Best Light + Medium Hold Gels That Actually Work in Dry Climates (Fall & Winter)
Light and medium-hold gels are one of the biggest categories out there — and honestly, most of them don’t work. I’ve tested hundreds of gels.
Light and medium-hold gels are one of the biggest categories out there — and honestly, most of them don’t work. I’ve tested hundreds of gels. I’m really picky, and I’ll tell you straight up when something isn’t worth using.
Today I’m sharing the few light and medium-hold gels that actually perform well, especially when the weather shifts and you’re dealing with dry air or mild humidity.
I’ve included options for both SOFT and ROUGH finish hair types. Before we get started, quick note: these gels aren’t chosen because of the season — it’s really about humidity levels.
If you live somewhere with dry air or mild humidity, these lightweight and medium-hold gels can work really well and give you softer, more flexible results. If you live in a humid climate, you’ll still get your best longevity from a strong-hold gel.
But in dry or mild humidity, I like to experiment a bit more, and these are the gels I reach for most often.
Product | Conditioning Level | Hold Level | Texture/Grit Level | Protein | Benefits |
Light (Minimal emollients) | Light | None | High | Weightless feel | |
Light (Minimal emollients + polymers) | Medium | Low | None | Anti-humidity support & adds grip | |
Light (Humectant-based) | Medium | None | None | Weightless feel | |
Light (Humectant-based) | Medium | None | None | Heat protection & adds softness | |
Medium (Emollient- based) | Medium | None | None | Adds softness & moisture retention | |
Medium (Humectant- based) | Medium-Strong | None | None | Adds softness & moisture retention |
Remember, this isn’t really about the time of year. Your results depend more on humidity levels and what your hair needs to last. Strong-hold stylers are still great year-round, especially if you want maximum longevity or live somewhere humid.
These gels are simply the ones I love using in dry or mild humidity because they’re lightweight, flexible, and great for hair that gets weighed down easily. Some of them — like Umberto Giannini — even hold up really well because of the polymers, which are totally fine in dry or mild conditions.
To maximize the hold of these gels, use the Strong Hold Method Cheatsheet. If you need help choosing the right gel, you can use my How to Pick Gels Chart as a guide.
Check out my Shop Page, where you can filter products by hold level, conditioning level, and more to find exactly what you’re looking for.
And if you want support picking products that are right for your hair — and learning how to properly test them to know whether they truly work for you — my Winter Group Curl Coaching Membership is open for enrollment through December 31st.
You don’t have to guess anymore — you just need the right support. To discuss if you are a fit, email me at info@genamarie.co or send me a DM on Instagram or Facebook with the word GROUP.
Win products selected by me based on your hair type!
I’m giving away curated curl product boxes during the holiday season, with 4-6 products personally selected by me based on your hair type and what your hair actually needs.
This isn’t a random bundle. I’ll choose products intentionally, using the same thought process I use when coaching clients — so you’re getting things that make sense for your hair, not just what’s popular.
To enter, join my email list using the form below.
No purchase necessary. U.S. only. Winners are notified by email.
Good luck and Happy Holidays!
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