Hair Gel Versus Hair Wax Versus Hair Spray: Which Is Better?

The hair industry has produced several products to be applied before and after styling the hair with flat or curling irons, curling with rollers, backcombing, and much more to change hair texture and hold a particular style for longer.

The most famous are hair gels, hair sprays, and hair waxes. (1) All these products have pros and cons depending on the usage and hair type. Though these products style and hold your hair for long durations and serve similar purposes, they have different manufacturing compositions.

Read further to learn more about their similarities and differences and which product is right for you.

What Are Hair Gels?

Hair gels are helpful hairstyling products for people with diffuse hair thinning. It is applied to damp hair to lift it from the scalp, giving it a voluminous appearance.

The constituents of hair gels are similar to those of hair sprays and are used for hair sculpting, styling, and hardening the hair in a specific style. (1)

What Are Hair Waxes?

Hair waxes are thick-textured hairstyling products that remain flexible while holding onto dry hair. Wax doesn’t make your hair stiff as it is not dry, allowing you to restyle it as many times as you want in a day without affecting its stability.

However, hairstyles created using wax can be easily wrecked compared to stiff styling gels because the latter are difficult to rinse off. (2)

A softer wax containing copolymers is available that allows even distribution; it is great for styling dry hair, giving it an oily look. (1)

What Are Hair Sprays?

Hair sprays come in the form of aerosols. They are applied after hairstyling to create hold and stiffness that stay longer.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone is the main constituent of hair sprays, and it is water washable. Some hair sprays contain vinyl acetate for long-lasting hold but are challenging to shampoo. Methacrylate copolymers are present in new softer hair sprays. (1)

Differences Between Hair Gels, Hair Waxes, and Hair Sprays 

Here are the following differences between hair gels, hair waxes, and hair sprays. 

Based on hairstyle-holding capacity

• Hair gels hold your hair lightly or strongly all day, keep your hair stiff, and prevent flyaway hair. They provide a wet look (3) and manageable, voluminous, glossy, and bouncy hair that can be combed easily without stickiness. It also provides hydrophobicity. (4)
• Hair waxes hold the hair firmly and allow restyling throughout the day. They give hair a pleasing look, and waxes with a creamy or liquid consistency appear neither oily nor dull. It is excellent for styling and restyling trendy hairstyles. (5)
• Hair sprays don’t give the hair a brittle, harsh feeling as compared to hair wax and gel due to their excellent holding and curl retention capacities. (6) They don’t weigh down the hair and they add shine and volume. 

Based on application

• Apply hair gel to damp hair and style it accordingly. (3) You can use hair gel in different quantities depending on how strong or light the hold you want as it quickly dries off and locks hair in place. (4) For a glossier look, apply it to damp hair, and for a matte look, apply it to dry hair. Rub a coin-sized amount of hair gel in your palms, apply it to your hair evenly, and style as desired. Various hair gels give a wide range of results, from a dry look and wet look to and a vertical hold. Hair gels also help in hair smoothening. (3)
• Apply hair wax to slightly wet and dry hair. Rub a small amount of wax in your palms and distribute it evenly. You can use a comb or your fingers to shape your hair as desired and increase or decrease the wax’s quantity based on the level of shine you want. (5)
• Hair sprays utilize disiloxane as an ingredient for their quick drying effect. (7) Apply hair spray to styled, dry, or wet hair. Spray the product 12 inches away from your hair, heavily or lightly, depending upon the type of hold you want. You can also blow-dry your hair for the hair spray to set fast. 

Based on cleansing the product from the hair

• Hair gels are easy to remove and wash using shampoo or water, (3) but if used excessively and not washed off properly, they can leave behind residue and cause flaking. (8)
• Hair waxes are challenging to remove from the hair, (2) even after washing several times using shampoo. They are removed sparsely. Thus, frequent hair wax application can make your hair greasy and unattractive. (9)
• Hair sprays can be washed or brushed off quickly using shampoo or water. (10) However, they leave behind residue and can cause dryness and damage if used frequently and in excess. (8)

According to the researchers, the cleansing property of hair sprays and gels is better than that of hair waxes. (4)

Disadvantages of Hair Gels, Hair Waxes, and Hair Sprays 

The drawbacks of using hair sprays, hair gels, and hair waxes are as follows. 

• Containing corrosive chemicals and alcohol, hair gel can dehydrate your scalp and hair by stripping off moisture, leading to discoloration, hair loss, damage, and dandruff. (3)
• Hair sprays and gels form a hard film around your strands, which may lead to flaking, an unnatural style, or difficult restyling. (4)
• Hair waxes stick to and collect on your hair strands, giving them a greasy appearance, especially when applied poorly. They also have poor cleansing ability. (4)

How to Apply Hairstyling Products Correctly

Follow these steps to achieve your desired results when using hairstyling products.

For hair gels and waxes:

1. Put the product on dry and clean hair unless the product label says otherwise. Start with a small quantity first and add more if needed.
2. Take some product in your palms to warm it up a little before applying it to your hair.
3. Apply it evenly to your hair, from the roots to the ends.
4. Spread it using a brush, a comb, or your fingers, and style your hair.

For hair sprays:

1. Spray 10 inches away from your hair, and don’t spray too much. 
2. Let it dry completely before restyling or touching your hair.
3. Give your hair a regular wash to eliminate product buildup or residue.

General Queries 

Final Word

You can enhance the texture of your hair and create multiple looks using hair gels, waxes, and sprays. These products help style your hair, but they have their pros and cons.

Use products that suit your hair type and personal preference and give you your desired style. Wash your hair regularly and use these products in the correct amount to prevent any irritation or damage, and enjoy styling your hair.

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