Image: MomJunction Design Team
Baby hair gels can do wonders to your baby’s hair, primarily to manage the tough knots or flyways. To help you out with this, we have added a list of the best baby hair gels that contain natural and organic ingredients and are free of harsh chemicals to ensure they are safe for your baby. These tried-and-tested gels help style your baby’s hair the way you want to, making your child look adorable. Have a look at the list and go through the buying guide to choose the right product.
Top Picks
10 Best Baby Hair Gels
1. Best Non-Sticky:Ricitos De Oro Manzanilla Hair Gel
Manzanilla Ricitos hair gel’s key ingredient is chamomile, which helps strengthen and nourish the hair and make it silky. This gel is light, non-sticky, and non-greasy. Its alcohol-free formula prevents the hair from drying out and ensures visible results, making it shiny. The product is suitable for blonde or light brown hair as it has lightening and preserving properties.
Pros
- Soft texture
- Easy to scoop
- Gentle hair gel
- Suitable for daily use
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May not be suitable for thick curls
- May not offer long-lasting hold
"I've been using this hair gel on my child’s hair, and I’m impressed by the decent scent and non-greasy application. Its staying power is modest at best and necessitates occasional reapplication, but I love that it offers sufficient hold for gentle styling."
Point to consider2. Best Cruelty-Free:Little Roseberry Hair Gel
The organic baby hair gel is formulated with aloe vera juice and witch hazel water to enhance hair health. It doesn’t leave a dry, sticky, or greasy residue. The light-hold product is free of fragrances, chemicals, and dyes and designed to keep the child’s hair in place while giving them a polished appearance. This fragrance-free hair gel is vegan, cruelty-free, and infused with pro-vitamin B5.
Pros
- 100% toxin-free
- Not tested on animals
- Prevents flyaways
- Formulated with all-natural ingredients
- Leaves no white flakes
Cons
- May turn hair a bit crunchy
- May need reapplication
3. Best Non-Toxic:Fresh Monster Kids’ Hair Styling Gel
The natural, flexible styling gel is specially developed for children’s hair to keep it in place without feeling dry, sticky, or heavy. It does not contain toxins and potential irritants such as sulfates, parabens, dyes, phthalates, artificial perfumes, or BPA. You can use this dermatologist-tested baby Hair Gel on damp or dry hair; however, slightly damp hair may yield better visible results.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Hypoallergenic
- Sensitive skin hair gel
- Vegan-friendly
- Not tested on animals
- Free of alcohol
Cons
- May not offer long-lasting hold
- May make the hair slightly stiff
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 255 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
Ricitos De Oro Manzanilla Hair Gel Best Non-Sticky | Little Roseberry Hair Gel Best Cruelty-Free | Fresh Monster Kids’ Hair Styling Gel Best Non-Toxic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Dry | Fine to Normal Hair | All |
| Dimensions | 2.9 x 2.8 x 2.5 inches | 2 x 2 x 6 inches | 1.75 x 1.75 x 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 4 Ounces | 4 Ounces | 6 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 5,767 | 666 | 255 |
| Price | $5.55 | $14.99 | $13.98 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Dairy-Free:Lane & Co. Hair Paste
Lane & Co.’s hair gel helps control frizz, cowlicks, crib, and unruly hair. This hair product is made from natural ingredients, including coconut oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter. This gel is also suitable for newborns. It is dermatologist-tested and free of potential irritants, such as parabens, dairy, nuts, artificial colors, gluten, soy, and phthalates. This natural hair gel for babies does not make the hair stiff while providing a light, flexible hold.
Pros
- Does not leave a greasy residue
- Hypoallergenic hair gel
- Alcohol-free
- Vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and cruelty-free
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Quantity may not be sufficient
- May leave a white cast on thin hair
Did you know?Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 122 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
5. Best Plant-Based:Snip-Its Wacky Wax Kids Hair Wax
The professional-grade hair gel is free of common allergens, making them gentle on the children’s sensitive skin, hair, and eyes. It is made from renewable, plant-based materials. This gel for baby hair has a tropical fragrance and is suitable for straight and curly hair.
