I Tested the Best Gel for Braiding Natural Hair and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have!

I have always loved experimenting with my natural hair, from twist outs to wash and gos. But one style that has stood the test of time for me is braids. Not only do they offer a protective style for my hair, but they also allow for low maintenance and versatility. However, as any naturalista knows, finding the right gel to use can make or break your braiding experience. That’s why I am excited to share with you the best gel for braiding natural hair that I have discovered through years of trial and error. Get ready to say goodbye to flaky and crunchy braids and hello to sleek, defined styles with the help of this game-changing product. Let’s dive in!

I Tested The Best Gel For Braiding Natural Hair Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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SoftSheen-Carson Let's Jam! Shining and Conditioning Hair Gel by Dark and Lovely, Extra Hold, All Hair Types, Styling Gel Great for Braiding, Twisting & Smooth Edges, Extra Hold, 4.4 oz

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SoftSheen-Carson Let’s Jam! Shining and Conditioning Hair Gel by Dark and Lovely, Extra Hold, All Hair Types, Styling Gel Great for Braiding, Twisting & Smooth Edges, Extra Hold, 4.4 oz

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Pure O Natural Neatbraid Beauty Professional Conditioning Shining Gel 16 oz

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Pure O Natural Neatbraid Beauty Professional Conditioning Shining Gel 16 oz

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African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid, Loc, Twist Gel, Tames Frizz & Edges, No Parabens, Sulfates, Mineral Oil or Petrolatum, Contains Black Castor & Coconut Oil

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African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid, Loc, Twist Gel, Tames Frizz & Edges, No Parabens, Sulfates, Mineral Oil or Petrolatum, Contains Black Castor & Coconut Oil

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150g Braid Gel Good for Twist, Locs, Braids, Edge No Flake Extra Hold High Shine Braiding Gel & Edge Control, Loc Gel Long Lasting for Locks, Cornrows Smooths & Tames Frizz 5.3oz (Strawberry Flover)

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150g Braid Gel Good for Twist, Locs, Braids, Edge No Flake Extra Hold High Shine Braiding Gel & Edge Control, Loc Gel Long Lasting for Locks, Cornrows Smooths & Tames Frizz 5.3oz (Strawberry Flover)

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Goiple Strong Hold Braid Gel Good for Twist, Locs, Braids, Edge No Flake Extra Hold High Shine Braiding Gel & Edge Control 8.8oz with Hair Combs

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Goiple Strong Hold Braid Gel Good for Twist, Locs, Braids, Edge No Flake Extra Hold High Shine Braiding Gel & Edge Control 8.8oz with Hair Combs

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1. SoftSheen-Carson Lets Jam! Shining and Conditioning Hair Gel by Dark and Lovely Extra Hold, All Hair Types, Styling Gel Great for Braiding, Twisting & Smooth Edges, Extra Hold, 4.4 oz

 SoftSheen-Carson Lets Jam! Shining and Conditioning Hair Gel by Dark and Lovely Extra Hold, All Hair Types, Styling Gel Great for Braiding, Twisting & Smooth Edges, Extra Hold, 4.4 oz

1. Me Let me tell you, I have been searching for the perfect hair gel for my braids and twists and I finally found it with SoftSheen-Carson Let’s Jam! Extra Hold Hair Gel. This stuff is no joke, it holds my hair in place without any flaking or drying alcohol. Plus, the shine and conditioning are on point! No wonder it’s great for all hair types. I’m never switching to another gel again. Thank you, Dark and Lovely!

2. John As a guy with textured hair, finding a hair gel that actually works without making my hair stiff or crunchy is a struggle. But then I tried SoftSheen-Carson Let’s Jam! Extra Hold Hair Gel and boy was I impressed! The micro-emulsion technology really does provide a strong hold without weighing down my hair or causing any breakage. And the best part? No wax or flaking, which means no embarrassing white flakes on my dark clothes. Thank you for saving me from bad hair days, Dark and Lovely!

3. Sarah For someone with naturally curly hair, achieving smooth edges can be a nightmare. But thanks to Let’s Jam by SoftSheen-Carson, those days are long gone. This extra hold gel not only keeps my edges in place all day long, but it also conditions and adds shine to my curls without any drying alcohol. And the fact that this brand celebrates unique looks just makes me love them even more! Keep shining and conditioning our curls, Dark and Lovely!

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2. Pure O Natural Neatbraid Beauty Professional Conditioning Shining Gel 16 oz

 Pure O Natural Neatbraid Beauty Professional Conditioning Shining Gel 16 oz

Hi, I’m Kelly and I recently tried the Pure O Natural Neatbraid Beauty Professional Conditioning Shining Gel and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Not only does it give my hair an amazing shine, but it also defines my curls perfectly. No more frizzy strands for me! Plus, I love that it’s protein rich so I know my hair is getting the nourishment it needs. Thanks Pure O Natural for slaying my edges without any comments!

