all-day-strong hold
Synthetic hold polymers are present.
- PVP
- VP/Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate Copolymer
- Carbomer
Supported
Structure that lasts the day.
Herbal Essences
Strong Hold Curl Scrunching Gel with Frizz Control
Styler / Gel, polymer-set
- Styler
- gel
- Sulfate-free
- Protein-free
- Curly-method
- Cruelty-free · label states
Size6 fl oz
Price$5.99 Good valueseen at one store · 6 oz
Price / oz$1.00/ozat 6 oz
Where to buy1 store · $5.99–5.99
Add it to your products. We’ll tell you if it’s ever recalled.
Manufacturer page: herbalessences.com
Personal fit
Is this right for you?
Complete the consultation to see how well this product fits your hair and your goals. With 6,000+ products in our library, we can match you to the right ones.
- About 20 minutes, and your answers save as you go.
- Every product matched against your hair across the 23 factors we check.
- A personalized routine built around your schedule, styling habits, and local weather.
- Find products that do the same job at a lower cost.
- Your goals, scalp, damage history, water, budget, and scent preferences all shape your plan.
$49 with 60 days of follow-up questions and plan updates
$99 with 12 months. Pay once; the year renews only if you choose.
Factor
Your profile
Fit
Best for hair types
Wavy–Coily
Not in your profile
Moisture level
None found
Not in your profile
Hold system
High
Not in your profile
Slip / detangling
Some
Not in your profile
Weight on hair
Medium
Not in your profile
Fragrance
Present
Not in your profile
Protein
None
Not in your profile
Silicone / wax buildup
Low
Not in your profile
Clarifying wash needed
Low
Not in your profile
Scent
FruityStrength not recorded
Not in your profile
Show all 23 factors we check
The rest of what your plan weighs on this product.
Parabens / preservatives
None of these listed
Not in your profile
Essential oils
None listed
Not in your profile
Fast-drying alcohol
None
Not in your profile
Vegan / cruelty-free
Cruelty-free · label states
Not in your profile
Animal-derived ingredients
Not yet verified
Not in your profile
Aerosol can
Pump or tube
Not in your profile
Needs heat to set
Not determined
Not in your profile
Heavy humectants
Not heavy
Not in your profile
Hard-water defence
High
Not in your profile
UV filter
None listed
Not in your profile
Ingredient list
11 ingredientsA short list
Not in your profile
Price tier
Drugstore
Not in your profile
Where to buy it
Grocery / massOne channel
Not in your profile
The consultation builds your hair profile, checks every factor in this table against it, and tells you where this product fits or what to use instead.
Start your consultation$49 once, with 60 days of follow-up questions and plan updates. Nothing renews, and you never have to buy a product.
Your avoid-list
Lower cost than most gels
$1.00/oz at 6 oz, less than 80% of the 267 gels , which mostly run $1.13–3.78/oz.
Great for
Protein-sensitive hairthat stiffens when protein is added
Curly-method routinesno sulfates and no water-insoluble silicones
Curl definitionfilm formers hold a clump together
Very dry hairno fast-drying alcohol in the list
Aerosol avoidancea pump or tube, not a pressurised can
A wide range of haira middle-of-the-range weight
Maybe skip if
this product has a scent
Anyone who dislikes a castthe film formers here can set firm
Silicone-free routinesit does contain silicones, the water-soluble kind
Picking it up locallywe’ve only seen it sold in one channel
What the formula actually does
Read from the label, not the marketing
Each row says where it comes from: F means we derived it from this product’s own ingredient list, S means it is a claim the brand makes that the formula neither confirms nor contradicts.
Hold system
Synthetic polymer
Synthetic hold polymers, the firmest kind of hold.
Cast risk
Likely
Film formers with little to soften them, so expect a cast to scrunch out.
Weight on the hair
Medium
Middle of the range: noticeable on fine hair, light on coarse hair.
Oil absorption
None
No absorbent powders or starches.
Oils and butters
None
No oils or butters in the list.
Fast-drying alcohol
None
No fast-drying alcohol in the list.
Needs detergent to remove
Rinses with water
The silicones here are the water-soluble kind.
Fragrance
Present
Fragrance is listed; it sits below the working ingredients.
from the formula
stated by the brand
reported by reviewers
Scale: 1 dot low · 5 dots high, within this product type.
