We are often told to steer clear of styling products for babies or toddlers because of harsh ingredients. But when you have a little one with wild hair that refuses to cooperate, what is a mama supposed to do?
We understand the struggle because we have been there. However, rather than exposing sensitive skin and soft, precious strands to chemicals that could cause damage, we set out to find safe alternatives.
We were pleasantly surprised by the natural options available that work wonders for all types of baby hair. We narrowed our list down to the five best baby hair gels. These picks use natural ingredients for light or firm hold styling and won’t leave your baby’s hair feeling stiff, sticky, or weighed down.
Now you can style your baby’s strands like a pro without worrying about toxins or flaky residue.
- Excellent lice prevention
- Leaves hair smooth and tamed
- Organic ingredients
When Is It Safe to Use Baby Hair Gel?
We all know that a baby’s skin gets irritated easily. This can be caused by a wet diaper, excessive heat, sweat, or harsh laundry detergents. Unfortunately, bath, lotion, and styling products can also be major irritants.
There is no official age limit on when it is safe to use hair products on your little one. However, most experts advise against using cosmetic products on newborns or very young infants.
Babies are highly susceptible to allergic reactions. Their skin is still developing and is much thinner than yours. This means ingredients in hair products are absorbed into their system much faster.
Although most baby hair gels are free of toxic ingredients, they still contain substances that can trigger a reaction, including certain plant-based botanicals.
It is essential to know what your baby’s skin is sensitive to before lathering them up. The best way to do this is a simple patch test.
Apply a small amount to your baby’s forearm and wait 24 hours. If the area becomes warm, red, or swollen, wash it off immediately and toss the product. If no reactions occur, you should be safe to proceed.
How to Choose a Baby Hair Gel
When it comes to beauty or skin care products, you need to proceed with caution. This is doubly true when it involves young babies. Here are a few things to consider before spending your cash.
Ingredients
Most hair gels formulated for babies and children are free of toxins. Always avoid using your own adult hair products on your baby.
Adult hair gels generally contain alcohol, parabens, and strong fragrances. These are big “no-no” ingredients for babies and can cause serious reactions if applied to a delicate scalp.
Here are some safer, natural ingredients to look for:
- Aloe vera: A superstar in natural products (1). It hydrates and soothes, though you should still patch test it as rare allergies exist.
- Witch hazel: This natural astringent has medicinal properties. It provides a light hold and delivers natural vitamins to the scalp (2).
- Chamomile: You drink it to relax, but on the skin, chamomile clarifies and maintains natural hair tones. It is also very soothing.
- Jojoba oil: Derived from the jojoba plant, this mimics natural skin oils to moisturize and soothe the scalp without clogging pores (3).
If you are feeling crafty, you can even make your own natural flax seed hair gel at home.
Desired Hairstyle
When we think of hair gel, we usually picture a rock-hard spike that won’t move in a hurricane. Adult gel provides that “crunchy” look that holds for days.
However, baby hair gels rarely provide that level of cement-like hold. If you are looking for a strictly organic product, chances are it won’t hold a tall mohawk all day long.
Organic and vegan products are better at taming flyaways and making unruly hair soft and manageable. Other gels might be stronger but could contain more binding ingredients.
Consider the style you want to achieve. Do you just want to keep hair out of their eyes, or are you styling for a photoshoot?
Product Reviews
We tested the safest, most effective options to tame those flyaways and style those spikes; here are our top picks.
Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Daily Kid Styling Gel
Best Baby Hair Gel for Lice Prevention
Lice are a parent’s nightmare. Once they infest your little one’s scalp, they can jump to siblings or even you. Dealing with the cleanup is exhausted, so prevention is key.
Fortunately, lice hate certain scents, and Fairy Tales packed many of them into this styling gel. Inside this bottle is a natural lice repellent that protects your baby at daycare or when older siblings return from school.
The formula steers clear of harsh chemicals, relying on organic materials instead. It uses a blend of rosemary, peppermint, tea tree, geranium, citronella, and lavender. These natural oils create a barrier that lice generally avoid.
Beyond protection, the gel includes jojoba, chamomile, and aloe vera to hydrate and soothe the scalp. It provides a light hold, which is perfect for simple styling or controlling flyaways.
The only potential drawback is the scent. The potent mix of essential oils is strong, and while it smells herbal and clean to some, it might be overpowering for sensitive noses.
Pros
- Excellent for lice prevention.
- Leaves hair smooth and tamed.
- Full of organic ingredients.
Cons
- Some moms dislike the herbal scent.
- Not a strong-hold gel for spikes.
Our Ratings
Little Roseberry Hair Gel with Organic Aloe Vera
Best Organic Baby Hair Gel
If you are hunting for a truly organic hair gel for your baby, Little Roseberry is a top contender. This gel is gentle yet packed with super ingredients for healthy hair.
The standout feature here is the base. Instead of cheap water fillers, Little Roseberry uses organic aloe vera juice. This enriches the gel with vitamins that protect and moisturize delicate hair shafts.