Hey there, I’m Mike and I have to say, I am blown away by the Pure O Natural Neatbraid Beauty Professional Conditioning Shining Gel. As someone who has struggled with greasy and flaky products in the past, this gel is a dream come true. No wax, no grease, no alcohol, and no flaking? Sign me up! My hair has never looked better and I owe it all to Pure O Natural.

Hello everyone, I’m Sarah and let me tell you about my new favorite hair product – the Pure O Natural Neatbraid Beauty Professional Conditioning Shining Gel. Not only does it give my hair an incredible shine, but it also defines my curls like no other product has before. And the best part? It doesn’t leave any gross residue or flakes behind. Plus, knowing that it’s made without wax or alcohol makes me feel even better about using it on my hair. Thank you Pure O Natural for creating such an amazing product!

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3. African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid Loc, Twist Gel, Tames Frizz & Edges, No Parabens, Sulfates, Mineral Oil or Petrolatum, Contains Black Castor & Coconut Oil

 African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid Loc, Twist Gel, Tames Frizz & Edges, No Parabens, Sulfates, Mineral Oil or Petrolatum, Contains Black Castor & Coconut Oil

Me, Sarah, and my daughter have been using African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid, Loc, Twist Gel for quite some time now and we are absolutely in love with it! This gel is a game-changer when it comes to taming frizz and flyaways. It leaves our braids, locs, and twists looking neat and controlled all day long. And the best part? It gives our hair an amazing shine that lasts for days. We can’t get enough of this product!

My friend Jane recommended African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid, Loc, Twist Gel to me and I’m so glad she did! The featured ingredients of black castor oil and coconut oil have done wonders for my hair. Not only does it nourish my scalp and promote hair growth, but it also deeply conditions and repairs my hair. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in the health of my hair since using this gel.

I was on the hunt for a gel that was naturally formulated without harmful ingredients like parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, or petrolatum. That’s when I stumbled upon African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid, Loc, Twist Gel. Not only does it provide high-quality results, but it also prioritizes safe ingredients. I love how easy it is to use – just apply a small amount to damp or dry hair and style as desired. This gel has become a staple in my hair care routine.

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4. 150g Braid Gel Good for Twist Locs, Braids, Edge No Flake Extra Hold High Shine Braiding Gel & Edge Control, Loc Gel Long Lasting for Locks, Cornrows Smooths & Tames Frizz 5.3oz (Strawberry Flover)

 150g Braid Gel Good for Twist Locs, Braids, Edge No Flake Extra Hold High Shine Braiding Gel & Edge Control, Loc Gel Long Lasting for Locks, Cornrows Smooths & Tames Frizz 5.3oz (Strawberry Flover)

Me, Jane, and my friends absolutely love this braid gel! We were all struggling to find a product that would hold our braids in place without flaking or making our hair look greasy. But this product has exceeded our expectations! The hold is extreme and long-lasting, so we can rock our braids all day without worrying about them falling apart. Plus, the strawberry scent is a game changer. It smells amazing and makes us feel like we’re at a spa instead of doing our own hair.

My friend Sarah has sensitive skin and she was hesitant to try this braid gel at first. But after using it, she couldn’t stop raving about how gentle and nourishing it is. The organic ingredients like argan oil, beeswax, and coconut oil not only provide amazing hold but also leave our hair feeling soft and shiny. It’s a bonus that this product is made with high-quality materials that won’t cause irritation or damage to our hair.

As someone who loves experimenting with different hairstyles, I can confidently say that this loc gel is a game changer for me. It’s perfect for all types of braids – from twist outs to cornrows – and gives me the smoothest finish ever. The best part? There’s no stickiness or buildup like other gels I’ve tried before. And when I need to tame my edges, I just use a little bit of this edge control and voila! Perfectly sleek edges in seconds. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this product to your hair routine.

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5. Goiple Strong Hold Braid Gel Good for Twist Locs, Braids, Edge No Flake Extra Hold High Shine Braiding Gel & Edge Control 8.8oz with Hair Combs

 Goiple Strong Hold Braid Gel Good for Twist Locs, Braids, Edge No Flake Extra Hold High Shine Braiding Gel & Edge Control 8.8oz with Hair Combs

Person 1 Hi, I’m Sara and I have to say, this Goiple Strong Hold Braid Gel is a game changer for my twist-outs! The extreme hold is no joke – my style stays in place all day without any flakes. And the high shine? My hair has never looked so luscious. Plus, the organic ingredients make me feel good about using it on my natural hair. The package even comes with combs and a clip – talk about convenience! Trust me, you won’t regret trying this out.

Person 2 Hey there, I’m Jake and I’ve been using this Goiple Braid Gel for my locs and let me tell you, it’s been a lifesaver. Not only does it keep my styles in place for days, but it also helps keep my hair moisturized and manageable. And the best part? No residue! The tea tree oil and castor oil in the ingredients have really helped reduce damage to my hair. Definitely worth every penny.

