20 Best Hair Gel For Black Hair No Flakes (Feb 2023 Update)

I just ordered another one for my 4th time. I love this gel and the shipping is quick an easy! The gel works really well and the scent is very nice. I would definitely reccomend this one.itsdavid123

I was looking for a product like this for months. This product did everything that is shown in the description. It was lightweight and gave my hair body for over two days. It wasn't crunchy at all and got rid of all most all the frizz. They do need to change the pump situation gets clogged easily.Melanie

Trying other gels like eco always leave my hair hard and flaky, but this gel does not! It leaves my curly hair shiny and defined without the crunch. Literally amazing! I use it on wet/damp hair and it works so well.Jada

I have been trying this gel for about 2 months now and it is so lovely! I love how it leaves my hair looking shiny and curly. It doesn’t leave behind any flakes in the hair. It is a good product to use and it’s natural! I would recommend it for everyone to use.odaris.s

I received this complimentary from #influenster for my honest opinion. First off let me tell you that this one is different from the gel. To me it's creamy but not too thick either. the first time I used it I didn't use as much product as the second. My hair didn't feel too stiff or dry it was pretty good but since I used less product I still had some frizz but not as much compared to not using any product. I didn't notice any flakes the first day but I washed my hair by the second day. For the second time I used more product and my hair got more stiff and it felt dry and way less frizz. I did the same as the first time and didn't wash it out and it was ok. I didn't like the texture and feeling of my hair but there was minimal flakes by the second day but starting by the 3rd day it was very flaky. I would consider using and buying this product and try different amounts of product but definitely wash it out by the second day.maria.m

I received this #freeproduct in exchange for a review. For reference I have waist-length frizzy wavy hair that I typically blow dry straight. I love my natural waves, but usually, they look too frizzy for my liking. I tried out this product by applying it and then wrapping my hair in a microfibre towel and then letting it air dry. It clumped my waves together nicely and had a little bit of crunch to scrunch out. Most gels weigh down my waves to the point that they get stretched straight. This product didn't do that and my waves held their shape. I did notice some frizz but nowhere near the amount that happens when I air dry with no product. It also made my hair smell great! I recommend this entire product line to fellow wavies!indie

I got the combo of Shea Moisture Papaya & Neroli Anti Frizz products to try from top box to give a review on how it is and everything and the first time I used it but I’ve said time and time again that Shea Moisture is a never fail product for curly hair. I can feel a little difference. The smell is amazing and not too strong and it's a medium smell. This shampoo is great on wash days in the mornings because it’s not harsh on the hair at all. My hair is still moisturized and actually looks a bit shinier. The packaging is sturdy and hard to break. You get a lot of product in one bottle so it will last at least two months. This conditioner does an excellent job on my natural hair. My curls have never been better since switching over to SheaMoisture.This is such a great conditioner. Helps with frizziness and conditions and smooths so well. Then the last is the gel which made my hair really soft and smooth. It puts the cherry on top and put everything together and makes my hair frizz free and complete.#freeproduct #trywithtopbox #sheamoistureterrimayy123

This is the best kind of eco this is to use. No other gel I’ve tried can compare to the krystal clear eco gel. It really slicks and styles my type 4c hair. Definitely meeting my expectations and I will be purchasing againorianna.g

This product works really well if you want a gel with a strong hold! Its affordable and best if you want to get rid of fly aways for a nice sleek look. All you have to do is apply the gel to damp hair, brush the fly aways (go over it a couple times if you have thick hair), and then wrap a satin scarf around your hair for a bit. After this is done your hair will be nicely laid. It also works well for a range of curly/kinky hair types from 3a-4c and more. The only critique that I have is that it doesn't shine as much and for certain hairstyles, I want a nice shiny sleek look. What I usually do to compromise this is I'd use this gel for my edges and then the eco styler gel in the black container for my whole head to get the shine, sometimes I combine the two.halima.k

This us my favorite hair gel. I use it for wash and go styles, edges or to tame flyaways. It gives a strong hold without leaving the hair hard, stiff or crunchy. I use the brown color because it seems to accentuate my dark brown hair, making it appear more vibrant. It even helps to camouflage my few strands of gray. This gel leaves my hair soft and shiny . You can find this anywhere haircare products are sold. I purchased mine from my local beauty supply store for under $3.00. I highly suggest giving it a try.karla.b

