10 Best Safe Hair Styling Gels For Kids – 2022

1. Best Flake-Free:Hip Peas Hair Styling Balm

The Hip Peas Hair Styling Balm is one of the safest hair gels that provide hold to your little one’s locks. It is free of all toxic chemicals and synthetics and is a kid-friendly formula. This lightweight gel styles the curls and tames unruly strands without feeling sticky. It can be safely used on almost all toddler hair types and can be washed off easily. What’s more – it smells fantastic – thanks to the all-natural formula with aloe leaf juice, blueberry fruit extract, comfrey root extract, and nourishing olive oil. Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, Lavender extract, Olive oil, Vitamins C and B5Pros

Suitable for everyday use No scalp flaking SLS-free Synthetic dye-free Phthalate-free Paraben-free Petrochemical-free

Cons

Greasy Leaves residue

2. Best Dermatologically Tested:Fresh Monster Natural Hair Gel

If you are looking for an alcohol-free hair gel for your kids, the Fresh Monster Natural Hair Gel is the answer. You can apply as much product as needed to fix flyaways, tame a ponytail, or hold styled hair in place. This vegan gel can be used on dry and damp hair and doesn’t make your munchkin’s hair crusty or crunchy. It is dermatologically tested to suit sensitive skin and is formulated without any toxins and fragrances. Key Ingredients: Panthenol and Dimethicone Pros

Lightweight Alcohol-free Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free Cruelty-free Dye-free Fragrance-free Gluten-free Soy-free BPA-free

Cons

Unpleasant smell Sticky

3. Best Hypoallergenic:Lane& Co. Hair Paste

Lane& Co. Hair Paste is a 100% plant-based, chemical-free hair gel for kids. Its allergen-free formula lightly holds and tames baby hair without irritating the skin and scalp. With a blend of organic shea butter, coconut oil, and cocoa butter, this versatile styling product can be used on infants and toddlers. Since it is easy to work with, just a little dollop would go a long way. It sets the hair without making it stiff, messy, and crunchy – thanks to the nourishing plant oils and butter. Key Ingredients: Organic shea butter, Coconut oil, Cocoa butter, Sunflower seed wax, and Tapioca starch Pros

Vegan Lightweight Hypoallergenic Non-greasy Paraben-free Phthalate-free Soy-free Non-GMO Cruelty-free Sulfate-free Gluten-free Nut-free Dairy-free Synthetic dye-free

Cons

Overpowering fragrance

4. Best Non-Sticky:CurlyKids® Curly Gel

The CurlyKids® Curly Gel is developed especially for multi-textured baby hair types. It defines and controls curls and keeps dry and dull hair moisturized. This gentle formula prevents hair from getting crunchy and stiff as it is free of heavy oils and synthetic waxes. This non-sticky gel lightly holds the hair in place without making the scalp flaky. You can apply it to dry or damp hair. Check this video to learn more about the product. Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Aloe leaf extract, and Hydrolyzed Wheat gluten Pros

Non-greasy Little goes a long way Paraben-free Sulfate-free Fragrance-free Petrolatum-free Artificial color-free

Cons

May leave residue

5. Best Lightweight:Snip-its Silly Slicker Ultimate Sculpting Gel

The Silly Slicker Ultimate Sculpting Gel is a gentle formula crafted to provide a day-long hold to kids’ hair. It reactivates with water and helps keep your munchkin’s hairstyle intact. This gel comes with a no-flake formula that keeps hair from feeling crunchy or stiff.  This toxin-free blend comes with a subtle natural fragrance making it ideal for baby hair. It is enriched with ethically sourced ingredients, and loves both your child and our planet! Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf extract, Panthenol, and Hydrogenated castor oil Pros

Pleasant smell Lightweight Hypoallergenic 100% cruelty-free

Cons

Needs frequent reapplication

6. Best Protective:Fairy Tales Curly-Q Styling Spray Gel

The Fairy Tales Curly-Q Styling Spray Gel is an extremely lightweight formula that doesn’t weigh your hair down. The spray gel is formulated with quinoa, murumuru butter, and aloe vera. The quinoa works to create a defensive layer over your hair shafts and keep them hydrated, lustrous, and elastic. The murumuru butter controls frizz, detangles mess, creates beautiful curls, and enhances your style. The aloe vera provides the additional moisture that your hair and scalp might need. For lively, bouncy curls, include this incredible formula to your kid’s hair care routine! Key ingredients: Quinoa, Murumuru Butter, Aloe Vera Pros

Sulfate-free Paraben-free Phthalate-free Gluten-free Nut-free Soy-free Dairy-free Cruelty-free Non-GMO Daily use by kids

