The best hair gels and edge control in Kenya, and how to use them without flakes

A good gel holds a sleek puff, lays your edges and keeps a style neat through a long Nairobi day. A bad routine flakes white by lunchtime and leaves your hairline dry and thin. Here are the styling gels, custards, mousses and finishing products we stock, what each one is for, and how to use them without hurting your hair.

What to look for

• The right hold for the job. Edges and slick ponytails need strong hold. Curls and twist-outs need a softer product that defines without going hard.
• Your hair and style. Short cuts suit a spiking gel. Natural curls suit a custard or curl cream. Wraps and roller sets suit a mousse.
• What sits underneath. Most flaking comes from gel fighting a heavy cream or oil below it, not from the gel on its own.

Our picks

Best for edges and sleek styles: Got2b Ultra Glued Styling Gel

Got2b Ultra Glued Styling Gel for Edges gives ultra-strong hold for laid edges, slick-backs and sleek buns. Use a very small amount, because it is strong. Hold this firm, used every day, can pull at a fragile hairline, so give your edges days off.

Best for short hair and men: Got2b Glued Spiking Gel

Got2b Glued Water Resistant Spiking Gel is water resistant and made for short cuts, spikes and sharp shapes. Work a little between your palms first, then shape. For locking a finished updo in place, the same brand also makes the Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray.

Best for natural curls: Cantu Define and Shine Custard

Cantu Shea Butter Define and Shine Custard is a shea butter styler for curl definition and shine on natural hair. It is the one to choose for a wash-and-go or twist-out when a glued gel would feel too hard. Apply it to wet hair in sections.

Best for wraps and sets: Lottabody Wrap Me Foaming Mousse

Lottabody Wrap Me Foaming Mousse is a coconut and shea mousse for wrap styles, roller sets and soft hold on curls. Mousse spreads evenly and is easy to control on relaxed and natural hair alike.

For edges on rest days: Blue Magic Indian Hemp

Blue Magic Organics Indian Hemp is a classic hair dress with aloe vera and green tea. It is not a gel and it will not hold your edges flat. Use a little on the hairline at night and on days off from gel, to keep the edges soft.

To finish: Creme of Nature Gloss Shine Mist

Creme of Nature Argan Oil Anti Humidity Gloss Shine Mist adds shine to a finished sleek style and helps keep frizz down on humid days. Spray it from a distance once the gel has set.

How to stop gel flaking

• Start with clean hair. Gel on top of old gel and dust flakes fast.
• Use a light leave-in, not a heavy butter, and let it sink in before the gel goes on.
• Apply on damp hair, not soaking wet and not bone dry.
• Use less than you think. Add more only if the style will not hold.
• Hands off while it dries. Touching drying gel breaks the film and makes white flakes.

Protect your edges

• Give them rest days. Strong hold every day, plus tight ponytails and buns, pulls on the hairline.
• Brush gently. Use a soft edge brush with light strokes. Do not scrub.
• Set with a satin scarf for ten to fifteen minutes instead of adding more gel.
• Wash it out properly. Gel left on for days dries the hair. Our guide to the best shampoo for natural hair explains how to wash it all out.

Many people also use a little Jamaican black castor oil on the edges at night. See our guide to the best hair growth oils in Kenya.

Questions we get asked

Which is the best hair gel in Kenya?

For edges and sleek styles, the Got2b Ultra Glued Styling Gel. For natural curls, the Cantu Define and Shine Custard. For short hair, the Got2b Glued Spiking Gel. The best gel is the one with the right hold for your style.

Is Got2b gel good for hair?

Got2b Glued gels are made for strong hold, and they do that well. Strong hold every day is hard on fragile edges, so use a small amount, wash it out properly and give your hairline rest days.

Why does my gel flake?

Usually because of too much product, gel on top of a heavy cream or oil, or touching the hair while it dries. Start with clean hair, use a light leave-in, apply less gel and leave it alone until it sets.

How do I lay my edges without damaging them?

Use a small amount of gel on damp edges, brush gently with a soft brush, and set with a satin scarf. Avoid tight styles every day, and give your edges a few days off each week.

How much is Got2b gel in Kenya?

Our Got2b Glued gels are around KSh 1,100 each, and the styling products in this guide range from about KSh 700 to KSh 1,200. The live prices are in the list above.

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Browse all hair styling products, see the full Got2b range, or read our guide to Cantu products. Same-day delivery in Nairobi before 5pm, delivery across Kenya, and pay on delivery with M-Pesa or cash.