Red By Kiss Braiding Gel Extreme Hold Styler Fixer Review: Is It Worth It?

I’ve tried countless braiding gels, but Red by Kiss Braiding Gel Extreme Hold Styler Fixer stands out. Its promise of maximum hold, high shine, and nourishing ingredients like Jamaican Black Castor Oil hooked me.

If you want sleek, long-lasting braids without the hassle of residue, this gel is a game-changer. Join me as I share my experience, break down its pros and cons, compare it to other brands, and offer tips to make your braids pop. Trust me, your hair deserves this!

My Experience With Red By Kiss Braiding Gel Extreme Hold

When I decided to refresh my box braids, I picked up the Red by Kiss Braiding Gel Extreme Hold Styler Fixer in the 6 oz jar. The packaging felt professional, and the claims of “extreme hold” and “no flaky residue” had me hopeful.

I have 4C hair, so finding a gel that tames my coarse texture without drying it out is always a challenge. I was also drawn to the organic ingredients—Jamaican Black Castor Oil and honey sounded like a treat for my strands.

The gel’s texture was thick but not gloopy, with a subtle, clean scent that didn’t overwhelm. I sectioned my hair, applied a small amount to my roots, and worked it through each braid. It glided on smoothly, giving my parts a crisp, polished look.

My edges laid down effortlessly, and the shine was unreal—like I’d just left the salon. For the first few days, my braids stayed neat, with no frizz creeping in. I paired it with the brand’s Foam Mousse, as suggested, which added extra hydration and kept my scalp happy.

By day five, the hold was still strong, and I didn’t spot any white residue, which is a common issue with other gels. My braids looked fresh, and my edges stayed sleek even after a sweaty gym session. However, I noticed a slight stickiness on my hands during application, and washing it out took a bit of effort.

Online reviews were mostly positive, praising the hold and shine, though some users mentioned residue if over-applied. Overall, my experience was solid, and I felt confident rocking my style.

Pros Of Red By Kiss Braiding Gel Extreme Hold

This gel has some standout features that make it a must-have for braiding enthusiasts. Here’s what I loved about it.

Exceptional Hold: The “extreme hold” claim isn’t just hype. This gel kept my braids and edges in place for days, even through humid weather and workouts. Whether you’re rocking cornrows or twists, it grips your hair without feeling heavy. Reviews on Amazon echo this, with users saying it holds 4C hair like a dream.
Gorgeous Shine: If you love that glossy, just-styled look, this gel delivers. My braids sparkled with a natural, high-shine finish that didn’t fade quickly. It’s perfect for events or daily wear when you want your hair to pop. Many users call it a staple for that polished vibe.

Nourishing Ingredients: The inclusion of Certified Organic Jamaican Black Castor Oil and honey extract is a big win. These ingredients hydrated my hair, leaving it soft and healthy-looking after washing. I didn’t feel like the gel stripped my strands, which is rare for styling products. Users with dry hair especially appreciate this nourishing boost.
Minimal Flaking: Unlike some gels that leave white flakes, this one stayed true to its “no residue” promise when applied correctly. I used a light hand, and my braids remained clean and flake-free. Reviews on Walmart confirm it’s a reliable choice for residue-free styling.
Works for All Hair Types: Whether you have coarse 4C hair like me or finer textures, this gel adapts. It’s marketed for all hair types, and reviews from users with locs, twists, and relaxed hair back this up. Its versatility makes it a great pick for anyone experimenting with protective styles.

These strengths make Red by Kiss a top contender, but it’s not perfect. Let’s talk about where it falls short.

Cons Of Red By Kiss Braiding Gel Extreme Hold

While I enjoyed this gel, a few issues kept it from being flawless. Here’s what you need to watch out for.

Sticky Application: The gel can feel tacky during application, leaving a slight residue on your hands. I had to wash my hands multiple times while braiding, which slowed me down. Some Amazon reviews mentioned this stickiness, especially if you use too much product.

Small Jar Size: The 6 oz jar is convenient, but if you braid frequently, it won’t last long. I went through half the jar in one session, which felt inefficient compared to larger options. Users on eBay noted the small size as a drawback for the price, around $6–8.
Removal Takes Effort: Washing out the gel required extra shampooing. Its strong hold means it clings to your hair, and my 4C strands felt a bit dry afterward. A few reviews mentioned needing a clarifying shampoo to fully remove it, which could be a hassle for some.
Potential Residue with Overuse: While I didn’t experience flaking, some users reported white residue if they applied too much. Amazon reviews suggest using a light touch to avoid this, but it’s worth noting if you tend to be heavy-handed with products.

Slight Learning Curve for Application: Getting the right amount of gel takes practice. Too little, and the hold weakens; too much, and you risk stickiness or residue. This isn’t a major issue, but beginners might need a few tries to nail it.

