Two of the best budget gels in the curly hair world - and they could not be more different. Eco Style Olive Oil Gel is the heavy-duty hold champion that has been a staple in the curl community for decades. Aunt Jackie's Don't Shrink Flaxseed Gel is the softer, more natural alternative that gives definition without the crunch. Both cost under $10. Both work. But they are made for very different curl types and styling goals. Here is how to figure out which one belongs in your routine.
In This Guide
At a Glance
| Eco Style Olive Oil Gel | Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Gel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$3-5 (large tub) | ~$8 (15 oz jar) |
| Hold Level | Maximum | Light-to-medium |
| Texture | Traditional clear gel | Jelly-like, thicker |
| Gel Cast | Yes - scrunch out the crunch after drying | Minimal to none |
| Key Ingredient | Olive oil | Flaxseed extract |
| Best For | 3A-4C curls needing strong hold | 2B-3B curls, wavy hair |
| Finish | Shiny, defined - soft after SOTC | Soft and touchable from the start |
Eco Style Olive Oil Gel
Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel (~$3-5)
Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel
The budget king of curly hair gels. A massive tub costs less than a cup of coffee and lasts for months. Delivers maximum hold, a bright shine, and clean definition - with zero flaking when applied correctly to wet hair. The gel cast is real, but scrunch out the crunch once fully dry and your curls come out soft and bouncy. Read the full Eco Style Olive Oil Gel review for a deeper breakdown.
Get It Here →Who Should Use Eco Style
Eco Style is best suited for curl types 3A through 4C - anyone with well-defined, springy-to-coily curls that need serious hold to stay in place all day. If your curls tend to drop, lose definition, or puff up in humidity, Eco Style's maximum hold will lock them in. It is especially popular in the natural hair community for wash-and-go styles on tightly coiled hair.
If your hair is on the looser end - think 2B or 2C waves - Eco Style's strong hold can weigh down your pattern and create stiffness that feels like helmet hair. In that case, Aunt Jackie's is usually the better pick.
How to Apply Eco Style Without Crunch
- Apply to soaking wet hair right out of the shower - never dry or damp
- Use the "praying hands" method to smooth it over each section, then scrunch upward
- Allow hair to fully air dry or diffuse on low heat - do not touch while drying
- Once completely dry, scrunch out the crunch (SOTC) with dry hands or a microfiber cloth
- Finish with a tiny drop of oil to add shine and seal the style
Eco Style Strengths
- Unbeatable price - the most affordable gel on the market by a wide margin
- Maximum hold that lasts all day without reapplication
- No flaking when applied correctly to wet hair
- Huge tubs mean you use it freely without worrying about running out
- Clear formula that works on all hair colors without residue
Eco Style Weaknesses
- Strong gel cast that requires SOTC - not ideal for people who want instant softness
- Too heavy for loose waves and fine hair
- Contains carbomer and other synthetic polymers - not a clean beauty product
- Can feel stiff and crunchy if you skip the SOTC step
Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Gel
Aunt Jackie's Don't Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel (~$8)
Aunt Jackie's Don't Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel
The go-to gel for anyone who hates the feel of a traditional gel cast. Flaxseed extract provides natural slip and definition while keeping curls soft and touchable from the moment they dry. Light-to-medium hold means your curls move naturally - no stiffness, no crunch, no SOTC required. Great for wavy hair and anyone transitioning away from heavy styling products.
Get It Here →Who Should Use Aunt Jackie's
Aunt Jackie's is ideal for 2B through 3B curl types - wavy to loosely curly hair that needs definition without weight. If you have tried traditional gels and hated the crunchy cast, or if your curls get weighed down easily, Aunt Jackie's softer hold is worth trying. It is also a good option for people who prefer more natural ingredient lists, since flaxseed is a plant-derived holding agent rather than a synthetic polymer.
For very tight coils (3C-4C), Aunt Jackie's medium hold may not be enough to keep curls defined all day, especially in humid conditions. Eco Style will serve those curl types better.
Aunt Jackie's Strengths
- Soft, touchable hold from the start - no gel cast to deal with
- Flaxseed-based formula feels more natural and lightweight
- Great for wavy and loosely curly hair that gets weighed down by heavy gels
- Still very affordable at around $8 for a generous jar
- Works well as a standalone styler or layered under a stronger gel
Aunt Jackie's Weaknesses
- Light-to-medium hold may not last all day on tighter curl types
- Not enough hold for very coily hair in humid weather
- Slightly more expensive than Eco Style per ounce
- Jelly texture can be harder to distribute evenly on thick hair
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Eco Style | Aunt Jackie's | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hold Strength | Maximum | Light-to-medium | Eco Style |
| Softness / Feel | Crunchy until SOTC | Soft from the start | Aunt Jackie's |
| Price | ~$3-5 | ~$8 | Eco Style |
| Best for Wavy Hair | No | Yes | Aunt Jackie's |
| Best for Coily Hair | Yes | No | Eco Style |
| Ingredient Quality | Synthetic polymers | Flaxseed-based, cleaner | Aunt Jackie's |
| Ease of Use | Requires SOTC step | No extra step needed | Aunt Jackie's |
| Shine | High shine | Natural, subtle shine | Tie |
| Value for Money | Exceptional | Very good | Eco Style |
The Verdict
Choose Eco Style if: you have 3A-4C curls and need maximum hold that lasts all day. You do not mind the gel cast as long as you know to scrunch out the crunch at the end. You want the most product for the least money. Nothing beats it for hold strength at this price point.
Choose Aunt Jackie's if: you have wavy or loosely curly hair (2B-3B), hate the feel of a gel cast, or just want soft, touchable curls without any extra steps. The flaxseed formula defines without stiffness - what you dry with is what you get.
Honestly - buy both. Together they cost around $12, which is still cheaper than a single bottle of most premium curl products. Use Eco Style on wash day when you want long-lasting definition. Reach for Aunt Jackie's on refresh days or when you want a softer, more natural feel. They cover every situation. For more budget-friendly options, see our best curly hair products under $10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Eco Style Gel cause flaking?
Eco Style Olive Oil Gel rarely flakes when applied to wet hair. Flaking usually happens when it is applied to dry or damp hair, or when layered over too many products. Apply it to dripping-wet hair and scrunch out the crunch once fully dry for the best results.
Can I use Eco Style and Aunt Jackie's together?
Yes - a popular method is to use Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Gel as a base layer for soft definition, then seal with a small amount of Eco Style on top for extra hold. This gives you the softness of Aunt Jackie's with the hold strength of Eco Style - a great combination for 3A-3B curl types.
Which gel is better for wavy hair - Eco Style or Aunt Jackie's?
Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Gel is better for wavy hair. Its light-to-medium hold enhances waves without weighing them down or creating a stiff cast. Eco Style's maximum hold can flatten loose 2A-2B waves. For 2C-3A hair, either can work depending on your hold preference. See our guide to common wavy hair mistakes for more styling tips.
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