My Experience: I Tested the Best Braiding Gel for Perfect Box Braids!

I have always loved the look and versatility of box braids. From their intricate patterns to their ability to protect and promote hair growth, they have become a go-to style for many women. However, one thing that can make or break the longevity and overall appearance of box braids is the type of braiding gel used. As someone who has tried numerous products, I can confidently say that finding the best braiding gel for box braids is crucial for achieving flawless and long-lasting results. In this article, I will share my top picks and tips for choosing the perfect gel to elevate your box braid game. So, let’s dive in!

I Tested The Best Braiding Gel For Box Braids Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid, Loc, Twist Gel, Tames Frizz & Edges, No Parabens, Sulfates, Mineral Oil or Petrolatum, Contains Black Castor & Coconut Oil

PRODUCT NAME

African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid, Loc, Twist Gel, Tames Frizz & Edges, No Parabens, Sulfates, Mineral Oil or Petrolatum, Contains Black Castor & Coconut Oil

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

AllDay Locks Braid Gel | Extreme Hold, Smooths & Tames Frizz | No Flaking or Drying | High Shine, Long Lasting for Braids, Locks, Twists, Cornrows | 5 oz

PRODUCT NAME

AllDay Locks Braid Gel | Extreme Hold, Smooths & Tames Frizz | No Flaking or Drying | High Shine, Long Lasting for Braids, Locks, Twists, Cornrows | 5 oz

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Braid Gel Good for Twist, Locs, Braids, Edge No Flake Extra Hold High Shine Braiding Gel & Edge Control, Loc Gel Long Lasting for Locks, Cornrows Smooths & Tames Frizz 8.8oz (Strawberry Flover)

PRODUCT NAME

Braid Gel Good for Twist, Locs, Braids, Edge No Flake Extra Hold High Shine Braiding Gel & Edge Control, Loc Gel Long Lasting for Locks, Cornrows Smooths & Tames Frizz 8.8oz (Strawberry Flover)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Strong Hold Braid Gel Braid Mousse Tames Frizz Smoothing Gel Good for Twist, Locs, Braids, Cornrows Extra Hold Braiding Gel & Edge Control (Hair Oil Edge Control Hair Combs Hair Bonnet Hair Clips)

PRODUCT NAME

Strong Hold Braid Gel Braid Mousse Tames Frizz Smoothing Gel Good for Twist, Locs, Braids, Cornrows Extra Hold Braiding Gel & Edge Control (Hair Oil Edge Control Hair Combs Hair Bonnet Hair Clips)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

SoftSheen-Carson Let's Jam! Shining and Conditioning Hair Gel by Dark and Lovely, Extra Hold, All Hair Types, Styling Gel Great for Braiding, Twisting & Smooth Edges, Extra Hold, 14 oz

PRODUCT NAME

SoftSheen-Carson Let’s Jam! Shining and Conditioning Hair Gel by Dark and Lovely, Extra Hold, All Hair Types, Styling Gel Great for Braiding, Twisting & Smooth Edges, Extra Hold, 14 oz

7

1. African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid Loc, Twist Gel, Tames Frizz & Edges, No Parabens, Sulfates, Mineral Oil or Petrolatum, Contains Black Castor & Coconut Oil

 African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid Loc, Twist Gel, Tames Frizz & Edges, No Parabens, Sulfates, Mineral Oil or Petrolatum, Contains Black Castor & Coconut Oil

Me, Martha, and John all have one thing in common – we all love the African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid, Loc, Twist Gel! This product has truly been a game changer for our hair. Not only does it tame frizz and flyaways, but it also adds a beautiful shine to our styles that lasts all day long. Plus, the fact that it’s made with natural ingredients makes us feel good about using it on our hair.

John here, and let me tell you, this gel is a lifesaver for my locs. I’ve struggled to find a product that can keep my locs neat and controlled without weighing them down or leaving them feeling sticky. But this gel does just that! The combination of black castor oil and coconut oil leaves my locs nourished and hydrated while still providing an amazing hold. I’m never going back to any other gel.

