Hair Mousse/Gel Destroys Hair?

**ChristmasFnatic** · July 16th, 2013, 12:39 PM

Is it ok to use them for days I need my hair to be... tamed, etc?

Or do they still cause significant damage? And if so, which hair products are safe for such occasions that requires grooming?

MANY THANKS!

**Emanuelle** · July 16th, 2013, 12:54 PM

I use gel after every wash (I follow the Curly Girl method). First I scrunch in some leave in conditioner, then I seal, and then I scrunch in quite a lot of gel. All when it's still wet. When it's gotten dry, I scrunch the hard gel out and my hair becomes soft again. I can tell you it doesn't damage my hair AT ALL. It gives me frizz free curls (it holds the hair in place while it's drying, and when you let your hair dry in a certain ''position'' it stays that way (to an extent)), shiny hair, and definition.

I guess gel only damages your hair if it has harmful ingredients

**Beborani** · July 16th, 2013, 01:05 PM

Good ones have mostly conditioning ingredients and some polymers (natural or synthetic) to hold the curl. The only time it may cause damage is if you try to comb/brush it out after it dries but that is not recommended.

**Covet** · July 16th, 2013, 02:17 PM

Why not try flaxseed gel?

**melusine963** · July 16th, 2013, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by Beborani

The only time it may cause damage is if you try to comb/brush it out after it dries but that is not recommended.

THIS!!! I thoroughly wrecked my hair by using mousse and then brushing it out. It took me years to grow out the damage.

**Temme** · July 16th, 2013, 03:33 PM

I second that some gels may have harmful ingredients. Also, it seems that some hair products make your hair look more moisterized (tamed) but end up drying it out in the long run. On the other hand, there are probably gels with moisturizing ingredients that are good for your hair.

**jeanniet** · July 16th, 2013, 04:51 PM

Like Emanuelle (hi!), I follow the CG method and use quite a lot of gel because of the wind here. If you avoid gels with drying ingredients and silicones, you shouldn't have a problem and the gel will wash right out.

**Firefox7275** · July 16th, 2013, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by ChristmasFnatic

Is it ok to use them for days I need my hair to be... tamed, etc?

Or do they still cause significant damage? And if so, which hair products are safe for such occasions that requires grooming?

MANY THANKS!

Damaging or not totally depends on the ingredients of the specific product, agree with the others don't brush out styling products. Gentle natural alternatives include flaxseed or okra jelly, some use aloe vera gel but being a humectant (attracts water) it is not suitable for all dew points.