A good hair gel comes down to three choices: how firm the hold needs to be, whether you want shine or a wax finish, and whether your hair is straight, curly or braided. This page compares seven gels sold on Amazon Australia, using only what each listing says plus the star rating and the number of ratings behind it.
Hold words such as very high hold and extra hold are the brands' own claims, not our test results, so we quote them as the listing words them.
Best overall hair gel: American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel
Best overall hair gel: the American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel, because the listing describes very high hold with high shine and an alcohol free formula that prevents flaking.
The listing describes a dual polymer complex for very high hold with a high shine, and says it is alcohol free to prevent flaking. It adds that a low pH avoids drying the hair and scalp, that carbomer allows easier distribution through hair, and that it is made for all day hold. It holds 4.6 stars from more than 12,600 ratings, the largest count of any gel here at that rating.
It suits anyone who wants a firm, shiny style that stays put. The honest catch: it is a firm hold, high shine gel, so it is not a soft or matte finish.
Best for braids and twists: Shine 'n Jam Conditioning Gel Extra Hold
Best for braids and twists: the Shine 'n Jam Conditioning Gel Extra Hold, because the listing describes a moisturising, non flaking gel with a firm, non greasy hold.
The title names braids, twists and frizz control. The listing says it is free of alcohol, parabens, wax, petrolatum and silicones, and describes a moisturising, non flaking gel with a firm, non greasy hold. It holds 4.6 stars from nearly 10,000 ratings, level with the American Crew gel on stars.
It suits braiding, twisting and frizz control. The honest catch: it is made for braids and twists, so it suits those styles more than a general short hair gel.
Best for no flake hold: Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Styling Gel
Best for no flake hold: the Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Styling Gel, because the listing says 24 hour clean hold with zero flaking and zero residue.
The listing describes a 24 hour clean hold, zero flaking, zero residue and a formula that is 98% naturally derived. The title says all hair types and the tub is about 193 g, and it notes packaging may vary. It has 4.4 stars from more than 19,000 ratings, the second biggest count of any gel here.
It suits anyone whose main worry is white flecks and a crunchy feel. The honest catch: the packaging may vary, and it costs more than the American Crew gel.
Best gel wax: RedOne Maximum Control Full Force Aqua Hair Gel Wax
Best gel wax: the RedOne Maximum Control Full Force Aqua Hair Gel Wax, because the listing says it combines wax and gel for long lasting hold and is water soluble so it washes off easily.
The listing describes a combination of wax and gel for a long lasting hold, a fresh citrus smell, and a water soluble formula that washes off your hair and hands easily. It comes in a 150 g tub and holds 4.5 stars from more than 6,500 ratings.
It suits people who like a wax feel but want a gel that rinses out. The honest catch: it is a gel wax hybrid, so the finish is not a pure clear gel.
Best large tub: Wetline Xtreme Professional Extra Hold Styling Gel
Best large tub: the Wetline Xtreme Professional Extra Hold Styling Gel, because it is a tub of about 446 g of extra hold professional gel, rated 4.5 stars on more than 6,000 ratings.
The listing describes an extreme professional wet line styling gel with extra hold in a tub of about 446 g, and says it is easy to use. It holds 4.5 stars from more than 6,100 ratings.
It suits barbers, households that share one gel and anyone who goes through a tub quickly. The honest catch: the listing gives little detail beyond extra hold and professional use.
Best curl gel: Aunt Jackie's Don't Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel
Best curl gel: the Aunt Jackie's Don't Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel, because the listing says it is for natural curls, coils and waves and is sulfate free and paraben free.
The listing describes an elongating curling gel enriched with flaxseed and wheat proteins, shea butter and extra virgin olive oil. It is sulfate free and paraben free, with no mineral oil and no petrolatum. The tub is about 425 g. It holds 4.4 stars from more than 21,000 ratings, the biggest count of any gel on this page.
It suits natural curls, coils and waves. The honest catch: it is a curl gel for defining curls, not a general slick back gel.
Best fragrance free: Free and Clear Hair Styling Gel
Best fragrance free: the Free and Clear Hair Styling Gel, because the listing says it is free of dyes, fragrance, parabens and alcohol, and dermatologist tested.
The listing describes a gel free of common chemical irritants such as dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers. It is alcohol free, sulfate free, phosphate free and gluten free, and listed as dermatologist tested. The tub is about 198 g and it holds 4.4 stars from more than 5,500 ratings.