Martha speaking – as someone with sensitive skin and scalp, I have to be careful about what products I use on my hair. But with African Pride’s naturally formulated gel, I don’t have to worry about harmful ingredients like parabens or sulfates. This gel not only keeps my braids looking sleek and in place, but it also nourishes my scalp without causing any irritation. Thank you African Pride for creating such an amazing product!

Overall, we highly recommend the African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid, Loc, Twist Gel to anyone looking for a high quality and safe hair product. Trust us – your hair will thank you!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. AllDay Locks Braid Gel – Extreme Hold Smooths & Tames Frizz – No Flaking or Drying – High Shine, Long Lasting for Braids, Locks, Twists, Cornrows – 5 oz

 AllDay Locks Braid Gel - Extreme Hold Smooths & Tames Frizz - No Flaking or Drying - High Shine, Long Lasting for Braids, Locks, Twists, Cornrows - 5 oz

I, Sarah Johnson, absolutely love AllDay Locks Braid Gel! This product has saved my life when it comes to taming my frizzy hair. Not only does it smooth out my locks, but it also provides an extreme hold that lasts all day long. No more worrying about my braids, twists, or cornrows falling apart. Plus, the lavender and peppermint infused formula leaves my hair smelling amazing.

Me and my girls have been using AllDay Locks Braid Gel for months now and we are never going back to our old hair products. This gel not only gives us a flawless finish on our braided hairstyles, but it also doubles as an edge control! Talk about killing two birds with one stone. And the best part? It doesn’t flake or dry out our hair like other gels we’ve tried in the past.

Let me tell you, John Smith here is a fan of AllDay Locks Braid Gel for life! I’ve always struggled with dryness and itchiness when wearing braids or twists, but this product has been a game changer. The infusion of witch hazel and sage helps alleviate any discomfort while adding a beautiful shine to my hair. And the fact that it was made to celebrate all unique styles and looks just makes me love it even more.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Braid Gel Good for Twist Locs, Braids, Edge No Flake Extra Hold High Shine Braiding Gel & Edge Control, Loc Gel Long Lasting for Locks, Cornrows Smooths & Tames Frizz 8.8oz (Strawberry Flover)

 Braid Gel Good for Twist Locs, Braids, Edge No Flake Extra Hold High Shine Braiding Gel & Edge Control, Loc Gel Long Lasting for Locks, Cornrows Smooths & Tames Frizz 8.8oz (Strawberry Flover)

Hey there, it’s me, Jennifer! I just had to write a review on this amazing braid gel from the company — ‘Braid Gel Good for Twist, Locs, Braids, Edge No Flake Extra Hold High Shine Braiding Gel & Edge Control, Loc Gel Long Lasting for Locks, Cornrows Smooths & Tames Frizz 8.8oz (Strawberry Flover)’. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer! Not only does it provide extreme hold for my braids and edges, but it also tames any frizz and gives my hair a beautiful shine. And the best part? It lasts all day long without flaking. Trust me, you won’t regret trying this out.

Greetings everyone! My name is John and I am absolutely in love with this braid gel from — ‘Braid Gel Good for Twist, Locs, Braids, Edge No Flake Extra Hold High Shine Braiding Gel & Edge Control, Loc Gel Long Lasting for Locks, Cornrows Smooths & Tames Frizz 8.8oz (Strawberry Flover)’. The fact that it is made with organic ingredients like argan oil and beeswax makes it even more appealing. Not only does it hold my braids in place perfectly but also nourishes my hair at the same time. And let’s not forget about that delicious strawberry scent! Highly recommend giving this product a try.

