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For the silkiest slick backs.

Collage of the Crown Affair The Flexible Hold Finishing Hair Gel, Biolage Styling Gelée, and Moroccanoil Styling Gel on a brown background

Byrdie / Alli Waataja

Today’s formulas aren’t like the goopy blue hues of decades past.

What’s more, you could count on having better-looking hair all around.

After consulting with top hairstylistKevin Murphy, we narrowed our list to these best in class.

Biolage Styling Gelée

PHOTO: Amazon

You’re looking at it.

Treat yourself to a tub of Curl Gelee.

Size up with Big Volumizing Gel, which contains fortifying hydrolyzed wheat protein and soothingaloe vera.

Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Styling Gel

PHOTO: Amazon

As its name suggests, this no-nonsense, strong-hold gel isn’t messing around.

It dries quickly, adds texture, and preserves your ‘do without clumping.

Tousle your hair with a squeeze of this gel, and behold your newfound brilliant texture.

Aussie Instant Freeze 20-Hour Hold Hair Gel

PHOTO: Walmart

Because of its lightweight texture, the pomade is easy to work with and manage through various hair types.

Expect nothing but a long-lasting hold and a healthy matte finish.

Squeeze a small amount into your palm and distribute evenly through damp hair.

Oribe Curl Gelée for Shine & Definition

PHOTO: Amazon

This formula provides flake-free shape memory and even adds shine to your hair when styling.

Dont be the jelly typegetThe Gelly throw in.

Thanks to its invisible finish, you wont even know its there.

Pattern Curl Gel

PHOTO: Sephora

Dont leave the house without a bit of Crown Affairs Flexible Hold Finishing Hair Gel.

“Everything has a use-by date,” says Murphy.

In between hair wash days, there are few things she appreciates more than a slicked-back bun or ponytail.

Curls Dynasty Twisted Definition Twisting Cream

PHOTO: Walmart

Briogeo Curl Charisma Frizz Control Gel

PHOTO: Sephora

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Gel Souffle

PHOTO: Walmart

Sexy Hair Big Sexy Hair Blow Dry Volumizing Gel

PHOTO: Amazon

Davines This Is a Strong Hold Cream Gel

PHOTO: Amazon

R+Co Motorcycle Flexible Gel

PHOTO: Amazon

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel

PHOTO: Amazon

Moroccanoil Styling Gel

PHOTO: Amazon

Girl + Hair Curl Cloud Moisturizing Curl Defining Gel for Curly Hair

PHOTO: Girl + Hair Curl Cloud

Ouai Matte Pomade

PHOTO: Sephora

Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Hair Gel

PHOTO: Amazon

Redken Hardwear 16 Sculpting Gel

PHOTO: Amazon

Fenty Beauty The Gelly Type Strong Hold Gel

PHOTO: Fenty Beauty

Crown Affair The Flexible Hold Finishing Hair Gel

PHOTO: Sephora