It suits anyone who wants a plain, unscented gel. The honest catch: it costs the most per gram of the gels here, and dermatologist tested is the listing's wording.
How to choose a hair gel
Match the hold to your style
Listings word hold in their own way: very high hold on the American Crew gel, extra hold on the Wetline and Shine 'n Jam, long lasting hold on the RedOne. None of these is a lab measure, so use them as a rough ladder and expect to adjust the amount you use.
Shine, wax or clean finish
Shine comes from a pure gel such as the American Crew, which lists high shine. A wax finish comes from a hybrid like the RedOne gel wax. If you want hold without a heavy look, the Garnier lists a clean hold with zero residue.
Look for the flaking claim
White flecks are a common complaint with gel, and three listings address it directly: Garnier says zero flaking, American Crew says alcohol free prevents flaking, and Shine 'n Jam says non flaking. If your last gel flaked, start with one of those.
Straight, curly or braided hair
A general styling gel and a curl gel do different jobs. The Aunt Jackie's gel is written for natural curls, coils and waves, and the Shine 'n Jam gel for braids and twists. For soft curls without a hard cast, our curl cream guide compares creams, and a hair diffuser is the usual tool to dry curls once the gel is in.
Fragrance and ingredient lists
If you want no scent, the Free and Clear listing says it is free of fragrance and masking fragrance. If you like a scent, the RedOne listing describes a fresh citrus smell. Read each listing's ingredient claims yourself if you avoid particular ingredients.
Tub size and who shares it
Stated sizes here run from a 150 g tub to a tub of about 446 g. A large tub such as the Wetline suits a shared bathroom or a barber's chair. A single user with a short cut will use a smaller tub or tube more slowly. If the gel is for a home cut, our hair clipper guide covers the tools to go with it.
Frequently asked questions
What hair gel has the best hold?
On the listings here, the American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel describes very high hold, the Wetline Xtreme is sold as extra hold and the Shine 'n Jam Extra Hold describes a firm, non greasy hold. American Crew has the larger rating count of the three. Brands set these hold words themselves, so treat them as claims.
What is the best hair gel for men in Australia?
The American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel is our pick for men as for most people: the listing describes very high hold with high shine, alcohol free to prevent flaking. If you prefer a wax finish with a gel feel, the RedOne Maximum Control Aqua Hair Gel Wax combines both, and its listing says it is water soluble.
What is the best curly hair gel in Australia?
The Aunt Jackie's Don't Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel is the curl pick here. The listing says it is for natural curls, coils and waves, and is sulfate free and paraben free. It is a curl defining gel, so for a firm general hold choose the American Crew or Wetline gel instead.
What is the best hair gel for slick back hair?
No listing here says slick back, so we will not claim it. The closest by listing wording is the American Crew Firm Hold gel, with very high hold and high shine, and the Shine 'n Jam Extra Hold, which describes a firm hold for braids and twists. Choose by the finish you want.
Which hair gel does not flake?
Three listings speak to flaking. The Garnier Fructis Pure Clean says zero flaking and zero residue, the American Crew gel is alcohol free to prevent flaking, and the Shine 'n Jam Extra Hold is described as a non flaking gel. Garnier has the most ratings of the three, with 4.4 stars from more than 19,000 ratings.
Is gel wax better than hair gel?
Neither is better, they finish differently. The RedOne Aqua Hair Gel Wax combines wax and gel for long lasting hold and is water soluble, so it washes off hair and hands easily. A pure gel such as the American Crew gives high shine. Choose the RedOne if you like a wax feel.
What is the best fragrance free hair gel?
The Free and Clear Hair Styling Gel is the fragrance free pick. Its listing says it is free of dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens and formaldehyde, and is alcohol free, sulfate free and dermatologist tested. It has 4.4 stars from more than 5,500 ratings and costs more than most gels here.
What is the best hair gel for kids?
None of the seven listings is described as made for children, so we do not pick one for kids. If you are shopping for a child, the Free and Clear Hair Styling Gel is the plainest formula here, with no fragrance, dyes or alcohol listed. Check the label for the age it suits.
Which hair gel brand is best?
It depends on the job. American Crew leads for most people at 4.6 stars from more than 12,000 ratings, Aunt Jackie's has the most ratings of any gel here and suits curls, Garnier Fructis is the no flake pick, and Shine 'n Jam suits braids and twists. Pick the brand whose listing matches your hair, not the loudest name.