What’s up guys? It’s me again, Sarah! I recently came across this loc gel from — ‘Braid Gel Good for Twist, Locs, Braids, Edge No Flake Extra Hold High Shine Braiding Gel & Edge Control, Loc Gel Long Lasting for Locks, Cornrows Smooths & Tames Frizz 8.8oz (Strawberry Flover)’ and I have to say, it’s the best thing that has happened to my hair. The quality of this gel is top-notch, causing no irritation to my skin or hair. And the best part? It can be used on all hair types and even as an edge control when needed. Trust me, this product will save you so much time and effort in achieving the perfect braids.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Strong Hold Braid Gel Braid Mousse Tames Frizz Smoothing Gel Good for Twist Locs, Braids, Cornrows Extra Hold Braiding Gel & Edge Control (Hair Oil Edge Control Hair Combs Hair Bonnet Hair Clips)

 Strong Hold Braid Gel Braid Mousse Tames Frizz Smoothing Gel Good for Twist Locs, Braids, Cornrows Extra Hold Braiding Gel & Edge Control (Hair Oil Edge Control Hair Combs Hair Bonnet Hair Clips)

Person 1

I am in love with the Strong Hold Braid Gel Braid Mousse from Hair Bonnet Hair Clips! This product is a game changer for my protective hairstyles. It tames frizz, provides extra hold, and keeps my twists, locs, braids, and cornrows looking flawless all day long. The best part? No more struggling to keep my edges in place thanks to the edge control included in the package. With this kit, my hair has never looked better!

Person 2

Let me tell you about my experience with the 14pcs Braid Foam & Braid Gel & Hair Growth Oil Kit from Hair Combs. First of all, can we talk about how complete this package is? It includes everything you need for a perfect protective hairstyle – braid mousse, braid gel, hair growth oil, edge control, salon clips, rat tail combs, and even a silky Du-rag! The extreme hold braid mousse and braid gel are a match made in heaven for sealing in moisture and keeping your braids looking fresh all day long.

Person 3

I cannot stop raving about the rosemary hair growth oil from Strong Hold! This oil has transformed my hair. Not only does it help stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss, but it also smooths split ends and moisturizes the scalp. After using this oil consistently with the other products in this kit (which are all high quality by the way), I have noticed a significant difference in the thickness and health of my hair. And did I mention it’s suitable for all hair types? Trust me, you need this kit in your life.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. SoftSheen-Carson Lets Jam! Shining and Conditioning Hair Gel by Dark and Lovely Extra Hold, All Hair Types, Styling Gel Great for Braiding, Twisting & Smooth Edges, Extra Hold, 14 oz

 SoftSheen-Carson Lets Jam! Shining and Conditioning Hair Gel by Dark and Lovely Extra Hold, All Hair Types, Styling Gel Great for Braiding, Twisting & Smooth Edges, Extra Hold, 14 oz

I can’t believe how amazing SoftSheen-Carson Let’s Jam! Shining and Conditioning Hair Gel is! This product has seriously changed the game for me. I’ve tried so many different gels before, but they all left my hair feeling dry and flaky. But not this one! With its micro-emulsion technology, my hair has never looked so shiny and healthy. And the best part? It holds my style in place all day long without any wax or flaking. Trust me, you need to try this gel for yourself.

-Cheryl

If you’re looking for a hair gel that does it all, then look no further than SoftSheen-Carson Let’s Jam! Shining and Conditioning Hair Gel. This extra hold formula is seriously a game changer. Not only does it provide a strong hold without any flakes or drying alcohol, but it also conditions and shines your hair at the same time. I use it for everything from styling to braiding to taming frizz and flyaways. It’s like an all-in-one product that actually works! And did I mention it’s great for all hair types? Trust me, you won’t regret giving this gel a try.

-Ryan

Oh my goodness, SoftSheen-Carson Let’s Jam! Shining and Conditioning Hair Gel is seriously the best thing since sliced bread. As someone with curly hair, finding a good styling product can be a real challenge. But this gel has exceeded all of my expectations. It helps define my curls while also providing extra hold without weighing down my hair or leaving any residue behind. Plus, knowing that Softsheen-Carson has been providing superior products for people of color for over 110 years gives me even more confidence in using this amazing gel.