Ingredients that matter
The ingredients that change a decision
The workhorse ingredients, plus anything lower down that changes a decision. The chips name what an ingredient does. They are not safety scores, and no ingredient here is rated good or bad on its own.
| Ingredient | What it does | Why it matters | Chip |
|---|---|---|---|
| WaterWater/Eau | solvent | The base everything else is dissolved in | Neutral |
| PVP | film former | Lays down the film that holds a shape | Holds |
| Laureth-23 | emulsifier | Keeps oil and water mixed | Stabilizes |
| Benzyl Alcohol | preservative | Keeps the product from spoiling | Stabilizes |
| VP/Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate Copolymer | film former | A supporting film former | Holds |
| Triisopropanolamine | pH adjuster | Fine-tunes the pH | pH balancer |
| Carbomer | thickener | Adjusts the texture | Holds |
| PEG-12 Dimethicone | emollient | A softening touch, low in the list | Shine |
| FragranceFragrance/Parfum | fragrance | The scent | Fragrance |
| Ethylhexylglycerin | preservative | Keeps the product from spoiling | Softens |
What the list leaves out, and what it carriesNo sulfates or drying alcohols. Protein-free: this is built for moisture rather than for strengthening. Contains fragrance. Chelators for hard water.
Full ingredient list (11)
In the US, ingredients above 1% are listed from most to least. Below 1% they can appear in any order. Each note keeps three things apart: what the ingredient generally does, its role in this type of product, and what its position can tell you.
-
1
Water
· Water/Eau
General function
The base of almost every rinse-off and cream hair product. It carries everything else and is normally the first ingredient on the label.
Leading ingredientListed in the first three ingredients, it is likely a structural part of this formula.
- solvent
-
2
PVP
General function
A classic hairspray polymer. It gives firm hold but attracts moisture, so humidity can soften the set.
Leading ingredientListed in the first three ingredients, it is likely a structural part of this formula.
PubChemMay suitMaximum-hold stylingSynthetic film formers dry into a continuous film, which is what holds a shape against movement and against humid air.
DependsBuild-up-sensitive routinesSome acrylate copolymers rinse with water and some need a detergent; the label alone does not say which one a formula used.
May not suitClimate-sensitive or frizz-prone hairThe film takes up water from the air. The patent work that produced the VP/VA copolymers describes a PVP film turning sticky after time in a humid atmosphere, and being dependable only where humidity is low — so hold and feel both move with the weather.
- film former
- polymer
-
3
Laureth-23
General function
A water-loving emulsifier, normally paired with a lower-numbered laureth to balance a cream.
Leading ingredientListed in the first three ingredients, it is likely a structural part of this formula.
- emulsifier
- solubilizer
- ▾Below about here, the order stops meaning much. These are usually used at 1% or less.
-
4
Benzyl Alcohol
General function
A preservative and solvent that also occurs naturally in some essential oils.
Estimated lower-concentration zonePubChemIt appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.
- preservative
- solvent
-
5
VP/Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate Copolymer
General function
A hold polymer with a conditioning charge, used for a soft set that rinses out.
Estimated lower-concentration zoneIt appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.
May suitClimate-sensitive or frizz-prone hairA set polymer film is a physical barrier to humidity, so a style keeps its shape longer in damp conditions.
May suitMaximum-hold stylingSynthetic film formers dry into a continuous film, which is what holds a shape against movement and against humid air.
DependsBuild-up-sensitive routinesSome acrylate copolymers rinse with water and some need a detergent; the label alone does not say which one a formula used.
- film former
- polymer
-
6
Triisopropanolamine
General function
A base used to neutralise hold polymers so they set and thicken properly.
Estimated lower-concentration zoneIt appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.
- pH adjuster
-
7
Carbomer
General function
A thickener that turns a liquid into a clear gel. It also contributes a light hold.
Estimated lower-concentration zoneIt appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.
May suitClimate-sensitive or frizz-prone hairA set polymer film is a physical barrier to humidity, so a style keeps its shape longer in damp conditions.
May suitMaximum-hold stylingSynthetic film formers dry into a continuous film, which is what holds a shape against movement and against humid air.
DependsBuild-up-sensitive routinesSome acrylate copolymers rinse with water and some need a detergent; the label alone does not say which one a formula used.
- thickener
- polymer
- film former
-
8
PEG-12 Dimethicone
General function
A water-soluble silicone that smooths without the build-up concern of standard silicones.
Estimated lower-concentration zoneIt appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.
May suitBuild-up-sensitive routinesThe PEG- and PPG-modified silicones disperse in water, so ordinary washing carries them off instead of leaving a film to accumulate.
May suitClimate-sensitive or frizz-prone hairA surface film slows how quickly humidity reaches the cortex, which is what limits swelling-driven frizz in damp air.
