Side effects of using hair gel

Side effects of using hair gel

Hair gel is the ultimate solution to keep your hair in place, be it for an important corporate meeting or for that special date night. The right hair gel lets you say goodbye to bad hair days forever. With so many types and brands available in the market, the consumer is truly spoilt for choice. Yet, most products contain chemicals, and you must also think of the negative effects that these products can have on your body. Let’s take a look at some side-effects that occur due to the constant use of hair gel.

Dry hair
If you suffer from dry hair, chances are you are using excess hair product. Hair products such as hair gel contain a lot of chemicals that add styling power, rich color, and pleasant fragrance. Some of these chemicals are alcohol-based. Alcohol-based hair products dry out your hair and scalp by reducing your scalp’s production of sebum. It leaves your hair dry and coarse. People who use hair gel daily might notice that their hair becomes rough, unmanageable, and tangles up often. Dry hair is a sign of hair damage and should be dealt with immediately to prevent hair loss.

Hair loss
Hair gels contain a lot of chemicals that get absorbed by your scalp. It is okay to use this product occasionally. However, if you find yourself using hair gel daily, you are more likely to become a victim of hair loss. The scalp absorbs the chemicals in hair gels which causes a build-up in the hair follicles. The best way to avoid suffering from this type of hair loss is to limit the use of hair gel. Additionally, remember to wash out any product from your hair before sleeping.

Dandruff and scalp rash
The constant application of chemical-laden hair products can irritate your sensitive hair follicles. In turn, this makes the scalp dehydrated. A dehydrated scalp becomes flaky and tends to shed more skin than it should. People who use hair gel daily tend to suffer from excessive dandruff and may even develop conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff is not only embarrassing but can also lead to severe scalp itching. Thus, it can lead to breakage and hair loss. Additionally, scalp infections can lead to severe acne on the face and back.

Faded hair color
Not many people are aware of this fact, but prolonged use of hair gel can cause your natural hair color to fade. It happens because the toxic chemical residue from hair products left in your hair overnight can impact your hair’s natural pH balance. Thus, it causes your natural hair to appear dull and faded over time. Additionally, some studies have even linked premature greying in men and women to the constant use of hair products, including hair gels.