How to Gel Your Hair Back

Small-tooth combs make gelled hair look smoother.

It is easy to gel hair back quickly, and anyone, even men who may not consider themselves stylish or fashion savvy, can do it in just minutes. Whether they are looking for that smoldering Antonio Banderas look or for a neat and sophisticated slicked-back style, they can keep their hair healthy and in place with very little expense or effort. At the end of the day, they can simply shampoo the gel out of their hair to create a more natural, relaxed look or gel it again.

Things You'll Need

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Towel
• Mirror
• Gel
• Comb

Instructions

1. Shampoo, condition and rinse your hair. When shampooing, make sure you get all of the gel residue from your hair if you have used the product recently. It is important that your hair is clean before you try to gel it back.

2. Towel dry your hair. Your hair does not need to be completely dry. In fact, it is better if your hair is wet, but not sopping wet. So place a towel over your head and rub it gently over your hair to catch excess water.

3. Brush the tangles and knots out of your hair. To make the gelling process easier, brush your hair backward, away from your face.

4. Dip you fingers into the gel container and get a small dab of gel, about the size of a quarter. Spread this in your palms and rub it in your hair. Make sure that you get the product evenly through your hair. If you desire a stronger hold, use only a little more gel. Too much will create a crunchy, hard look. If you have thick or unruly hair, use extra-strength gel instead of adding too much regular-strength gel.

5. Run a comb through your hair, combing the hair away from your face. Do this as soon as you apply the gel to prevent the product from drying. Style your hair as you desire. If you are putting it in a ponytail, do so now. If you are simply slicking it back, continue to comb until the hairs are placed where you like them.

6. Allow the gel to dry in your hair. Do not touch or lay on it while the gel is drying, as this will mess it up. Gently touch the hair to see if it is dry, and if it is still damp, wait another 10 minutes before touching it again. Do not try to comb your hair while the gel is drying or after it has already become hard. This will damage your hair and ruin your slicked-back style.

References

• Men's Flair; Get The Wet Look For Your Hair; Meieli Sawyer Detoni