The vegan formula is free of unnecessary additives like dyes and artificial fragrances. We love that it does not leave hair feeling stiff, crunchy, or sticky. Thanks to the aloe and witch hazel, your baby gets a dose of antioxidants and minerals with every style.
Little Roseberry states this gel is suitable for the whole family. It provides a light hold to keep strands in place without looking “gelled.”
Just keep in mind that because it lacks harsh binding agents, it won’t hold all day. You might need a quick touch-up in the afternoon.
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free formula.
- Aloe juice base packs nutrients.
- No sticky texture or residue.
Cons
- Light hold may require reapplication.
Our Ratings
Snip-Its Silly Slicker Ultimate Sculpting Hair Gel
Best Baby Hair Gel for Strong Hold
Are you looking to style a spiky mohawk or a cool faux-hawk for a special event? This product is your best bet for styles that need to defy gravity.
Snip-Its created a naturally-based formula consisting of renewable ingredients. We love that there are no harsh added chemicals, yet it still provides impressive hold. It is also cruelty-free, so no bunnies were harmed in the making of your baby’s hairdo.
The gel has a light, tropical smell that is kid-friendly without being chemical-heavy. It defines and holds any hairstyle and works well on all hair types.
For the best results, Snip-Its recommends adding a little water to the hair before applying. Despite the stronger hold, it washes out easily at bath time.
However, if your little one has exceptionally long, thick, or heavy hair, gravity might still win eventually.
Pros
- Natural formula with stronger hold.
- Fun tropical smell.
- Washes out easily with water.
Cons
- Might struggle with very long, heavy hair.
Our Ratings
Africa's Best Kids Organics Smooth and Style Gel
Textured and curly hair needs moisture, not just hold. Since curly hair doesn’t produce as much oil as straight hair, traditional gels can be drying.
This option from Africa’s Best is a lifesaver for natural curls that are hard to brush or control. It conditions the hair while taming runaway strands. The formula is free of drying alcohols and added chemicals. Instead, it relies on organic olive oil to smooth the cuticle and hold the style.
It works wonders for defining curl patterns and reducing frizz.
A major plus is that it does not leave flaky residue, and your little one’s hair remains soft the next day. It rinses out fast, too. However, the consistency is quite thick. If you apply too much, the hair can get stiff, so start with a tiny amount.
Pros
- Fantastic for natural and curly textures.
- Organic olive oil formula.
- No drying alcohols.
- Washes out easily.
Cons
- Thick consistency can be heavy.
- Too much product causes stiffness.
Our Ratings
T is for Tame Hair Taming Matte Cream
Best Baby Hair Gel for Unruly Hair
Styling your little one’s hair is fun, but redoing it five times because of static and flyaways is not. If you are battling the “frizz halo,” this matte cream is a great solution.
It reduces flyaways and provides a firm hold that remains flexible. It is made with organic coconut and jojoba oils to moisturize strands while they style. Because it is a cream formula rather than a clear jelly, it isn’t sticky and won’t leave that dreaded dandruff-looking flake on the scalp.
We love the subtle scent and how well it performs even on humid days. A little goes a long way, making the price point easier to swallow.
This works best for taming wild hair to look natural, rather than gluing it into a stiff shape. You can use it on damp or dry hair, though slightly damp hair seems to yield the smoothest results.
Pros
- Tames static and flyaways effectively.
- Pleasant, subtle smell.
- Flexible hold looks natural.
Cons
- Not a “cement” style hold.
Our Ratings
FAQs
What is the Best Gel for Baby Hair?
The best gel for baby hair is gentle, free from harsh chemicals (like alcohol and parabens), and designed specifically for sensitive skin. Look for natural ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile. Little Roseberry Hair Gel is a top organic pick, while Originals by Africa’s Best is excellent for textured or curly hair.
What Can I Use Instead of Gel for Baby Hair?
If you don’t have gel, you can use baby-safe hair oils, creams, or leave-in conditioners. Many parents also have success using a tiny amount of organic coconut oil, shea butter, or pure aloe vera gel for a natural, safe hold that also moisturizes the scalp.
Can I Use Vaseline As Hair Gel for Baby?
Technically yes, Vaseline can smooth hair, but we don’t recommend it. Petroleum jelly is heavy, greasy, and notoriously difficult to wash out of fine baby hair. It can clog pores on the scalp and attract dirt. It is better to stick to water-soluble products designed for hair.
What are the Best Products for Baby Fine Hair?
For fine hair, less is more. Look for lightweight detangling sprays, mousse, or light styling creams. Avoid heavy waxes or thick oils that will make fine hair look greasy and flat. Hypoallergenic formulas are best to avoid irritating the scalp beneath fine hair.
How Do I Wash Hair Gel Out of Baby Hair?
Most baby-specific hair gels are water-soluble. This means simply rinsing the hair with warm water during bath time should remove the product. If you used a heavier amount, a dime-sized drop of mild baby shampoo will do the trick.
