Men’s hair gel has often got a bad reputation because it makes the hair appear greasy, and can be harmful when used incorrectly, weighing down or even causing hair breakage. However, when used properly, hair gel can take unruly hair and make it look well-groomed. To keep your hair looking neatly coiffed without causing any damage, be wary of making these mistakes when using a men’s hair gel product:

1. Using high amounts of gel
One of the worst mistakes you can make when using hair gels is using too much quantity to set the hair down. Doing so results in the hair appearing as though it has been glued to your scalp. It happens quite often when you use excessive amounts of gel, and the hair ends up lacking any movement. A hair filled with gel looks sticky and takes away the natural shape and definition of your hair. So, it ends up distorting your overall natural look. The best way to check whether you have put too much gel is to see if your hair moves in the ten minutes after the gel has been applied. If it does not, you have used more gel than needed.

2. Using a comb after the application of men’s hair gel
Another common mistake a lot of men tend to do is combing the hair after applying the gel. You should never use a comb when you have applied any creamy product or gel to the hair. It’s best to use your hands, if at all. You can brush and comb the hair to get it into the desired shape before applying the product. Combing after applying gel may cause lumping of the gel or unwanted flaking. There are, however, some specific pomades and gels in the market which have to be combed into your hair.

3. Applying hair gel to wet hair
A rather common yet serious blunder which most men tend to make is not waiting for the hair to dry before the gel application. Your hair must completely dry before you use any styling product. This precaution is necessary as the water residue in hair tends to dilute the products. The gel will then run through your tresses, making it far less effective. Styling dry hair is easier, and the result is better.

4. Applying hair gel to the tip of the hair strand
One mistake most men do is that they apply hair gel only at the tips of their hair. When you apply only at the ends, you style the hair the way you want. So, it is best to apply it right from the roots to the tips, without overdoing it. The hair must be dry before application, and you should massage the product to make sure it is evenly distributed. It is simpler when you use a water-soluble product.

5. Using low-quality products
Another common mistake that most men make is choosing inferior-quality products. Before buying any men’s hair gel, it may be a good idea to consult your hairstyling expert for recommendations. Just because a product is high-priced does not mean that it is good for your hair. Your choice of hair gel depends on your needs, hair type, and the ingredients in the product.