At first I tried applying this product to slightly wet hair and comb my hair back, as I have medium/long hair that I wear kinda pulled back but with my bangs still over my forehead. Well I combed it in and I looked like a straight up mobster, complete with the v hairline slicked back and greasy, thick hair. So at first I thought I had wasted my money.This was at night as I wanted to test out it's look before just going in blind in the morning, but when it dried and I woke up the next morning my hair looked great. My hairline is a little thin in the corners but thick elsewhere, so this gave it some texture and thickness along there and allowed my hair to look suave throughout the day. Before, my hair would look good but when a strong gust of wind blew it looked ... MoreAt first I tried applying this product to slightly wet hair and comb my hair back, as I have medium/long hair that I wear kinda pulled back but with my bangs still over my forehead. Well I combed it in and I looked like a straight up mobster, complete with the v hairline slicked back and greasy, thick hair. So at first I thought I had wasted my money.This was at night as I wanted to test out it's look before just going in blind in the morning, but when it dried and I woke up the next morning my hair looked great. My hairline is a little thin in the corners but thick elsewhere, so this gave it some texture and thickness along there and allowed my hair to look suave throughout the day. Before, my hair would look good but when a strong gust of wind blew it looked like wildman hair.Now it barely blows around and when it does I can just pull it back up and it goes back into the place it was originally styled at the night before. I wouldn't call it super firm but its just the right amount of hold for my longish hair.

American Crew Gel in firm hold keeps my mans hair in place. . . It is a great styling gel, and is easy to gel into hair. . . Smells good as well. All my husband uses

Fake product?

I have been using this hair gel for several years now. my most recent order the product inside the tube was not anything like I have had in the past. it was basically like water and not a gel and it was also cloudy. the smell of it is also different so I'm wondering if this is either watered down or a completely fake product. I cannot recommend this product anymore, at least from this seller.

Great Hold, No Flakes! Love this Gel!

Great hold, no flakes! Love this gel! Provides strong hold without any residue. Perfect for styling all day. Highly recommend!

I've been a user of Joigel medium and full hair styling gel for over 20 years. I would buy my Joi...

I've been a user of Joigel medium and full hair styling gel for over 20 years. I would buy my Joigel from my stylist at about $22 to $25 for a 33oz bottle with pump top. This last year Joigel has stopped selling the large pump bottle, going instead with small 8oz tubes at $12 each. A move apparently to raise prices without being obvious. 4 tubes x8oz =32oz, so 4x$12 means the price of 33 oz of Joigel is now $48. So I went looking for a NEW hair gel solution. The reviews were good on American Crew so I bought a bottle. It is a big bottle like the old Joigel was, and priced similarly. So far with "Medium" I've been happy with its hold. Not too stiff. Pleasant smell. The old Joigel originally came with a pump dispenser and then went to a oversized cap/top that served ... MoreI've been a user of Joigel medium and full hair styling gel for over 20 years. I would buy my Joigel from my stylist at about $22 to $25 for a 33oz bottle with pump top. This last year Joigel has stopped selling the large pump bottle, going instead with small 8oz tubes at $12 each. A move apparently to raise prices without being obvious. 4 tubes x8oz =32oz, so 4x$12 means the price of 33 oz of Joigel is now $48. So I went looking for a NEW hair gel solution. The reviews were good on American Crew so I bought a bottle. It is a big bottle like the old Joigel was, and priced similarly. So far with "Medium" I've been happy with its hold. Not too stiff. Pleasant smell. The old Joigel originally came with a pump dispenser and then went to a oversized cap/top that served as a base, sort of like some ketchup bottles, where you can turn the bottle on its head and let gravity keep the gel near the top when you go to use it. Either of these refinements would be welcome on the American Crew bottle.

If you're looking for a hair gel that has a super-duper, concrete-like firm hold...this is it. It...

If you're looking for a hair gel that has a super-duper, concrete-like firm hold...this is it. It's also got a pleasant, non-offensive, masculine scent. It's easy to spread throughout the hair (unlike some of the other "ultra firm" hold hair gels) and you can easily thin out the gel with some water. However, it does take about an hour for this gel to dry at ambient room temperature, once applied. Just note that if you're looking to transfer the gel into another bottle (like a travel bottle), the scent disappears quickly and it starts to take on a weird consistency. Keep it in the original bottle or buy a smaller bottle size. And if you're keeping it on your bathroom counter, look into buying a pump. Be sure to shop around, pricing varies wildly between beauty shops ... MoreIf you're looking for a hair gel that has a super-duper, concrete-like firm hold...this is it. It's also got a pleasant, non-offensive, masculine scent. It's easy to spread throughout the hair (unlike some of the other "ultra firm" hold hair gels) and you can easily thin out the gel with some water. However, it does take about an hour for this gel to dry at ambient room temperature, once applied. Just note that if you're looking to transfer the gel into another bottle (like a travel bottle), the scent disappears quickly and it starts to take on a weird consistency. Keep it in the original bottle or buy a smaller bottle size. And if you're keeping it on your bathroom counter, look into buying a pump. Be sure to shop around, pricing varies wildly between beauty shops and online retailers.

Over the years, I've tried many brands of gel. Glossimo gel was my favorite for years and then Ba...

