We have become highly visually conscious these days, sporting trendy beards and uber-cool hairstyles, thanks to the selfie culture popularised by Instagram. In this craze, many youngsters experiment with chemical-laced hair gels and wax brands to get that perfect look.
But do these products damage your hair? Do they lead to hair fall or eventually baldness? In this article based on his educational video, Dr. John Watts — trichologist, dermatologist and hair transplant expert in Hyderabad who has performed over 1,800 hair and beard transplants — explores these questions with scientific reasoning.
Do hair gels cause baldness?
"The treatment for baldness is a hair transplant. That's the only option for those who are bald, but those who still have hair need to be cautious and resist the temptation of using whatever hair gels or hair wax available in the market," urges Dr. Watts.
Most hair gels in the market are alcohol-based. Though they do not directly cause baldness, excessive and unscientific use may indirectly hasten hair fall, resulting in patches of baldness on the scalp.
How you apply matters
Direct application on the scalp and hair roots can be counterproductive. "There are chances for hair damage if hair gel is directly applied on the scalp. One has to apply them carefully on the hair using two fingers," Dr. Watts explains.
Excessive use of hair gels can dry up the scalp and cause a build-up of flaky substances, making the scalp rough and the hair frizzy.
"If the hair gel contains minoxidil as an ingredient, they are good for your hair as they lead to hair growth. However, using purely alcohol-based may lead to hair breakage in course of time," he adds. Some brands can also trigger allergic reactions, since immune systems react differently to chemical-based products.
Is hair wax better than gel?
Yes, comparatively. "If you are determined to use hair gel and hair wax for enhancing your visual aesthetics for an important event or occasion, then opt for the latter as the best possible option. This is because hair wax comes with minimal alcohol percentage and cause less damage to hair in the long run," says Dr. Watts.
The trade-off: hair wax brands are costlier than gels and their effect does not last as long.
Precautions for safer styling
Dr. Watts lists a few basic precautions to limit damage:
- Use two fingertips to gently rub the gel and apply it on the hair, ensuring it does not touch the scalp.
- Rinse your hair with water soon after the occasion, then apply conditioner or hair serum to minimise the adverse impact.
- Consider a hairdryer-and-comb combo instead — it gives a similar styling effect. "Always try to maintain 15-20 cm distance while using a hairdryer," he advises.
If you notice hair fall or patches of baldness while using these products, consult a dermatologist or trichologist immediately.
The bottom line
Hair gels don't directly cause baldness, but excessive use of alcohol-based products can hasten hair fall, dry the scalp and cause breakage. Wax is the safer of the two, application technique matters, and rinsing off promptly limits damage. Style smart — and see a specialist if shedding starts.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Do hair gels directly cause baldness?
No, they do not directly cause baldness. However, excessive and unscientific use of alcohol-based gels may indirectly hasten hair fall and result in patches of baldness on the scalp.
Is hair wax safer than hair gel?
Comparatively, yes. Hair wax contains a minimal alcohol percentage and causes less damage in the long run, though it is costlier and its effect does not last as long.
How should hair gel be applied to reduce damage?
Apply it carefully on the hair using two fingertips and ensure it does not touch the scalp or hair roots. Rinse it off with water soon after, then use a conditioner or hair serum.
Is there an alternative to gels and wax for styling?
Yes. A comb and hairdryer combination can achieve a similar styling effect. Maintain a 15-20 cm distance while using the hairdryer.
