Hair styling gels

In the 90s of the last century, when gels only appeared on the cosmetic market, it became very fashionable to use them for fixing naughty strands and texturing hair. In those years, due to the dubious quality of the product and its excessive application, the shock sometimes resembled many icicles, and, moreover, glued together. Fortunately, times are changing, and technology does not stand still - today a variety of gels are offered on the market that allow you to create quite interesting effects on your hair.

First, a little history. Few people know, but people created the first prototypes of a restyled gel over a thousand years ago! In those days, they used fat, tar, and even animal droppings. Of course, the only positive thing when using such a “gel” was the exceptional fixation of the hair, and all the other characteristics of the mixture left much to be desired. However, we will not dwell on these negative aspects in more detail, and consider the modern formulations, widely represented in the market of cosmetic products. Fashion brands not only provide durability of styling, but also do not cause the appearance of sticky plaque, have a pleasant smell and do not have a harmful effect on the hair.

So hair gel is water-based broad spectrum simulator. In appearance and texture, it resembles a translucent jelly mass, which may be colorless or colored. In the cheapest brands, the degree of fixation is easily determined by the color of the product - the darker it is, the stronger the strands will stick to each other, but the best manufacturers try not to introduce dyes into their products, therefore the level of fixation can be judged only from the information on the packaging.

Being applied to the wet curls, the gel forms on each hair a thin, but at the same time very elastic sheath, due to which the hair is much easier to assemble into a hairstyle. Quality gels necessarily contain fibrillar protein, better known as keratin - it nourishes the hair, heals them, restores silkiness and gives shine.

The undoubted advantages of the product include:

• fixing effect - thanks to this property, you can maintain the perfect state of hair for a long time;
• the ability to create the most complex hairstyles on hair;
• the absence of any sticky plaque on the curls after application;
• weak aroma;
• hypoallergenic.

Gels are produced on the basis of water disinfected by UV radiation, in addition, the composition of the tool includes all sorts of useful components that ensure the durability of the hairstyle, and also have a light healing effect:

• cationic polymers - these particles have a positive charge, due to which they are fixed to the negatively charged keratin;
• PVP / VA copolymer - ensures the formation of a fixing film, which prevents the penetration of gel components into the structure of the hair shaft;
• carbomer - acts as a thickener;
• triethanolamine - is responsible for regulating the acid-base reaction;
• glycerol - helps to moisturize the curls and their nutrition.

At the same time, the structure of the gels includes substances that negatively affect the condition of the hair - these include preservatives and all sorts of artificial colors. In addition, the composition has ethyl alcohol, which causes drying of hair, brittleness and dandruff.

In order to mitigate the adverse effects of these components, the gel is additionally enriched with useful oils and plant extracts. For example, a very good effect gives aloe extract, which helps to moisturize and strengthen curls.

Modern compositions have a large number of the most diverse modifications. Famous manufacturers have tried to make sure that a suitable product can be found for any type of hair and hairstyle features. The most common are the following options:

• gelatinous - the most common type of styling gels, it is versatile, is sold in banks and differs in the level of fixation;
• liquid - this gel is used for texturing too thin and rare strands, which, when applying compositions of a more dense structure, immediately lose their entire volume;
• gel spray - simultaneously performs the tasks and the gel, and the spray, as a rule, is applied already in the final stage, gently fixes the styling, while the strands remain mobile and quite lively;
• gel wax - it has a rather dense structure, is intended for texturing the tips, and is not suitable for use on greasy and weakened strands;
• gel paint - this gel not only fixes the strands, but additionally tones them, emphasizing the individual curls in the hair, however, the shade itself turns pale, unsaturated;
• brightening - due to the characteristics of the chemical composition, under the action of ultraviolet radiation gives a lighter shade on the curls, without damaging the hair shaft;
• healing - A special gel, which contains vitamins A, E, D, is additionally enriched with panthenol, keratin and other components necessary for maintaining a healthy hair; due to the use of such means, the hair is not only modeled, but also treated.

Depending on the level of fixation emit:

• superstrong;
• average;
• weak fixation.

To destination are:

• for extra pomp;
• with a slight moisturizing effect;
• giving shine and shine;
• smoothing;
• curative;
• tint.

Choosing the right gel is not so difficult - it all depends on what effect you want to achieve. For daily hairstyles, it is better to use sprays, they have weak fixing properties, so they look quite natural. Such products are very easy to apply, and they do not make the strands heavier and do not glue the hair together.