Pros
- Silicone-free
- Doesn’t leave hair crunchy
- Tear-free hair gel
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Spreading the gel may be a bit difficult for some
- May not last long
"The wax provides a decent medium hold and helps style my son's hair without that overly stiff or wet appearance. While it allows for some creativity in styling, don't expect it to maintain a perfect look all day. For those seeking a light, natural option, this fits the bill. And may I say, the fruity scent smells divine."
6. Best Gentle:California Baby Calming Jelly Mousse Hair Gel
California Baby’s calming hair gel helps braid, style, and tame unkempt hair, suitable for infants and toddlers. It has natural tapioca’s scratch base, safflower, pure essential oils, and calendula. This product is gentle on the scalp, and its soothing scent can offer a calming effect. The soothing hair gel for delicate scalp is suitable for sensitive skin. It does not make the hair brittle and leaves no clumps behind.
Pros
- FDA-approved
- 100% plant-based formula
- Alcohol-free hair gel
- Has no harsh ingredients
- Allergy-tested
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May be slightly sticky for some
"This baby hair mousse offers a gentle, non-stiff hold. I like their range of fragrances and find the lavender one most pleasant of all. Using it on damp hair gives a natural look and makes everyday styling easier. The product’s clean ingredients are a bonus."
Did you know?7. Best Alcohol-Free:FroBabies Hair Puffy Hold Me Down Baby Gelle
The Puffy Hold Me Down Baby Gelle is a multipurpose styling gel for baby hair. It is blended with honey, avocado, and other natural ingredients for sufficient hold without the hard, crunchy texture. It provides visible results by helping define curls and preventing frizz, making it suitable for wavy and medium curly hair. The gentle formula does not contain alcohol or harmful chemicals and can prevent flaking and dandruff.
Pros
- Has no artificial colors
- Gentle and safe hair gel
- Pleasant smell
- Suitable for fine hair
Cons
- May not be suitable for braids
- May not last long
"I’ve come across various hair care products, and this one certainly has its merits. It tames my baby's hair, keeping it soft and well-managed without leaving a residue. The fragrance is strong but fades to a pleasant scent. For those looking for a softer hold, it's worth considering."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Join the 476 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.
8. Best Hydrating:Honey Baby Naturals Hold It Honey Styling Gel
The hydrating, alcohol-free, and flexible gel can provide shine and style. This oil-infused gel contains jojoba oil, honey, and flaxseed oil to help slick, stretch, and lengthen the hair. The moisturizing hair gel for infants does not cause build-up or dryness, promoting scalp health and hair growth.
Pros
- Curl-defining gel for babies
- Keeps the hair hydrated
- Heals the hair
- Holds the hair as desired without crunch
Cons
- Fragrance may be slightly overpowering
- May not suit all hair types
"I like how this gel provides a non-flaking hold and emanates a pleasant smell. While it is not as moisturizing as I expected, it softens the hair. It's reliable for naturally taming my little one’s unruly hair."
9. Best For Curls: Fairy Tales Curly Q Kids Styling Spray Gel
Fairy Tales Curly Q spray gel is specifically formulated for children with curly hair. This lightweight formulation is infused with natural ingredients, such as murumuru butter to reduce frizz, avocado butter to prevent the natural curl shape from dying, and rice and quinoa proteins to strengthen the curls. With several positive reviews, the lightweight hair gel for babies helps nourish the curls while making them manageable.
Pros
- Sulfate-, phthalate-, and paraben-free
- Soy- and gluten-free
- 100% vegan hair product
- Soothing pear-basil scent
- Can be used on wet and dry hair
Cons
- May not be suitable for extremely dry hair
- Texture may be a bit greasy and sticky
"This spray is a boon for managing my daughter's fine and curly hair, offering a gentle hold that maintains curls and styles without leaving a heavy or crunchy feel. While its scent felt overpowering at first, it dissipated over time. I would suggest applying a moderate amount to avoid stiffness."
10. Best Anti-Frizz: Africa’s Best Kids Originals Soft Hold Olive Oil Conditioning Smoothing & Styling Gel
Africa’s Best Kids Originals conditioning and smoothing gel contains the benefits and richness of extra virgin olive oil that generously hydrates the hair and gives it a healthy shine. It provides a soft hold while bestowing the hair strands immense elasticity. The soft, medium-hold providing hair gel is perfect for creating a variety of hairstyles with ease.
