Natural hair has come a long way. There are many perfect natural hairstyles.
Careful observation reveals that one hairstyle is quite popular around the world: Slicked backed natural hair using a gel.
There are many different brands of hair gel available in the market today.
But what’s the best gel for slicking back natural hair?
To successfully pull off some of these slicked-back looks, you need the right products.
These are products manufactured with natural hair in mind.
You need a gel that will give your hair that exquisite, chic look that you desire.
Here are our top three picks for the best gel for slicking back natural hair, based on user experience:
Table of Contents
Best Gel For Slicking Back Natural Hair – Comparison Table
| Brand | Image | Details |
|---|---|---|
| SexyHair Holding Gel |   | .Maximum hold .Suitable for most hair types .Doesn't flake |
| Oribe Rock Hard Gel |   | .Long-lasting hold .Doesn't flake .Humidity resistant |
| R+Co Motorcycle Flexible Gel |   | .Flexible hold .Provides luster .No heavy buildup |
| Royal Locks Cream Gel |   | .Maximum hold .Conditioning benefits .Color-safe |
| Just Nutritive Herbal Gel |   | .Nourishes hair and scalp .Provide luster .Flexible hold |
| Aveda Sculpturing Gel |   | .Maximum hold .Adds volume .Controls frizz |
| American Crew Styling Gel |   | .Prevents hair/scalp dryness .Helps hair look thicker .Maximum hold |
| Ampro Shine 'N Jam Gel |   | .Doesn't leave residue .Helps moisturize hair and scalp .Provides luster |
| Shea Moisture Gel |   | .Lightweight .Long-lasting hold .Nourishes scalp |
| Eco Style Gel |   | .Flexible hold .Suitable for all hair types .Helps moisturize scalp |
Best Gel For Slicking Back Natural Hair
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of different gel brands in the market but not all work well with natural hair.
Below is a look at some of the top gels that can be used for slicking back your natural hair to achieve the look that you desire.
SexyHair Style Hard-up Hard Holding Gel
This is a great gel due to the amazing final look it gives you.
Apply generously to preferably wet hair, style and let it dry.
The good thing about this product is just how long it holds your hair before you eventually wash it off.
It holds well and is ideal for all hair types. It also does not flake.
This is exactly what you need from a styling gel.
The mica and titanium dioxide shiny blue agents give you a sparkling look all day long.
This styling gel from SexyHair contains quality ingredients and will make your hair come alive in a chic look.
You’ll definitely love it.
Pros
- Holds for long periods of time
- A little goes a long way
- Adds body and texture to the hair
- It dries fast
Cons
- It can be sticky on the hands when applying it
Oribe Rock Hard Gel
This is an award-winning product that is renowned for its benefits to your hair.
It makes your hairstyle appear flawless, and just like other Oribe products, this gel smells really good.
The gel is made of natural ingredients that give your hair a unique and neat look.
It’s a stylish gel that is made of beneficial ingredients like argan oil and shea oil that lock in moisture into your hair while giving it a shiny look.
This gel keeps your hair hydrated and you can be flexible and creative in your styling game.
For a slicked back natural hair look, apply it generously on your hair and style as desired.
You can be out all day without worrying about flakes or having a loose hold.
Pros
- The hold is great
- Recommended for those with unruly hair
- The scent is amazing
Cons
- It can make your hair a little stiff
R+Co Motorcycle Flexible Gel
The versatility of this product shouldn’t be underrated as you can style your hair in any manner after applying it.
This is similar to the versatility of a motorcycle, hence the name.
How you choose to apply it matters a lot because it’s not always about where you’re heading to with the motorcycle, but how you intend to arrive at your destination.
Coconut oil is the hallmark of this product that justifies the quality.
Other major ingredients include sunflower seed extract, keratin, and a styling conditioner.
This is a lightweight product that offers a long-lasting hold.
This product comes in a well-packaged design.
It is a vegan product and is free from sulfates, parabens, and gluten.
No animals are used to test this product.
For best results, rub a small amount of the gel on your palms and apply gently on your damp hair, making sure to spread it evenly on all strands.
This gel is suitable for all hair types.
Pros
- This product offers a long-lasting hold
- It has a thermal conditioner that shields it against heat
- Leaves the hair with a glossy look
Cons
- The scent doesn’t appeal to everyone
Curl Cream Gel by Royal Locks
Going for this particular product makes you a pro because you obviously know the key to perfect curls.
This gel blends perfectly with your locks and also performs so many functions at the same time.
It serves as a conditioner, detangler, and slicks back the hair too.
