Hair Gels
Hair gel is a product for hold and body that is heavier than a mousse. It works great on coarse, curly hair and often imparts shine. Hair gels are usually alcohol-based and are best used to achieve hair styles that require medium to strong hold, like short, stiff spikes or tightly coiled hot-roller curls. It's the evaporation of the alcohol that causes a stiff finish.
How hair gels work
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 style 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.
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.
Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next
Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next
|
