While some hair gels can cause problems such as build-up and dryness, a good quality hair gel should actually support the health of your hair while keeping it in place throughout the day. You'll want something that's flake-free and if you're concerned about it drying out your hair, opt for one that smooths and conditions at the same time. Shop GQ's edit of the best hair gels Hair gel is water-soluble, making it easy to wash out of your hair. Simply rinse your hair with water, and the gel will dissolve, leaving your hair clean and free from product buildup. You can use your regular shampoo to cleanse your hair after using gel, ensuring that all traces of the product are removed. For waves, Hardges recommends covering your hands in gel and using your fingers to rake through your hair, squeezing your curls as you go.

All hair gels are not created equal—and if you have curly, coily, or kinky natural hair, then you know that different occasions call for different gels. The right gel will provide clumping for your wash-and-go curls and definition for your twist-outs, but the wrong gel? Well, that’s just a dry, crunchy mess.Hair wax typically offers a low to medium shine, depending on the brand and formulation. It provides a natural-looking shine that enhances the hair’s texture and adds dimension to your style. The wax absorbs light rather than reflecting it, resulting in a subtle sheen that gives your hair a healthy appearance. Hair gel shine factor Yes, Francis says. "Because it's a water-based product, it will distribute much better, giving better coverage and desired style execution." If you need it for serious styling help, he says, "You could use a tiny dot of gel on dry hair if you have stubborn flyaways that you would apply with the tips of your fingers." What should you look for in a hair gel? We conducted hours of research on the best gels, evaluating each on formula type, active ingredients, and how it feels in your hair. After consulting with top stylists Kevin Murphy and Sally Hershberger, we narrowed down our list to these best in show.

The most important thing to remember when applying hair gel? Less is more. In fact, that simple rule is so important that we’re going to say it again: when applying hair gel, less is more. Hair wax is known for its versatility in styling options. It can be used to create various looks, from messy and textured styles to sleek and structured ones. You can achieve different levels of hold and texture by adjusting the amount of wax used. Hair wax works well with most hair types and lengths, making it a popular choice for those who like to experiment with their hairstyles. Hair gel versatility Because there are so many styling gels on the market, it can feel overwhelming to find the right one for your hair type, texture, and hairstyle you're going for. After all, many gels are alcohol-based and can cause dry hair or damage in the long run. Not convinced? We had a feeling, so we grabbed some extra reassurance from celebrity hairstylist Marcus Francis, the master behind the chairs of stars like Julianne Moore and Winona Ryder. So what makes for an A-list-worthy gel, you ask? Francis says the key to finding the perfect formula is to avoid those that contain alcohol, which is responsible for the dreaded 2000s crunch. And always start out with a lower hold; simply add more product if needed. "If it's too strong or firm, it could leave the hair flaky or crusty, and there may not be much flexibility with the styling," he says.I would suggest looking for a gel with either no alcohol or the least amount of alcohol possible so as to not draw out moisture and dry out your hair that you spent time washing and treating,” says Ebony Gordon, an expert on natural/curly hair, color, extensions, and overall hair health. “No matter your hair texture, balance and moisture is key”. Put a liberal amount of gel into your fingertips and do a basic mussed-up look, getting your hair into a combination of spikes and casual messiness. Then, take a medium-tooth comb, wet it, and run it along the sides of your head, above each ear. Gel is a great choice for everything from twist-outs to holding a sleek pony in place. However, some people might not enjoy the look or feel of them. Pomade doesn't offer as much control as gel, but may be gentler on hair.