Styling Mens Hair Without Hair Gel
Hair gel is synonymous with hair styling and holding, particularly for men’s hair. Designed to keep your curls, waves and a multitude of styles in place, it is the number one go to for managing hair. But what are the alternatives and how do they compare? Gel is known for its firm hold and ease of use, but can other products and methods outperform it? We take a look at what else is out there.
Reach for the water
Water may not be the first thing that springs to mind for holding hair in place. However, it is gentle on hair, free and easy to access and can be pretty effective if used correctly. Try using it via a spray bottle and spritz some onto your comb, directing the angle of your hair as you want it. Tip: be careful not to pull too tightly on wet hair as this can break your hair.
Harness the heating tools
For men with curls, blow drying can be a great way to prepare your hair before straightening. Use a wide tooth comb to gently pull through your hair while blowing dry, then use a heat protective spray or serum and begin using your straighteners. If you can, opt for straighteners that are lightweight to prevent your arm getting heavy during the straightening process. A tip for all hair types is to adopt a consistently smooth motion from the base of your hair to the tips, and remember, you don’t need to clamp down too hard with the irons as this will make it harder to pull through and can cause lines in your hair you don’t want.
Capitalise on clay
Clay is a great alternative to gel. It creates a more matte and textured finish and provides a firm hold without creating a hard surface on top of your hair like gel does. As well as giving extra body and a more natural look, clay has minerals and nutrients that can help nourish the scalp, which is good for men who have sensitive skin. To apply, use a small amount on the palm and rub to warm it up as this will make it easier to run through your hair. Evenly distribute throughout, starting with the ends first.
The hair cream dream
Sometimes called ‘styling cream’ hair cream is a gentler alternative to gel. Although its hold is lighter, it does a great job of taming frizz and helps protect it from heat damage too. Plus, it doesn’t feel so sticky. Aesthetically, hair cream gives a glossy finish that is natural. Start by applying a small amount to your fingertips, and rub together. A good tip it to use less than you need initially and apply more if you need to as you progress, otherwise you face having to wash it out and start afresh if you use too much.
Seek out the spray
It’s the ultimate hairstyling product, synonymous for its strong hold and hair styling capabilities. Hairspray first came to use in the fifties and has been popular ever since. It can stand up against the perils of extreme weather, hot or cold and gives a shine to your hair to boot. Unlike gel, hair spray is dispensed through an aerosol can or pump spray, meaning your hands don’t have to touch the product during application. The main difference with gel is that hairspray is used to hold hair in a finished style, while gel helps with the process of styling as well as the finished article. Consider if you need help holding the final look or if you want something you can style with from the start.
Hair tonic
Hair tonic is another way to control your hair. Created as a liquid or sometimes a pomade, it is typically applied to the hair after washing, when hair is still damp. Blow drying your hair into shape with hair tonic creates a light hold and a gentle sheen. Dispense the product into your hands and rub together before applying evenly throughout your hair and scalp. Thanks to its conditioning effects, some people use hair tonic instead of a conditioner after shampooing.
Hair wax
Like gel, hair wax is applied using the hands and fingers, but is a thicker consistency. Containing oils, water, beeswax and rosin, wax is more flexible and hair is freer to move once you have applied it, making restyling possible without having to wash your hair again, unlike gel. It can make your hair look thicker and less frizzy and the more you apply, the stronger the hold will be.
And finally…
There’s lots of alternatives out there with lots of different advantages. If you’re using one or more of these and aren’t happy with usability, hold or volume, then have some fun experimenting to find the best solution for you.
