Last updated, June 2026
The Beginner Braider's Product Guide
What I actually use in the studio, and what I'd tell my little sister to buy if she wanted to start braiding tomorrow.
One of the questions I get asked most often as a professional braider and educator is, "What gel do you use?"
The honest answer is that there isn't one perfect gel.
Different products do different jobs. Some are brilliant for making your parts look clean, some are better for gripping coarser hair at the base, and some are great for smoothing the natural hair into the braid as you work.
The mistake I see beginners make is buying five or six different products because someone recommended them on social media. In reality, you can produce beautiful work with just a few well-chosen products and good technique.
This isn't a sponsored list. It's simply what I've found works after years of braiding clients, teaching students, and working across different hair textures.
The Three Types of Braiding Gel You Actually Need
Not "Top 10 Gels."
Just:
1. A conditioning gel for starting braids and parting.
This is the gel I reach for when I want clean sections and when I'm smoothing the natural hair into the extension hair as I braid down. Conditioning gels tend to be softer and easier to work with, which is why I usually recommend them to beginners.
My go-to:
Shine 'n Jam Conditioning Gel - Extra Hold
2. A stronger moulding gel for 4C and coarser textures.
Some hair simply needs more grip at the base. A stronger moulding gel helps the braid sit firmly and keeps the foundation neat while you're working.
Products like Gummy Wax or Camille Rose-style moulding gels give that extra hold, but they need a lighter hand.
Lastly, finishing product.
Once the braids are done, mousse and a little finishing spray help settle flyaways and give the style that polished look.
Why does braid gel turn white?
One thing that surprises a lot of beginners is that the gel isn't always the problem.
Very often, it's what was already on the hair.
Natural oils and heavy oil-based moisturisers don't always interact well with braiding gels. When the two mix together, especially with thicker moulding gels, you can end up with that white residue that shows up as the style dries.
If I'm prepping natural hair before braiding, I usually prefer something lighter, like a leave-in conditioner or serum, rather than coating the hair in oils.
A few other things that help:
Use less gel than you think.
Avoid applying gel to heavily oiled hair
Apply only to the section you are working on.
Save heavier moulding gels for when your technique improves.
Products I'd Buy Again
Red Shine 'n Jam
★★★★★
If you're completely new to braiding, this is probably where I'd tell you to start. It's forgiving, works across most hair textures, and is brilliant for clean parting.
The Echo Project →
All Day Locs Braiding Gel
This one definitely gives you the grip you want, but in my experience it can leave a white cast if you use too much or if you're working on hair that's heavily oiled.
I know plenty of braiders who love it, but I'd probably leave this one until you've built a little more confidence with product control.
My rating:
★★★★
The beginner braiding kit I actually recommend.
Rat tail comb
Sectioning clips
Red Shine 'n Jam
One stronger moulding gel
Pre-stretched braiding hair
Mousse
Electric kettle
Mannequin head
The Echo Project →
Products help. Technique changes everything.
The right gel will make your life easier.
It won't teach you how much hair to feed in.
It won't fix uneven tension.
It won't show you why one side of your stitch braids looks cleaner than the other.
That's exactly what we work on during my hands-on training days.
Beginner Foundation
Perfect if you've never braided before.
Beginner Foundation
Perfect if you've never braided before.
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Tell me where you are in your braiding journey.
Hi, I’m Angela
Founder, professional braider and educator at one of Ireland's leading braiding studios.
At Fab Xtensions in Dublin, I blend African artistry with advanced technique to create precision knotless, stitch braids and protective styles for every hair type. It's the only studio in Ireland doing this work to this standard.
Beyond the chair, I train the next generation. My work has reached Netflix's Wednesday and the Gate Theatre in Dublin, I trained the head and deputy head of wigs for Hamilton, and LinkedIn Dublin recently brought me in to lead a braiding workshop for their team.
When I started, braiding in Ireland wasn't being done to a high standard, and the braiders doing it were underpaid and overworked. I'm changing that. Braiding is a craft, and like any craft it deserves to be done well and paid for properly. That's what my work was recognised for at the Irish Hair and Beauty Industry Awards, and it's what I teach. If you've ever wondered whether braiding can actually pay you, that's the question this training answers.
Feedback from a Braider who trained with Angela
“She created a supportive and encouraging learning environment, and her passion for braiding truly showed. I left feeling more confident in my abilities and excited to practice what I learned. Highly recommend her workshop to anyone looking to perfect their stitch braids!”