How should I apply gel to my hair?

In: Lifestyle › Style & Beauty

Invest in the hair gel that is appropriate for your needs. Light-hold hair gel won't keep your hair in place as securely as a medium or extra-strength formula. # Step 2 Get a slicked back style on short hair. First wash your hair and towel it off. You need it wet, but not sopping or dripping wet. Squirt a pinch of at least medium strength hair gel into your palm and briskly rub your hands together to activate the product. Run your hands through your hair to evenly distribute the gel. Before the gel dries, comb your hair in place with a fine-tooth comb the way you want it for the day. Do not touch your hair afterward, as this will dislodge the gel from your hair, making it lose its sleek appearance. If you don't want a too-sleek look, apply the gel when hair is damp rather than wet or use a half-mousse, half-gel formula for lighter hold. # Step 3 Define natural curls and prevent frizz on medium to long hair. Wash and condition hair as usual. Absorb excess water from hair with a large fluffy towel. Squirt a dollop of gel that is specifically created to activate the hair's natural curl on your palm and rub your hands together before working the product through your curls. Add more product as you see fit if you have very long or very thick hair. Scrunch the curls into shape and allow to air dry or use a diffuser to give your hair more volume (see Resources). # Step 4 Keep stubborn cowlicks in place when tying hair back. Pull your hair into the style you want---be it a ponytail, a bun or a half-up, half-down style. Smooth a pinch of gel over the unruly strands. Comb lightly over the area with a fine-tooth comb to help it blend with the rest of the hair. If the spot requiring hair gel is considerably visible---such as at your crown---smear a spot of gel around it as well so that there are no portions that appear strikingly shinier than others. If the only gel you have on hand is of medium hold strength but you have some hairspray, hold the bottle or can about 6 inches away, spritzing lightly over the area. Go over the spot again with the comb before the styling product sets. The combination of hair gel and hairspray should prevent any rebellious strands from interfering with an otherwise flawless hairstyle.