The Best Gel for Braiding Your Hair

Braiding your hair can be a fantastic way to protect it, manage it, and create beautiful styles. However, achieving sleek, long-lasting braids often requires the right products, and a good hair gel is essential. Whether you’re going for intricate cornrows, box braids, or a simple three-strand braid, the right gel can help keep your style neat and tidy. Here’s a guide to choosing the best gel for braiding your hair and some top recommendations.

Why Use Gel for Braiding?

Using gel when braiding your hair offers several benefits:

• Hold and Control: Gel provides hold, keeping your braids secure and in place for longer periods.
• Smoothness: It helps to smooth down flyaways and frizz, giving your braids a sleek finish.
• Moisture and Shine: Many gels contain moisturizing ingredients that keep your hair hydrated and add a healthy shine.

What to Look for in a Braiding Gel

When selecting a gel for braiding, consider the following factors:

• Hold Strength: Choose a gel with a strong hold to keep your braids intact, especially if you have thick or coarse hair.
• Ingredients: Look for gels that contain moisturizing and nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, or shea butter to prevent dryness.
• Non-Flaking: Opt for a gel that doesn’t flake or leave a residue, ensuring your braids look fresh and clean.
• Texture: A gel with a smooth, non-sticky texture will be easier to work with and distribute evenly through your hair.
• Scent: While not essential, a pleasant scent can enhance your braiding experience.

Top Gels for Braiding Your Hair

Here are some of the best gels for braiding your hair, each with unique features to cater to different hair types and styles:

1. Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel

• Hold Strength: Maximum
• Benefits: Enriched with olive oil, this gel provides excellent hold and adds moisture and shine to your hair. It’s great for all hair types and is non-flaking.
• Why It’s Great: The olive oil in the formula nourishes your hair while providing a strong hold, making it perfect for intricate braids.

2. Ampro Shine ‘n Jam Conditioning Gel

• Hold Strength: Extra hold
• Benefits: This gel is alcohol-free and contains honey extract for added moisture. It’s non-greasy, non-flaking, and provides a strong hold for braids.
• Why It’s Great: Its conditioning properties keep your hair soft and manageable, while the extra hold ensures your braids stay in place.

3. Murray’s Edgewax

• Hold Strength: Strong
• Benefits: Combining the hold of a gel with the smoothness of wax, Murray’s Edgewax provides a firm hold without flaking. It’s ideal for edge control and detailed braid work.
• Why It’s Great: Its unique blend makes it versatile for both holding braids and smoothing edges, ensuring a polished look.

4. Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Twist & Lock Gel

• Hold Strength: Medium to strong
• Benefits: Formulated with shea butter, this gel moisturizes and adds shine while providing a decent hold. It’s perfect for natural hair and helps in defining curls and twists.
• Why It’s Great: The nourishing ingredients prevent your hair from drying out, making it an excellent choice for maintaining healthy braids.

5. ORS Olive Oil Gel

• Hold Strength: Firm
• Benefits: Infused with olive oil, this gel moisturizes, adds shine, and provides a firm hold without flaking. It’s suitable for all hair types and braiding styles.
• Why It’s Great: Its rich, moisturizing formula keeps your hair hydrated and your braids looking sleek and shiny.

Tips for Using Gel When Braiding

• Apply to Damp Hair: For best results, apply the gel to damp hair. This helps the gel distribute evenly and provides a smoother finish.
• Use Sparingly: A little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more if needed to avoid product build-up.
• Smooth It Out: Use a fine-tooth comb to smooth the gel through your hair before braiding to ensure even distribution and sleek braids.
• Edge Control: Apply a bit of gel to your edges and use an edge brush or toothbrush to smooth them down for a polished look.

Conclusion

Choosing the right gel for braiding your hair can make a significant difference in the outcome and longevity of your style. By considering your hair type and the specific needs of your braids, you can select a gel that provides the perfect hold, moisture, and shine. With the right gel and a bit of technique, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting braids that showcase your style and protect your hair.