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Convenient tub container
- Long-lasting hold
- Helps control frizz
- Keeps the hair hydrated
Cons
- May leave a white residue
- A few may not find the fragrance appealing
"It is a versatile hair gel that maintains curl definition and controls frizz. I found it perfect for my child’s hair, as it provides a soft hold and has a pleasant scent. Avoid applying too much of it, though, as it may cause slight stiffness."
How To Choose The Right Baby Hair Gels?
Here are a few points to consider while choosing the right baby hair care products and gels.
- Dermatologist-tested: Ensure the gel chosen is dermatologist-tested to ensure safe use and eliminate the risk of skin allergy.
- Ingredients: Choose a hair gel made from natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, chamomile, olive oil, and more. They should also be tested free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfate to help keep the baby’s hair nourished.
- Hold: Choose light or medium hold gels for daily hairstyles and keep flyaways in place. You can use stronger gels for more complex hairstyles to keep the hair up for long.
, a dermatologist and owner of Skinly Aesthetics, says, “Alcohol tends to dry out the hair and scalp, which is why alcohol-free products are great for keeping your baby’s hair moisturized and silky. I recommend baby hair gels formulated with coconut oil as it is great for the hair and scalp and helps prevent split ends.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is hair gel safe for my baby?
When you choose a hair gel that is intended for baby use and made of natural ingredients, it should be safe for your baby. Hair styling products for babies should have a natural formula and be free of harsh and harmful chemicals like SLS, parabens, phthalates, alcohol, and silicones.
2. Do I put oil before or after the hair gel?
Hair gels are made to make the hair manageable, and hair oils nourish the hair. Oil might feel greasy, but this is not the case with hair gel. So, depending on your baby’s needs, you may choose to use either hair oil or gel. Using both at a time may attract dirt and clog the pores.
3. Can baby gel thicken hair?
No, hair gels are not formulated for hair thickening. However, several ingredients in nourishing hair gels for babies may have nutritious properties and may help in promoting healthy hair.
4. Does hair gel damage hair?
Some formulas may not suit your baby’s sensitive skin or hair type. And inappropriate use may also cause damage to hair. If you notice your baby’s hair becoming dry and brittle after using the hair gel, discontinue using it.
5. Is it okay to use hair gel every day?
Using hair gel every day on a baby’s hair may not be necessary. But if you feel so, consult a pediatrician or dermatologist to make sure it is okay to use hair gel every day.
6. Is mousse better than gel?
Hair gel might feel heavy on fine hair, which is when you can opt for a mousse to hold hair in place.
7. Should I remove hair gel without washing it?
It is better to wash the hair gel at the end of the day to avoid build-up. Since hair gels generally have a heavy texture, no matter what you use for cleaning the hair gel, it might only get removed when you wash it off.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna holds content and creative writing experience and specializes in baby, nursing, and pregnancy products. She has extensive knowledge and utilizes her experiences as a mother in her research to deliver articles that meet the readers’ needs. She has provided this list of the best baby hair gels after going through various customer reviews, and has included descriptive details about their formulation and other properties. You will also find a buying guide that you may consider before purchasing the right hair gel for your little one.
The Bottom Line
Babies have delicate hair that needs extra care and gentle treatment. Hair gels efficiently help detangle the knots and, therefore, are of great help when you need to tame their unruly hair. When choosing the right product, ensure it is suitable for sensitive skin and hair, non-greasy, and free of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. We recommend the Ricitos De Oro Manzanilla Hair Gel for its lightweight, non-sticky texture and the Fairy Tales Curly Q Kids Styling Spray Gel, which is vegan and helps reduce frizz. Moreover, it is advisable to research hair gels for babies and consult the child’s dermatologist to buy a chemical-free hair gel. We hope our list of the best baby hair gels can help you understand your child’s needs and the product features.
Infographic: Things To Consider When Buying A Baby Hair Gel
Styling your little one’s hair using an appropriate gel can help tame their hair and prevent them from getting tangled. However, you should be cautious while picking a baby hair gel, as those formulated with multiple ingredients need careful evaluation before using on your baby’s delicate scalp. Check out the infographic to learn the essential features to consider when buying a baby hair gel.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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