Side Effects Of Hair Gels: What You Should Know

If you love to style your hair but are worried about the multiple side effects of hair gels, worry not! We are here to help you understand major issues with hair gels and how you can circumvent them. Most of us strive for an elegant, neat, and appropriate appearance throughout the day. It comprises good attire, a well-done face, and neatly styled hair. Hair is one of the most important aspects of a person’s personality and looks, but it is also difficult to maintain. Hair gels take care of the difficult process of properly styling and holding the hair in place.

Hair gels are hair styling treatments that harden and manage the hair into various hairstyles. Historical research shows that people have utilized natural hair gels since the ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman periods (1). But, the conventional hair gel was produced in the 1960s by Luis Montoya of the U.S.A. and sold under the brand name DEP, which stood for the main ingredient in the product, diethyl phthalate, that gave it its distinct non-sticky texture. Ordinary gels are primarily made up of cationic polymers, which have positive charges that give the gel its stiffness, allowing it to easily bond to the hair shaft, letting it flex and keep its place for extended periods (2).

These gels aid in hairstyling, making hairstyles last longer, improving their texture, giving tresses a pleasant sleek look, making the hair and face look presentable and groomed, and boosting an individual’s overall persona. But on the other hand, hair gels are considered to have negative consequences on the hair, scalp, and body due to the presence of toxic chemicals. The following are some of the negative consequences of hair gel. Keep reading.

Common Side Effects Of Hair Gels

Hair stylists recommend using hair gels to tame the frizz and flyaways and give the hair a sleek, polished appearance. However, excessive use of anything can be harmful. The harsh ingredients found in the gels may break the hair bonds and damage the strands. They can also make the hair look greasy and feel heavy. Below, we have listed a few common side effects of using hair gels.

1. Drying and dehydrating the hair:

Hair gels contain alcohol and corrosive chemicals that strip off moisture from the hair and scalp and make them dry and dehydrated. These gels mess with the moisture levels and reduce the production of sebum, causing chemical damage leading to dry, brittle hair and breakage-prone tresses that give rise to problems of itchy and flaky scalp. They make the hair frizzy, thereby giving rise to unmanageable, dry, rough, limp, and lustreless tresses (3), (4).

2. Hair Loss:

These gels dehydrate the hair and scalp, thereby making the hair prone to breakage and fall. The chemical compounds present in these gels along with external pollutants together react with the dead cell build-up and excess sebum on the scalp. This clogs the hair follicles and eventually causes hair fall. Excess and prolonged hair fall can lead to problems like receding hairline, baldness, etc (5), (6).

Quick Tip

Not all hair gels may cause adverse effects. Try to choose alcohol-free formulas to reap their maximum benefits.

3. Dandruff:

A dehydrated, undernourished, and infected scalp is characterized by irritation, and itchiness leading to dandruff and flaking. Improper production of sebum, unhealthy and clogged pores, and hair follicles, weakened hair roots all together cause and aggravate the problem of dandruff, Seborrhoeic dermatitis, or inflammation in the scalp which can further lead to other skin diseases like acne (7), (8).

Did You Know?

If you are experiencing any flakiness after using hair gels, add an anti-dandruff shampoo to your hair care routine.

4. Discoloration and damage:

Damage, split ends, thinning, and discoloration of hair are also common side effects of using hair gels. These gels rip off the nourishment and moisture content of the hair, break and strip them, disturb the pH balance of the hair and make them unhealthy, scarce and dull. Harmful chemicals in these gels also have ill effects on color treated hair like fading and discoloration and prolonged usage of this gel also results in early graying (9).

Robin, a vlogger, shared his poor experience of using store-bought hair gels. He said, “So if you’re a guy with hair like me with slightly more fine or less dense hair, then they’re not great and this is a reason why I don’t like using gels. I can generally just see into my scalp, which is a look that I don’t like (i).”

The toxic ingredients in the hair gels are responsible for the harm caused to the hair. These elements may give the hair a smooth look and extend the shelf life of the gels, but they cause long-term damage. In the next section, find out the toxins that are commonly used to formulate hair gels.

Harmful Ingredients In Hair Gels

These questionable ingredients can not only dry out and damage the strands but also irritate the scalp. Read more about each one below.

• Alcohols: They dry out the hair and cause breakages. They also irritate the scalp and cause redness.
• Parabens: Long-term use of gels containing parabens may disrupt hormonal function, causing various health problems (10). They can also cause scalp infections.
• Phthalates: They interfere with the body’s hormonal system, causing health complications (11). They can also turn the hair brittle and dull.
• Sulfates: They strip the natural oils of the hair and make it look limp. They may also cause scalp itchiness.
• Synthetic Fragrances: They can trigger allergic reactions on the scalp and cause respiratory problems.

Therefore, it is beneficial to choose a hair gel that is made without these harmful ingredients and is tested to be safe for all hair types including the damage-prone ones. You may also completely skip using hair gels and opt for effective substitutes. Check them out in the following section.

