Hair Styling Gel

Hair styling gel helps sculpt a hairstyle into place, boosting its hold and helping it stand up to blow drying and humidity. It can be found in a variety of forms that range from thick and clear to foamy and light, depending on the type of look you want to achieve. Hair gels can also help to reduce frizz and flyaway strands for an effortlessly voluminous look or smooth, sleek look. A few gels also incorporate natural ingredients to boost hair health while they style.

Hair gel comes in jars and squeezable tubes with the consistency of jelly and can be clear or colored. It is usually applied to damp hair with your fingertips or with a spray bottle, and can be rubbed in with your palms before it dries on your tresses. Some gels are scented with a pleasant fragrance, while others are unscented. Many products come with instructions on the label that provide helpful tips for use.

Gels are generally categorized by their thickness and holding power. The type of hold you need depends on your hairstyle, the other products you use in your hair, and the climate where you live. For example, a strong gel is useful for creating a Mohawk or other hard-to-maintain styles, while a lighter gel is ideal for creating a slicked back look that stays put with minimal effort. Some gels are even designed and manufactured specifically for sculpting the curly hair texture commonly found in people of African descent.

Some gels have a tendency to be brittle or flaky, which can cause hair breakage and dryness. To avoid this, you should only apply a small amount of product and wash it out properly when your hair is not in need of a touch up. Some gels have harsh chemicals in them that can irritate your scalp or skin, leading to itching, flaking, and dandruff. A few of these products may also contain dyes and perfumes that can further irritate your skin.

A few natural hair gels are formulated with plant-based extracts that can improve your overall hair and scalp health. They may also be free of common irritants like dyes, perfumes, and alcohol, which can contribute to dryness and itchiness. Some of these products include ingredients that penetrate your strands to strengthen them, while others can reduce the oil your scalp produces to prevent over-production of oil. They also tend to be less brittle and more flexible than traditional products. To get the most out of your gel, you should apply a small amount to wet hair and work it into a desired shape, then allow it to dry naturally. If you need to reshape your hair in the future, lightly mist it with water and reapply a small amount of product to reactivate it. The best hair gels will never leave your strands stiff or brittle, and they should not create a sticky or greasy residue when you remove them.