The best locking gels
Exhausted of locking gels that don’t nourish or stimulate your hair to grow?
A locking gel enables you to lock or retwist your hair. However, sub-standard locking gels can keep your hair dry and fails to eliminate dandruff even after frequent uses. They may also make you lose your hair and destroy your hairline. Some ingredients are also not safe to use. They could be harsh on your scalp or hair, leading to allergic reactions. Some gels also destroy the hair color forcing you to dye the hair for an appealing look. Therefore, you need to be careful when selecting a suitable gel for your hair.
The best locking gel is made from natural ingredients that protect and hold your hair for an extended period. It should be light and not leave residues on the scalp or hair. The gel should also be affordable and ideal for all hair types. You should be able to lock, twist or style the hair without any challenges. The following are the best locking gels that offer excellent performance at an affordable price. Check it out.
Best overall
Jamaican Mango & Lime Locking Firm Wax
Jamaican Mango & Lime Locking Firm Wax
The gel is excellent for resistant, rugged, and grey hair since it has smoothing capabilities and makes your locks attractive. It is safe to use on hair since its key ingredients also support hair growth. The gel is affordable and holds for a long time, making it an excellent choice to lock or retwist your hair.
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If you need to form or retouch your locks, the Jamaican Mango and lime wax is your best choice. The gel is our best overall because it has manuka honey and moringa seed oil which softens and flows your hair. It is excellent for lock formation if you have natural hair and love to start locking them. The gel is rich in zinc and improves your hair’s keratin levels. Keratin is a natural protein found in nails, hair, and skin. It helps in strengthening, softening, increasing shine, and reducing frizzing, leaving your locks with a natural glow. Manuka honey is a crucial ingredient in the gel and helps lock moisture, enhance shine, and increase hair volume. The honey also acts as a hair conditioner, preventing hair breakage and keeping your locks healthy.
Another key ingredient in the gel is moringa seed oil. It is known for its monounsaturated fats consisting of oleic acid that stimulates and protects the hair’s moisture level, resulting in a healthy scalp. The oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that foster and promote hair growth. The oil also improves elasticity and shine to revitalize brittle strands. It hydrates and protects your hair against color depletion, which occurs in most locks due to damage by the sun. The gel makes it easy to re-twist your locks, giving them a healthy and attractive appearance that lasts for an extended period.
The product is ideal for all hair types. It is free from harmful ingredients like sulfates and petroleum that destroys the hair. It also prevents flakes and the build-up of debris that occurs when you use low-quality locking gels. You will not scratch your hair to have a clean and breathable scalp that stimulates healthy locks. It has a mango and lime scent that makes your hair smell good. The product also comes with a 100% refund policy if the product does not meet your needs or satisfaction. However, despite its excellent features, some clients have expressed that the product does not hold for as long as they would wish, and they have to retwist the hair frequently to look neat.
Best for dreads
Lion Locs Firm Hold Locking Gel
Lion Locs Firm Hold Locking Gel
This dread gel offers firm fixation without stray hair making your dreads look neat. It is made from natural oils and is free from chemicals and substances harmful to the hair. It makes your dreads strong and keeps them glowing.
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Have you been looking for a gel that firmly holds and locks your dreads for a long time? Look no further. The Lion locks gel-cream enables you to twist, hold, style, tame, and mold your locks. It is suitable for all hair types, including curly, grey, or straight hair. You do not have to admire other hairs and wish for a different texture to dread them. You only need this gel, and you will dread your hair as you desire. You can use the gel for mature, starter, or braid locks. The product is lightweight, making it an excellent choice for holding and moisturizing without damaging the hair. It also prevents flaking and dryness.
The gel is safe to use on your hair. Its key ingredients are aloe vera, argan, and ylang oil. Aloe vera is an excellent ingredient that contains proteolytic enzymes that prevent itching and reduce dandruff. It also stimulates hair growth which is perfect for your dreads. Argan is another critical ingredient in the gel that contains Vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acids. It helps your dreads fight frizz and dandruff, adds shine, and protects the hair from damage. Ylang oil in the product stimulates sebum production, giving your hair natural shine and conditioning. It also tames stray hair giving you a neat look.
