Most of us aim for a perfect look which usually constitutes of appropriate clothing, a properly done face and the most important thing that matters is the right hair style. Hair is a vital element that completes your overall appearance and to keep hair style in place, many of us use hair gels. Hair gels are hair styling products which are used to stiffen hair in a particular style. Using gels on a regular basis has become a common trend among people. But have you ever deliberated on this fact that is consistent usage of gel safe for your hair? Is it one of the reasons why you are experiencing hair loss? Hair gels cause hair loss’ is a very popular yet untrue hair loss myth! However, there are many reasons behind hair loss. Hair gels may not be one of the cause for hair loss, but it definitely harms your hair making it more dry and brittle. In fact, overuse use of gels can cause hair fall too as it contains harmful chemicals like Polyquaternium-11, Fragrance, Tetrasodium EDTA and Methylchloroisothiazolinone. According to American Academy of Family Physicians, improper care can cause hair loss, but not through use of everyday products such as hair gel.
Do gels really cause your hair to fall out?
Yes, hair gels can cause your hair to fall out. Though, there’s simply no evidence that this is true. Excessive use of any styling product can damage your individual strands. It also depends on how you apply your hair gel, if it directly comes in contact with your scalp, your hair follicles may become weak. You may suffer from hair loss or alopecia (baldness). Overuse of hair gels can cause problems such as they tend to build up in your hair over a period of time. This makes you hair stiff, dry and brittle. Gels also strip out essential oils and nutrients from the hair. Today, many women and men usually makes greater use of these products. In fact, more men are showing interest in styling products which includes excessive use of gel and spray.
There are many issues behind hair loss. When hair loss begins suddenly, it may be due to illness, diet, medicine or childbirth. You may not believe, but excessive brushing can also causes hair loss. If hair loss is gradual and becomes more noticeable with each passing year, a person may have hereditary hair loss. Certain hair care practices also can cause noticeable hair loss.
Side-Effects of Using Hair Gel
The side effects of hair gel range from human immune system toxication to effects on the brain and the nervous systems along with possible effects on the sensory organs too. Here are some common problems that you may face.
Hair loss
Hair gels tend to dehydrate your hair which further causes your hair to break and fall out. When external pollutants chemicals present in the gel comes in contact with dead cells and sebum on the scalp, it blocks the hair follicles. This causes the hair to fall out. Prolonged hair fall can lead to issues like receding hair line and baldness.
Drying and dehydrating hair
Hair gels contain alcohol and corrosive chemicals that are responsible for making your hair dry and brittle. You may notice unmanageable, dry, rough, limp and lusterless tresses.
Discoloration
This is one of the most common cause for hair loss. Gels strips off moisture content from the hair, making it dull and unhealthy and disturbs the pH balance. You may see early graying signs, fading and discoloration due to the presence of chemicals in the hair.
Dandruff
Gels give rise to problems such as irritable, itchy and dry scalp leading to dandruff and hair loss. Clogged skin pores and hair follicles, irregular production of sebum tend to weaken hair root altogether, further aggravating the problem of dandruff. Seborrhoeic dermatitis or inflammation in the scalp can further lead to other skin diseases like acne.
Precautions To Take While Applying Hair Gel
It is advisable to not apply hair gel directly on the scalp and use them in a small amount. Spread hair gels to the tip of the hair. The gels should not be massaged on the scalp as hair follicles underneath the scalp gets blocked when hair gel comes in contact with scalp. Slightly rubbing is sufficient to ensure that the gel will cement your hair for hours.
Make use of natural and organic hair styling products which do not contain chemicals in high concentration. This is the best alternative to prevent hair from drying and dehydration. Natural hair gels include oils and natural butters which keep your scalp healthy and these products can even fend off dandruff issues. These products are cheaper and easier to apply.
Use hair gels featuring natural moisturizing ingredients like Aloe Vera, henna, Amla, chamomile, jojoba or rosemary are a better, sensible choice. Alcohol, as an ingredient is widely known for drying out hair and damaging it in the process, hence it would be a good idea to stay away from hair gels that include alcohol as an ingredient.
Should hair gels be applied?
Given to the risk posed by hair gels the question arises whether one should use hair gels or not? 
Hair gels contributes to the wear and tear of the hair, but they should not be used on a regular basis. Heavy usage of hair gels can make your hair dry, cause breakage and ultimately lead to hair loss. Though, many physicians believe that hair gels do not have any dangerous effect on hair, but they also at the same time recommend on not overusing such styling products. It is better to choose your hair styling product carefully. So, if you are thinking of using hair gel, do go ahead but just remember that it does not contain alcohol and helps to retain moisture of your hair.