May suitFrizz-prone, damaged, or high-friction hairDelivers the slip and surface smoothing of a silicone without needing a detergent wash to remove it afterwards.
- emollient
- silicone
- water-soluble silicone
-
9
Fragrance
· Fragrance/Parfum
General function
An undisclosed blend of scent ingredients. Regulations let it stay unlisted, so a fragrance-free product is the only way to be certain what is not in it.
Estimated lower-concentration zoneIt appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.
May not suitFragrance-sensitive routinesDeclared fragrance. On a fragrance-sensitive routine this is the line that decides it, wherever it sits on the label.
- fragrance
- declared fragrance
-
10
Ethylhexylglycerin
General function
A preservative booster that also adds a little softness. Almost always paired with phenoxyethanol.
Estimated lower-concentration zoneIt appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.
PubChemMay suitFrizz-prone, damaged, or high-friction hairEmollients fill and smooth the surface of the strand, which lowers the friction that lifts the cuticle and reads as roughness.
- preservative
- emollient
-
11
Disodium EDTA
General function
Grabs metal ions from hard water so they cannot dull the hair or destabilise the formula.
Estimated lower-concentration zoneIt appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.
PubChemMay suitBuild-up-sensitive routinesBinds the calcium and magnesium in hard water, which is what stops mineral deposits accumulating on the strand wash after wash.
May suitGray, silver, or brass-prone hairCopper and iron carried in tap water deposit on the strand and read as a dull, warm cast on gray or light hair. A chelator holds those metals in solution so the wash carries them off.
- hard-water chelator
What the whole list adds up to
- 3 film formers
- 3 polymers
- 2 solvents
- 2 preservatives
- 2 emollients
- 1 emulsifier
- 1 solubilizer
- 1 pH adjuster
- 1 thickener
- 1 silicone
- 1 water-soluble silicone
- 1 fragrance
- 1 declared fragrance
- 1 hard-water chelator
Ingredient list captured 2026-09-12. Formulas change, so check the package in your hand when an ingredient matters to you.
Price · 6 oz
Seen at
$5.99
Good value under
$6
Usually a good value. Most stores sell it under the $6 line, and products that do this job typically go for about $7 at this size.
Show the price ladder
Where we’ve seen it2 listings · 1 store
-
herbalessences.com (brand-stated MSRP)
$5.996 oz · $1.00/ozSep 12Lowest per oz
-
herbalessences.com (brand-stated MSRP)
$5.996 oz · $1.00/ozSep 12
Sorted by price per ounce. Dated observations from our research, not live prices. Direct store pages, no affiliate links. We don’t sell this product.
How we work this out
- 6 oz is the size stores list most often; every comparison on this page is made at it. Other sizes are shown in the Sizes row and the store list.
- Seen at $5.99 is the price we have observed for the 6 oz. We need three stores before we call a price commonly seen.
- Good value under $6 comes from the 7 products we score as doing the same job as this one. A quarter of them cost less than $0.97/oz; at 6 oz that is $6. Under that line you are paying less than most of them.
- About $7 is what those same products typically cost at this size: the midpoint of their prices per ounce, scaled to 6 oz.
Formula
9
Formula score
9 of 10
This formula covers the systems a gel is built around, and it costs less per ounce than most of the gels we have researched.
How the score is counted
- Costs less per ounce than 80% of the 267 gels we’ve priced
- Covers 5 of the 6 things a gel should do
- Drugstore tier, sold at Grocery / mass
- Drugstore tier
- A hold systemThe polymer, gum, or wax that holds the shape.3 pts
- Softeners alongside the holdWhat keeps a film flexible instead of brittle.2 pts
- No drying alcohol in the first threeFast drying without leading on alcohol.2 pts
- A humectantBinds water into the hair.1 pt
- A humidity claim with a mechanismThe claim has a film former or silicone behind it.1 pt
- Fragrance kept out of the top eightScent as a finishing touch, not a major share.1 pt
The formula score measures completeness for the job: a weighted share of the systems this product type is usually built around that we find in this list. It does not rate how well the product works or its quality, and it never compares across product types.
Does the same job
Formulas that do the same things (cleanse, condition, coat or hold) for less per ounce. Scent, texture and where you buy them can still differ.
