It was a century ago when the hair gel was invented as a fashion utility. As it kept gaining popularity, the hair gel started getting more advanced. Predominantly the solution was used to keep men’s hair in place. The shiny, wet look became prominent in the 1920s and 1930s. Progressively hair gels started becoming a spray, liquid or wax depending on the kind of hold that the consumer preferred. Holding powers ranged from light hold to strong hold. Gels are most useful in the “crunching” and “wet look” styles.
What is hair gel made of?
- Generally, the hair gel is composed of vinyl monomers such as PVP or VP. Other gels are also made of disodium, water, carbomer, glycerin (humectant), fragrance, benzophenone, diazolidinyl urea etc.
- Aminomethyl Propanol is a neutraliser for PH adjustment; sourced from vitamin E
- K-90 PVP – is the substance that holds hair
- Carbomers are soluble in water
Types of hair products
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Gel: For high hair hold and shine
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Wax: Used for medium hair hold along with a medium shine
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Pomade: Medium hold strength but high shine
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Clay: High hair holding powers and a low shine
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Paste: Medium hair hold and medium shine
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Cream: Low hair hold capacities with medium shine
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Mousse: For hair volume
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Hair serum: Low hold and high shine
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Hairspray: To provide the finishing touches
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Texture powder: Instant voluminous hair with a light hold
Side effects of using hair gel
- Hair gets dried and dehydrated due to the alcohols and other harmful chemicals present in it that are corrosive
- The moisture level in the scalp is reduced
- Sebum production in the hair is diminished
- Dry and rough hair becomes frizzy and unmanageable
- Hair does not get proper nourishment
- Pores of the scalp get clogged
- Moisture content in the hair and scalp is reduced leading to breakage of hair
- Chemicals in the gel cause dead-cell build-ups
- Split ends appear in the hair
- Natural colour of the hair starts to fade
- pH balance of hair is disturbed
- Grey hairs start to increase
- Dehydrated and dry scalp gives rise to dandruff
- Harmful pollutants get trapped in the hair
- Pores of the hair follicles are clogged due to weakness which aggravates dandruff
- If hair gels are used in excess they can lead to hair loss and baldness
