The main purpose of hair gel is to keep a hairstyle secure with a variety of holds ranging from light to firm. These products are best applied to clean, wet or damp hair in order to stiffen the particular style. Although most commonly used on shorter hairstyles, hair gel is also available for curly hair as well as for boosting volume. To avoid ending up with greasy or sticky hair, consider your hair type, style, and needs before choosing a hair gel.
Natural Feeling
Hair gel is a styling product which can either leave hair smooth and textured, or transform it into a stiff, greasy mess. A high-quality hair gel will be lightweight and feel natural when styled into hair, allowing strands to remain flexible without any flaky residues. Additionally, hair gels which are formulated without alcohol are healthier to use and more likely to feel natural in hair.
Reliable Hold
An important feature of any hair gel is to hold a hairstyle in place. Whether a hair gel provides a light hold or firm hold, it should be reliable enough to last throughout the day as well as resisting the negative effects of humidity. Some hair gels are designed to hold curls, while other gels are best for keeping short, textured hairstyles secure.
Nourishing
Like all hair styling products, hair gel should provide some type of nourishment to your hair. Hair gels containing nourishing ingredients such as sunflower seed extract, peptides, and wheat protein that can help increase volume and improve the overall health of hair. The best hair gels will also infuse hair with nutrients unlike lower quality hair gels which are more likely to cause scalp irritation.
Hair Gel Types
Drugstore Hair Gel
If you can’t afford a salon hair gel, a quality drugstore hair gel can provide the same styling performance at a fraction of the price. Drugstore hair gels are available in various holds and suited for various styling purposes such as creating volume or defining curls. Some types will feature spray applicators, while others come in squeeze tubes.
Firm Hold Hair Gel
Coarse, thick, or long hair in need of maximum hold may require a firm hold hair gel. However, firm hold should not mean settling for a heavy gel that weighs down your hair. The best firm-hold hair gels provide the ultimate in holding power while allowing hair to maintain a soft, flexible texture.
Light-to-Medium Hold Hair Gel
For a light or moderate hold to provide some control over your hairstyle, a light-to-medium hold hair gel can keep strands right where you want them. These hair gels are best for keeping loose strands in place, adding shine, and controlling frizz. The best light-to-medium hold hair gels give your moderate control over hair without any stiffness or heaviness.
Volumizing Hair Gel
Volumizing hair gels are ideal for fine or limp hair needing a boost. These hair gels should make hair appear fuller and healthier without weighing it down. The best volumizing hair gels provide a lightweight, yet reliable hold while increasing hair’s body.
Curling Hair Gel
Curly hair is often prone to frizz, especially in humid conditions and thus curling hair gels can help define curls and make them easier to manage. The best curling hair gels are lightweight to prevent them from weighing down curls while providing a secure hold that’s resistant to frizz and tangling. These hair gels should also leave curls soft and lustrous.