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10 Best Curly Hair Gels 2025 in Canada

#1

Winner

9.8 score

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strong Hold Hair Styling Gel With Flaxseed 425 g

Hold Level: Strong hold
Moisturizing Ingredients: shea butter, flaxseed oil, peppermint
Alcohol Content: none
Texture and Consistency: gel-like, not overly sticky
Fragrance: pleasant fragrance
Flake and Crunch Factor: may cause slight flaking if heavy

Chosen by 1147 this week

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strong Hold Hair Styling Gel With Flaxseed 425 g

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,147
Hold Level
Moisturizing Ingredients
Texture and Consistency
Hold Level
Provides a strong enough hold to tame frizz and keep thick, curly hair looking healthy and defined.
Moisturizing Ingredients
It leaves hair feeling soft, smooth, and well-hydrated without any greasy residue.
Texture and Consistency
The texture is smooth and applies easily, making it a pleasure to use daily.
Fragrance
The gel has a fresh, clean scent that is long-lasting without being overpowering.
Flake and Crunch Factor
It effectively controls frizz and flyaways without stiffness or heaviness.

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strong Hold Hair Styling Gel is designed especially for thick, curly hair and works well to define curls while controlling frizz and flyaways. It offers a strong hold that lasts, making it a good choice if you want styles like twists, braids, or wash-and-go looks to stay put without stiffness. This gel stands out because it contains moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, flaxseed oil, and peppermint, which help nourish hair rather than dry it out. Importantly, it does not have any alcohol, so it avoids the common problem of drying or damaging curls.

The texture is gel-like but not overly sticky, so it applies smoothly and a little goes a long way. It has a pleasant fragrance, which many users find fresh and not overpowering. Another plus is that it is free from harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, and sulfates, making it a more natural option.

Some users sensitive to fragrance might prefer an unscented formula. Also, while the gel controls frizz and holds well, a few users mention it may cause slight flaking or crunchiness if applied too heavily or not fully worked into the hair. This gel proves to be a strong choice for those with curly or thick hair who want strong hold combined with moisture and minimal harsh ingredients.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,147
Hold Level
Moisturizing Ingredients
Texture and Consistency
Hold Level
Provides a strong enough hold to tame frizz and keep thick, curly hair looking healthy and defined.
Moisturizing Ingredients
It leaves hair feeling soft, smooth, and well-hydrated without any greasy residue.
Texture and Consistency
The texture is smooth and applies easily, making it a pleasure to use daily.
Fragrance
The gel has a fresh, clean scent that is long-lasting without being overpowering.
Flake and Crunch Factor
It effectively controls frizz and flyaways without stiffness or heaviness.
#2

LUS Brands Irish Sea Moss Gel for Hydrated, Defined Curls, Waves & Coils: Curl-Activating, Medium-Hold Styling Sea Moss Gel, Acai, and Passion Fruit & Rice Bran Oil - Vegan, Cruelty-Free - LUS Brands

Rating
9.6
Hold Level
Texture and Consistency
Fragrance
Hold Level
Defines curls effectively while taming frizz without weighing hair down, leaving hair shiny, soft, and clean feeling with some hold.
Texture and Consistency
Offers a soft, non-sticky texture that encourages curl clumping and protects curl shape without flaking or residue.
Fragrance
Features a subtle, pleasant scent and good slip, making it easy to apply and comfortable on fine, low-density curls.
Flake and Crunch Factor
Provides excellent curl definition with no stickiness, brittleness, or flaking, and works well when paired with a leave-in conditioner.

Love Ur Curls Irish Sea Moss Hair Gel offers a medium hold that helps define curls, waves, and coils without leaving hair stiff or crunchy. It stands out because it contains moisturizing ingredients like Irish sea moss, acai, passion fruit, and rice bran oil, which not only hydrate your hair but also work over time to improve curl health and shine. This gel is free from harsh chemicals like sulfates, silicones, parabens, and alcohol, making it gentle on sensitive scalps and reducing dryness often caused by styling products.

Users can expect a smooth, easy-to-apply texture that avoids flakes or residue, which is a common issue with some gels. It has a pleasant signature scent that is noticeable but not overpowering. This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist tested, adding extra reassurance for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

Its medium hold is ideal for everyday styling and maintaining natural bounce, although those needing very strong hold might find it less suitable. While it is designed to prevent flaking or crunchiness, results can vary depending on hair type and how the gel is applied. This makes it a strong option for enhancing natural curls with hydration and definition, especially for people who prefer clean, cruelty-free beauty products.

