Afro medium hair is something special with its own fabulous flair and challenges. Its unique texture demands extra attention, mostly because it has a natural tendency to lose moisture more easily than other types. This means keeping it hydrated is a top priority. I mean, who likes a dry, frizzy mane, right? Understanding what your hair craves can help you elevate those curls to a whole new level of awesome.
It’s all about moisture retention, folks! Without the proper hydration, afro hair can become brittle and prone to breakage. Moisturizing gels can work wonders by sealing in that moisture, leaving your hair healthier and shinier.
Now let’s talk about gels. They’re lifesavers for afro hair, trust me. These babies serve up hold, definition, and shine while ensuring your hair doesn’t feel like a rock. A well-chosen gel can redefine curls, control frizz, and add that extra oomph you’re looking for.
Climate and environment play a big role too. If you live somewhere humid, you know how quickly hair can turn into a frizzy mess. The right gel can act as a barrier against humidity, keeping those curls poppin’ all day long. And in drier places, it helps maintain your hair’s moisture balance, keeping it soft and fluffy. Keeping these factors in mind makes all the difference in rocking your afro medium hair with confidence.
Key Features to Look for in Hair Gels
When it comes to picking the perfect gel for your afro medium hair, ingredients matter – a lot. Natural components like aloe vera, shea butter, and essential oils should be top of your list. They not only provide moisture but also give your hair some serious TLC.
Frizz control is another biggie. A good gel works hard to keep those flyaways in check. Look for gels that promise long-lasting hold without the crunch. A smooth and flexible gel gives your curls definition while maintaining that soft touch we all crave.
One thing you definitely don’t want is an allergic reaction. Some gels can be harsh on sensitive scalps, so choosing hypoallergenic options can save you from those itchy, uncomfortable experiences. Plus, an aromatic gel that smells divine? That’s just the cherry on top.
Finding the balance between hold strength and hair health is crucial. Super-strong gels might hold your hair in place during a hurricane, but they can also feel like wearing a helmet. Look for a gel that offers medium hold to keep your style intact without sacrificing bounce and movement.
Curly hair is a canvas, and gels add vivid detail. They enhance the natural curl pattern, helping each curl pop with vitality. A gel that encourages healthy curling takes your hairstyle from nice to wow.
Top 10 Gels for Afro Medium Hair
Finding the right gel for afro medium hair can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. So, here’s my take on the top 10 out there. I’m breaking things down based on how well they perform, the safety of their ingredients, and what folks like you have said about them.
Each gel comes with its own flair, catering to different needs. I’ve got products that range across budgets because great hair doesn’t need to burn a hole in your pocket. Look out for details like pricing and where to snag these treasures.
User testimonials can be your compass in this sea of products. No one understands the struggles and joys of afro hair as much as fellow users. Their insight on each gel’s pros and cons can help you navigate your way to best results.
Comparing their strengths and weaknesses can give you a clearer picture. Some might provide stellar hold but could fall short on moisture, while others offer unparalleled shine but might not tame frizz as effectively. It’s about finding what ticks all your boxes.
Tips for getting the most out of each gel might just change your hair game entirely. Simple things like how you apply the gel or combining it with other products can amp up your hairstyle, making you strut your stuff with confidence.
The first gel that must get a honorable mention is
- Eco Style Gel Olive Oil
One of the great things about the Eco style olive oil get is that it will keep your hair moisturized and additionally lay it down without being too dry.
Eco -style has many different types of gels, however I will put in most of the ones that I have used.
The price of the Eco-style gel varies from $7.27 to $8.99 (prices in USD), depending on your budget you can look for a suitable cost.
The second gel that I find great and works well on afro hair is Shea Moisture brand known as Coconut & Hibiscus infused with Flaxseed
- Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus + Flaxseed defining styling gel
Shea moisture depending on your hair type is great because it contains moisturizing ingredients. Another thing about it is that is leaves the hair soft and smooth.
The price of Shea Moisture varies from $9.18 – $10.99 (prices in USD)
- Shine and Jam conditioning gel
I like this one because it has a great smell, and it also has a good hold to the hair. It’s also great when you want to braid your hair because it lays the hair down and it looks neat and moisturizes as well. It works well for me but I do not for others the hold is not as strong after some time.