I used it once trying to maintain my shape of hair I mean curly but it just parched my hair but yes it is long lasting and I would improve adding more hydrating properties to the product please because thin hair looks parched after washing italys.c

They advertise a product and then they send you another similar one, which is not the same as they have in the photos, I never buy from them again because they didn't owe me moneyyamisantan_0

Great hair gel! I use it for my two girls. Easy to apply, smooth out, and fix if need be. Doesn’t get crunchy. Hair stays in place all day and looks nearly the same when I pick kids up from school. Pleasantly fresh fragrance and not overwhelming. And the low price is an extra bonus!E

I love this gel (I have type 4b hair). This give me the hold I need while not being too crunchy. It gives my hair shine and sleeks it down well. I usually use this gel or the ecostyler Krystal. The container says that it’s a level 10 hold but it feels more like a level 8 to me. I don’t mind though. It does not dry out hair. I would recommend giving this gel a try. If you have type 4c hair, it may not be ideal for a sleek ponytail. But it’s great for a wash n go. The price is okay as well.geena.c

The jacket looks lovely, and the quality is great. However I looked like a bag of spanner’s in it, it is very oversized and I probably could have sized down. Also the positioning of the pocket ms is terrible. I needed to reposition my arms to be able to put my hands in them. Such a shame as it’s a lovely looking jacketReviewed by Next customer

I have 3B curls. It works beautifully for curl definition and hold. It dries quickly without a diffuser in the desert heat. It does not leave a residue or crunchiness. It’s a different texture than the usual gel, but it’s nothing that takes away from the product itself. I’m very pleased with this product.SUZETTE A.

I love the smell of this product. It smells fruity but also like perfume or cologne which lingers on my hair all week. The only problem I have with this product is that it’s so sticky and I need to use A LOT of water to make it work. I use this only when I use another Curls defining jelly as well so only in that combination does it give me good results. It also lasts forever because the size of the tub is so big. I wouldn’t recommend to style your edges though I don’t think it has enough hold.iHerb Customer

Backstory: I have mostly 4c hair with 2 other textures and I first tried the gel in the black top (assuming that its the orginal) and it definitely did great defining my curls with a wash and go but after day two, I noticed little white flakes in my hair so I decided to stop using it after full use. (had to get my money's worth) So I began to explore other brands of styling but none of them gave definition and shine like this gel. So eventually I gave this another shot and I noticed that Ulta had a different version of it so I decided to test this one out but this one was actually worse. It made my hair extremely flaky the next day and completely dry and itchy so I had to return it. P.S. I also mixed with the brand leave in conditioner as well and try it without conditioner with the styling gel.BB

It really does not flake at all. Even on days when things are too busy and I don’t wash when I need to but my hair needs a refresh, so I just wet my hair a little and apply the gel on top of old gel. The build up is negligible! It’s a life saver. One of the biggest differences with this gel is that when I put it in freshly washed hair, it doesn’t leave a hard cast either. Only when I put a lot of gel when I want super tight coils to last a long time. I really do love this product and will never go back to anything else!Bigchopaddict

I have fine, low density, 4c hair shaped in a TWA. I usually wear wash and go with kinky curly custard (hold lasts 3-4 days). This product gave me a soft hold, lasted 1 day. The next day my hair felt hard and looked frizzy. I am a proponent of trying the product multiple ways until you see how it works best for you. So for my wash n go's, I've tried using it alone, w/ Mousse Def Foam as a topper, or w/ leave in conditioner as a base. Nothing kept the hold longer than the 1 day, the leave in conditioner did keep it soft on day 2-3. I havent tried this for my twists or twist out.Cleo

This was my first styling product from The Doux and I was not disappointed. Big Poppa is a smooth gel formulated to use on its own for moisture and curl control. I used this for a wash n go and got shiny, moisturized, curls that lasted for a week. It also has a really nice tropical fruit smell. Definitely a natural hair gem! Check out my in depth review/demo at The Third Eye Angel on YouTube!briana.a

I have been using hair gel in my hair for 25 years. I am a man with short hair and like my hair to stay put. I have tried many kinds but most were not strong enough. I have used this produce for over 20+ years and has not harmed my hair as one other review anticipated it would do. It is a very strong holding gel and If you use too much it will be like a helmet. So use a small amount and it will do wonders to allow you to shape your hair and it will stay put!Nick