 Cons None

7. Best For All Hair Types:Cantu Care For Kids Styling Custard

The Cantu Care For Kids Styling Custard holds poofs and ponytails in place while reducing frizz. It contains pure shea butter, coconut oil, and honey, with no harsh ingredients or chemicals. This styling custard is specifically formulated to nurture and nourish textured baby hair like fragile coils, curls, and waves. It is gentle and mildly-scented and suits all infant and toddler hair types. Just what your kids need a messy play date! Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Honey extract, Shea butter, Panthenol, and Modified Corn starch Pros

Mineral oil-free Sulfate-free Paraben-free Phthalate-free Silicone-free Paraffin-free Propylene-free Gluten-free

 Cons

Too greasy

8. Best Volumizing:Hot Tot Styling Gel

The Hot Tot Styling Gel is a medium-hold gel that adds shine and volume to fine to medium hair. Organic shea butter, sweet almond extract, and aloe leaf juice make this styling formula nourishing and moisturizing. It contains Japanese green tea for UV-ray protection and vitamin B5 for hydration. Apply this gel generously to wavy, damp, or dry hair for an increased hold. For more information about the product, click this video. Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Sweet Almond extract, Aloe leaf juice, Japanese green tea, and Vitamin B5Pros

Vegan Dermatologist-tested pH-balanced Non-GMO Cruelty-free Soy-free Gluten-free Nut-free Dairy-free Phthalate-free

Cons None

9. Best For Textured Baby Hair:Africa’s Best Kids Organics Smoothing & Styling Gel

The Smoothing & Styling Gel from Africa’s Best Kids Organic is a clean, alcohol-free formula fortified with virgin olive oil. It is a conditioning gel that holds styled hair in place without making it stiff and crunchy or weighing it down. This styling gel adds shine and moisture to nourish curls that are left loose or are worn in ponytails or braids. Key Ingredients: Olive oil, Aloe leaf juice, Shea butter, Hydrolyzed Soy protein, Tea tree oil, Rosemary leaf oil, and Vitamin E Pros

Long-lasting hold Ideal for textured baby hair Pleasant smell Vegan Paraben-free

Cons

Leaves residue

10. Best Extra-Firm Hold:Manic Panic Dye Hard Styling Gel

The Manic Panic Dye Hard Styling Gel in Electric Blue color is a temporary hair color-cum-styling gel. It is formulated without ammonia or toxins and suits kids.It also gets washed out easily with shampoo. This vegan formula is crafted with natural ingredients and colors that do not irritate a child’s delicate skin/scalp. All you need to do is apply thick layers of this gel on desired parts of the scalp and hair and brush it out. It also provides an extra-firm hold on hair styled as mohawks, spikes, or braids. Key Ingredients: Castor seed oil, and Vegan lactic acid Pros

Leaves no residue Washes easily Great coverage Dries quickly Cruelty-free Ammonia-free PPD-free Paraben-free Gluten-free Resorcinol-free Phthalate-free

Cons

Too sticky May make the hair crunchy

Now that you know about the best hair styling gels available on the market, here a few points you need to consider before buying one.

What To Consider While Buying A Hair Styling Gel For Kids?

Composition/Ingredients

If a product should go on baby skin or scalp, it needs to be free of all chemical additives. The gentler it is, the safer for kids’ skin/scalp. Pick a product that is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, artificial colors, paraffin, mineral oil, etc.

Desired Hairstyle

If you are looking to style your baby’s hair into a mohawk, spikes, or poof, strong-hold hair gels are best. If your child wears his/her curls in braids, ponytails, or pigtails, you might want to work with a hair paste or plant butter.

Effect On Scalp

Hair gels can help parents style their kids’ hair effortlessly. But cheap ones can mess up kids’ hair texture and scalp health. Some may leave residue after washing, while some may make the scalp flaky. So, choose organic, vegan, and clean hair gels to protect your child’s delicate hair and scalp.

Why Trust Stylecraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, has a keen interest in hair care. She has done thorough research and read many customer reviews on trusted forums to compile the list of best hair gels for kids. These hair gels are the best way to style your little ones’ hair, as they are lightweight, chemical-free, and skin-friendly. Can hair gel be used for kids every day? No. Regular use of hair gels is hazardous for kids. These gels block your follicles, and make the hair frizzy. At what age can I use hair gel for kids? There is no age bar for using hair gels on kids’ hair. However, make sure to use a product free of any harmful chemicals to avoid irritating their delicate scalp. Does hair gel damage your kid’s hair? No, but certain hair gels contain alcohol and other toxic chemicals that mess up the moisture level of your kids’ hair and cause breakage. Therefore, opt for products that are safe and specially formulated for kids. What hair products are safe for babies? Hypoallergenic and organic hair products are safe for babies. They have a delicate scalp, and excessive use of chemical-based products ultimately irritates and damages their hair health.

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