These cons are manageable with proper use, but they’re worth considering before you buy.

Comparison With Other Braiding Gels

To see how Red by Kiss stacks up, let’s look at three popular alternatives: KISS Colors & Care Braid Gel, Goiple Braid Gel, and PINK LEMON Braiding Gel. I’ve used these over the years, and they offer insight into what makes Red by Kiss special.

KISS Colors & Care Braid Gel

KISS Colors & Care Braid Gel also boasts extreme hold and nourishing ingredients like shea butter and rosemary oil. It’s great for edges and twists, with a non-sticky formula that washes out easily. However, its shine isn’t as intense as Red by Kiss, and the hold fades faster on coarse hair. Priced around $7 for 6 oz, it’s comparable but less versatile for thicker textures.

Goiple Braid Gel

Goiple Braid Gel is a lightweight option with a clean, no-residue finish. Its argan oil infusion left my hair soft, and the hold was decent for edges and twists. But it doesn’t match Red by Kiss’s extreme hold or shine for braids, especially on 4C hair. At $9 for 8.8 oz, it’s a bit pricier but a solid choice for finer hair.

PINK LEMON Braiding Gel

PINK LEMON Braiding Gel promises maximum hold and no flaking, but it fell short in my experience. It left white residue and didn’t hold as long as Red by Kiss. While it has nourishing ingredients like castor oil, the sticky texture and weak performance make it less reliable. Priced at $10 for 5 oz, it’s not the best value compared to Red by Kiss.

Red by Kiss shines for its strong hold and glossy finish, especially for coarse hair, but its smaller size and sticky application are drawbacks compared to these competitors.

Also read: My Thought on Make Succulent Gel Cream

Maintenance Tips For Using Red By Kiss Braiding Gel

To get the most out of this gel, follow these tips to keep your braids looking fresh and your hair healthy.

Use a Light Touch: Apply a small amount to your roots and braids—think a fingertip’s worth per section. I found that warming the gel between my fingers made it spread evenly, reducing stickiness. This also prevents residue, keeping your style clean.
Pair with Foam Mousse: The brand’s Styler Fixer Foam Mousse is a game-changer. I applied it after the gel to add moisture and enhance shine. It kept my scalp hydrated and my braids soft, especially in dry weather. Reviews on Amazon praise this combo for long-lasting results.
Cleanse Regularly: To avoid buildup, wash your hair every 1–2 weeks with a clarifying shampoo. I used a sulfate-free one to remove the gel without stripping my hair, followed by a deep conditioner. This kept my scalp fresh and my braids residue-free.

Protect Your Style: Wrap your hair in a satin scarf or bonnet at night to maintain the gel’s hold and reduce frizz. I noticed my edges stayed smoother when I did this, and my braids looked fresher longer. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
Moisturize Your Scalp: The gel’s nourishing ingredients help, but I still massaged a lightweight oil (like jojoba) into my scalp weekly. This prevented dryness and kept my hair healthy under the braids. Users with dry hair will appreciate this extra step.
Store Properly: Keep the gel in a cool, dry place to maintain its consistency. I stored mine in a bathroom cabinet, and it stayed smooth throughout use. Seal the jar tightly to prevent it from drying out or separating.

These tips will help you maximize the gel’s benefits and keep your braids on point.

Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)

Does braiding gel cause buildup?

Some gels can cause buildup, but Red by Kiss Braiding Gel Extreme Hold minimizes this when used sparingly. I didn’t notice significant buildup with weekly cleansing. Apply lightly and wash with a clarifying shampoo every 1–2 weeks to keep your scalp clean.

Is braiding gel good for edges?

Yes, this gel is fantastic for edges. It laid my 4C edges down smoothly with a shiny finish that lasted days. Its extreme hold keeps flyaways in check, making it ideal for sleek, polished looks.

What braiding gel doesn’t turn hair white?

Red by Kiss Braiding Gel is a safe bet for avoiding white residue if you apply it correctly. Unlike PINK LEMON, which flaked in my experience, this gel stayed clean. Goiple Braid Gel is another no-residue option.

What is the best product to use for braids?

Red by Kiss Braiding Gel Extreme Hold is my top pick for its strong hold, high shine, and nourishing ingredients. It outperforms KISS Colors & Care and PINK LEMON for coarse hair, though Goiple is great for lighter styles.

Conclusion

Red by Kiss Braiding Gel Extreme Hold Styler Fixer is a standout for anyone craving sleek, long-lasting braids. Its unbeatable hold, glossy shine, and nourishing formula make it worth every penny. Despite minor drawbacks like stickiness and a small jar, it outshines competitors like PINK LEMON and KISS Colors & Care. With my maintenance tips, you’ll keep your braids fresh and flawless. Grab this gel, and let your hair steal the show—you won’t regret it!