In the vast universe of hair styling products, gel is often that one product that’s seriously misunderstood. While many know to grab their mousse when they want to build body and volume into hair and to reach for hair spray when they want to lock a style into place, gel remains that slightly more elusive product that some aren’t so sure what to do with. Unless, of course, you have wavy or curly hair or flyaways and cowlicks — then this haircare superstar needs no introduction.
A great gel can be incorporated into your post-shower hair scrunching routine and before using your diffuser to create perfect ringlets and waves. It can smoothen a sleek bun or ponytail and help flyaways lay flat. Seriously, don’t discount the power of a good gel — there are plenty of ways to make it work for all hair types. But let’s be honest about its downsides, too: many hair gels are super drying and can make hair feel brittle. If you have thinning or delicate hair, especially, the absolute last product you want to use is one that can cause more hair damage. That’s why Dr. Yoram Harth, Board Certified Dermatologist and Medical Director of MDhair, spoke to us about three hair gel ingredients that can cause hair thinning.
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Alcohol
In hair products, alcohol is often used as a quick-drying agent, allowing the hair gel to evaporate quickly from the hair, Dr. Harth explains. While this might seem helpful for you when you’re trying to style your hair and would rather NOT leave with it looking wet, it comes with some major caveats.
“Alcohol, particularly short-chain alcohols like ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, can be very drying,” Dr. Harth says. “It achieves fast drying by stripping away the natural oils from the hair shaft, which are crucial for maintaining hair hydration and health. Over time, using hair products with high alcohol content can lead to dry, brittle hair that is prone to split ends and breakage. It can also cause scalp irritation, leading to problems like dandruff and itchy scalp.”
Keep your eye out for alcohol-free gels like It’s a 10 Miracle Firm Hold Styling Gel to avoid this problem.
Sulfates
This one comes as little surprise by now as sulfates, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), are almost always at the top of every hair and skin expert’s list of ingredient to avoid. Sulfates are detergents used in many hair products for their ability to create a rich lather and deeply cleanse. Although they effectively remove dirt and excess oil from your hair and scalp, they can be too harsh for many people, Dr. Harth says.
“They strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to frizz,” Dr. Harth adds. “This is particularly problematic for individuals with naturally dry, brittle, or curly hair. Continuous use of sulfates can also lead to scalp irritations, such as dryness and itching. Furthermore, some research suggests that prolonged exposure to high concentrations of sulfates can potentially cause hair loss.”
Luckily, there are plenty of hair gels on the market that are free of sulfates. One to try (and one that won’t upset your budget): Jason Natural Flaxseed Hi Shine, which is free of sulfates and rich in nourishing plant proteins and panthenol.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a potent preservative that you may be shocked to learn in still being used in many cosmetic products, including hair gels, because of its ability to kill microorganisms, thereby preventing product spoilage.
“Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and its use in cosmetic products has been highly controversial,” Dr. Harth warns. “Exposure to this chemical can lead to various adverse reactions, including skin irritation, eye problems, and respiratory issues. Regarding its impact on hair health, formaldehyde can cause hair to become weak, brittle, and prone to breakage. In some cases, exposure to formaldehyde might even lead to hair loss.”
The European Union has severely restricted the use of formaldehyde in cosmetics, but it's still found in some hair products elsewhere, often in the form of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, Dr. Harth adds.
A pick like Living Proof Curl Defining Gel is free of formaldehyde, sulfates, and other potentially drying ingredients such as silicone.
Even though you may use little more than a dime-size amount of hair gel in your routine each day, choosing products that are free of these ingredients — especially if you have thinning or compromised hair — is an important way you can help maintain the health and integrity of your hair.
