20 Natural Hairstyles Without Gel to Inspire Your Next Look
Looking for natural hairstyles without gel that give you more options than your usual puff? Think chunky twists, a pretty scarf or curls tucked into a claw clip.
These pictures offer plenty of shapes and little details to borrow, though a photo can't confirm which products were used.
You can keep things simple or go all out with your parting. Use these as inspiration for a gel-free version rather than expecting the exact same finish.
There are a few set and stretched looks in here too!
Natural hairstyle ideas worth saving
side twist and low puff
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous low puff. I love the chunky twist running along the side into all those curls.
The little curl beside the ear is so cute.
Read also: 20 Valentine's Day Natural Hairstyles and Sweet Styling Ideas
For your own version, keep the twist as the main detail rather than trying to flatten every little hair.
pink scarf and high puff
How cute is this scarf detail? The pink-and-white scarf is being arranged around the front of a high puff, with a flower-like fold in the middle.
Try a patterned scarf around your own puff if you want to add some color. You can leave the curls showing above it.
side-swept spiral curls
I am obsessed with these spiral curls. They fall around the jaw and shoulders, with a big sweep of curls covering part of one eye.
Save this picture if you like a side-heavy shape. Those larger ringlets at the front are the detail I’d keep.
side rows and loose curls
This curly style may just be one of my favorites here. I love the narrow braided rows on one side next to all that loose volume.
Ask for the rows on just one side if you want a similar look. Leave a few curls falling forward over your forehead.
Read also: 20 Twist Out Styles and Pretty Twist-Inspired Hair Ideas
little Bantu knots
If you are looking for an updo with a little more detail, this one is for you. These Bantu knots sit in separate sections with a clear center part at the front.
I love how you can see each little coiled shape.
high puff and two braids
How pretty is this big puff? Not gonna lie, the two long braids at the front are my favorite part!
They hang on either side of the face with loose curls at the ends.
Read also: 20 New Years Eve Hairstyles for Medium Hair and Pretty Party Looks
Try leaving two front sections out before gathering your own puff if you want to add those braids.
short curls with a side sweep
Don’t want to pull your hair up? No problem!
This short curly shape has plenty to love, from the side-swept front to the little spirals hanging over the forehead. I’d keep those front curls loose just like this.
burgundy scarf band
I love this wide burgundy scarf with the curls showing behind it. It’s such a pretty way to add color without covering the whole hairstyle.
Choose a wide scarf for your own version and let your hairline stay more relaxed if you’re skipping gel.
twists with purple rods
Here’s a styling stage rather than a finished look. Purple rods sit at the ends of chunky twists.
A section held out in front has a loose spiral shape with a rod still at its end.
If you like curled ends on your twists, save this as a reference. The picture shows the shape taking form, not the products or full setting routine.
high curls and loose tendrils
This is such a pretty way to wear your curls up. The hair is gathered high, with a sweep of curls across the front and longer tendrils beside the face.
Leave a few front curls out of your own updo rather than gathering everything back.
half-up chunky twists
I am obsessed with this half-up twist style. The top twists are gathered into a high bun while the rest hang around the shoulders.
If you already wear twists, try gathering just the upper section for a similar change. There’s no need to put every twist up.
full loose volume
Don’t want to add braids, clips or a scarf? No problem there!
This picture is all about loose volume, with a section being held out to the side.
I love the height at the crown. Use the full shape as your inspiration rather than feeling like every curl needs to look separate.
pearl-like side clip
How gorgeous is this little clip? The pale round decorations stand out against the dark curls, with one side swept back and the other falling beside the face.
For a gel-free take, borrow the clip placement and leave more texture through the swept-back section.
center part and high puff
If you like a simple puff with a clear part, this one is for you. A straight center part divides the front while the curls spread out above.
Try keeping that middle part in your own version without chasing the closely smoothed finish shown here.
small sections and spiral ends
There’s so much to love about this back view. The upper hair is held up to show a horizontal part and rows of narrow, rope-like sections ending in little curls.
Bring this close-up along if you want to discuss a similar section size and curled finish with your stylist.
flat twists and two low puffs
This is actually one of my favorite styles on the list. The curved flat-twisted rows lead into two low puffs at the nape.
Those little rounded puffs are just so cute together.
Save the back view so you have a reference for the parting as well as the finished shape.
loose bun and long front pieces
Looking for a bun idea for hair you’re wearing stretched? This loose, full bun has wispy ends around the back and a long section hanging beside the face.
Read also: 20 Bora Bora Braids and Pretty Braided Looks to Save
I’d keep the undone shape rather than tucking every end away. The photo doesn’t show how the hair was stretched.
claw clip and curly ends
I love this curly updo with the large brown claw clip. The clip sits vertically at the back, with curls spilling out above it and a loose spiral at the front.
Read also: 20 Natural Hairstyle Ideas With Headbands, Scarves and Pretty Updos
Try a clip that fits your gathered hair without pulling. Keep some curly ends showing for a similar look.
rounded curls and a full fringe
If you love bigger curls, then this one is for you. Large rounded curls frame the face, with a full curled fringe sitting just above the eyes.
This is a lovely shape to show your stylist for a set look. I especially love the curls turning in different directions across the front.
angled twists and double puffs
Last but definitely not least, we have these gorgeous double puffs. I am obsessed with the angled parting!
The narrow twisted rows run back from the hairline toward two big puffs.
Keep this overhead picture as a reference if you want to borrow the pattern. The parting is worth showing as clearly as the puffs.