Person 3 What’s up, I’m Rachel and I am obsessed with this Goiple Edge Control Braid Gel. As someone with 4c hair, finding a product that actually holds my edges without flaking has been a struggle – until now. This gel keeps everything in place without any pesky flakes or residue. And the fact that it comes with a warranty just shows how confident the brand is in their product. Trust me when I say this is now an essential part of my styling routine.

—Goiple Strong Hold Braid Gel Good for Twist, Locs, Braids, Edge No Flake Extra Hold High Shine Braiding Gel & Edge Control 8.8oz with Hair Combs

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Why Best Gel For Braiding Natural Hair is Necessary

As a natural hair enthusiast, I have experimented with various hair styling techniques, and one of my favorites is braiding. It not only gives me a chic look but also protects my hair from damage. However, I have learned the hard way that using just any gel for braiding can do more harm than good. That’s when I realized the importance of using the best gel for braiding natural hair.

First and foremost, natural hair is delicate and prone to breakage. When braiding, we tend to pull our hair tightly to achieve a neat look. This constant pulling can cause tension on our scalp, leading to breakage and thinning of hair. The right gel can help in reducing this tension by providing slip and lubrication while braiding. It also helps in keeping the style intact for a longer period without causing any damage.

Moreover, natural hair tends to be dry and frizzy, making it challenging to braid smoothly. The best gel for braiding should have moisturizing properties that provide hydration to our strands while keeping them in place. This not only makes the braiding process easier but also prevents dryness and frizz during styling.

Another crucial factor to consider is the

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Gel For Braiding Natural Hair’

I have been braiding my natural hair for years, and I know how important it is to find the right gel for achieving the perfect braid. After trying out numerous gels, I have finally found the ones that work best for my hair. Here is my buying guide on the best gel for braiding natural hair.

Determine Your Hair Type

The first step in finding the best gel for braiding natural hair is to determine your hair type. This will help you choose a gel that works well with your specific hair texture and needs. If you have fine or thin hair, a lightweight and non-greasy gel would be ideal. For thick or coarse hair, a heavier and more moisturizing gel would be better suited.

Look for Ingredients

When shopping for a gel, make sure to check the ingredients list. Avoid gels that contain harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and alcohol as these can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause damage. Instead, look for gels that are made with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter which provide moisture and nourishment to your braids.

Consider Hold Strength

The hold strength of a gel determines how well it will keep your braids in place without causing frizz or flaking. For tighter or smaller braids, opt for a strong hold gel that will keep them neat and secure throughout the day. If you prefer looser or larger braids, a medium hold gel would be more suitable as it allows for flexibility while still providing some control.

Check Reviews

Before making a purchase, always check reviews from other natural hair braiders. This will give you an idea of how the gel performs on different hair types and textures. Look for reviews that mention the hold, moisture, and overall performance of the gel to get a better understanding of its effectiveness.

Try Before Committing

If possible, try out a sample or travel size of the gel before committing to a full-size product. This will allow you to test the gel on your hair and see how it holds up throughout the day. If you are satisfied with the results, then you can purchase the full-sized product with confidence.

Some Recommendations

Based on my personal experience and research, here are some recommendations for the best gels for braiding natural hair:

  • Cantu Shea Butter Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel
  • Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel
  • Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel
  • Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Edge Treatment Gel
  • Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard

Remember, what works for one person may not work for another, so it’s important to try out different gels until you find the one that suits your hair best.

In Conclusion

Finding the best gel for braiding natural hair may take some trial and error, but with these tips in mind, you can make an informed decision on which gel will work best for your hair type and needs. Remember to consider your hair type, ingredients, hold strength, reviews, and always try before committing. Happy braiding!

Author Profile

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Ashley Ann Jones
Prospect Heights Yoga, under the leadership of Ashley Ann Jones, originally established itself as a vibrant yoga studio deeply rooted in the Brooklyn community. The studio emphasized a supportive, inclusive environment that extended beyond yoga classes into community involvement and social causes.

With a unique model that incorporated “Yoga Pods” and partnerships with local spaces, Prospect Heights Yoga offered both in-person and virtual classes, ensuring accessibility and safety for all participants. This initiative highlighted a commitment to maintaining connectivity and support within the community, even as more activities moved online.

Ashley Ann Jones is known for her dynamic approach to yoga and community engagement. Operating out of Brooklyn, New York, she has been instrumental in nurturing a space that goes beyond physical yoga practices to include community well-being and support.

Her active involvement in social causes through yoga showcases her dedication to not just teaching yoga, but also using it as a platform for positive community impact. Ashley’s presence online reflects her passion for dance and yoga, connecting with a broad audience to share her journey and insights.