I would advise you to try out all of the above and find what works best for your hair and the look you're trying to achieve.
I've tried a few different products and I've also tried abstaining from products to see how the natural grease looked. I've concluded that for me, I like Aveda Clay the most but it's a little over priced so I used Old Spice Forge. These aren't gels but matte finish putty. When I think gel, I think of the stuff guys put in their hair in 2002 that gave a crusty feel and collected lots of dust in your hair over the course of the day. Of course, that was me in 6th-7th grade.
I've tried a few different products and I've also tried abstaining from products to see how the natural grease looked. I've concluded that for me, I like Aveda Clay the most but it's a little over priced so I used Old Spice Forge. These aren't gels but matte finish putty. When I think gel, I think of the stuff guys put in their hair in 2002 that gave a crusty feel and collected lots of dust in your hair over the course of the day. Of course, that was me in 6th-7th grade.