There was a time when hair gel was mostly found on men's bathroom shelves, but since slicked back hair became one of biggest of the past 12 months it's become an essential haircare product. Not all hair gels work for for all hair types or needs, so I've rounded up the best hair gels for every hair type. I enlisted the help of some incredible experts to explain everything you need to know about what hair gel is used for, choosing one for your hair type and a bonus on how best to remove it at the end of the day.
We mentioned that the has grown in popularity over the past couple of years, which is arguably why hair gels have become such an essential part of kit. However, they do far more than that. Not only can they be used to keep hair securely in place, but they can also control frizz and flyaways, tame baby hairs and aid in styling edges.
They can be used to define curls and coils, and they can add volume where needed. , celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of The Hair Consult, has a simple way of explaining how to choose a hair gel and it depends on three main factors: hold, flaking and moisture retention This is all about how much hold your style requires. "For example, do you want a wet look, or do you want to create definition and hold that looks like a natural finish?" If you'd like to be able to brush your style out without it flaking then "a light/medium hold gel is preferable as you don’t want to damage the hair when brushing but want the hold that the gel provides.
" Does your hair need to retain moisture so that it "doesn't look stiff or dry, which is particularly relevant for coiled and curly hair textures, in which case you need a gel that retains water and keeps your hair looking hydrated." Although most hair gels are easy to remove with your everyday shampoo, some can be a little stubborn and there are a few pro tips that James recommends, which are worth bearing in mind. "Start by rinsing your hair with warm water to soften the gel, making it easier to remove," says James.
He notes that you can use your fingers to gently break the product down and says to avoid using brushes at this stage as "they can be too harsh on the hair, potentially causing breakage or damage." "A clarifying shampoo helps break down product buildup, especially if you've used strong-hold gels." He recommends a product like , which not only removes build-up but also strengthens the hair by repairing and protecting broken bonds, making it great for maintaining hair health while cleansing thoroughly.
" A hair mask is a super important step, especially if you're going for it on the gel front. After shampooing, be sure to apply a , which James says adds moisture back into your hair and further loosens any remaining gel. "This step is crucial because most gels contain alcohol, which can dehydrate hair, so it's the perfect time to replenish and add moisture back," he says.
Next, "use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently comb through your hair while the conditioner or mask is still in. This will help remove any last traces of gel without causing unnecessary tension or breakage," James explains. "Avoid using hot water or direct heat on hair with gel, as it can cause the gel to harden further, making removal more difficult," he notes.
Instead, cool or lukewarm water is best as it's gentler on your scalp and strands..
