Is Gel Bad for Your Hair?

Whether you're going for a slicked back professional do or a tousled one, hair gel gets your style in place and holds it there. This highly versatile product gives your hair a fresh-from-the-shower look that lasts all day. In fact, few hair products have quite the same staying power that gel offers.

But maybe you've heard whispers that using gel can cause hair damage or lead to hair thinning, and you may wonder if you should rotate it out of your daily hair routine. Is gel bad for your hair?

No — not necessarily. It all depends on the product you choose, its ingredients, and how you use it. With a nourishing hair routine and the right product, you'll enjoy healthy hair that stays strong and resilient. 

What Is Hair Gel?

Hair gel is a styling product, typically made with a polymer base, that's used to hold hair in place. It has a light, liquid feel that creates texture and gives shine to hair strands. Once applied, gel attaches to hair strands and dries quickly, solidifying the style. Hair gels vary in strength, with some offering light, subtle control, while others are much stronger.

Gel is common in many types of men's hairstyles, from slick backs to spikes to light waves, and is an essential part of many a guy's hair routine.

Best Hair Gel Ingredients 

When shopping for hair gel, look for products that contain restorative, naturally fortifying ingredients. The right mix of ingredients can strengthen hair, moisturize the scalp, and protect against oxidative damage. The best gels will use the following ingredients:

Argan Oil

For centuries, people have used argan oil as a natural remedy for hair loss. Found in argan trees that grow in Morocco, argan oil contains healthy fatty acids and antioxidants that moisturize the hair and scalp. It also gives hair a natural shine and reduces flyaways and frizziness. When used in hair care products, argan oil may reduce damage caused by daily washing and styling, and it strengthens hair, which can cut down on breakage.

Aloe Vera

If you've ever had a sunburn, you may have used aloe vera to calm your skin and reduce the pain. But aloe vera isn't only good for skin; it also protects hair since it's made up of vitamins, fatty acids, and amino acids that strengthen strands and promote healthy hair follicles. Aloe vera safeguards hair from UV exposure that dulls its color and shine. It's also found in the best moisturizing shampoos. People with naturally oily hair may find that aloe vera removes some of the slick. 

Vitamin E

Found in nuts, seeds, and green vegetables, vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects against oxidative stress. It's recognized by dermatologists for its ability to guard against inflammation and sun damage.

Hair care practitioners promote vitamin E for its ability to improve blood circulation, which supports hair growth and healthy hair follicles. Vitamin E also locks in moisture, which can reduce scalp irritation and dryness.

What to Avoid

Many mass-market hair gels contain dehydrating ingredients that damage hair and dry out your scalp. You'll know you have a bad formula on your hands if you experience any of these issues:

Difficulty Rinsing Out Hair Gel

Good water-based gels rinse out quickly in the shower. It doesn't leave you with product buildup or turn your hair crunchy. Look for gels that list water as the main ingredient and have minimal preservatives, which may reduce the water solubility of the gel's formula. 

Flaky Residue

Formulas that contain too much alcohol leave a sticky, flaky residue that ruins your style. Opt for high-quality gels that counterbalance alcohol with non-drying, natural ingredients like argan oil. 

Unnatural Dryness

Too much alcohol in hair gel contributes to hair dryness. Look for products with hydrating ingredients that keep your hair shiny and moisturized. And if you're someone who uses hair gel regularly, thoroughly wash it out in between uses to prevent product buildup. Alcohol-free formulas are often better than alcohol-based formulas.

Scalp Irritation

No gel should cause your scalp to feel itchy or dry, but some formulas contain harsh ingredients that do exactly that. If you have a sensitive scalp, look for natural hair gels - not alcohol-based gels - with lower levels of sulfates and parabens, which may irritate skin and hair follicles. 

Best Hair Gel for Men

Brickell's Styling Hair Gel for Men uses natural ingredients to keep your style looking good all day long without damaging your hair. With a unique formula specially designed to protect your scalp and moisturize hair, our styling gel doesn't flake or irritate sensitive skin, and it combines essential oils for a refreshing scent.

Our formula includes three powerful ingredients to support hair health:

• Vitamin E: Full of antioxidants that reduce hair breakage and protect scalp health.
• Argan Oil: Moisturizes hair and guards against split end damage.
• Aloe Vera: Contains vitamins and nutrients that promote hair fullness and virility.

