For the Sleekest Strands of Your Life, All You Need Is This $6 Drugstore Staple

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(Image credit: @glennellishair)

Flyaways, static-y strands, and frizz are just a few hair problems I deal with on a daily basis. If you can relate, you've come to the right place. For the longest time, I was fully against hair gels because every single one I used made my hair crunchy, sticky, and dry by the end of the day. Fast forward a few years and I can now say that gels come a long way. Many brands have now mastered the art of creating a lightweight gel-cream hybrid texture that provides a good amount of hold without weighing your hair down. I now have a few gels in my rotation that I can't live without. 

If you like using gel for sleek styling, defining curls, or just for some light everyday hold, keep scrolling. I asked celebrity hairstylists to share the best hair gels in their kit for each hair type. I've also included a few of my own favorites.

Best Overall: Crown Affair The Flexible Hold Finishing Hair Gel

Best Drugstore: Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Hair Gel

Best for Straight Hair

Best for Curly & Coily Hair

Best for Wavy Hair

Up Next: This Supplement Has Actually Changed My Dry, Fine Hair for the Better.

Shawna Hudson
Associate Beauty Editor

Shawna Hudson has worked in editorial for over six years, with experience covering entertainment, fashion, culture, celebrities, and her favorite topic of all, beauty. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, Mane Addicts, and more. She is currently an associate beauty editor at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.