Our haircare experts believe that hair gels can contribute to making thin hair look gorgeous by adding volume, texture, shine, and smoothness. Here, we will talk about some of the expert-recommended best hair gels for thinning hair to achieve a voluminous bounce. These products contain ingredients that coat the hair shaft, creating the illusion of fuller and more voluminous strands.

Hair thinning can be caused by different factors ranging from genetic, hormonal, medical, or age-related. A paper published in the National Library of Medicine states that a major role in hair thinning is played by genetics and hormones, especially in the case of men. They often experience hair loss due to an increase in levels of a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which shrinks the hair follicles and shortens the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss. So, our experts have been keen on finding products that add natural bounce to hair without harming the scalp. Scroll down to see our recommendations!

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  Best Overall

  Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Gel

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Enjoy the long-lasting hold of Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Gel, crafted from hair-friendly ingredients, which provides a powerful and clean hold for 24 hours, ensuring the best performance throughout the day. Free from silicone, parabens, and phthalates, this formula is safe for all hair types. Infused with aloe vera and acacia senegal, it offers a healthy shine and protection to the hair. So, you can wear this lightweight formulation with an extra-strong hold without worrying about flaking or residues. 

Key ingredients: Aloe vera extract

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Best for Color-treated Hair

Paul Mitchell Firm Style Super Clean Sculpting Gel

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You can trust this hair gel from Paul Mitchel for consistent and reliable performance, as it offers the ultimate hold to even challenging hairstyles. Enriched with a wide range of natural ingredients such as rosemary, jojoba seed oil, hydrolyzed soy protein, and aloe extract, it imparts a natural-looking finish to the hair. If you are looking for a wet hair look, it is particularly effective in achieving this. When we tested the product, we loved its sophisticated fragrance, which is a blend of citrus herbal scents with aromatic notes of lemon and neroli to make your hair smell fresh all day long. 

Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed soy protein, panthenol, rosemary leaf, aloe vera extract, algae extract, Anthemis nobilis flower extract

3

Best for Medium-length Hair

Nioxin 3D Styling Thickening Gel

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Achieve a stronghold and textured appearance for hair that appears fuller and feels sleek, all without any stickiness or tackiness, with Nioxin hair gel. This hair styling product is suitable for individuals with short to medium-length hair seeking a secure hold. According to a satisfied customer, they could style and shape their hair without witnessing any residue on hair shafts. Plus, it's value for money, as a small amount of this hair gel goes a long way toward giving you bouncy and voluminous hair.  Add this to your cart now to get strong hair. 

Key ingredients: Carbomer, menthol, hydrogenated castor oil, peppermint oil

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Best Moisturizing Formula

American Crew Light Hold Styling Gel

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A hydrating gel that imparts a natural appearance while styling your hair, resulting in a glossy finish is all you need to tame your mane. American Crew styling gel is designed to rejuvenate parched and thirsty hair. It is effective for achieving textured definition, eliminating frizz, and achieving an effortless, natural look. With a light hold and natural sheen, it offers moisturizing and conditioning advantages due to its meticulously crafted ingredient formulation. Additionally, it shields hair from the effects of blow drying and nourishes the scalp due to the presence of ginseng and sage extracts. When we used this product, we felt that it was ideal to control the thin baby hair and limp hair strands easily. 

Key ingredients: Safflower seed oil, Sage leaf extract, Panax ginseng root extract, Quillaja saponaria bark extract

5

Best Non-greasy Formula

CRVFT Gel Pomade Water-Based Formula

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Aimed at crafting a simple solution, CRVFT gel pomade is unlike regular gels. It is easy to wash out and doesn't leave your hair feeling dirty. So, you no longer have to worry about using too many products that make your hair feel dry and sticky. Our experts loved how this gel pomade gives a strong hold all day without any stiffness. Whether your hair is long, short, curly, wavy, thick, thin, or straight, you can style it all using this pomade and achieve a hold and finish that’s incomparable. So, you may forget about greasy pomades as this water-based gel pomade goes on smoothly, smells fresh, and won't make your hair look dark and grimy. Our analysis of the product revealed that it gives the best results when applied on damp or dry hair, but can be used on wet hair too. 

