3 Must-Try Summer Styling Gels for Natural Hair

Styling gels are a natural girls must-have. Great gels make your curls pop, provide shine and the perfect hold. On the quest to find a product that can do all three effortlessly, I compiled my dream list. Sorry guys, you won’t see ECO Styler Gel on this list. Yes it’s a holy grail product, yes every natural probably has it in their cupboard, but for the sake of this list I’ll be focusing on alternatives and upgrades. Here are three must-try styling gels for natural hair that are definitely worth a try:

Kinky Curly Curling Custard

Let’s start out with a splurge. Kinky Curly Curling Custard is the most expensive product on this list and with only 8oz it won’t last very long for naturals with longer lengths. It’s worth mentioning that this product also  has a heavenly scent. Imagine a cloud of marshmallows floating around your head all day, it’s literally that good. Another big positive for me was how well it worked with my other products without curdling. The Kinky Curly Curing Custard coats your hair without any of the buildup that leads to flaking.

TIP: Pair this gel with your favorite leave-in to extend the use of the product. I’ve used it with Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave In Conditioner/Detangler, Alikay Lemongrass Leave-In Conditioner, Aussie Moist Conditioner and quite a few others. In my experience this gel pairs well with most leave-ins.

As I Am Curling Jelly

This one is a little less expensive but still on the pricey side. The jelly-like texture of the As I Am Curling Jelly gel is just wonderful. It melts into your hair like jam on a biscuit. My curls are always gorgeous with no stiffness.

TIP: Add your favorite oil to get even more softness without the crunch.

iC Fantasia Hair Polishing Gel

My ultimate fave, a throwback! I used the iC Fantasia Hair Polisher Gel in high school for my baby hairs because it was the only gel that wouldn’t give me major buildup or flaking. Now that I have a TWA it is perfect for my entire head AND my baby hairs.

It takes a while to dry but I think that’s part of the magic. All you need is a little spritz of water in the morning and you’re good to go. I can keep a style for over a week with no buildup! The only negative about this product is that they don’t sell it in larger quantities. I wish I could just have a gallon tub of it.

TIP: Use this gel when your hair is soaking wet. It works well with just water and keeps your hair moisturized and defined without that crunchy feeling.

Well that’s all folks. I hope that was helpful! What are some of your favorite stylers? Let us know down below!

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Want to learn what exactly goes into your products – the ingredients, the formulas, is it safe? Get your hands on our product ingredient dictionary, Know Thy Curls: The Ultimate Product Ingredient Dictionary for YOUR Curls.