If you have 4C hair, you know that finding the perfect setting gel can be a challenge! Your hair, characterized by its tight curls and uniquely dense texture, requires products capable of setting your styles while maintaining optimal hydration. This article explores the essential criteria for choosing the right fixing gel: one that offers long-lasting hold without drying out or weighing down your hair. In short, your ultimate ally for impeccable hairstyles!

How To Choose The Best Gel For 4c Hair? 

To select the right setting gel for your needs, here are the criteria to consider:

Strong but flexible hold: opt for a modulating gel that offers better control of baby hairs and keeps your styles intact all day long. And all without the cardboard effect.

• Hydration: your 4C hair needs gels enriched with humectants like glycerine or aloe vera, to maintain moisture at the heart of the hair fiber.
• Lightweight formula: avoid gels containing silicones, which can weigh hair down and cause product build-up.
• Natural ingredients: choose gels without alcohol, sulfates or parabens, to protect your scalp and hair fiber.
• Versatility: look for a product suited to plated, twisted or wash-and-go styles.

Overall Best Gel For 4C Hair - Chéribé Shiny Soft Hold Styling Gelée

Chéribé Shiny Soft Hold Styling Gelée is designed to perfectly meet the needs of 4C hair. Formulated with 99.2% natural-origin ingredients, including aloe vera and a powerful Chébé Complex, it coats, moisturizes, defines and sets hair while leaving it shiny. Ideal for working baby hairs and defining edges without leaving a cardboard or wet look. Its gel-like texture offers exceptional hold without leaving residue, even after several applications.

Advantages :

• Suitable for all types of hairstyles, from wash-and-go to more elaborate styles.
• Formulated without alcohol or silicones.
• Repairs, moisturizes and prevents breakage.
• Leaves hair shiny, soft and intensely moisturized.

Use: Apply a generous dose to clean, very wet hair for wash and go. For other looks, depending on the desired result, apply to damp hair.

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#2 Shea Moisture – Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Gel Soufflé

Enriched with moisturizing coconut oil and redefining agave nectar, it moisturizes and offers medium hold suitable for all textured hair types. Caution: if you have low porosity, use a very small amount, as coconut oil will tend to weigh your hair down.

#3 Mielle Organics – Rosemary Mint Strengthening Edge Gel

A fortifying gel that smoothes edges and stimulates hair growth thanks to rosemary essential oil. Caution: rosemary can irritate sensitive scalps and is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women.

#4 Cantu – Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel

A strong, alcohol-free hold, ideal for taming baby hairs. However, this gel contains artificial fragrances that can irritate sensitive scalps.

#5 Camille Rose – Curl Maker

Enriched with marshmallow and nettle roots, agave nectar and aloe vera, it deeply nourishes and helps style curls. This jelly is recommended for hair with low porosity. If you have high porosity, the brand recommends its other gel instead.

#6 Deva Curl – Ultra Defining Gel

Rich in castor oil, this gel offers strong hold to define all types of curls and control frizz without a crunchy effect. Its price ($32) is the most expensive on this list..

#7 Design Essentials – Honey & Shea Edge Tamer

This edge tamer contains honey and shea butter to moisturize and set without drying out. It gives curly to frizzy hair a beautiful shine. Infused with avocado oil, it can however leave a greasy film on less porous hair.

#8 Mizani – Edge Taming Gel

Enriched with coconut oil, it guarantees extra-strong hold and long-lasting hydration. Caution: it contains silicones which, in the long term, can weigh hair down.

#9 Rizos Curls – Light Hold Gel

This gel offers natural definition and a shot of hydration thanks to aloe vera, linseed and thyme. Its light hold may nevertheless be insufficient to set thick edges.

#10 Curlsmith – Curl Defining Styling Soufflé

Enriched with babassu and shea butter, this semi-solid gel transforms into a silky serum to bring definition, bounce and adjustable hold to your curls. Suitable for all hair textures and porosity. Depending on the amount applied, a slightly hard layer may form on hair during drying.

#11 Pattern – Curl Gel

Medium hold without cracking thanks to aloe vera and coconut and castor oils. Beware, the latter contains numerous polyunsaturated fatty acids that tend to stay on the surface and weigh down hair with low porosity.

#12 Adwoa Beauty – Baomint Moisturizing Gel

Specially designed for frizzy hair, this gel offers good hold while moisturizing thanks to baobab oil and glycerine. Caution: contains essential oils (peppermint, lavender, rosemary) not recommended for sensitive scalps or for pregnant or breast-feeding women.

#13 Bread Beauty Supply – Hair Gel 

A light and moisturizing texture thanks to a botanical formula (yuzu extract, snow mushroom and red algae). Specially formulated for wavy, curly and frizzy hair, it may not be strong enough for thick edges.

#14 Sienna Naturals – Dream Curl Cream

Formulated for all types of curls, porosity and sensitive scalps, this cream provides light frizz control and beautiful curl definition. It is rich in butters (shea, mango seeds), but is not a fixing gel. As a result, this product may lack hold for 4C hair.

How do I use 4C hair gel?

Step 1: Prepare your hair

Ideally, wash your hair and wring it out lightly - with your hands or a microfiber towel - to keep it damp. Alternatively, moisten with a moisturizing milk. 

Step 2: Apply gel 

Divide your hair into sections, take a small amount of gel, warm it in your palm, and apply it to each strand. Distribute from lengths to ends.

Step 3: Smooth, define and dry

• To smooth baby hairs, use a brim brush or an old toothbrush. 
• To hold more elaborate hairstyles, sculpt with your fingers or a comb.
• To shape and set your curls, scrunch upside down: press your ends in your hand, working your way up to the roots. This is what gives your curls a nice bounce!

Step 4: Dry

Leave to air-dry under a microfiber towel or soft T-shirt (to avoid frizz and breakage) or use your cold air diffuser. 

FAQ

What type of gel is good for 4C hair?

A gel rich in humectants, with strong hold and no drying ingredients.

What can I to slick down 4C hair?

Use a setting gel compatible with your texture and porosity, apply it to slightly damp hair then smooth with an edge brush.

Which gel is best for 4C hair growth?

A gel enriched with Chebe - a natural ingredient that makes hair softer, stronger and longer - will promote a healthy environment for growth.

Do fixing gels cause residue?

Yes, if their formula contains silicones or if you apply too much. That's why it's so important to choose light, natural gels!

Can I use a gel every day?

Yes, it's even ideal for refreshing your curls... provided your hair is always damp.

Try Chéribé Shiny Soft Hold Styling Gelée Today

4C hair deserves the right care to enhance its unique texture and magnificent volume. To achieve this, the ideal styling gel needs to set effectively while intensely moisturizing. With Chéribé Shiny Soft Hold Styling Gelée, there are no compromises: you benefit from a natural, high-performance product that respects your hair's overall health!

Order your Chéribé Styling Gelée here.