Eco Styler Pros
Cheap (huge 32 oz tub for about $5)
Maximum hold
No flaking (in my hair)
Nice, light smell

Eco Styler Cons
Leaves a "gel cast"
Makes my hair feel dry

There are plenty of people who use Eco Styler gel to retwist their locs. It's no surprise since you get a lot for a cheap price. Personally, I loved Eco Styler gel when my hair was loose, but for loc maintenance I don't like it all that much.

It does hold well, but I don't need maximum hold on my roots. I also found that over time my roots were starting to feel dry even though I was moisturizing my hair between washes. Not to mention that I have an oily scalp so my roots being dry is a sure sign that something isn't right.

This is because Eco Styler gel leaves what some people call a "gel cast." The gels coats your hair strands and then hardens, creating a barrier against anything else you'll try to put on your hair. If you have ever used Eco Styler to define your curls, you know this is why hair tutorials tell you to scrunch your hair so it won't be hard. You're breaking up the gel cast a bit.
Eco Styler gel has helped me achieve many sleek ponytails, but it's not ideal for retwisting my locs.

Taliah Waajid Pros
Good hold
No flaking (in my hair)
Nice, light smell
No gel cast
Doesn't leave the hair feeling dry

Taliah Waajid Cons
More expensive especially if you're heavy handed (6 oz jar for about $7)

I found out about this gel from watching Damian Walter's videos on YouTube. He uses the "tight hold" version of it in his clients' hair when retwisting their locs. He went over the pros of using it and I was sold. At the time my locs were 2 months old and still developing, but I could still tell the difference in my hair after shampooing the Eco Styler out of my hair and then using the regular Taliah Waajid Lock It Up gel. When I come from under the dryer, my hair holds well but it isn't hard at all. My roots feel moisturized and healthy which means I'm happy.

One thing to remember about the gel is that you don’t need to put a lot. For me, one jar lasts for 3-4 retwist sessions so I actually don't mind the price.

Bottom Line:

Even though Eco Styler holds better and is cheaper, I prefer Taliah Waajid Lock It Up gel for the quality and because it doesn't make my hair dry.

Pros of both
Maximum Hold
Great value
No flaking (in my hair)
Nice, light smell

Cons of both
Can leave the hair feeling hard

So what's the difference between these two gels? Well the ingredients list is exactly the same except for the oils so there's no dramatic difference between the two. In my hair, both gels work just fine for sleek ponytails and curl definition.

In other comparisons, there's strong claims that one gel holds better than the other, but obviously this is something that simply depends on your hair. What may hold better for one person may not be sufficient for the next person. There's also a few who say that the argan oil gel flakes less compared to the olive oil gel.

I personally think the olive oil gel holds just a little better but overall they're the same. I have not experienced flaking with either gel.

Bottom Line:

It's a tie, but depending on your hair one may hold a little better than the other.

Price: $5-$6 for the 32 oz container 
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Description:

• Made with 100% Argan Oil
• Contains UV protection
• For all hair types
• Maximum hold

Eco Styler Moroccan Argan Oil Styling Gel is formulated with rare oils extracted from kernels of the Argan tree in Morocco. The formula conditions and revitalizes the hair while adding a brilliant shine. Moisturizes providing hydration and elasticity to hair.
Conditions with Omega fatty acids and Vitamin E to provide nourishment that strengthens hair. The lightweight formula will give you superior hold without weighing hair down.
Like all of Eco Styler styling gels this new gel minimizes flakes and tack, and aids in the prevention of dry skin. Provides UV protection with no tack and is anti-itch.


Ingredients:

Water, Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, PVP, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Polysorbate 20, Tetrasodium EDTA, Argan oil, Fragrance, Yellow #11


Review:

This gel is very good quality considering the price and the large amount per jar.
It has a good hold and did not cause flaking in my hair. I'd recommend moisturizing your hair with a leave-in conditioner before using the gel. Using it alone can make your hair feel a little hard. It also washes out of my hair without a problem.

Other reviews for this product are generally good and it's considered a favorite product among the natural hair community. There are a few people who said they've experienced flaking but that could be due to other products they may have used with the gel.

Note: It's better to buy from a beauty supply store since the online prices are higher. Also, other people have said that the jar cracked open from shipping. 

Bottom Line:

Good value. Great hold. Buy in a beauty supply store for the best price.