The argan oil contained in it helps to tame frizz and give your hair a glossy look.
It is specially designed to leave your curls moisturized with no greasy feel.
This gel by Royal Locks was manufactured by a curly hair girl and her team, whose ultimate goal was to stock up their closet with a variety of good natural hair products.
It is rich in vitamins and minerals.
The gel helps in hydrating the hair strands and controlling frizz, leaving you with glowing curls all day.
It’s suitable for all hair curls, be it colored, thick, thin, coarse, wavy, short or long. In addition, it’s so easy to use when slicking back your hair.
This gel is in a sleek and well-designed spray bottle.
It is absolutely safe for your hair as it has no drying alcohol in it.
The product is cruelty-free, and it’s also free from sulfates and parabens.
Pros
- It makes your curls look shiny and bouncy
- Works best on natural black curls
- Reduces frizz
- Moisturizes your hair
- A little goes a long way
- Doesn’t feel greasy
Cons
- Doesn’t perfectly define some curls
Herbal Gel for Curly Hair by Just Nutritive
This gel spreads easily and penetrates into the skin for a healthy and lasting suppleness. Herbal gels without alcohol are actually the best for hair treatment and growth. Gels with alcohol and other harmful chemicals make your hair dry and irritate your scalp causing itching.
This herbal gel gives your hair a healthy and attractive texture, with the natural nourishing vitamins and nutrients that were used during production. It is safe for maintaining hair color, protecting your hair against damage and nourishing the hair scalp. Apply the gel on wet hair and blow it to dry.
Ingredients like panthenol, camellia oil, citrus peel oil, and dehydroxanthan gum were used to produce this alcohol-free herbal gel. Soy protein is also present for a lasting luster and style. Herbal extract gel is another good product you should try out.
Pros
- Full of natural ingredients that nourish your hair
- It gives a firm, yet movable hold
- The flyways are under control
Cons
- It leaves a crunchy feel sometimes
- The hold of this gel isn’t that strong
- It washes out in the rain
Aveda Flax Seed Aloe Strong Hold Sculpturing Gel
The name of this product alone gives you a clue about the ingredients in this gel. It comes in a 250ml container, which can meet your hairstyle needs for some time.
You are only required to use a little at a time. It is made using Flaxseed oil and aloe Vera gel. These two ingredients play a vital role in the health of your hair.
The organic flaxseed oil strengthens your hair and is a great source of vitamin E too. Flaxseed balances the pH levels and keeps your hair soft.
Aloe is naturally rich in vitamin C and E, it repairs and molds dead skin cells, which increases the volume and suppleness of your hair.
The gel works best for all hair types including tough 4c hair. It has a nice hold without being sticky, and it’ll make your hair appear shiny. The smell is a bit strong though, and it can sometimes be crunchy.
Pros
- Use a little on hair
- Long-lasting styles.
- It doesn’t dry out your natural hair
Cons
- It has a strong smell that needs getting used to
- It’s better off on semi-wet hairstyles
- The gel weighs down the hair
American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel
I was surprised when she told me she had been sharing the gel with her husband when her regular gel ran out. She was apparently so impressed by it that she bought her own!
From the way her natural hair looks, I can assure you that this product is one of the best holding gels out there.
It is made with natural oil, mineral and vitamin extracts, giving your hair a healthy look, and added volume too. It is free of alcohol, and other corrosive chemicals that damage hair and irritate your scalp. The low pH level also helps to avoid having a dry scalp.
There are numerous advantages of using this gel-like the minerals that aid even circulation of blood. When applying it be sure to massage from the scalp then style as desired. It smells really good. It contains ingredients like limonene, polysorbate 20, caprylyl glycol and seed oil. These ingredients ensure you gain the best benefits from using this gel.
Pros
- Alcohol-free.
- No added chemicals.
- It gives your hair the necessary nutrients (vitamins and minerals) it needs.
Cons
- Too much of it causes hair loss.
- It takes a longer time to dry.
- It has a strong smell
Ampro Shine ‘N Jam Conditioning Gel, Extra Hold
With just a little amount of this gel, you will slick your hair back and have it appear just the way you like it. Shine ‘n Jam come in a wide jar, with extra hold for extra control. It was specially produced with a honey extract that takes care of your hair texture and keeps it strengthened.
With this extra hold, conditioning gel rest assured you made the correct purchase. It’s good for any hair category, and it gives no greasy feel. Another added advantage that’ll interest you about this product is it’s free of petrolatum, alcohol, wax, and parabens. Some added contents include red 5, ceteareth-25, yellow 6, and Oleth-5. Rub it on your palms and massage thoroughly on hair roots.
