|
Sexy
Hair Concepts Hard Up Gel | Back
to Basics Green Tea Gel
Paul
Mitchel Super Clean Gel | Aveda Retexturing Gel
Graham Webb Vivid Color Locking Gel
|
Graham Webb Brit
Style Gel
Goldwell
Trendline Strong Gel | Redken 16 Hardwear
| Citrus Mint by American Crew
Other
hair product reviews
Hair
Styling Gels (Reviews)
Hair
gels are now available in many different preparations to meet the needs of
consumers. Hair gels can be used in a variety of ways to create different looks
and styles. Clients wanting more texture (hair thickness), shine, curl
definition, straightness, control, or spikes now have an array of hair styling
gels to suit their needs. There are 7 main categories for hair gels. They are
ringing gels, stringing gels, spiking gels, smoothing gels, curling gels, spray
gels and foaming gels. In this review we test a range of “salon only” styling
gels. The gels we selected were chosen at random and were purchased at two
popular hair salons. The testing was done in order for you to make the proper
selection of gel to suit your needs. (go
to hair gel reviews)
How
hair gels work
The way nearly all hair styling gels work is similar. Each uses a specific
polymers/copolymer that when dry forms a film that that bonds individual hair
strands together and provides hold. Polymers are formed by the chaining
together (cross-linking) of like molecules. Ideally the best polymers when dry,
allow some flexibility, are transparent, do not absorb moisture (become sticky)
from the air, and do not flake when brushed. Hair gels provide differing levels
of hold depending on the intended use.
Selecting the right gel
In selecting a hair styling gel it is important to first determine what you
want to accomplish with your hair. If your hair is long and curly a curl
defining gel may be the best suited to show off your curls without a hard hold.
If your hair is short and you want to spike your hair up, a stronger holding
gel may be the best choice. One of the main reasons a person may not like a
particular hair gel is that it may not be suited for that hair type. (go
to hair gel reviews)
Gels and mousses/foams…what is the difference?
Many people wonder what’s the difference between a mousse/foam and a hair gel.
Gels tend to be thicker and go on heavier. A propellant dispenses
Mousses/foams. Foams often have a surfactant and tend to be spread more thinly
on the hair. Many hair stylists will explain it by saying, “Gels for
definition, structure and hold…foams for volume.” Often the holding polymer is
the same in gels and foams but the delivery of the product is different.
How to best use a gel
The key in using a gel is to use it in moderation. Most manufactors recommend
using a “dime or nickel size” amount in the palm of your hand. Rub your hands
together to spread the gel on your palms evenly, and then apply to the hair.
Start with a small amount, apply, and add more if needed. The mistake many people
make is using too much gel, which causes the hair to become heavy, and makes
the hair difficult to style. If your goal is to create lift and or volume,
apply the gel to the roots first and work it towards the ends. (go
to hair gel reviews) |