Alternatives To Hair Gel

There are several alternatives to achieve your desired hairstyle without the sticky and often chemical-laden properties of traditional hair gel.

1. Aloe vera gel: If you prefer a more natural approach, consider using aloe vera gel, which not only holds your hair in place but also nourishes and moisturizes your scalp.
2. Sea salt spray: While it has a lighter hold, it adds texture and volume to the hair and helps you maintain a beachy, tousled appearance.
3. Hair wax: It provides a strong hold and a matte finish, making it ideal for clean, sophisticated and brushed back hairstyles.
4. Pomade: It offers a sleek and shiny finish, which is perfect if you are going for a classic and polished look.

Infographic: Tips To Reduce Side Effects Caused By Hair Gel

Hair gels can dehydrate your hair and make it look dull. The product build-up may also lead to scalp irritation and itching along with headaches. If you use hair gels regularly, it is time to think of their several drawbacks to your hair health. The good news is that you can reduce these effects with the following tips. Check out the infographic to learn the best ways to use hair gels to minimize hair damage.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Are All Hair Gels Bad?

Madison Dufour, a licensed cosmetologist, says, “Not all hair gels are bad, but if the gel is reapplied to the hair daily, it will build up on the hair.”

Is it OK to sleep with hair gel?

“It is acceptable to sleep with hair gel as long as the hair is dry. If the gel is wet, the hair will be scrunched and build up in between the cuticle shafts, as well as dry out the cuticle, damaging its integrity and making the hair frizzy,” says Madison Dufour.

How do you remove hair gel?

Madison recommends using a clarifying shampoo to remove gel buildup if the gel is used frequently.

Is hair spray or hair gel better?

Madison Dufour says, “Hairspray and hair gel both contain alcohol, but the gel is, in my opinion, better than spray because it can be reactivated the next day without needing to be reapplied and coating another layer onto the hair.”

Can I use hair gel every day?

If you use hair gel every day, you will have to wash it off every night to remove the greasiness and product residue. But, shampooing your hair every day is not healthy as it can strip your hair dry. So, don’t use hair gel on your hair daily.

What can I use instead of gel?

If you are using gel to detangle your hair or make it easier to style, you can replace it with a natural oil or a detangling serum. Using serum for hair can offer shine and smoothness without the harmful chemicals found in many gels. For hold, you can use a hair mousse or hair spray.

Is hair wax better than gel?

You can use either, depending on your preference. Hair gel is not as thick as hair wax, but hair wax does not make your hair stiff like hair gel.

Does hair need gel?

If you want to keep your hair in a style for a long time, you will need to use hair gel or some holding product. However, check the ingredients in case you have any skin allergies.

Can I use Vaseline as hair gel?

Yes, you can use a little bit of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) as a replacement for hair gel. It will keep your hair intact and make it easier to style and manage. However, it is important to note that it is very difficult to wash Vaseline off your hair.

Can you use coconut oil as hair gel?

Yes, you can use coconut oil as a healthier alternative to hair gel.

Can hair gels cause allergic reactions?

In some rare cases and due to skin sensitivities, hair gels can cause allergic reactions burning sensation, rash, skin redness, and allergic reactions, and also might cause eye irritation if it gets in the eye.

Illustration: Side Effects Of Hair Gels You Should Be Aware Of

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Curious about the impact of daily hair gel use? Click on this informative video to explore the potential side effects of overusing this product on your hair and scalp.

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Madhuri AgarwalMBBS, MD

   

Dr. Madhuri Agarwal is an aesthetic dermatologist with over 16 years of experience and the Medical Director & CEO of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic. She caters to a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds, including top names from the television and fashion fraternity, CEOs, and entrepreneurs, and delivers injectables and advanced technologies to her clients.

Read full bio of Dr. Madhuri Agarwal

• 
  Madison DufourLicensed Cosmetologist Madison Dufour is a licensed barber and cosmetologist with a decade of experience. She is also an entrepreneur who runs several hair businesses, including MadisonD Barbering and The Exquisite Find Hair Blog. She received her training from Xenon Academy of Cosmetology and aims to help people feel confident from the inside and beautiful on the outside through proper hair care.
  
  Madison Dufour is a licensed barber and cosmetologist with a decade of experience. She is also an entrepreneur who runs several hair businesses, including MadisonD Barbering and The Exquisite Find Hair Blog. She received her training from Xenon Academy of Cosmetology and aims to help people feel confident from the inside and beautiful on the outside through proper hair care.

Jyotsana RaoBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Jyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She is passionate about writing about everything related to beauty - makeup, fashion, hairstyles, skin care, or hair care and has 4 years of experience on writing in these genres.

Read full bio of Jyotsana Rao

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

Read full bio of Eshna Das

Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

Read full bio of Krati Darak