20 Best Hair Gels For Thinning Hair (Feb 2023 Update)

First of all the scent of this product is absolutely on point. Perfect as a subtle personal fragrance that's office friendly. And the gel performs just as well. I can rake this through completely dry hair for a 30 sec afternoon/evening hair upgrade and never have worry about flakes or sharp straw-like strands. If this were the only gel on the market I assure you that humanity would not complain.Sd

Having been a loyal fan of Cremo shave cream since it was introduced around 2016, I was excited to try your new hair gel. With thick dry hair, I need a product which offers control as well as a shine not found in dry hair. But in spite of its’ rich price point, the product failed to deliver. You should consider adding components which addresses this need.Jim

Former Herbal Essences user here. Stumbled across this in a local Wal-Mart (which can't seem to find now) and have used the Cremo Beard Oil so figured I'd give it a shot. I WILL NEVER USE another brand! Smells good too! Only need a little bit for a full head of hair to do the job too!Valencia

I really like this product. I only bought it recently and haven't used it much since, but the times that I did I was very satisfied with how shiny it made my hair. I have very damaged and brittle hair because of years of colour treating my hair and the fact that it is naturally curly. Using this product definitely help my hair get into a better state budget applying it before drying my hair. It adds volume and has a silky end result. I would definitely recommend this product for styling, protection and recovery of the hair. Worth every coin.charie.b

My partner used the Nioxin 3D Styling Thickening Hair Gel and he really liked the smell of it, the gel itself was quite thick in texture and smoothed through his hair nicely. The gel left a wet look appearance after application so it definitely needs blow drying through afterwards. My partner hasn't notice any thickening of his hair yet, but its still early days – for the price of this hair gel you would certainly hope for some positive effects though.emma32

I have used many hair gel's over the years and hated the way it makes my hair stiff. Nioxin thickening hair gel is really amazing I apply a tiny bit when my hair is damp and my hair does not feel weighed down or stiff and crunchy whatsoever. Also I really like the fact my hair felt so much thicker in texture and how it looked more in volume. Highly recommend!Nurjshah1

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

So for starters, this is PAUL "FREAKING" MITCHELL, do I need to even say anything else. Paul Mitchell has (I BELIEVE) over 100,000 salons in more than 81 Countries, over 100 schools where they train WORLD CLASS HAIRSTYLIST and Graduate over 10,000 students each year from their 100+ schools. Most impressively is that Paul Mitchell their dream, product idea, product launch all happened with a mere $700 and a self-sustaining farm in Hawaii. A Farm that 40+ years later is still being used to harvest and contour to establishes a self-sustaining, solar-powered awapuhi. All of the awapuhi used in their products is still harvested there today. NOW THAT'S IMPRESSIVE! If this tidbit of info doesn't impress you, I DARE YOU TOO GO AHEAD, USE THE PRODUCT. USE OF PM PRODUCT AND THEN TELL ME THAT SELF-SUSTAINING AWAPUHI HARVESTED PRODUCTS AREN'T WORTH THE 40+ YEARS THAT HAVE BEEN PUT INTO THEM. GO AHEAD, TRY IT, I'LL WAIT!wendi.e

For the past year or so, my hair has returned to a state of greasy last seen when I was a teenager decades ago. Add in that I have hyper sensitive skin and scalp and it has been a frustrating battle. I would no sooner wash my hair and the minute it was dry I could feel the grease. Trying sensitive shampoos meant to degrease only led to a dry itchy scalp and persistent grease. I recalled using Paul Mitchel products in my twenties. I was both excited and apprehensive because my skin is much more sensitive these days. The shampoos, as far as I could tell, did not specify sensitivity. I choose what I felt would balance my hair since that is what the description stated. The conditioner being Super Skinny. I used just the smallest amounts to start as a means to test for any reactions. No reactions and my hair has not felt this clean and itch less in so long. While I may not have work life balance, I have finally found products that balance my hair and keep the itch away.Balanced One

This cream gel styling formula glides onto hair easily and doesn't cause any greasy feel or weigh down hair. Gives extra body and volume to your hair. Has a nice pleasant scent and gives hair a gorgeous natural shine. Helps hair to style more quickly and drying time is cut down. Your hair will look and feel soft and smooth with less frizz. Holds your style through the day and keeps curls intact. Love this product. Highly recommend.cherie.s

