Giovanni L.A. Hold Styling Gel Was a BET Awards Favorite

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The BET Awards came and went, but we’re still talking about all the looks—especially the hair. The red carpet always presents itself as an opportunity to show off big, bold, beautiful hair—and behind every look is a product hard at work keeping it in place. StyleCaster got some intel from celeb hairstylist Brian Steven Banks, who says he used a $10 gel on his celeb clients: Giovanni Hold Styling Gel. Giovanni is a behind-the-scenes drugstore favorite that even Dancing With the Stars celebs love.

GIOVANNI L.A. Hold Styling Gel

Type of hold: Firm and lasts all day
Fragrance: Fresh, not over-powering
Best for: Curly, wavy hair. Color-friendly
Paraben and sulfate-free.

“BET Awards backstage is controlled chaos in the best way possible,” says Brian Steven Banks. “You’ve got quick changes, last-minute touchups, and a million things happening at once. My team needs products that show up and do their job every single time. Giovanni products work, they perform under pressure, and they help us keep everybody looking fresh. One product we’re definitely reaching for is the L.A. Hold Styling Gel because it gives us the hold we need without the hair looking stiff or overdone. It’s a game changer.”

It’s a game-changer for non-celebs, too—especially in the summer when the heat tends to unravel and dampen our hair thanks to sweat. “I was searching for a new product to use for my curls, especially in this heat,” one reviewer says. “The hold is wonderful for the humidity, and I like that I can easily use a little more water to lighten the hold. Overall it is easy to use/portion, and performs well.”

Not only is the formula ideal for keeping the shape of curls and waves intact (without any crunchiness or residue), but it’s also great for slicking back baby hairs and flyaways. “Oh my goodness this stuff is the bomb. Strong hold and keeps style all day long.. A little is all you need,” another shopper says.

Thanks to hair-loving ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and sunflower seed oil, this gel feels more serum-like than the hair gels of our youth, so you get a firm hold while simultaneously nourishing strands. No wonder it’s a red carpet secret weapon.