The price for Shine & jam conditioning gel is $3.48 – $7.49
- Softsheen Carsons ‘Let’s Jam”
For me the Softsheen is great for hairstyles that are for laying down like a bun because you want it to look shiny and not dull. Now when it comes to how much get you should apply, it should not be much but it does last on your hair and it looks good.
Softsheen carson cost is from $ 4.48 – $6.29
5. Xtreme Gel Control
Xtreme is a great gel for any hair type, it is great for dry hair. It also has more aloe vera gel in it which works very well for my hair. It does not leave hair feeling crunchy and dries quite quickly. It has a great smell and it’s value for money will vary on your budget but for me the size makes it worthwhile.
The price of Xtreme gel is from $4.88 to $6.79.
6. Carols Daugher Moisture & Hold
Carol’s daughter moisture and hold is also for all hair types but a part from dry hair it’s also ideal for curly and damaged hair. It’s mainly due to the fact that it holds moisture well. For some it does not hold moisture well and they have to add some oil and It tends to be a little sticky and the value for money is also dependent on your budget.
The price of Carols daughter black vanilla ranges from $ 10.99 to $ 16.49
- Black Panther Gel
Black Panther gel, is a good gel for braids, locs and your hair for styling. It has a great hold and it’s not think like other gels. It’s quite light and does the work that is necessary. When it comes to cost, it’s also dependent on what you are looking for in terms of price.
The price of black panther gel ranges from $ 9.99 to $ 14. 24
8. Cantu Acai berry gel
Cantu Acai berry is one of the best gels, it does have more natural ingredients and it has a good hold. The only thing with the Cantu Acai berry is the price it’s a little bit on the higher end although a little bit of the gel goes a long way.
The Cantu Acai berry price is from $26.90
9. Edge gel extreme hold
The edge gel extreme hold is a tough one it’s quite effective in holding down the hair. I find that it’s best for braiding and edges, however in terms of flaking it’s controversial because it tends to cause some flaking depending on your hair type so this is something that could be a bit of a debate.
The edge gel prices are from $ 9.95 to $15. 49
- Ampro Gel
The final gel is Ampro gel, it’s well known and it definitely budget friendly. Depending on your hair type it does hold for some and not so well for others. It’s a great gel for a brief period of time but I say with gel’s stick to the one that is working for you.
Ampro gel is quite budget friendly as it starts from $1.99 to $5.99
Pro Tips for Gel Application on Afro Medium Hair
Applying gel might seem straightforward, but a few tips and tricks can really perfect your style. Starting with damp hair is key. Gel locks in that moisture, and trust me, it’s way easier to work with strands that aren’t dry as a bone.
The technique is everything. Rake the gel through your hair using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to make sure it’s evenly distributed. This helps avoid those dreaded clumps or spots that are rock-hard while others are too soft.
Flaking can be a real annoyance. Sometimes it’s the gel and other times it’s the combination of products. Ensuring your hair is clean and doesn’t have a buildup from previous products can make all the difference.
You want volume, not helmet hair, right? Fluff your roots a bit once the gel’s set to maintain a natural look. It keeps the curls flexible and lively instead of hard and crunchy.
Maintaining your look between washes is totally doable. Sleep with a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase to reduce friction, which can lead to frizz. In the morning, a little water and a bit more gel can reactivate yesterday’s style, giving it a fresh bounce.
Some wisdom from hairstylists and everyday users goes a long way. Try experimenting with layering gels or mixing them with creams to see what concoction your hair loves best. Hair doesn’t always play by the rules, so a bit of fun and experimentation can yield surprising results.
2 replies on “10 Best Gels For Afro Medium Hair”
This is a great guide for anyone navigating the world of afro medium hair care! I’m curious, do you have any specific tips for someone just starting to experiment with gels for the first time? For example, how can beginners identify which gel might suit their hair type best without overwhelming trial and error? Also, do you think combining gels with other moisturizing products makes a noticeable difference in results? I’d love to hear more about that!
Hi Herman, in terms of getting the right gel for the first time with less trial and error is making sure that you select a gel especially for your hair type for example if it is best for dry hair that’s the best one that you should select, then you don’t have to keep doing a lot of trial and error and sticking to one specific brand is ideal. Combining gels with moisturizing products makes a difference, however you must be careful that the products do not cause a reaction and they go well together.