Be it any occasion or event, it is important to keep your hair properly styled, in place and manageable. This is achieved with the help of styling gels. The gels have been used since Ancient Egyptian times, and they would use it to help to keep hair in place.

The gel was invented in the 1960s and they contained diethyl phthalate, which had a unique ability to remain non-sticky. The hair gel works on the principle of positive charges giving the gel viscosity, to bind the hair, to hold it in position, and stretch it for a long duration. It enhances your look, keeping the hair neat and well kept. Certain man’s hair gives a wet look.

However, hair gels are known to have side effects of the body, hair, and scalp due to the harmful ingredients it contains. The chemical ingredients present damages the hair externally as well as internally. It also affects the hair roots, causing harm to the hair cells. It is recommended to avoid the excessive use of men’s hair gel.

1. Dry hair

Hair gel contains corrosive chemicals and alcohol, which strip the hair and scalp of the moisture. Dry hair is prone to breakage. It also causes itchy and flaky scalp. The hair gets frizzy and broken hair becomes lusterless and limp. They make the hair locks look dry, rough and lusterless.

2. Hair Loss

As the gels make the scalp and hair dry it makes the hair more susceptible to breakage. The hair gel contains certain ingredients that react with the air pollutants which leaves behind the dead cells and excess sebum build-up. This clogs the hair follicles causing hair fall. Prolonged usage may lead to baldness or receding hairline.

3. Dandruff

Undernourished, dehydrated and infected scalp causes flakiness, itchiness, irritation leading to dandruff. This leads to the build-up of sebum and dead cells causing the clogging of pores, leading to hair fall due to weak hair roots and will aggregate the problem of hair fall. Inflammation and dermatitis can lead to other skin problems. Dandruff will start to develop in the scalp which may further cause the scalp to swell.

4. Discoloration and damage

Discoloration, thinning, split ends and other damage are common side effects of using men’s hair gels. Gels tend to strip the hair off the moisture content and nourishment which further leads to the imbalance of ph levels, hair breakage, and makes them look dull and unhealthy. The man’s hair gels also harm color-treated hair causing discoloration and graying of hair.

The hair gel should be used the right way as it may lead to a build-up of the product, development of flakes, and greasiness due to overuse. It needs to be washed out properly or it may contribute to a build-up of oil and gel. It has its pros and cons.