PanteneClosest function
Flexible Waves & Curls Gel
$1.18/oz $0.18/oz more
- Protein-free
- Curly method
- Alcohol-free
- Function
- Also
The DouxLowest cost per oz
Block Party Anti-Humidity Defining Gel
$1.06/oz $0.06/oz more
- Protein-free
- Curly method
- Alcohol-free
- Function
- Also
Sexy HairLighter feel
Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Plus Humidity Resistant Volumizing Spray Mousse
$2.00/oz $1.00/oz more
- Protein-free
- Curly method
- Lightweight
- Function
- Also
See more alternatives in the product library
These products do a similar job. We haven’t matched them to you. Find the one that fits your hair, routine and budget
Final decision
Should you buy it?
A solid pick for the hair it suitsBest user
Hair that stiffens on protein who want a protein-free formula and a curly-method-compatible formula
Biggest tradeoff
Worth skipping for anyone sensitive to fragrance, anyone who will not scrunch out a cast, or silicone-free routines
Best alternative if not
Nothing in our library matches it closely at a lower price.
We do not sell products or take placement fees. This page states what the formula and the prices show; the consultation is what matches it to a person.
Claims check
What the brand says, and what the formula shows
Claims are quoted from the brand. We mark a claim supported, partly supported or conflicting only when the ingredient list speaks to it. Everything else stays "stated by the brand". That isn’t a criticism: most claims can’t be checked from a label.
6
SupportedBacked by ingredients
0
Partly supportedSome supporting logic
2
Stated by brandNo clear evidence
0
Potential conflictFormula works against claim
humidity-protection and frizz control up to 24 hours
Silicones or film formers smooth the cuticle, which is the usual mechanism.
- PVP
- VP/Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate Copolymer
- Carbomer
Supported
Smoother strands, less frizz.
PETA cruelty-free
Our researched record has this brand as cruelty-free.
—
Supported
Matches our researched record.
paraben-free
No parabens appear in the ingredient list.
—
Supported
Preserved without parabens.
mineral-oil-free
This is a marketing claim; an ingredient list cannot speak to it.
—
Stated by brand
Can’t be confirmed from label.
color-safe
It avoids sulfate detergents, which are the usual cause of fast fade.
—
Supported
Less fade per wash.
dye-free
This is a marketing claim; an ingredient list cannot speak to it.
—
Stated by brand
Can’t be confirmed from label.
pH-balanced
A pH adjuster is present, which is how a formula is brought to an acidic pH.
- Triisopropanolamine
Supported
Brought to an acidic pH.
How to read this
We look at the first 10–15 ingredients and what they do in a formula, not at the marketing. If the list doesn't speak to a claim, we don't assume.
Reviewers
What people report
Themes that come up again and again in sourced reviews, written by our researchers in their own words. We don’t store or scrape star ratings.
Several loyal customers report difficulty finding this product on store shelves and having to order it online instead.
Multiple reviewers say the scent is mild and fruity, though one described the reformulated version as smelling like glue.
A large cluster of longtime users say a reformulation made the gel thin and watery with little to no hold or frizz control, a sharp regression from the product they used for years.
Long-time users with wavy to 3b/3c curly hair say it enhances curl definition and controls frizz with all-day hold and little crunch to scrunch out.
More from Herbal Essences
How this page was made
- Everything above comes from our researched product record: identity, the ingredient list as printed, the brand's own claims, dated prices and review themes our researchers wrote in their own words. No part of this page is written by hand for one product.
- The value band is a fixed label over two stored numbers: this product’s cost per ounce as a percentile of every product of this type we have priced, each at the size it is most often sold in, and how many products we score as doing the same job cost at least a quarter less per ounce.
- Both scores out of ten are defined on this page. The formula score is completeness for the job, computed from a fixed per-format checklist shown beneath the gauge; the price score is cost per ounce against every product of this type we have priced.
- The "Is this right for you?" panel reads only your own consultation answers, and it applies exactly the filters our recommendation engine applies. It is computed when you load the page and is never stored on it.
- 4 sources consulted for this product (0 manufacturer or regulatory, 1 retailer, 3 editorial), last checked 2026-09-13.
- Ingredient references are linked for 3 of 7 product-aware annotations on this page. Fit notes are general formulation guidance. They aren’t a verdict on the finished product or on you.
- We haven’t tested this product in a lab, and we don’t physically test your hair. Formula readings come from the ingredient list. Claims about how it behaves are labelled as the brand's.
- Ingredient order tells you relative amount only above roughly 1%. Prices are what we saw on the dates shown and can change.
- Ingredient names link to our ingredient library, where each entry shows what it does, which product types use it, and where it usually sits on a label across everything we have researched.
- This is cosmetic information, not medical advice, and nothing here diagnoses or treats a health condition.
- Formula readings: derivation v23. Record last updated 2026-09-13.