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 am pretty brand loyal when it comes to my haircare, but every now and again if a product is amazing enough from another line , I will cheat on my usual and dip into the other line for that product. This is one of them The Moroccan Oil Treatment oil, which I feel is their most popular product that lead the way for this brand I think lol yes it is expensive, yes I get it cheaper because I am a liscenced professional lol but, when it comes to these higher end hair products , usually,you get what you pay for. It is worth the expensive price tag. There are some expensive hair products that I feel are not worth it and are way too overpriced for what they actually do and I am always very honest in my reviews on hair care because I live and breathe hair , its my profession, its what I love and I love to help people achieve hair they love, so if that means being honest and saying hey this product isnt worth it or its crap OR hey , this is not a brand I retail at work BUT Ive used it and I love it and recommend it even if u need to buy it elsewhere and I dont really achieve much for myself, what I want to achieve is to educate people on hair hair products and what works for them . So I am always honest when clients ask me about Moroccan oil.. that no we dont carry it but it is something I love and use everyday.it gives my hair amazing shine, it makes it feel soft and silky and just glides on over those little split ends like they are there, it helps tame frizz and flyaways and its a treatment that actually is beneficial to your hair. The bottle is on the small side but a little goes a LONG way unless you want to look like you stuck your hair in some grease than by all means lol but seriously a tiny bit, rub in your palms and rub jtno your hair , focusing on the ends and midshaft scalp will just make u oily I have naturally curly hair that is prone to dryness, it gets frizzy , its thick. I use the regular Moroccan oil treatment but there is also a light for those with finer hair , more oily , sleek type ,thinner hair that this regular one might be a little heavy for. I also apply this to dry hairz over my midshaft and ends when I feel they could use a little TLC . If theyre looking a little dry maybe just a little bit of this run through it and it will make your hair feel all soft and loveable again. I like the smell, it isnt anything strong or overpowering. This is the only hair product I do use from Moroccan oil, I am sure they do have other good products but at that price point and already being happy with my current hair care routine, Ive never felt the need to try them and I feel that this product here is their Holy Grail so to speak, like the 1 amazing stand out product where they are at the top of their game. Highly recommend itAnonymous

I really love using this stuff. I have for years. My original favorite was Chi Silk Infusions and I still like that stuff but I feel this does the job better. So basically youd use something like this for heat and uv protection as well as moisture and shine. Mostly I use it for getting some moisture back in my really parched, heat abused hair for a nice, healthy and naturally shiny look. Using products like that can go wrong really fast. You can cross the line into greasy mess from shiny tresses quick. You can do that with this too if you use too much but a lot of products do that no matter how little you use. This lasts forever because even with the thickest and driest hair needs only a dime size or less warmed between the palms and lightly rubbed through every layer from root to ends with finger tips open to get every strand focusing on the ends. Ive noticed that it gives me life back to my hair. It gives me that naturally healthy movement you just dont get with fried hair. With this and changing my hair habits I have come almost all the way back from totally broken hair to healthy hair thats a little dry and has split ends. And with my current issues it makes it look like I have none. Especially when I flat iron my hair with this as a heat protectant it almost seals the cuticle completely and keeps my hair looking super healthy until my next wash. I also use it randomly to add a touch of moisture back into my hair if its really dry. Or if my ends are getting bad between trims I use this and flat iron them to seal them and make them look healthy temporarily. It also smells amazing. I love the comforting and unique almost but not quite tropical scent. Its very unique and very feminine without being like a perfume. It makes my hair smell fresh and pretty and that scent lasts for a couple days. Overall it is a little expensive but it lasts a long time so it ends up costing almost the same as the drugstore over time because if does last so long. Its just more of an initial investment. A sephora employee told me this stuff actually is bad for your hair and dries it out but I dont think it would have gotten so famous if it wasnt so great for so many people. Maybe she just had a bad experience. It wouldnt have been the first time I had been given bad information by a Sephora employee but I just thought Id mention it. I totally recommend. But only buy from authorized retailers like salons or stores like sephora, macys, and other high end retailers or it will most likely be a fake.Anonymous

Lets just say, I love Morrocanoil and have for years the product has always been consistently the same until I tried the bottle from this seller.This does not smell or feel like MoroccanoilI love my normal Morrocanoil because its Lux, silky smooth and has a specific color and wonderful smell. This product was not any of those things it was tacky it stuck to my hands and didnt glide through my hair and made my hair feel rough. It had a nice smell but not the Moroccanoil scent.I still have some Moroccanoil from my last bottle and even the color is different.This new product is not good. Not sure if I just got an off bottle or what has happened.I read over the label and it said nothing about a new formula. All I can say is this is not the signature Morrocanoil and its not a good product. It feels like castoroil.I liked the price and thats why I ordered from this seller but next time I will just pay full price at the salon because I know what Im getting.It even wasnt in its signature box or had the same colored label so that makes me more curious.I couldnt find a way to contact the seller I went to the reorder page and the sellers name was different then this one. So I was not sure how to go about this and I have always refused to write negative reviews so this is a first for me.Anonymous

I really like this product. I only bought it recently and haven't used it much since, but the times that I did I was very satisfied with how shiny it made my hair. I have very damaged and brittle hair because of years of colour treating my hair and the fact that it is naturally curly. Using this product definitely help my hair get into a better state budget applying it before drying my hair. It adds volume and has a silky end result. I would definitely recommend this product for styling, protection and recovery of the hair. Worth every coin.charie.b

My partner used the Nioxin 3D Styling Thickening Hair Gel and he really liked the smell of it, the gel itself was quite thick in texture and smoothed through his hair nicely. The gel left a wet look appearance after application so it definitely needs blow drying through afterwards. My partner hasn't notice any thickening of his hair yet, but its still early days – for the price of this hair gel you would certainly hope for some positive effects though.emma32

I have used many hair gel's over the years and hated the way it makes my hair stiff. Nioxin thickening hair gel is really amazing I apply a tiny bit when my hair is damp and my hair does not feel weighed down or stiff and crunchy whatsoever. Also I really like the fact my hair felt so much thicker in texture and how it looked more in volume. Highly recommend!Nurjshah1

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

Who came up with this- and why aren’t the supermarket brands copying it. My perfect hair product. Strong without going crispy or greasy on drying. Volumising. Makes your short hair form into thick licks. In Australian salons, it’s constantly sold out because there’s hidden fans everywhere. I buy it 2 at a time.Sean M.

