- Hair gel is an old way of styling the hair and came about long before hairspray or mousse. Bodies preserved in the bogs of Ireland for 2,000 years were recovered and found to have a type of gel in their hair. In medieval times, women made gel out of swallow droppings and lizard tallow. People who didn't have access to these ingredients boiled flax seeds and mixed it with rosemary to make hair gel. These days hair gel still contains a lot of plant-derived ingredients.
- There is science and chemistry involved in the making and use of hair gel. The main ingredients are water and polymers. Other ingredients are fragrances and small particles to add a "glisten" or a shine to the hair. The polymers are known as "polyelectrolyte polymers," and their function is to adhere to the natural chemical makeup of the hair and seal in moisture. This is what gives the hair a wet look and keeps it in the shape that you want.
- Many brands of hair gel contain alcohol, so keep it out of your eyes. Alcohol is also a drying agent and will start to dry your hair out over time. You can counteract this drying factor by applying leave-conditioner to your hair before you use the gel, and deep-condition your hair once a week in addition to regular daily conditioning. Find a quality brand that won't create white flakes that look like dandruff when it dries.
- Hair gel is used to add shape and texture and reduce and eliminate frizz. For a slicked-back look on any hair length, brush your hair straight back while it is still wet. Spray on the gel or use your hand to spread the gel to the front of your hair and work it backwards. Comb it through to even it out, and if your hair is longer, use a clip to keep it in place. Gel can be used for any up-do or to tame naturally curly hair so that it can be worn down without getting frizzy.
- You have many options in finding the gel that is right for you. There are a wide variety of brands that offer different ingredients and functions. Generally hair gel is classified by the strength or "hold" they have. There is the regular kind that holds hair and controls frizz, ones that add volume to your hair, and ones that offer stronger or "mega" hold.