The gel leaves no residue on the hair. It is 100% organic since it is made from natural ingredients that are hair-friendly. It does not contain harmful sulfates, silicon, alcohol, phthalate, petroleum, or chemicals that damage hair. It prevents the accumulation of flakes, debris, or build-up of oils that results in itching or stagnated dreads growth. Its dimensions are3.5 x 2 x 4 inches, and it weighs 9.91 Ounces. The quantity of the gel enables you to use it for a long time before replacing it. However, it is essential to note that the product costs more than its competitors. But it gives you value for money due to its hair growth stimulation and locking.
Best for curly hair & best affordable
Cantu Shea Butter Moisturizing Twist & Lock Gel
Cantu Shea Butter Moisturizing Twist & Lock Gel
This gel goes a long way in locking or twisting your hair. It is excellent for novices and has no chemical substances that would damage your locks or natural hair. It is scent-free, making it suitable for people who cannot withstand strong scents.
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Cantu moisturizing twist/lock gel is the best for twisting and locking dreads. The gel is ideal for starters, but you can also re-twist your locks to look neat and hygienic. The gel has a translucent whitish appearance, and it is scent-free to suit clients who have allergic reactions to some scents. It is lightweight and does not stick on your hands, making it ideal for curly hair and other hair types. The gel does not appear greasy, and it does not evaporate when you apply it to your dreads. The product dimensions are 4 x 5 x 6 inches and weigh 13 Ounces. The quantity is sufficient to lock your hair several times, saving you money that you would need to replace it after a few locking sessions.
The gel is free from chemicals that alter the hair color or cause dandruff. It does not contain mineral oils, sulfates, parabens, or silicons, which contain chemicals that damage the dreads or twists. The gel stimulates your scalp to enhance hair growth and enables you to style it according to your preference. It is accessible, allowing you to easily replace it when it runs out. The product is also affordable and worth the investment. It has a great consistency that makes it easy to lock or reset your locks.
The gel reduces white flakes that make your hair look unhealthy. It gives your hair a smooth and silky hold that enhances your appearance. However, some clients have expressed that the gel dries out their hair, and they have to moisturize it to improve its appearance. But this is a review from a few clients since the gel acts differently on different dreads and natural hair.
Best for dry hair
African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid, Loc & Twist Gel
African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid, Loc & Twist Gel
This gel has a nice scent and controls frizzing. It moisturizes, protects, and detangles your hair, making it neat and shiny. The gel also prevents hair breakage to preserve your hair and hairline.
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Dry hair can be irritating and difficult to lock. However, you do not have to suffer trying to make your hair. The African pride black castor miracle offers the best locking solution for dry hair. The product is specifically designed to detangle, moisturize, hydrate, maintain, and protect your hair. You can use it on your braids, twist, or braid to boost shine and style your hair into any design you want. The gel is long-lasting, enabling your locks or twist to stay neat for an extended period. It does not stick on the hands, making it easy to apply.
The gel is manufactured from natural ingredients like black castor and coconut oil. Black castor oil is a crucial ingredient that makes your hair thick, strong, and moisturized. The oil prevents hair breakage, itching scalp, dandruff, and eczema. In addition, it increases scalp blood flow to keep your hair healthy. Another ingredient is coconut oil, which helps in hair repair. It conditions and hydrates the hair making it an excellent choice for people who want to re-twist or install new dreads.
The product is safe to use as it does not contain harmful substances like petroleum, mineral oil, parabens, or sulfates. You need to wet your hair before using this product. After that, you need to apply small amounts of gel to the hair roots and lock, style, and twist as desired. The product is free from sulfates, petroleum, mineral oil, and parabens. Therefore, it is safe to use on all hair products. Its dimensions are 3.5 x 3.25 x 2.5 inches and weighs 10.41 Ounces. However, some customers have expressed that the gel does not hold their dreads for a long time. But it depends on the hair type and how you maintain your hair after locking.
Best silicone-free
Joie Naturals MyGel Locking Gel
Joie Naturals MyGel Locking Gel
This gel locks moisture and stimulates hair growth, enabling you to have healthy hair and dreads. A little gel is enough to lock your hair so that you can use the tin for an extended period.
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Are you looking for the best silicone-free styling gel for your dreads? Joie natural Mygel styling gel is a safe-to-use product that does not contain silicon. Silicon is an ingredient that dries and dehydrates the hair making your locks look unhygienic. Therefore, I recommend this gel to stimulate your hair, enabling you to nourish your hair and give them a natural glow. The gel makes your hair thick and healthy, and you can style them according to your preference.
