This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
Hair gel is a popular beauty product that many of us use to groom and style our hair. It's a great product if you’re looking to stiffen your hair and created a sleek, molded style. According to David Deutsch, MD, a hair restoration surgeon, hair gel and hair spray are not directly associated to hair loss or hair thinning. However, there are ingredients used in popular brands that you still want to avoid for your overall hair and scalp health!
[Photos: Shutterstock]
Alcohol
According to dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah, “Alcohol is often found in hair care products, but it can be drying to hair, especially if at high concentrations.” There are plenty of great hair gels on the market that are alcohol-free, like L'Oreal's EverStyle Strong Hold Defining Gel. This gel offers a strong and style hold without the drying effects of alcohol!
Greasers
If your hair gel contains any greasers, it may be bad news for your strands. "Steer clear of 'lanolin, petroleum and mineral oil,'” hair specialist and restoration surgeon Dr. Robert Dorin advises. “They weigh down thin hair, preventing natural oils from being absorbed.”
Fragrance
The purpose of hair gel is to make you hair stiff, not to make it smell nice! Experts say that the fragrances and perfumes used in hair gel could really be doing a number on your hair! "Fragrances are used for aesthetic reasons, but they may be irritants," says Dr. Dorin. We recommend trying Free & Clear's Hair Styling Gel next time. It's a great hair gel option that is dermatologist-recommended and alcohol, fragrance and lanonlin-free!
Were you shocked to find that your hair gel contains ingredients that are actually bad for your hair? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