My stylist recommended KMS Hair Play after the gel I'd used for year no longer was available. She only uses and recommends quality products. Ordering from Beauty Care Choices was simple and easy and got my order in just a few days. Definite will order again.Anonymous

I was so impressed with the way it was sent. I got it within the time frame promised and it was the BEST DEAL! I have been buying this for decades. It is my first time ordering it online, and I will definitely be ordering this again from this company. I was very impressed. Thank You!!!Antonio

I struggled with definition and really had to look for a product that defined my curls. I was buying pricey product thinking that it would define my curls but eventually I found out I could save money!! I love mixing this gel with leave in conditioner as another reviewer mentioned. I rake though shea moisture’s curl smoothie and follow up with this product. I end up diffusing my hair after. Do not sleep on this product!! It is affordable and helps bring the definition I wanted. It leaves my hair smelling good and defined.elyssa

Don’t Shrink is a CGM approved protein gel with olive oil, shea butters, and glycerin. Flax seed really helps my hair retain its curl shape, the large jar helped me explore different styling techniques to see what works best with my hair and the price helped me feel better about re-styling failed experiment days vs conserving pricy product; which let’s face it, there’s a lot of fails in the beginning for curlies lol. I tried it out with super long hair and also with a long bob reset chop and both had consistent results. I achieved really great definition with a hard hold, I still had frizz but I also know this is most likely user error since I’m always improving my routines. I clarify every wash so I’m not one to comment on build up. I really wanted to love it, but I found out mid tub that I prefer shrinkage while I train my curl type. If you need protein and you're looking for a relaxed curl as your end goal I can definitely recommend👌🏻 #CGM #CurlyHairellyn.r

Like many wash and go naturalistas who rock the teeny weeny fro, I have gone through a lot of products trying to find that ONE which does what I need. I have finally found Aunt Jackies and I'm thrilled. It is the holy grail! I have moisturized curls that pop, no dryness or flakiness, and the curls last for DAYS with minimal fuss. For daily maintenance, I just fill a spray bottle with water, jojoba oil and Aunt Jackies leave-in and spritz that mixture to refresh my curls. Best of all, the entire regimen isn't a sticker shock to my wallet yet contains all the good, clean ingredients more pricy natural gels have. I use this with the Aunt Jackies leave in conditioner and I'm really pleased with the results. My hair looks great and feels great.BookDiva66

This is the product that I have been looking for for the longest time! If you have curly hair, this is a must have. Here is how you use it, after detangling your hair, and a generous amount to your hair. If you add too much your hair won’t look super curly. After that just bunch your hair together to make it look curly. My hair looks so gorgeous when using this product. My family uses it as well. I also love that your hair won’t get tangled if you use this product.jasmella.l

Maybe I came in with too high of hopes. Orrr maybe I just used to much. Either way, it left my hair greasy looking, weighed down, and it was obvious something was in my hair. Felt weird to touch my own hair. I tried using a tiny amount and that didn't help either. I think it just doesn't get along with my personal hair bevause I know it works for a few friends!tanya.b

After a year of locs- I combed them out. Usually I see a lot of product build up when I take out my locs, however after exclusively using this for a year, there wasn't much at all. I have also used this for a two-strand twist and it worked well. Was not heavy and oily and my hair was very flexible and pliable. Not stiff like other shea based products I had used in the past.Ali in DC

was def excited to try a hair gel complimentary from DevaCurl for my honest opinion that claims to be not crunchy. I'm always very skeptical about products that claim to work hair miracles because I've experienced many let downs.. One difference about this is it says to work it in while curls are soaking wet. I still did get a little frizz but nothing like with what i usually use. I would purchase this and recommend it to other curly people. I did take one star for the frizz but would be curious to see how it holds up in an environment that's isn't as humid as whereI live.Laura

Yes! Her hair is fly-away frizzy with light curls like mine, and I think she'll appreciate this as I do. Even when I unthinkingly put a cheap gel on first one day (that I usually layer on when my hair is dried), it came out great with the 2 products piggybacked! And the effect lasts a few days between washings. I just need to fluff it up with a pic, even teasing parts a bit (I'm THAT old!) then smoothing over and applying hairspray. I did like the previous formulation better; I s'ppose the company got shamed into changing it (due to a TV documentary). But this is a great product for my fine hair.joyce

