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The 10 best hair gels to buy in the UK

Picture of a hair gel

Finding the best hair gel is often challenging. There are seemingly countless products to choose from, so knowing which one is best for your hair and styling habits is not always obvious. Buy the wrong hair gel and you may not get the desired look, so it’s important to consider a few things before you buy! Check out the buying guide below to help you find the best hair gels:

What are hair gels?

A popular hairstyling product for men, hair gel is applied to wet or dry hair to provide a firm hold that lasts throughout the day. Hair gels can be made from a wide array of ingredients and can offer various finishes, from wet looks to adding temporary colour to the hair.

Why should you buy a good hair gel?

Hair gels are a great styling product, providing lasting control over hair, making it a great buy for anyone that wants to sculpt their hair. Good hair gels last for most of the day and can even nourish hair by providing nutrients that promote healthy hair growth, while some products can be used to give the desired finish like a wet look or adding temporary colour.

How to choose the right hair gel in 2024?

Another picture of a hair gel

Struggling to find the best hair gel? Here are some things to consider when buying:

  • Hold: Hair gels come with different holds, meaning how firm the product is when applied to the hair. Strong holds last the longest but are difficult to restyle, while lighter holds can be restyled and are better for people that want a more natural appearance to their hairstyle.
  • Finish: Hair gels also come with various finishes, with popular options including wet look, shine, and natural. Consider your hairstyle and what type of finish complements it best. For instance, if you have a well-groomed style like the classic taper, then a wet look or shine finish works well. Some even offer temporary colour to your hair, so always check the finish to see what might work for you.
  • Ingredients: There are various ingredients used to make hair gel, so check these and make sure there is nothing likely to irritate. Cheaper gels often contain lots of chemicals that may not be the healthiest for your hair or scalp and create overly powerful fragrances, although some can be useful such as alcohol, which has anti-bacterial properties.

What is the best kind of hair gel in the UK?

Some popular types of hair gel available to buy include:

  • Wet Look Hair Gels: Wet look hair gel is a popular choice, offering a strong and lasting hold. It provides a shine finish that many people like, although it’s not the best for restyling and can be difficult to wash out.
  • Water Soluble Hair Gels: This type of hair gel is much the same as others but with the added benefit of being much easier to wash out. It still offers a firm hold but doesn’t need shampoo to completely remove like many other gels.
  • Colouring Hair Gel: Offers a temporary colour to your hair, often in vibrant hues that make it popular for special occasions such as a dress-up party. It does leave more of a mess behind, possibly staining the neck and clothes.

Top 10 list of hair gels in the UK (2024)

The bestseller list compares brands and their hair gels. Which hair gel is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of Alberto Balsam 5000297625233 hair gel
Alberto Balsam Ultra Strong Gel, 200 ml
  • Package Weight: 222 Gram
  • Volume: 200 ml
  • Salon tested formula;
BUY NOW
Offer TOP 2
Image of Eco Style ECOOLV08 hair gel
Eco Style Olive Oil Eco Styler Hair Gel, Hydrate and Style, Alcohol-Free,…
  • NEW NAME, SAME FORMULA: Formerly recognised as Eco Styler, the gel maintains its…
  • CRUELTY-FREE AND VEGAN FRIENDLY: Feel good about using a product that is both ethical…
  • VERSATILE USAGE: Suitable for all hair types - curly, straight or wavy - to achieve…
BUY NOW
TOP 3
Image of L'ORÉAL 100684577 hair gel
L'Oreal Studio Line Invisi'Hold Extra Strength 150ml
  • Model number: 100684577
  • No stickiness, stiffness and flaking
  • Gentle on hair
BUY NOW
TOP 4
Image of Shockwaves 81518706 hair gel
Wella Shockwaves Ultra Strong Power Hold Gel, 200ml
  • Washes out hair easily
  • Doesn't leave hair sticky or greasy
  • Ultra strong hold
BUY NOW
TOP 5
Image of Eco Style I811A hair gel
Eco Style Olive Oil Eco Styler Hair Gel, Hydrate and Style, Alcohol-Free,…
  • NEW NAME, SAME FORMULA: Formerly recognised as Eco Styler, the gel maintains its…
  • VERSATILE USE: This hair styler is perfect for creating various styles while keeping…
  • MOISTURISING FORMULA: Provides intensive hydration to your strands, leaving them…
BUY NOW
TOP 6
Image of Eco Style 905040 hair gel
Eco Style Moroccan Argan Oil Eco Styler Hair Gel, Hydrate and Style,…
  • NEW NAME, SAME FORMULA: Formerly recognised as Eco Styler, the gel maintains its…
  • MOISTURISING GEL: Infused with Moroccan Argan Oil to provide moisture and nourishment…
  • VERSATILE STYLING: Create various styles with high gloss without weighing down your…
BUY NOW
TOP 7
Image of L'ORÉAL 3600520921068 hair gel
L'Oréal Studio Line Xtreme Hold Hair Gel, 150ml
  • Model number: 3600520921068
  • Hair type: Normal
  • For bounce-back style
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TOP 8
Image of Eco Style ECOMOR08 hair gel
Eco Style Moroccan Argan Oil Eco Styler Hair Gel, Nourish and Repair,…
  • NEW NAME, SAME FORMULA: Formerly recognised as Eco Styler, the gel maintains its…
  • GET CREATIVE: Transform your hairstyle with ease using this nourishing eco styler…
  • HYDRATING FORMULA: Moisturising and smoothing properties leave your hair feeling…
BUY NOW
TOP 9
Image of FONEX GUMMY GU101a hair gel
Gummy Hair Gel 700 ml Maximum Hold
  • Thanks to the formulation - which provides moisturization -; it helps the hair to…
  • It does not contain paraben and alcohol
  • As a result of strengthening the hair strands from root to tip; it helps to increase…
BUY NOW
TOP 10
Image of Eco Style I0107738 hair gel
Eco Style Coconut Oil Eco Styler Hair Gel, Moisturises and Conditions,…
  • NEW NAME, SAME FORMULA: Formerly recognised as Eco Styler, the gel maintains its…
  • STYLE WITH EASE: Create long-lasting styles without stiffness or crunchiness thanks…
  • NATURAL: Alcohol-free formula hydrates and provides antioxidant protection, preventing…
BUY NOW
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