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Lactose Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Contains Wheat |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Peanut Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Egg Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Shell Fish Free |
Rich Ingredients | WATER (AQUA, EAU), GLYCERIN, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, SODIUM BENZOATE, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM SULFITE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL, CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, PHENOXYETHENOL, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, WHEAT AMINO ACIDS, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, DISODIUM EDTA, HYDROLYZED SILK, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) FRUIT EXTRACT, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, PHENETHYL ALCOHOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CARYODENDRON ORINOCENSE SEED OIL, AMYL CINNAMAL, BENZYL BENZOATE, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, CITRONELLOL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, HYDROXYCITRONELLOL, LIMONENE, LINALOOL |
Ingredients | WATER (AQUA, EAU), GLYCERIN, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, SODIUM BENZOATE, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM SULFITE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL, CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, PHENOXYETHENOL, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, WHEAT AMINO ACIDS, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, DISODIUM EDTA, HYDROLYZED SILK, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) FRUIT EXTRACT, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, PHENETHYL ALCOHOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CARYODENDRON ORINOCENSE SEED OIL, AMYL CINNAMAL, BENZYL BENZOATE, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, CITRONELLOL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, HYDROXYCITRONELLOL, LIMONENE, LINALOOL |
Nutrition Claim | Paraben Free |
Nutrition Claim | Cruelty Free |
Nutrition Claim | For Hair |
Nutrition Claim | Humane |
Reviews:
17. Pattern Curl Gel

Product Details:
Specifications:
Package Dimensions | 7.64 x 3.7 x 3.66 inches; 1.91 Pounds |
Reviews:
18. Bouclème Curl Defining Gel 300 Ml

Product Details:
Specifications:
Container Type | Bottle |
Product Form | Gel |
Paraben-Free | Yes |
Silicone-Free | Yes |
Volume | 300 ml |
Reviews:
19. Tgin Rose Water Defining Styling Gel

Product Details:
Specifications:
Weight | 1 lb |
Reviews:
20. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel – 2.5 Oz

Product Details:
Specifications:
Adjustable Heat Setting | No |
Product Benefits | Defines curls with |
Hair Type | Curly |