Key ingredients: Glycerin, beeswax, argan oil

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Best Vegan Product

VIRTUE 6-IN-1 Styler

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The Virtue 6-in-1 Styler is like a magic cream for your hair that truly does it all at once – makes your hair soft, shiny, and hydrated. It contains nourishing ingredients that offer your hair strength, smoothness, and protection from heat and environmental damage. Enriched with natural B vitamin or panthenol, it adds deep moisture and shine to hair. Plus, it also contains natural vitamin E that fights off harmful environmental stressors like UV rays of the sun and pollution. The polymers in it are special ingredients that help style your hair and make it look sleek effortlessly.

Key ingredients: Panthenol (vitamin B5), tocopherol, polymers

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Best Lightweight Formula

Ouidad Curl Shaper Out Of Thin (H) Air Volumizing Jelly

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Committed to enhancing curls, Ouidad Wise, a Lebanese immigrant, invested numerous years refining personalized, high-quality products tailored for various curl types. Among these is her volumizing jelly, which is known for offering a lightweight feel and smooth texture designed to promote curl definition and boost volume. Infused with aloe and styling polymers, it effectively defines curls without weighing them down, providing a soft hold for a naturally elegant result. Plus, it is ideal for individuals with fine-to-medium textures.

Key ingredients: Aloe vera, lightweight polymer, and red algae

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Best for Combating Hair Loss

Thick Head Head’s Up Hair Thickening Styling Gel

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Regain your confidence with the leading men's hair regrowth brand. This gel from Thick Head ensures a strong, flake-free grip that leaves hair irresistibly soft. It also enhances hair volume and thickness while addressing the factors behind men's thinning hair. Experience the benefits of real science with HEADS UP, featuring its exclusive DHT fighting complex, promoting a healthier hair and scalp environment for a full and vibrant look. You can combat hair loss using this product by minimizing scalp DHT, the main contributor to male pattern baldness.

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, Serenoa serrulata fruit extract, caffeine, panthenol, biotin, niacinamide, turmeric root extract, hydrolyzed wheat protein, celery seed extract, argan oil

9

Best for Beginners

JOHNNY B. Dope Texture Gel

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This product which originated in 1997 and was popular among the 90s generation has made a comeback. It mimics the texture and feel of a gel without the stiffness, offering a glossy finish. Combining the hold of a gel and the texture of a pomade, it effortlessly shapes challenging hair, whether straight or curly, to achieve a polished yet natural hair look. Moreover, being water-soluble, it can be easily washed out.

Key ingredients: PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, sorbic acid

Including hair gel in your routine may be a tough choice to make when you have thinning hair. So to help you stay safe and still achieve the volumes, here are some guidelines to help you make an informed decision:

1. Formulas

While choosing a hair gel for thinning hair, always opt for hair gels explicitly designed to add extra volume and thickness. These formulations often contain ingredients that help lift and plump the hair, giving the appearance of fuller locks. You may also look for water-soluble gels that are easy to wash out. This ensures that you can maintain a clean and healthy scalp without product buildup, which can be damaging to thinning hair. Furthermore, if you have color-treated hair, ensure that the gel is compatible with colored hair to prevent any adverse effects on your hair color.

2. Ingredients

There are several different hair gel formulations with an array of chemical and natural ingredients. So, one must look for gels that include nourishing and strengthening ingredients, such as vitamins, proteins, and amino acids. These can promote healthier hair and protect it from further damage. Additionally, some gels contain ingredients designed to block DHT, which is a hormone linked to hair loss. So, these gels can address the root cause of thinning hair, particularly in cases of male pattern baldness.

3. Avoid Heavy Or Sticky Formulas

Steer clear of gels that leave a heavy or sticky residue, as these can weigh down thinning hair and make it appear flat. Look for lightweight, flexible formulas that provide hold without sacrificing movement.

4. Analyze Your Hair Type

One needs to consider the hair type when selecting a gel. Some products work better for straight hair, while others are more suitable for curly or wavy hair. Therefore, make sure to look for gels that cater to your specific hair texture. Also, assess the level of hold the gel provides, and depending on the texture and styling preferences, choose a product with a hold that suits your desired hairstyle without making your hair stiff or unnatural.