The gel is made of plant oils, and herb extracts to stimulate hair growth. It contains DI water that smoothens and moisturizes your hair. It also removes residue from the dreads and scalps and conditions your hair. The gel also contains castor oil that locks moisture in the dreads, nourishes them, and keeps them attractive and healthy. Aloe vera extracts in the gel prevent your hair from itching and eliminate dandruff. It contains lemongrass that removes excess oil from your dreads enhancing your appearance.
The product dimensions are 2.8 x 2.8 x 2.3 inches. It has four fluid ounces that you can use for an extended time. The gel is gentle on your hands and skin and does not contain petroleum or sulfates that damage the hair. The gel gives you a coated feel and protects your hair from harsh climatic conditions. However, some clients have had allergic reactions to the gel due to the ingredients used in its manufacture. It is best to check the ingredients before making a decision.
Best for thin hair
Genuine African Formula SuperGro Locking Hair Gel
Genuine African Formula SuperGro Locking Hair Gel
This gel is excellent for thickening thin dreads or hair. It is light on the hair and nourishes to stimulate hair growth within a short period. It is free from silicone, sulfates, and petroleum that harm the hair.
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Thin hair is weak and can break easily. That is why you need the African formula super to grow hair gel. The gel is safe, making it ideal for all hair types. You can use it to lock or style your dreads for an attractive look. The gel has an advanced formulation, including vitamins, herbal extracts, minerals, natural plant oils, and amino acids. These ingredients play a specific role in enhancing and stimulating your hair growth.
Vitamins are essential in thickening and stimulating hair growth. The amino acids are crucial in boosting hair growth and repair, while the herbal extracts keep off dandruff and prevent the accumulation of residues that turn your dreads whitish. This gel also conditions the hair and locks the moisture to prevent your dreads from drying in hot seasons. The gel is light on the hair, making you comfortable whenever you apply it.
The product dimensions are 2 x 2 x 2 inches and weigh 4 ounces. It has a pleasant scent that enhances your appearance. The gel is effective and holds your locks for a long time. However, some clients complain that it is expensive. But given its effectiveness, durability, and stimulation, it is worth the price.
What to look for in a good locking gel
There are various locking gels, but you need to be careful when selecting the best one for your hair. The following are some of the factors to consider before making a choice.
Holding capability
The best locking gel should have high holding power. It ensures that the locks stay neat and in place for an extended period. It makes it easy to style or lock your hair saving you time and energy. An excellent holding power also reduces the quantity of gel you need for your locks, saving you money. It is best to select a soft, firm, or limp gel. It should also be durable and solid to tame hair strands resistant to locking.
Safe ingredients
Different brands use varying ingredients in the manufacture of locking gels. Some of these ingredients are not safe for your hair or scalp and could lead to harmful reactions. Some of the safe ingredients that a locking gel should have include olive oil, coconut oil, black castor, aloe vera, and argan. These stimulate hair growth and lock moisture to keep your locks healthy and clean. However, some gels have harmful ingredients like petroleum, sulfate, mineral oils, and parabens. Therefore, you need to check the gel ingredients before purchasing one for your hair.
Affordability
The best locking gel should be affordable to offer you value for your money. Some customers assume that an expensive product is better than an affordable one. However, affordable, high-quality gels will last for a long time compared to expensive ones. Therefore, it is best to work on a budget and consider the convenient features.
FAQ
Which is better, locking gel or wax?
Some people prefer a locking gel to wax. However, you can select either for your dreads depending on your preference. However, gel lasts longer and is easier to wash compared to wax. Gel also contains more beneficial ingredients that stimulate growth for healthy hair.
How frequently should I use locking gels on my hair?
The frequency of using a locking gel is dependent on the type of hair. If you have soft and smooth hair, you will need to lock it frequently compared to tough hair. Averagely, you will need to re-lock your hair every four weeks to enhance its appearance, moisturize and enhance your hair growth.
How much does locking gel cost?
The price of locking gels differs from one brand to another. It also depends on the ingredients used in manufacturing the gel.
Final verdict
Locking gels are essential for people with braids or natural hair. It is also suitable for those who wish to start locking or retwist their hair to stimulate hair growth and enhance their appearance. The best locking gel is easy to wash out, holds for a long time, and makes your hair grow fast. I have reviewed the best locking gels that will enable you to get value for your money. I wish you all the best as you select your preferred one.