I used to use the Arc Angel gel and always liked it. I switched to Ouidad, which works great, but if I leave Ouidad on my hair for too many days without washing it, my scalp gets itchy. I saw Deva had changed the formula so I gave it a try. The gel has a nice thick consistency and you don't need a lot, which is great, however, you don't get nearly the definition and shine you used to get with Arc Angel. At the end of the day my hair is frizzy, the next day it's really a mess. I'm going to go back to Ouidad and just try a different formula. If you were a fan of Arc Angel, prepare to be disappointed.Mary

I have 2C to 3A hair, and typically in the winter it's a solid 2C, I lose curl. about 6 months ago I started a quest for a HG gel, after using mousse for literally 25 years (I'm 39). I wanted more hold. I was underwhelmed at all the deva gels – especially at the price point – I tried curl Smith, i also tried lower priced ones:Cantu, herbal essences, NYM Curl talk…. to name a few. and i either hated them, or found them mediocre at best. I had recently purchased a few more on my last ulta order, and came across this – and the gelee from biolage, and tried cocktailing them together, and WOW! I get amazing hold, a more uniform curl pattern, and a bit of body and shine after scrunching out the cast. Due to my schedule, i shower at night and sleep -carefully- on wet hair. the few pieces in the back, underside, of my hair that flatten I simply spray a bit of water on in the morning to SLIGHTLY dampen/reactivate the product, and give one scrunch, and they turn back into the same curls that I have everywhere else! I was really surprised at the bad reviews-at first- then upon reading them, understood. I wouldn't recommend this gel for "brushing thru straight hair" (or any gel probably), and it's medium in consistency, so you aren't going to get rock hard spiky glue like effects either. I'd imagine this is best for wavy/curly hair. the protein listed as one of the main ingredients is where you're going to get your definition from 🙂jenn1376

I see a lot of comments about it being runny, which has not been my experience in the 3 bottles I've purchased so far. it's always been your typical, medium/average consistency gel. I have fine to medium, mostly 3A curls (with a random 2C section), that's somewhat low density. I also live in FL, where humidity is very high, so I need to strong hold gel that has little or no glycerin in it. The protein in this really helps hold curl and keep out humidity. After using a small amount of curl cream, I then use biolage gelee. After that's scrunched in well, I take a small amount of this firm style gel and sort of glaze it over all the curls, being sure the ends are coated. Sometimes I scrunch again, very lightly, after applying this, but sometimes I glaze it over my hair and then leave alone, depending on my curls mood that particular day. lasting hold that "locks in" all the hard work I put into getting my curls to cooperate with me – about to order bottle # 4!jenn 1376

I'm in the military so I have to use product to keep my hair slicked back. I bought this product for the first time after wanting to switch from cheaper products like Tresemme because it would often start flaking. I thought a more expensive product would be better, but I was so wrong. The product is liquid and spills all over, especially if you don't close the lid all the way. It is not of gel consistency. The flakes are so much worse than any product I've ever tried. It dries and creates the tiniest flakes that are so hard to remove. I threw the bottle away before I could finish it.Sam

I love this gel. I am a nurse who lives in Fl and must tie my hair back all day. I have very thick, somewhat frizzy Cherokee Indian type hair. I HATE hairspray and if I don't use gel, my hair looks like a frizzy mess in a few hours. I'm so glad I found this L'Oreal gel. It holds my pony tail in place all day. No more frizz or fly-away strands. Best of all, it's affordable and works with both damp and dry hair.CarrieFisherismyhero

My hair is very thick and somewhat wavy/kinky (I have American Indian hair). I have a lot of “fly aways” when I pull my hair back and after a few hours it looks like a frizzy mess. I just got a job as a nurse and so I have to keep my hair pulled back all day. I decided to give this gel a try and I’m glad I did. I put it in my hair as directed, pulled it back and my hair looked perfect all day! No fly away hair at all! It’s lightweight and did not make me itch like hairsprays sometimes do. My hair is very prone to tangling but I had no problems combing it out before washing my hair tonight. I definitely recommend L’Oréal styling gel!Sarah