Over the years, I've tried many brands of gel. Glossimo gel was my favorite for years and then Bain De Terre's original until both companies stopped making them. A friend recommended I try American Crew and I've never looked back. What I like about this gel is that it has a wide range of holds and is not greasy. A trick to increase the power of the hold is to apply it to wetter, not dripping hair vs. damp or dry hair. The wetter your hair, the more a given amount holds. After a traditional short haircut, I find that using a little bit on almost dry hair gives my medium-fine hair the body it needs. Also, something I noticed as my hair has started to grey is that, besides providing body, it covers the grey hair until it completely dries out which, can take 4+ hours. ... MoreOver the years, I've tried many brands of gel. Glossimo gel was my favorite for years and then Bain De Terre's original until both companies stopped making them. A friend recommended I try American Crew and I've never looked back. What I like about this gel is that it has a wide range of holds and is not greasy. A trick to increase the power of the hold is to apply it to wetter, not dripping hair vs. damp or dry hair. The wetter your hair, the more a given amount holds. After a traditional short haircut, I find that using a little bit on almost dry hair gives my medium-fine hair the body it needs. Also, something I noticed as my hair has started to grey is that, besides providing body, it covers the grey hair until it completely dries out which, can take 4+ hours. At home, I use the large bottle and have added a third-party pump. For traveling, I use one of the smaller bottles. Note that the TSA has never questioned the smaller 8 oz. bottle that I keep refilling but know that if you do use their smaller bottle, it is over the TSA's 3 oz. rule.

Pretty good, but thin and has strong smell

The firm hold works pretty well. My partner finds that it holds his hair in place throughout the day. The smell is a little strong for me, it makes me sneeze if I get too close. I prefer Jack Everyman Hair Gel Unscented, but I'm having a hard time finding it in stores here.The texture of the product is very thin, almost watery. It feels like the same thickness of store bought aloe vera gel. Because it's so watery, my partner seems to use up the product fast, so I find I'm constantly having to buy more.They have multiple sizes including a smaller 8.4 ounce bottle. But if you think you like it, buy the big bottle or whatever is cheaper per once because you need to use a good amount of product.As a female, I use a teeny bit for my fly away hairs around my side ... MoreThe firm hold works pretty well. My partner finds that it holds his hair in place throughout the day. The smell is a little strong for me, it makes me sneeze if I get too close. I prefer Jack Everyman Hair Gel Unscented, but I'm having a hard time finding it in stores here.The texture of the product is very thin, almost watery. It feels like the same thickness of store bought aloe vera gel. Because it's so watery, my partner seems to use up the product fast, so I find I'm constantly having to buy more.They have multiple sizes including a smaller 8.4 ounce bottle. But if you think you like it, buy the big bottle or whatever is cheaper per once because you need to use a good amount of product.As a female, I use a teeny bit for my fly away hairs around my side part.I originally bought the light and firm hold and the light was useless.

So Ive had this bottle for over 2 years and it still wont finish lol. Its a great quantity for th...

So Ive had this bottle for over 2 years and it still wont finish lol. Its a great quantity for the value I have to admit. Hoooooweverrrr- the hold strength is pretty garbage. It doesnt withstand wind, activity, or much movement. And length of time is its enemy. I have wavy thick hair and I have to put like a fistful of gel to get the look and hold I want. Then, after about 4-6 hours I have to redo it because it wears off. After using it for 2 years and being stingy to not pay for a different gel since I still have half a bottle full- I finally hit the bullet and bought a balm style one. That thing works magic with literally just a quarter size balm in my palm. So if you have thick hair, I wouldnt recommend this for a strong hold.

This review is for American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel: I have been a happy customer of American ...

This review is for American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel: I have been a happy customer of American Crew Gel for 10+ years. I have tried all different kinds of hair gels, in different price ranges, & this is the one I keep going back to time & again. I have thick hair, & this works well for me, & does not dry or flake. I like that it is alcohol free. Smell: it has a slight smell, almost like a men's cologne. Not overpowering & doesn't linger. The smell is noticeable mainly when you are squeezing it from the bottle. After its applied, & throughout the day, there is no smell at all. Hold: Just as it says- firm hold. Hair does not move & adjust the amount you need for desired stiffness. A little goes a long way- this gel is thick. Wearability: This lasts all day for me, ... MoreThis review is for American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel: I have been a happy customer of American Crew Gel for 10+ years. I have tried all different kinds of hair gels, in different price ranges, & this is the one I keep going back to time & again. I have thick hair, & this works well for me, & does not dry or flake. I like that it is alcohol free. Smell: it has a slight smell, almost like a men's cologne. Not overpowering & doesn't linger. The smell is noticeable mainly when you are squeezing it from the bottle. After its applied, & throughout the day, there is no smell at all. Hold: Just as it says- firm hold. Hair does not move & adjust the amount you need for desired stiffness. A little goes a long way- this gel is thick. Wearability: This lasts all day for me, without flaking. I apply it after washing/drying my hair in the morning & it lasts thru out the day- same great hold as the morning all day long, without having to reapply. Difference between formulas: I've purchased the light hold & firm hold. I prefer the firm hold because I use less product to get the desired result. Both had similar smells when applying, & are similar consistencies. Both are good quality gels. Size: I like buying the 33.8 oz bottle. This size bottle typically lasts a few months, & it is more economical to buy the bigger size. I've found the best prices here on Home Essentials Direct so far. What I usually do is if I see a great deal on it, I will buy a few, then will be all set for a year+. They don't go bad, & when you find a bargain, buying a few extra will save you money in the long run, especially for a product you use daily & have been using for years. For comparison, my local large beauty retail chain sells these for $33. I've purchased them online for up to 46% off discount. Can women use this?: Yes, Sure. Even though it is marketed for men, women can use it to. The initial smell smells like it should be just for a man, but as mentioned earlier, the smell goes away after applied, so a woman could use it if she needed to. If she ever runs out of her brand of gel, she could definitely use this one if she wanted to. This is a really great hair gel. I give it a solid 5 stars & will continue to purchase.