20 Natural Hairstyles With Gel to Inspire Your Next Look
Looking for natural hairstyles with gel that go beyond a simple slick-back? High puffs, pretty partings and little side curls give you plenty to choose from.
These pictures offer ideas for smooth roots and styled edges, though a photo alone can’t tell you which products or added hair were used.
You can keep things simple or go all out with braids and bows. Start with a shape you love, then decide whether you want a plain hairline or a few extra swoops.
Puffs, Ponytails and Pretty Styled Edges
high puff and curved edges
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous high puff. I love the full coils above those smooth, swept-up sides.
The deep curves along the hairline are just as pretty.
If you want to follow this look, keep the puff loose-looking rather than shaping it into a tight little bun.
little bun and pale bow
If you are looking for something simple to style, this one is for you. A center part leads back to a small bun, with a pale bow peeking out behind it.
Keep the front details small like the little waves at the temples. You don’t need big swoops for this look.
sculpted waves and loops
How pretty are these edges? The wide waves and tiny circular ends are the whole point of this close-up. Long, smooth hair falls beside them.
Save this as hairline inspiration if you want something more detailed. You could borrow just one little loop for your own puff or bun.
two full high puffs
I am obsessed with these double puffs. They’re so full, plus the brown tones throughout are gorgeous against the darker roots.
Try the same side-swept front if you want a different option from a straight middle part.
middle part and loose curls
Don’t want to go all out with hairline designs? No problem!
This middle-part look keeps the front smooth with just a small curve near the temple. The gathered curls have plenty of room to spread out above.
scalloped hairline
This hairline may just be one of my favorite details here. I love how the broad swoops sit beneath that straight center part.
The back of the style isn’t visible, but you can still borrow the front. Ask for these rounded waves with your preferred bun or ponytail.
Read also: 20 Church Hairstyles for Curly Hair With Braids, Buns and Pretty Bows
side-swept curls
Want to leave your curls down? This shoulder-length shape is such a pretty option.
The curls sweep across one eye while the opposite side sits closer to the head.
I’d keep the fullness at the front rather than tucking all of it away.
colorful bands and a high puff
If you are looking for lots of little details, then this one is for you. There are connected sections, pink and pale yellow bands, plus a tall curly puff.
I love the curled ends of the swoops near the forehead. Choose one band color instead if you want a simpler version of the same idea.
side part and long ponytail
This is a lovely option if you like a smooth finish from the front through the lengths. The side part and broad sweep over the forehead lead into a long, straight ponytail.
Keep accessories minimal if you want to follow this look. The curved detail beside the part is enough on its own.
little bun over loose curls
How cute is this half-up look? A small curly bun sits at the back with lots of ringlets hanging below it.
You can still see gentle waves through the smoothed top.
Read also: 20 Valentine's Day Hairstyles for Curly Hair and Romantic Looks to Try
Don’t forget that little spiral in front of the ear if you’re saving this as your reference.
low puffs and big swoops
These double puffs sit lower than the earlier pair, but they’re just as cute. I love the middle part with those broad, rounded swoops across the forehead.
Keep the puffs out beside your ears to follow this shape.
high bun and coiled bangs
I am obsessed with this bun and fringe combination. The long, chunky coils fall across the forehead while the rest of the hair is gathered high.
If you want a front detail without sculpted edges, save this one. Those curled ends are so pretty.
heart part and crossing braid
The parting is my favorite thing about this style. It outlines a heart near the top, with a slim braid crossing over the smooth sections.
Bring this picture to your stylist if you want to try the same detail. A plain part wouldn’t give you quite the same look.
short rounded curls
Don’t want a ponytail or a bun? No problem there!
This short style has rounded curls across the top with shorter sides and little curves along the forehead. I love how the curls frame the face without covering it.
Read also: 20 Ideas for 1920s Hairstyles for Black Women and Vintage-Inspired Looks
high curls and little hooks
This is another high updo worth saving, especially if you love larger curls. The ends curl outward above the crown instead of forming a smooth bun.
The little hooked edges are so cute. Keep those if you want a detailed front to go with the loose-looking top.
white bow and beaded twists
How adorable is this bow hairstyle? A big white bow sits in front of the puff, with little white bands dotted through the sectioned top.
The front twists have white bead details too. For a simpler variation, you could keep the bow and leave off the extra beads.
swept fringe and side spirals
This updo may be a favorite if you like a sweeping front section. I love the smooth curve across the forehead beside the loose spirals.
Read also: 20 Quinceanera Hairstyles With Curls, Crowns and Pretty Braids
The bun is full and slightly tousled. Leave a curl out on each side if you want to follow that same face-framing shape.
Read also: 20 Updo With Bangs Ideas From Messy Buns to Pretty Bow Styles
curved cornrows and a puff
The braid details here are gorgeous. Curved cornrows follow a branching pattern toward a large puff at the back.
This is one to bring to a braider rather than trying to explain the pattern from memory. I’d keep the puff free of accessories so you can see all those rows.
zigzag part and curly puff
A little change in your part can give you a completely different front view. This angular zigzag runs through smooth sections beneath a full curly puff.
I especially love the lighter brown curls around the top. Try the parting with your own hair color if that’s the detail you want to borrow.
long wavy high ponytail
Last but definitely not least, we have this long wavy ponytail. I love the wrapped base and the little spiral beside the ear.
The sides are swept upward with curved edges near the temple. Ask for a covered ponytail base if you want that same finishing detail.
