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Who doesn’t love good hair gel? We’ve all been there; you’ve just gotten out of the shower, your hair is still wet, and you want to style it into that perfect spikes look.
So, you slather on some hair gel, and voila! Perfectly coiffed hair. But does hair gel cause hair loss?
Let’s look at the science behind hair gel and hair loss and the potential side effects of hair gel to see if there is any truth to this claim.
Table Of Contents
Does hair gel cause hair loss?
The short answer is: it depends.
Hair gel is a hair styling product that is used to add hold, shine, and texture to the hair. It is typically made from water, alcohol, and polymers.
Some hair gels can be very harsh on the hair and scalp and can lead to hair loss. This is usually due to the harsh chemicals in the gel, such as alcohol and polymers.
Another way that hair gel can cause hair loss is if you use it too often. If you use hair gel every day, this can clog your hair follicles and prevent hair growth. Additionally, if you use hair gel with harsh chemicals, this can irritate your scalp and skin, leading to hair loss.
Other hair gels are much gentler on the hair and scalp and will not cause hair loss. These gels typically contain natural ingredients, such as aloe vera gel, coconut oil, and natural oils.
So, if you are wondering whether or not hair gel causes hair loss, the answer is: it depends on the ingredients in the gel and how often you use it.
You may want to switch to a gentler gel if you use hair gel frequently. And, if you are concerned about the ingredients in your hair gel, you can always check the label to see what is in it.
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Side Effects Of Using Gel
Hair gel is a great product for styling hair, but it can have some harmful side effects if used too frequently.
- Dandruff: Dandruff is one of the most common side effects of using hair gel. The main reason for this is that gels tend to contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the scalp and cause dandruff.
- Dries Hair: Another common side effect of using hair gel is that it can dry out your hair. This is because the gel can strip away the natural oils from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle.
- Hair Loss: Hair loss is another possible side effect of using hair gel. This is because the gel can clog the hair follicles and prevent hair from growing properly.
- Discoloration and Damage: Another possible side effect of using hair gel is that it can cause discoloration and damage to your hair. This is because the gel can strip away the natural pigments from your hair, leaving it dull and lifeless.
How to Use Hair Gel and Wax Correctly
Hair gel and wax are two styling products that are often used interchangeably. However, these two products actually serve different purposes.
Hair gel
Hair gel is a product that is used to add shine and hold to the hair. It is often used to style the hair in place after it has been washed and dried.
When using hair gel, it is important to apply it to damp or towel-dried hair. If you apply it to dry hair, it will be more difficult to distribute evenly and will not provide as much hold.
- Start scooping out a small amount with your fingers to apply hair gel. Rub the gel between your palms to warm it up and make it easier to spread.
- Then, run your fingers through your hair, starting at the roots and working your way to the tips.
- Use more gel if you need to, but be careful not to use too much, or your hair will look greasy.
Hair wax
Hair wax, on the other hand, is a product that is used to add texture and definition to the hair. It can be used on wet or dry hair.
If you are using hair wax, you can apply it to either damp or dry hair. Unlike hair gel, which should be applied to the hair from the roots to the tips, hair wax should only be applied to the tips of the hair. This will help to create separation and definition.
- To apply hair wax, start by taking a small amount on your fingertips.
- Again, rub the wax between your palms to warm it up and make it easier to spread.
- Then, run your fingers through the tips of your hair, working the wax in until you have achieved the desired look.
Hair Gel Alternatives
Are you concerned about the possible harmful effects of hair gels? If so, you may be looking for some hair gel alternatives.
There are several natural hair gels on the market that can provide the same hold and style as traditional hair gels without harsh chemicals. Some of these natural hair gels even contain ingredients that can actually improve the health of your hair and scalp.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is one natural ingredient that can be used as a hair gel alternative. Coconut oil has a number of benefits for hair health, including reducing dandruff and promoting hair growth.
Coconut oil can also help to protect your hair from damage caused by other products, such as hair sprays and shampoos.
Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel is another natural ingredient that can be used as a hair gel alternative. Aloe vera gel has a number of benefits for hair health, including reducing scalp irritation and promoting hair growth.
Aloe vera gel can also help to protect your hair from damage caused by other products, such as hair sprays and shampoos.
If you are looking for a hair gel alternative that provides a stronghold, you may want to try a product that contains cationic polymers. Cationic polymers are synthetic molecules that can help to increase the moisture levels in your hair, which can help to reduce frizz and make your hair more manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is It Ok to Use Hair Gel Every Day?
Yes, you can use hair gel every day if you want to. However, some potential risks are associated with using hair gel daily. These risks include clogged hair follicles, hair thinning, and hair breakage. If you use hair gel every day, it’s important to take measures to prevent these risks.
For example, you can avoid using hair gel on days when you’ll be sweating excessively (which can lead to clogged follicles). You can also avoid using gel on days when your hair is particularly dry or brittle (which can lead to breakage).
What Can I Use Instead of Gel?
If you don’t want to use hair gel, you can try aloe vera gel, which is a natural product that has no harmful side effects. You can also use coconut oil, which is an excellent natural alternative to hair gel.
Can I Use Vaseline as Hair Gel?
No, you should not use Vaseline as a hair gel because it can clog your hair follicles and cause hair loss. Additionally, Vaseline can make your hair dry and brittle, and it can also cause scalp irritation.
Can You Use Coconut Oil as Hair Gel?
Yes, you can use coconut oil as hair gel! Coconut oil has many benefits for your hair, including reducing frizz, adding shine, and protecting your hair from damage. When used as a hair gel, coconut oil can help to hold your style in place, reduce flyaways, and add definition to your hair.
Is Hair Wax Better Than Gel?
There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on your personal preferences. Some people prefer gel because it is easier to wash out, while others prefer wax because it provides more hold.
Does Hair Gel Prevent Hair Growth?
Although there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that hair gel prevents hair growth, there are several anecdotal reports of people observing a decrease in hair growth after using hair gel regularly.
It is speculated that the ingredients in hair gel, such as alcohol and other harsh chemicals, can clog hair follicles and prevent healthy hair growth. Additionally, excessive use of hair gel can lead to scalp irritation and dryness, affecting hair growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, does hair gel cause hair loss? While we don’t have a definite answer, it seems that gel may play a role in clogging hair follicles and causing hair breakage.
If you’re concerned about hair loss, we recommend avoiding gels and other products with harsh chemicals and sticking to natural ingredients like aloe vera gel or jojoba oil.
