9 of the Best Curl Defining Gels for a Wash and Go on Type 4 Hair

The beauty of natural hair is endless, but natural hair seems to always act on its own accord. It can be hard to keep definition, especially when there's humidity present. Luckily, these hair gels for curly hair can help keep the hair defined and moisturized. 

What are the best products for wash and go’s?

Botanical gels, curling custards, styling foams, and styling serums are the best products for wash and go’s.

How to choose the right gel for type 4 hair?

It's critical to consider both your styling requirements and your hair porosity when selecting a hair gel. Select a lighter gel to prevent product build-up if your hair has low porosity, which means it has trouble letting moisture in. High porosity hair, on the other hand, requires stronger hold gels. 

The key is to try different products to find what works best for your hair for a wash and go hairstyle. 

Shop the Best Gels for Type 4 Hair

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1. Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulator 

Best for retaining moisture 

Everyone raves about this curl stimulator for good reason! Containing real aloe vera, this viral product also promotes hair growth. For the best results use on soak and wet hair and sit under a hooded dryer or diffuse with a blow dryer. 

2. The Mane Choice Manetabolism Rejuvenation Solution Design Hair Gel

Best for thick coils

Use this gel for a flake-free wash and go with actual movement. In addition to holding styles in place, Design Gel hydrates and revitalizes dry, damaged hair by introducing antioxidant-rich substances into the strands.

3. Innersense I Create Hold

Best for definition

Curly hair salons use this product for wash and go’s all the time! Although it can be on the pricier side, the quality in curl definition it provides is truly unmatched! I create hold defines natural curls beautifully and keeps frizz under control.

4. MICHE Beauty Tropical Oasis Anti Humidity Firm Hold Gel 

Best lightweight hold
With a hint of fresh pineapple juice for a pleasant taste. This revolutionary gel is made specifically for wavy and curly hair types, and it will prevent humidity-induced frizz while holding your hair in place all day.

5. CurlSmith Hydro Style Flexi Jelly

Best for weightless defined curls

Wash and Gos can be notorious for product build up but not with this product. It covers every curl in the hair equally and distributes through the hair effortlessly thanks to its extremely light, silky consistency. The substance will adhere to the strands without adding bulk or weight. 

6. Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Maximum Hold Gel Styler

Best for 

The brand image with Mielle Organics is strong for a reason. Their gel styler is ideal for optimum curl control for defining, clumping, and elongating wash and go styles.

7. The Doux Bee Girl Honey Curl Custard

Best for defining tight curls
If you’re looking for a curling custard that hydrates, protects, and defines even the tightest curls with no crunch or flaky residue, this is your product! Apply to clean, wet hair in small sections. Rake through with fingers to clump curls.

8. The PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Strong Hold Gel 

Best for application

Tracee Ellis Ross did us the ultimate service by creating this line. The gel offers long-lasting grip without breaking hair or edges, and it never dries out or damages. Sea moss, aloe vera, and chia seeds are added to the gel texture, which has built-in slip to make it easy to spread throughout the hair to nurture and strengthen curls.

9. Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard

Best for moisture and definition

Without leaving behind flakes, the Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard defines, hydrates, and lightly clumps. If you've never had custard before, imagine it as a heavier, thicker, and much more hydrating gel. 

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