Best Hair Gel NZ: Strong Hold, Curl Gel and Wet-Look Gels Compared

Updated November 2026. Prices are our live online prices.

Hair gel got a bad name in the early 2000s: crunchy spikes, white flakes, hair you could knock on. Modern gels are a lot better than that. They're the strongest hold you can get, they're the best thing for defining curls, and a slick back still needs one. Here's how we choose a gel in the salon, and how to use it so it doesn't look like 2003.

Best hair gel NZ: our picks

All four are from the Sebastian styling range, which is where our gels live. You'll find them together in our gels collection.

Strong hold hair gel for men

Short men's styles are where gel still does a job nothing else can. Two questions decide which one: do you want shine, and do you want to be able to move it later?

• Slick back or side part with shine: Gel Forte. Comb it through damp hair, let it set, then brush lightly once dry to soften the hold. It's the closest thing we stock to a pomade.
• Spikes, a quiff that can't drop, or anything for a wedding photo: Liquid Steel. Use less than you think. A little goes a long way.
• Matte, messy texture: skip gel and use a clay or paste instead. Our hair clay vs paste vs pomade vs wax guide explains which.

More on short-hair styling and beard care is in our men's hair and beard guide.

Hair gel for curly hair

On curls, gel is what turns frizz into defined ringlets. It forms a light shell (stylists call it a cast) around each curl clump while it dries. Once the hair is completely dry, you scrunch that shell out and you're left with soft, defined curls that last. That's the step people skip, and it's why they think gel makes curls crunchy.

1. Apply to soaking-wet hair, straight after conditioning.
2. For softness, rake through a curl cream first, then glaze the gel over the top.
3. Scrunch upwards, blot with a microfibre towel, and don't touch it while it dries.
4. Air-dry or diffuse. Our hair diffuser guide has the method.
5. When it's 100 percent dry, scrunch out the crunch with a drop of oil on your hands.

Two ways to define curls: Sebastian or Kérastase

Kérastase doesn't make a gel, so this one isn't quite like-for-like. If your curls drop, choose the Sebastian pair. If they're dry and fuzzy but hold their shape, the Kérastase cream is the better buy. The full curl routine is in our curly hair guide.

How to use hair gel without crunch or flakes

• Apply to damp or wet hair. Gel on dry hair sits on top and flakes.
• Don't layer it over leave-ins that fight it. Some heavy creams and silicones react with gel and leave white bits. If you see flakes, cut back the product underneath.
• Use the right amount. A fingertip for short hair, a palmful for long curly hair.
• Let it set before you touch it. Then brush or scrunch to soften.

Hair gel for fine hair and short hair

Fine hair can use gel, it just needs a lighter one. Strong gels weigh fine hair down and show every comb line. Volupt Max Spray Gel sprays onto damp roots and blow-dries into body rather than hold, which is why we use it on fine hair that falls flat by midday. For short pixie cuts and textured bobs, a fingertip of Texturizer Liquid Gel worked through damp hair and roughly dried gives piece-y separation without the wet look.

How to wash hair gel out

Most water-based gels rinse out with one shampoo. For superstrong hold, soak the hair under warm water for a minute first so the gel softens, then shampoo twice. Don't brush it out dry. If you've worn gel all week, follow with a conditioner on the ends, because some gels contain alcohol that dries hair a little.

Is hair gel bad for your hair?

No. Gel sits on the outside of the hair and washes out. Hair doesn't "breathe", so gel doesn't suffocate it. Two things are worth watching:

• Build-up. Daily strong gel can leave residue on the scalp. Wash it out properly and use a clarifying shampoo once a week.
• Breakage from rough brushing. Raking a brush through set, hard gel snaps hair. Wet it or wash it before brushing out superstrong hold.

Does hair gel cause hair loss? There's no good evidence it does. If you're noticing more hair falling out, that's worth a chat with your GP rather than swapping products.

Gel vs mousse vs hairspray

Gel gives the most hold and definition. Mousse gives lighter hold with more volume, so it suits fine hair and blow-dries; Sebastian Mousse Forte ($49.24) is a strong-hold one, and our mousse guide covers the rest. Hairspray goes on at the end to lock everything in; see our hairspray guide.

For a side-by-side of every Sebastian styler, read the Sebastian styling guide. UKIYO is Wella New Zealand's No.1 Sebastian Professional retailer, so if a gel above is out of stock, ask us and we'll get it in.

Questions we get asked

What is the best hair gel in NZ?

For maximum hold, Sebastian Liquid Steel. For a strong hold with polished shine, Sebastian Gel Forte. For curls and waves, Sebastian Texturizer Liquid Gel. For root volume on fine hair, Sebastian Volupt Max Spray Gel.

What is the strongest hold hair gel?

Of the gels we stock, Sebastian Liquid Steel has the strongest hold. It's a superstrong gel for sculpted styles, events and photos. Use a small amount on damp hair.

Is hair gel bad for your hair?

No. Gel sits on the outside of the hair and washes out. Avoid build-up by washing it out properly and clarifying weekly, and don't rake a brush through set, hard gel because that can snap hair.

Does hair gel cause hair loss?

There's no good evidence that gel causes hair loss. Rough brushing through hard gel can break hair, which is different. If you're losing more hair than usual, see your GP.

How do you use gel on curly hair without crunch?

Apply it to soaking-wet hair, scrunch upwards and leave it alone while it dries. Once completely dry, scrunch out the cast with a drop of oil on your palms. The crunch goes and the definition stays.

Why does my hair gel flake?

Usually because it went on dry hair, too much was used, or it reacted with a heavy leave-in or silicone product underneath. Apply to damp hair, use less, and simplify what's under it.

What's the difference between gel and pomade?

Gel sets firm and can be shiny or natural. Pomade stays softer and gives a slick, shiny finish you can re-comb during the day. Sebastian Gel Forte brushes out once dry, which gets close to a pomade finish.

Everything we sell is genuine salon stock, bought direct from the brands' New Zealand distributors and shipped from our salon on Helwick Street in Wānaka. Free NZ shipping over $75.