The Styling Hair Gel is medium-hold, so it's suitable for virtually any style. It also reactivates in water, so if you need a midday refresh, simply add a few drops of water and comb your hair in place.

Our Styling Hair Gel is ideal for men seeking a polished look free of flyaways and frizz. Use it to boost volume and give your hair a natural, soft appearance. 

How to Use Hair Gel

Hair gel is easy to apply and use, and you'll get great results from natural or organic gels. Follow these steps to get that perfect look that lasts all day.

1. Wash Your Hair

Hair gel works best on hair that's recently washed and damp. Use your favorite shampoo and conditioner - moisturizing shampoos are best - to rinse out grime and product buildup and to moisturize your hair, then dry it gently with a cotton towel. 

If you don't have time for a full haircare routine, simply dampen your hair with water before applying gel. Only use this option in a pinch, though, since the product may be less effective on unwashed hair.

2. Squeeze Out a Small Amount of Gel

Less is more. Squeeze out just enough gel to cover your hair. Too much can make your hair sticky and crunchy, so start with a smaller amount. You can always add a little more later if needed.

3. Apply the Gel

Smooth the gel into your hair, starting from your hairline, then work it toward the back of your neck. Use a comb or your fingers to distribute the gel evenly in your hair. Once it's fully applied, use your favorite styling tools to complete your look. 

4. Reactivate the Gel

Our Styling Hair Gel includes special compounds that activate when you wet your hair. If you need a quick refresh, dab a few drops of water into your hair, and restyle it to your preferred look. This keeps your hair looking fresh all day and night and offers both style control and frizz control.

5. Wash Out Thoroughly

For best results, rinse the hair gel out before going to bed. A thorough cleaning prevents product buildup and scalp irritation. 

Best Hair Routine for Men 

While using the right hair gel will help protect your hair, nailing down a solid hair routine can also do wonders for hair health. A good routine protects hair follicles, prevents scalp irritation, and gives your locks the treatment they deserve. Keep the following in mind while you create a routine that works for you:

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

That drug store bottle of soap, shampoo, and conditioner may be cheap, but it isn't doing your scalp any favors. Skip the supermarket specials, and invest in products, like clarifying shampoo, with natural ingredients proven to support hair health and maintain moisture balance.

• Our Daily Revitalizing Men's Hair Care Routine includes shampoo and conditioner that promote hair growth.
• The Daily Strengthening Shampoo contains hydrolyzed wheat protein, amino acids, and essential oils that are suitable for all hair types. It won't damage color-treated hair, and it naturally thickens strands for healthy volume.
• Our Revitalizing Hair Conditioner contains aloe vera, borage oil, and avocado oil to increase moisture levels in the scalp and elevate shine.

Neither the shampoo nor the conditioner contain harsh detergents or heavy silicones, making them the perfect combination for any man who wants strong, full, and shiny hair.

Boost Scalp Circulation

Styling products can burrow down in hair follicles and leave unwanted residue from conditioning agents on your strands. Get rid of the buildup by thoroughly washing your hair regularly. Take an extra minute or two to massage shampoo into your scalp before rinsing it out as part of your hair routine. This helps eliminate dead skin cells and residue that reduce scalp circulation and hair growth. 

Protect Hair from Ultraviolet Rays and Chemicals

Planning to spend the day in the sun? Don't forget your hat! The sun's ultraviolet rays do more than harm your skin; they also cause hair dullness and fading. A hat guards against those damaging elements while also protecting your scalp.

Color treating hair can also cause lasting damage. If you're not willing to part with your color routine, opt for dyes that don't expose you to harsh ingredients, and keep hair coloring to a minimum for optimal hair health.

Find the Right Washing Frequency

Do you need to wash your hair daily? Not necessarily. A daily wash can rob your hair of natural scalp oils that keep it moisturized and healthy. For best results, wash your hair every one to three days. You'll know you have a good thing going when your hair looks vibrant and strong. 

We usually only recommend daily washes for men with fine hair or who work out frequently. Or if you rely on hair gel or similar products in your hair routine, washing every day you use them can prevent unwanted buildup.

Natural Hair Gel That Keeps Your Style in Place

Hair gel with natural moisturizing ingredients — including vitamin E, argan oil, and aloe vera — strengthens strands and supports scalp health. Combine our Styling Hair Gel for Men, which includes those fortifying ingredients, with our Daily Revitalizing Men's Hair Care Routine to bring luster and vigor to your locks!