Hair gels have been around for a long time and they are known to tame those wild curls and bring about a neat, sleek look. The main component of hair gel is PVP, a polymer sealer, which, when mixed with water, forms a layer between each strand of hair, hardening the strands. This way, we can style the hair anyway we want to.
However, the truth of this hair styling product is far from this. Studies have shown how it can affect your hair health in the long term if used excessively.
5 Common Side Effects of Hair Gel
Using hair styling products is a great option to achieve the instant look that you want but this sometimes can come at a cost. So, here are the major hair gel side effects that you should be aware of:
- Dehydrated Hair: Hair gel can mess up the moisture level of your scalp. According to research, hair gels are made up of alcohol and corrosive chemicals. These substances are bad for hair hydration and they strip off the whole moisture from the strands and make them brittle and dry. Dry hair is prone to more breakage.
- Hair Loss: Hair loss is one of the most noticeable side effects of using hair gel. Excessive use of this product reduces the moisture present in the scalp. Hence, it dries the root of the hair, which in turn leads to rough and brittle hair strands. The chemicals present here, along with the pollutants present in our environment, together affect sebum production. Since sebum helps keep the scalp hydrated and grow hair, a reduction in sebum production may eventually lead to irritation and hair loss.
- Hair Discoloration: One of the most worrying hair gel side effects is hair discolouration. The chemicals present in a hair gel disturb the pH balance of the scalp and it ultimately leads to the fading of the natural color of your hair.
- Dandruff: The chemicals present in the hair gel make the hair lose its natural oil. This causes a dry scalp. This means your hair is malnourished and dehydrated. Ultimately, it leads to a flaky scalp condition and your scalp becomes prone to bacterial infection. A state of itchiness and irritation finally leads to dandruff in the hair.
- Premature Graying: The hair gel side effects on the hair scalp are well-known but it also affects the quality of hair. The harmful chemicals of the hair gel make the hair strands lose their nourishment and it alters the hair’s pH balance. Even on color-treated hair, the effect is similar and using too much hair gel leads to premature graying and loss of luster.
Conclusion
From the above discussion, one thing should be clear now, i.e. how harmful hair gel is. It may help you in temporary styling but the overall health of your hair will deteriorate, resulting in the above-mentioned conditions. Hence, it is better not to use it at all or find an alternative for hair styling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use hair gel regularly?
Yes, you can use hair gels regularly, but doing so is definitely not a good idea, considering its long-term effect on your hair.
Should I apply the hair gel on my scalp?
No, the hair gel is meant for application only on the length of the hair, and it should be kept far away from your scalp.
Can I use flax seeds as hair gel?
Definitely, flax seeds can be used as alternatives to hair gel products, and it is not harmful but rather very beneficial for your hair.