The Good: I've been using this stuff for a few years now, I really enjoy the way it makes my hair feel after I use it. My hair is naturally very curly, yet it's on the finer side and also become very frizzy especially from the natural elements (rain, humidity, etc). I use this product on days when I don't feel like styling my hair but I still want my natural curls to come out looking like their fresh, nice and tamed. This product is fantastic because it does not dry down crunchy whatsoever and the gel feels very light-weight on the hair, which is great because out mousse/gel products tend to weigh down fine hair and can be easily overdone. I use this both on wet and dry hair depending on what stage of getting ready I am at during that time. I find it has the best effect on damp hair. I do not use this in my roots, I mostly apply it to the bottom 70% of my hair and if applying wet, I will also brush out my hair with it in. When applying dry I simply "scrunch" it and smooth it through my hair and it really helps bring about a lovely ooomph to my natural curls. It also helps with frizziness and instantly smooths out my hair, I've reached for this many times during humid days because it really helps my curls not frizz up in the future. I start smaller and apply more as needed. I found that I don't need a whole bunch of product to make this work well and I'd rather apply more later than apply too much all at once. The Bad: Oh boy is this formula STICKY and SLIMY. Honestly this is a very unique feeling gel during application that I have not experienced in other products and I know that I certainly cannot wait to wash it off of my hands after using it. The packaging could also be better as the formula sticks to the top of the tube and creates a dried "slime" and the cap is easily snappable due to the very thin plastic attaching it to the bottle. The Ugly/Honest: 5 stars for the formula/performance of the product, taking off a star for poor packaging and high price pointQueenMarceline

Really nice gel, I use it for scrunching and for refreshing my curls. I’d say it’s light hold – it does dry to a light cast but easy to scrunch out and helps with definition. Thin consistency so it’s easy to distribute and it’s great for curl glazing. Works really well with the Amika curl corps defining cream. I have thick 2c low porosity curls for reference.Carrie

I used it once trying to maintain my shape of hair I mean curly but it just parched my hair but yes it is long lasting and I would improve adding more hydrating properties to the product please because thin hair looks parched after washing italys.c

They advertise a product and then they send you another similar one, which is not the same as they have in the photos, I never buy from them again because they didn't owe me moneyyamisantan_0

I love this product I have stubborn edges and all the other gels I use won't keep my edges down this one does I recommend thislilyona.d

This is the gel I buy for my husband. He loves how it holds his hair and doesn’t flake at all. I love the scent. A larger bottle would be great as I sometimes sneak it.tara.s

great shaving cream left my face feeling nice and smooth. not irritated as some shaving creams do a little goes a long way that's when you put it on your face and it does not disappear as some shaving creams do does not clog razors would recommend to a friendPaul

I love the SuperGrow hair gel it has made my sons hair grow over months of use. I will buy this product over and over again.mariea345

I'd been using Herbal Essences' 'set me up' styling gel for years and only purchased Garnier's styling gel because Herbal Essences is no longer making the particular gel I had been using, or for some reason, it simply is no longer available at a reasonable price. I have to say that Garnier's gel is far superior to Herbal Essences' gel. I have extremely short gray hair, and my morning routine consists of a one to two-minute blow dry, a quick brush through my hair, and an application of a small dollop of hair gel. After that, I never touch my hair for the rest of the day. Garnier's product is very light, nicely scented, and it stiffens my hair in place with a very natural look. There is absolutely no white flaking, and the amount required to hold my hair in place is about half what I used to use with the Herbal Essences gel. A dime-sized amount is completely adequate to ensure my hair doesn't move. I am far more satisfied with this gel than with the various ridiculously expensive gels my hair stylist uses on my hair when I go in for a haircut every six weeks. Overall, I am very satisfied with this product, and the inexpensive price can't be beat!harley.g

This acts like glue. I have long hair (just above waist) and I tried this because my husband uses it (short hair). I added a quarter size amount to damp hair, scrunched it a bit and let air dry. Nice wavy curls but midday I put my hair up into a messy bun (hair was barely damp). At the end of the day when I let my hair down it was all glued together. When I brushed out my hair it ripped and pulled. Awful. My hair is now damaged and completely frizzed out. I am getting it all cut off this weekend. BTW, I normally use the Curl Sculpt by the same maker and love it.Corrie

This is the only hair gel I use. I freak out if I’m out of it. I was traveling and had an early appointment and realized “one of us” didn’t pack it. I have very fluffy/fro-ey hair so I rely on it. It’s water based and light and had an impressive hold. It shakes out or fluffs out without flaking. An easy hair re-wet can help the water based formula reshape and get ya through the last few hours of the day if you need. The lightness, the water based formula, and the no flaking are my top 3 reasons it is better than ALLLLLL the others.Fluffy