For short and ultrashort haircuts, wax is ideal - it is very versatile, while it is used both on the tips and along the entire length of the hair. However, it is important not to overdo it - you need to use a minimum of the product, otherwise the strands look dirty. It should be noted that working with wax requires a certain dexterity, and it is far from being used correctly to use it the first time.

Gels with a creamy consistency take care of the hair, they have a pronounced regenerating effect and contribute to the accelerated growth of hair, but it is not possible to do styling with it that requires strong fixation, therefore such compositions are used mainly for everyday use and daily styling.

Everyone has their own favorite composition for hair, often in search of the best means, you have to try several dozen preparations, however, according to user feedback, the following products have the best consumer properties.

Sea buckthorn gel for straightening curls from Natura Siberica. This product has a natural composition, it fixes the styling well, without weighing down the strands, and additionally heals them and restores the natural glow.

Gel of superstrong fixing from the famous cosmetic brand Revlon. Professional tool that allows you to simulate the most complex hairstyles.

Gel-paste for styling from Schwarzkopf. Universal composition, which with the same success can be used both in salon conditions, and for home.

Biokeratin preparation from Concept. An excellent gel, which allows not only to achieve perfect appearance of hair throughout the day, but also to treat damaged and brittle hair.

Any styling products must be properly used, and gels are no exception. When working with him should follow the following recommendations.

• The gel must be taken in a small volume, otherwise the hair will look dirty or glued.
• Gels are used only on clean hair.
• If you are planning to use a curling iron or an iron for styling, give preference to gels with thermal protection.
• The composition should not be applied to the root zone, it is necessary to retreat from the head about 4-5 cm.
• Sometimes when applying the gel, it begins to lag or leaves whitish marks. There may be several reasons for this: an excessive amount of the drug, the use of a low-quality product, or the use of an ultra-strong fixation gel that does not suit your hair type.

During the work with gel it is necessary to observe precautionary measures:

• Do not allow the gel to get into your eyes, if this has happened - rinse with plenty of running water;
• if the scalp is inflamed or has wounds, it is better to use the gel;
• when using the gel for the first time, observe the reaction - if there are rashes, redness or pain, stop using the composition;
• a dry gel can leave unattractive stains on clothes - be careful;
• gels should be kept out of the reach of children.

Let us dwell on the options for female styling, which can be done with the help of the gel.

This hairstyle is done by the owners of short haircuts, the essence lies in the texturing of individual strands. To perform such styling, you should take a small amount of gel, distribute it on your hands and rub it into your hair, and then put it in the usual way using a comb and hair dryer. At the final stage you should scoop up a little more gel and form separate strands with your fingers, fixing them in the right direction.

This is a very fashionable styling option, a real hit of the last seasons. To achieve the result is quite simple, the feature of using the gel here is that it is applied to wet hair. As a rule, immediately after washing your head get a little wet to remove all excess water and then apply the gel along the entire length, then gently squeeze the hair, forming curls.

With the help of the gel, you can make elastic curls and curls.It is very simple to make a curly hairstyle - it is necessary to apply a bit of makeup on clean damp hair, then slightly dry it with a hairdryer, screw on papillots and dry it naturally. After that, the curlers remove and distribute the styling with your fingers without using a comb.

With the help of the gel, even the most disobedient, tough hair can be laid; for this purpose, a small amount of the gel is applied onto the comb, evenly spread over it, and systematically combed one strand after another. After that, they pass through the hair once more, forming the desired styling, are dried with a hairdryer and additionally fixed with varnish.

It should be noted that not only women, but also men resort to the product. For daily styling, they will need quite a bit of composition, it needs to be rubbed into the hair and left in the desired form, after which the hair is dried without the participation of a hair dryer.

“Careless” styling is very popular among young men - in this case, the gel is distributed in the palms, and then the hair is combed against the direction of their growth and hands form separate strands.

You can make the hair, on the contrary, smooth. Then the gel is applied mainly to the roots, and then combed back using a comb and a hair dryer. Keep in mind that such styling puts all the flaws of a person to the fore, so not every man can afford it.

It should be noted that all styling products have their own characteristics that led to their use. So, some women think that foams and gels have the same effect. This is not the case; foam mousses and gels have quite a few differences.

• Mousses give strands extra pomp, as well as keep the desired shape of hair. Gels also fix styling, but completely deprive strands of pomp.
• Hair mousse is a foamy substance. Gel is a rather sticky mass.
• As a rule, the foam is packed in large aerosol cans. Gels are sold in banks.
• Mousses can be used by consumers with hair of any length. Gel is most often applied on short curls.

How to use gel to create a styling with the effect of wet hair, see below.