Rating
9.6
Hold Level
Texture and Consistency
Fragrance
Hold Level
Defines curls effectively while taming frizz without weighing hair down, leaving hair shiny, soft, and clean feeling with some hold.
Texture and Consistency
Offers a soft, non-sticky texture that encourages curl clumping and protects curl shape without flaking or residue.
Fragrance
Features a subtle, pleasant scent and good slip, making it easy to apply and comfortable on fine, low-density curls.
Flake and Crunch Factor
Provides excellent curl definition with no stickiness, brittleness, or flaking, and works well when paired with a leave-in conditioner.
#3

DevaCurl Ultra Defining Curl Gel Strong Hold No-Crunch Styler, Sulfate Free Hair Gel for Curly, Medium to Coarse Waves and Coils

Rating
9.4
Hold Level
Moisturizing Ingredients
Texture and Consistency
Hold Level
Delivers a strong hold while allowing curls to remain soft and bouncy without stiffness or crunch.
Moisturizing Ingredients
Reduces frizz effectively while keeping curls well-defined and natural-looking.
Texture and Consistency
Creamy texture that is not heavy or sticky, avoiding residue build-up and discomfort.

DevaCurl Ultra Defining Curl Gel is designed for those with medium to coarse curly hair who want strong hold without the usual stiffness or crunch. It offers a soft but firm grip that helps maintain curl shape and reduces frizz, making curls look defined and bouncy. The texture is creamy rather than sticky, which helps avoid flakes and the uncomfortable crunch sensation often found in gels. It’s sulfate-free and gluten-free, which is gentle on hair and scalp. The aloe scent is mild and pleasant, so it’s unlikely to be overpowering.

The large bottle size is a bonus for long-term use. This gel is ideal for curly-haired individuals wanting reliable curl control with a natural feel, especially if frizz is a concern, while those seeking very light hold or strong hydration might want to consider ingredient details more closely.

Rating
9.4
Hold Level
Moisturizing Ingredients
Texture and Consistency
Hold Level
Delivers a strong hold while allowing curls to remain soft and bouncy without stiffness or crunch.
Moisturizing Ingredients
Reduces frizz effectively while keeping curls well-defined and natural-looking.
Texture and Consistency
Creamy texture that is not heavy or sticky, avoiding residue build-up and discomfort.

Buying Guide for the Best Curly Hair Gels

Choosing the right gel for curly hair can make a big difference in how your curls look and feel. The right product will help define your curls, reduce frizz, and provide the hold you need without making your hair feel crunchy or sticky. When shopping for a curly hair gel, it's important to consider your hair type, the look you want to achieve, and how much hold or moisture your hair needs. Understanding the key features of curly hair gels will help you make a choice that supports your hair’s health and style.
Hold LevelHold level refers to how strongly the gel keeps your curls in place. This is important because it affects how long your style lasts and how much movement your hair has. Hold levels are usually described as light, medium, or strong. Light hold gels are great if you want soft, touchable curls with natural movement, while medium hold is a good balance for everyday definition and frizz control. Strong hold gels are best for very defined styles or for hair that tends to lose its shape quickly. To pick the right hold, think about how much control you want and how your hair usually behaves throughout the day.
Moisturizing IngredientsMoisturizing ingredients in gels help keep your curls hydrated and prevent them from becoming dry or brittle. This is especially important for curly hair, which tends to be drier than straight hair. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, or natural oils. Some gels are more hydrating than others, so if your hair is very dry or you live in a dry climate, choose a gel with more moisturizing properties. If your hair is already well-moisturized or you have an oily scalp, a lighter gel may be better.
Alcohol ContentAlcohol is sometimes used in gels to help them dry quickly, but certain types of alcohol can be drying to curly hair. This is important because dry hair can become frizzy and lose its curl pattern. There are different types of alcohols: some are drying (like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol), while others are fatty alcohols (like cetyl or stearyl alcohol) that can actually help moisturize. If you have dry or sensitive hair, look for gels that are labeled 'alcohol-free' or contain only moisturizing alcohols.
Texture and ConsistencyThe texture and consistency of a gel affect how easy it is to apply and how it feels in your hair. Some gels are thick and sticky, while others are light and watery. Thicker gels usually provide more hold and are good for very curly or coily hair, while lighter gels are easier to distribute and work well for looser curls or waves. Consider your curl type and how much product you like to use when choosing the texture that works best for you.
FragranceFragrance is simply the scent of the gel, but it can be important if you are sensitive to smells or prefer unscented products. Some gels have strong, lingering scents, while others are fragrance-free or have a mild aroma. If you have allergies or sensitive skin, or if you just don’t like strong scents, look for fragrance-free or lightly scented options.
Flake and Crunch FactorSome gels can leave flakes or make your hair feel crunchy once they dry. This is important because most people want their curls to look natural and feel soft. Gels that are labeled as 'no flake' or 'non-crunchy' are designed to avoid these issues. If you want soft, touchable curls, look for these claims on the packaging or try a small amount first to see how your hair reacts.