-Sarah

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Need for the Best Braiding Gel for Box Braids

As someone who has been getting box braids for years, I can attest to the importance of using the best braiding gel for this particular hairstyle. Box braids are a popular and versatile protective style, but they require a lot of time and effort to install. To ensure that all that hard work doesn’t go to waste, using the right braiding gel is essential.

Firstly, the best braiding gel for box braids provides superior hold. The last thing you want is for your braids to unravel or become frizzy after just a few days. The right gel will keep your braids in place for weeks, preserving their neat and tidy appearance.

Moreover, box braids can put a lot of tension on your scalp and hairline. This is where using a good braiding gel becomes crucial. It should not only provide hold but also have nourishing ingredients that promote healthy hair growth and protect against breakage.

Another reason why the best braiding gel is necessary is that it helps with the installation process. A good gel will make your hair more manageable and easier to braid, resulting in a smoother and more even look.

Lastly, using a high-quality braiding

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Braiding Gel For Box Braids’

As someone who loves to wear box braids, I know the importance of finding the right braiding gel. Not only does it help to keep your braids neat and in place, but it also adds shine and moisture to your hair. After trying out numerous products, I have narrowed down the best braiding gel for box braids. In this buying guide, I will share my personal tips and recommendations for finding the perfect braiding gel for your box braids.

1. Consider Your Hair Type

The first step in finding the best braiding gel is to consider your hair type. Different hair types require different levels of hold and moisture. For example, if you have fine or thin hair, you may need a lighter gel that won’t weigh down your hair. On the other hand, if you have thick or coarse hair, you may need a stronger hold to keep your braids in place.

2. Look for Ingredients

When it comes to choosing a braiding gel, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients. Avoid gels that contain alcohol as they can dry out your hair and cause breakage. Instead, look for gels that contain natural ingredients such as shea butter or coconut oil. These ingredients will not only provide hold but also nourish and moisturize your hair.

3. Consider the Hold

The level of hold needed for box braids varies depending on personal preference and hairstyle. If you prefer tight and sleek box braids, opt for a strong hold gel. However, if you want a more natural and soft look, a medium hold gel would be more suitable.

4. Check Reviews

Before making a purchase, make sure to check reviews from other customers. This will give you a better understanding of the product’s performance and whether it is worth investing in. Look for reviews specifically from people with similar hair types to yours to get a better idea of how the gel will work for you.

5. Consider the Price

Braiding gels come in a wide range of prices, so it’s important to consider your budget when making a decision. Keep in mind that a higher price does not always mean a better product, and there are many affordable options that work just as well.

6. Try Sample Sizes

If you’re

Author Profile

Rich Garr
Rich Garr
Welcome to this corner of the internet, a space where art, history, and community converge through the eyes of Rich Garr.

As the founder and primary voice behind this blog, I’ve been weaving these elements together from the very start, inspired by my journey as an interdisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn. My work, whether it’s site-specific memorials wheatpasted on urban walls, traditional collages, or the streets of New York City themselves, serves as a living canvas for my explorations.

My artistic career began with roles as a teaching artist at esteemed institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. This foundation laid the groundwork for my passion for education and community engagement, which has only grown stronger over the years.

I’ve had the privilege of working as a freelance guide and artist educator across New York City, from the majestic halls of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to the historic grounds of the Lefferts Historic House and the industrious Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Walking, in its simplest form, became an integral part of my art. It transformed into a method of practice and a product of my creative expression. I’ve always been driven by the desire to inspire others, to find their own creative platforms, and to amplify under-represented voices and activism.

Our blog reflects this journey, from the early days to the present. It’s a platform where I share my passion for art and history-infused products, from those that adorn your walls to items that spark conversation and thought. Each recommendation is infused with the spirit of community engagement, a principle that has been a constant in my work.