This gel is great for any natural hairstyle (locks, waves, twists) and is long-lasting too. It is creamy and keeps your hair moistened throughout the day.
Pros
- It adds shine to your hair.
- Not gender-specific and good for all hair types.
- It adds volume to your hair.
Cons
- It has a sticky feel during use
- The fragrance isn’t something you might fancy
- It doesn’t have a lightweight
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Max Hold Gel
Another great product for you if you’ve been looking for the best gel for slicking back natural hair is this one from the Shea Moisture line.
By extracting oil from bean seeds, the solution to your glossy hair needs was produced. This Castor oil blends with organic Shea butter and peppermint for effective results. This gel is 100% naturally and chemically processed, with no alcohol, sulfates, petrolatum or animal testing.
The castor oil, aside from other health and skin benefits, is known to be a hair remedy. It moisturizes dry hair, prevents hair breakage, split ends, strengthens the hair and promotes hair growth. This gel is a combo of powerful hair nutrients. Apply it to dry or damp hair and style just the way you want it. Some other ingredients include corn syrup, xantham gum, benzoic acid, and magnesium silicate.
This Jamaican black castor oil gel has no side effects and is absolutely safe for all gender types. It is contained in a wide jar of 340g and with good use will last long. It has no crunchy feel, is smooth, with a nice smell, and is ideal for strengthening and restoration of hair.
Pros
- It contains natural and organic ingredients.
- It leaves your hair defined and fluffy.
- The leave-in conditioner is good for detangling.
Cons
- It is too slippery and thin.
- It makes use of a huge quantity for each usage.
- The smell is neutral.
Eco Style Gold Olive Oil & Shea Butter & Black Castor Oil & Flaxseed
You cannot talk about the best gel for slicking back natural hair without mentioning the Eco Style brand. With this particular hair gel, you can rest assured that your hair needs have been met in full.
It has everything your hair needs in one container. Even the gel color itself looks like gold! It smells really nice too. This hair gel is made using gold olive oil that is known to effectively moisturize your hair and scalp while also reducing irritation.
It contains shea butter, a natural conditioner that is absorbed into the hair protecting each and every strand against heat damage.
The black castor oil aids blood flow to the scalp which is vital for hair follicle health. It stops hair breakage and increases hair growth tremendously. Another powerful ingredient contained in this gel is flaxseed oil that enhances hair elasticity, nourishes hair follicles and improves the overall health of the hair.
This product is for all hair types and it holds the hair for a long period of time while giving it a shiny look. Eco Style gold gel will leave your hair healthy too. It prevents itching and has a superior hold. In addition, this gel doesn’t weigh down your hair.
Pros
- It is alcohol-free
- Absolutely safe for all hair types and textures
- It provides a flexible hold
Cons
- It is a bit flaky if you use too much of it
- Brushing consistently after application can lead to breakage
- It doesn’t work very well on thicker curls
How To Use A Styling Gel
Styling gels are products that have been widely used on natural hair for ages.
They’re products that are used for a variety of hairstyles, ranging from the slicked-back look, spikes, messy hair, comb overs, locks, twists, among others.
Regardless of your knowledge or expertise in styling hair using gels, things could go wrong at times.
It’s either you’re using too much gel or you missed a step, which will definitely affect the final look when you’re done.
Now, here is how to use a styling gel like a pro and avoid common mistakes:
Step 1
Select and purchase a quality hair gel product. Use the brands listed on this guide to make an informed decision before spending on just any gel.
Step 2
To get started, wash your hair, condition it and pat it dry.
Step 3
Use a cotton T-shirt to remove excess water and leave your hair damp.
Do not let it dry off completely.
This is because applying the gel on dry hair will make it less effective.
Damp hair is best for applying hair gel.
Step 4
Use your fingertips to scoop out a little amount of gel that will be enough for your desired hairstyle and rub it evenly on your palms.
Step 5
Apply the gel on your hair by brushing your hands through it, and as the gel dries use a comb to style it as you desire.
You can blow-dry to hasten the process of drying.
Whichever style you have in mind, be sure to style it correctly while blow-drying to hasten the gel drying process.
It only takes a few minutes from start to finish.
The video below demonstrates exactly how to go about it.
Conclusion
A styling gel is a must-have hair product especially for all ladies and even gents rocking their natural hair.
Pick the brand that appeals to you the most based on this review.
There are gels available for all types and textures of hair.
Your uncertainty over the best gel for slicking back natural hair must have reduced.