Battle of the Gels

When it comes to gels, I have tried/used A LOT! 

I still haven't found that perfect non-alcohol gel, but I do have some favs. 

Keep reading for my assessment on some I have tried. 

How I use gel: 

Lightly dampen hair, add gel, smooth down with fingers or soft boar bristle brush, tie with scarf for 10-30 minutes.
I also only use the gel to the slick down the very front of my hair. 

 Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel- This is one of the healthiest options I have found. Not only is Aloe Vera great for hair growth, it is moisturizing as well. This gel doesn't give my hair a strong hold, but my hair also doesn't revert quickly after using this.
This is my favorite gel to use because it doesn't cause build-up or make my hair hard although I wish it were a little more strong.

Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel- This used to be my favorite Gel. It gives great hold, made my hair shiny and has good ingredients. BUT the build-up it caused/causes is crazy. When using this, I had to make sure to clarify or give my hair a good wash often. It's also best not to use combined with many products. I have used the clear version Eco Styler as well and it wasn't as moisturizing and left my hair kind of hard.

ORS Edge Control- This is more of a wax than a gel. It does a pretty good job holding down the front of my hair for like an hour! I tried using this without water first and my hair still reverted pretty quickly. This also leaves a very waxy build-up in MY hair. Like.. if I were to scrape my hair with my nail, I would have this product all underneath it.  I have read it works well for a lot of people, but for me..it was somewhat a bust.

Fantasia IC Styling Gel- This gel worked great for me. I don't know why I strayed. It's first ingredient, I believe, is Aloe Vera. It was very moisturizing, left my hair shiny, no build-up, flakes, good hold, no hardness. Now, why did I stop using this again? It didn't give GREAT hold and I was looking for that perfect gel that I did not find. I still recommend this product to many people.

Lusters Renutrients Slick Stick- This wouldn't be classified as a gel, but I used it to slick down my edges. I don't even know where to start with this. It literally felt like  I was using a glue stick on my hair. Left the same color and coating. It also feels like wax, BUT it had my edges LAID! I still prefer not to use this because I don't like the look of white, waxy hair.

*I paid less than $6.00 for all of these and used them when I was between 1-20 weeks post relaxer. I currently use Aloe Vera Gel and sometimes the clear Eco-Styler Gel when I need that extra hold and plan on  washing the next day 

*All images found on google images

So, Ladies...what is your favorite gel or holding product?