I've been using this from our hairdresser the last 3 years been buying from him as stocks it. Then they ran out couldn't find it or could get more. My wife one night goggled the name of jar before throwing it out and there it was so brought for me. So happy she did. Just love this Gel. For styling the hair being short so good for men. Don't need to much on either So glad you stock it. Definately be buying from your company againTihomir L.

This is the best hair gel I've ever used. It doesn't flake or get crusty. The level of hold is just right. Nice and shiny. It's great, Vanicream is the best!Ken

Holds my fly away hair in place nicely. No smell which is what I need working outside with horses. Or inside around sensitive people especially in hospitals. It is what I have been looking for.Maria

I love Free & Clear products. This styling gel is just the right amount – not too little and not too much. It gives me the curl and body I want without the stiffness. And if you are chemically sensitive like I am, you will appreciate the lack of any odor whatsoever.Betty K.

I've used Davines products before, but never this specific one. I noticed my hair was thinning and only a small amount was growing back. Since using this product (2 weeks) I have so many new baby hairs coming through! I can't recommend this highly enough!Sarah

It's a great product that distributes well and gives an instant calming effect on my scalp. I love the tip, it's so easy to place product exactly where I want it. I highly recommend if your scalp is dry and/or itchy.Nhi D.

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

My husband has been using this gel for two years and he really loves it. He used to use a pomade but noticed it was way too thick and was worsening the condition of his hair. He says this stuff is much more lightweight and doesn't leave his hair feeling super sticky and heavy. Since using it he has noticed his hair is in much better shape, but he believes this is because how gentle and lightweight this gel is, it's much easier to wash out every night. If you want a super strong hold with a more wet-down look, this isn't for you. If you want a more natural look and hold that's gentle on your hair, this stuff is great!asdfghjkl

I bought this for my husband to try, and he likes it. It has a light scent, and a good hold without being overly sticky or crunchy to use. It's too soon to say whether or not there are any visible thickening benefits, but it doesn't irritate his scalp so we're happy.dankauff

This product really drys out my hair even when I put a lot of moisturizer in my hair. I do use it to keep my edges in order but that's about itTerri

If you're looking for a hair gel that has a super-duper, concrete-like firm hold…this is it. It's also got a pleasant, non-offensive, masculine scent. It's easy to spread throughout the hair (unlike some of the other "ultra firm" hold hair gels) and you can easily thin out the gel with some water. However, it does take about an hour for this gel to dry at ambient room temperature, once applied. Just note that if you're looking to transfer the gel into another bottle (like a travel bottle), the scent disappears quickly and it starts to take on a weird consistency. Keep it in the original bottle or buy a smaller bottle size. And if you're keeping it on your bathroom counter, look into buying a pump. Be sure to shop around, pricing varies wildly between beauty shops and online retailers.B.L.

American crew is a really great product and works exactly as advertised. Its smooth and rich in texture and leaves your hair a little crunchy while firmly holding hair in place.. but it's just to expensive. I can get the same quality hair care If not less from a local grocery store for 75% less. I would use this product all the time, I just wish it was more affordable. I recommend this product for a high quality salon product that works! 👌jamie.r

It's like most high end hair styling products. It does what it says it should. I use a pea size blob, a bit of water to emulsify and run through my hair prior to going in with a hair-dryer. Great volume for a high pony tail or any up-do. My son uses it to slick back his hair. Pure gel, no water. There's the usual tacky residue on your hands, brushes and combs. Wash brushes and combs using a little shampoo and you're ready for the next day.melissa.h

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

AMAZING HAIR GEL! It has amazing hold and smells delicious and a little goes a very very long way. Dries fast but you still have enough time to lay your hair in the position you want. However, i think if there was a big tub available to buy , that would be so so helpfulbenie.l

I have tried most hair products but this does do what it says its called miss selling you can not spike your hair with this item also it left my hair greasy. If your hair is flat all good otherwise if you want to style your hair how you want get gummy wax it will never let you downpart1958

I've been searching for years for a gel that keeps my middle aged head of hair looking full without that cheap shiny look. Hairspray just didn't have the holding power and would get sticky during the day no matter what premium brand I tried. My barber in Florida recommended this to me and I'm hooked for life. I sure hope they never stop making this. Remember only one thing… use sparingly a little goes a long way.SteveB

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

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

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