Join the TZR editors for Main Squeezethe series dedicated to sharing popular beauty products – whether daring, effective or just plain fun – that make our week a little better. Below, Team TZR shares their favorite hair gels of the moment.
The slicked back bun has long been a classic in the black and brown community and recently became a popular hairstyle due to the viral “clean girl aesthetic.” It’s a look that’s on everyone’s lips. Whether you simply love the elegance it exudes or you want your hair out of your face, a sleek and smooth bun is always a great choice. It’s always chic and you’ll always look well-groomed even when you’re hiding your unwashed hair. The only problem is that it can be difficult to keep your style looking well-groomed as sweat, wind, or movement can ruffle your strands and cause flyaways. The key is one of the best hair gels in stock. These products offer long-lasting hold without causing dryness, greasiness, or crunchiness.
Given the popularity of this style, you’ll find that there are many options on the market at a variety of price points. To help you decide which one might be right for you, the editors at TZR have compiled a list of the hair gels they swear by. Plus, these options are suitable for a variety of hair types and address key needs and concerns.
Read on to discover the best editor-recommended hair gels you can buy now.
“An essential part of every natural hair woman’s hair care routine is any variation of ECO STYLE Styling Gel. It works great for any hairstyle, including a tight bun, ponytail, or half-up, half-down style. However, you do need to apply a lot of the product to set your curls or coils beautifully. It makes it easy to brush and smooth your hair for a smooth finish. All you need to do is apply some edge control and you’re set for the rest of the day. Plus, it’s only $4!” – Jordan Murray, Deputy Beauty Editor, TZR
“This is the opposite of what you’d imagine an old-fashioned sticky gel to be. Instead, the water-based formula gives my air-dried waves a light definition and smooths down flyaways for my neat bun without ever feeling crunchy.” – Faith Xue, Senior Beauty Editor, Lifestyle, BDG
“I have thick bangs, so it’s a bit of a challenge to slick my hair back into a neat bun. But when my hair has just the right amount of oil and I have this 3-in-1 styling wand from Dae, I’m all set. It’s shaped like a mascara wand, so I didn’t have to learn a new technique to use it. Plus, it has that classic Dae scent (you know the one) that makes me smell like I just hopped out of the shower.” – Meguire Hennes, fashion news writer, TZR
“This may be the only hair gel that gives me a smooth, clean style rather than making me look like a young colonial carpenter’s apprentice. I think the key is that it actually tames the up-curled baby hairs that like to sprout at my hairline and next to my ears – they can thwart even the tightest buns. But Bumble & Bumble’s gel mixed with a little water and my favorite boar bristle brush? Foolproof.” – Amanda Ross, Beauty Editor, TZR
“Along with my ECO Style hair gel, I like to use Pattern’s Edge Control to smooth down my baby hairs. Whether you’re going for a sleek, slicked-back look or want to create intricate swirls and patterns with your strands, this product will last all day. No matter what you’re up to, you won’t have to worry about your edges lifting or getting frizzy.” – Murray
“Because my hair is short (and unruly), I really rely on strong hold gels to keep everything in place when I want a sleeker look. I recently got my hands on Fenty Hair’s newly launched Strong Hold Gel and I’m forever changed. It holds my style all day, no matter how hot, humid, or wet I am. It will definitely be a staple in my beauty collection for the foreseeable future.” – Angela Melero, Editor-in-Chief, TZR
“When my flyaways just won’t cooperate, this pomade stick from R + Co is the savior. This lightweight formula tames those pesky hairs without weighing them down. Plus, it’s easy to throw in your bag and apply when you need it.” – Kelsey Stewart, Deputy Fashion Editor, TZR
“I’ve sworn by Not Your Mother products for years and this gel is a go-to. I especially go to it when I pull my hair back into a tight, sleek bun. I have thick, wavy, unruly hair and baby hairs too, so I need a more intense gel that will keep everything smooth and in place. I’m happy to report that this affordable formula is just right for me.” – Melero
“I love every Mielle product and the Maxium Hold Gel Styler is no exception. Not only does it have great anti-frizz properties, but it also contains moisturizing ingredients like pomegranate seeds and honey that keep my hair hydrated and soft.” – Murray
“I’ve been a member of Club Bangs my whole life, so I don’t really wear slicked-back buns. However, my hair is thick and slightly dry, which makes it prone to frizz and flyaways. A stick like this one from Briogeo is handy for taming unruly strands that stick out near my roots, so my blow-dry stays smooth all day. I love that this formula is infused with moisturizing, nourishing botanicals that keep hair soft and shiny, not brittle.” – Erin Lukas, Deputy Beauty Editor, TZR
