Everyone wants to look stylish. We want to look good and give off an attractive appearance. This requires us to have a trendy hairstyle that should be maintained throughout the day without constantly having to reach for a mirror. If this sounds like you then you’re going to need a high-quality hair product. One of the most commonly used products especially for men is hair gel. It’s a powerful product that really keeps hair stiff and in place. But of course, this stiffness is unnatural.
When it comes to hair gel, these products are often full of unwanted chemicals. They include parabens, phthalates and other substances that can do your body harm. The one benefit to hair gel is that you’re not spraying it, like hair spray, so you’re lungs aren’t subjected to any aerosol chemicals. Still, whenever possible you should seek to eliminate any unnecessary chemicals from your regimen. Sadly, most people don’t even question what’s in their hair products. For a lot of people, if they’re not ingesting it then they’re not worried about it— this is a bad mindset!
So if you still want your hair to look stylish, but don’t want to use a chemical laden product then you’re going to need to use one of the best chemical free hair gels. But first, let’s explore a little more about hair gel and the potential unwanted side effects:
Why Most Hair Gels Are Bad
We know that hair gel is full of chemicals, but can they do you any harm? Below we will highlight some of the negative side effects:
- Dries Out Hair: Hair gel contains alcohol, and alcohol is a drying agent. This means that it strips moisture from the hair and scalp leaving it rough and dehydrated when you eventually wash out the hair gel. There is a delicate balance of oils and moisture on your head which is thrown off by hair gel because it reduces the amount of oil production, thus leaving you with a dry scalp.
- May Lead to Hair Loss: Because it will lead to dry hair, this will cause weaker hair that is prone to break and fall out.
- Hair Damage: With the moisture and nutrients ripped away from the hair, hair follicles will inevitably get damaged in the form of split ends and thinning hair.
- Dandruff: One of the main causes of dandruff is a dry scalp. Again, with the imbalance of oils and weak roots, skin is likely to flake.
Ingredients to Avoid
Many of the mainstream products tend to use the same ingredients. For the most part, they include chemicals that are designed to provide a certain consistency, smell, look, or strength. The manufacturers do this to make their bottom line cheaper, but when they skimp on quality the consumers are forced to deal with the consequences.
If you want to use chemical free hair gel, then keep an eye out for these ingredients:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): This is a common ingredient used in shampoos, soaps as well as industrial cleaners and much more. It’s used because it creates products that ‘foam’ which is a highly marketable feature. SLS, however, causes skin irritation not to mention it can be carcinogenic.
- Isopropyl Alcohol: This is a common ingredient found in cosmetics. It’s a solvent used to change the structure of other substances. Isopropyl alcohol, like other alcohols, will dry out hair and break off ends.
- Propylene Glycol: This chemical substance is favored by many industries, especially the automotive industry. Yes, propylene glycol found in cosmetic products is the same compound found in anti-freeze. Despite its adverse health effects, it’s approved by the FDA because it’s considered ‘non-toxic’ despite its detrimental health impacts.
- Mineral Oil: Although the name may sound natural, it is anything but. Mineral oil is an industrial product that coats the skin just like plastic. It’s not natural and will impede the skin’s ability to purge toxins.
- Fragrance: Many hair products have a nice smell to them, yet these smells are synthetic. These chemical fragrances are potentially carcinogenic and cause irritation like rashes and allergic reactions.
What to Use Instead
Now that you’ve seen all of the chemicals found in common hair gels, you’re probably looking for a natural alternative. It can be tough to find them in drug stores and supermarkets because the chemical-laden products are cheaper to produce. However there are several good options that are both effective to use and are a good value.
The best products are those that contain a natural moisturizing agent. This may include essential oils or ingredients like aloe vera or jojoba oil. These are a healthier and more sensible choices for stylish hair. Trust us, your scalp will thank you.
Top Brands
Now that you’ve got a pretty good idea of what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to make a better decision from the choices below. All of these brands are chemical-free, cost-effective and give you a great looking head of hair:
| Product | Size | Price | Rating /5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aveda |  | 1.7 oz. | $$$$ | 5 |
| Max Green Alchemy |  | 8.2 oz. | $$ | 4.5 |
| Dr. Bronner |  | 6 oz. | $ | 4 |
1. Aveda Finishing Paste
Aveda is a popular hair salon with a great line of products. The great thing about their gel is that it offers the quality of a high-end salon hair product, but without the chemicals commonly found in them.
Aveda’s Finishing Paste has a sweet, yet mild aroma. This is from its rich blend of organic flax seed, black tea and guar beans. It’s perfect for guys with shorter hair who want a slightly messy look that still exudes a smooth style.
The one issue with a high-quality product like this is the price. The ingredients cost more, thus driving up the cost. But you really do get what you pay for and this is an excellent choice.
2. Max Green Alchemy Organic Styling Gel
This gel shows the power of natural hair products. This product is totally chemically free— just take a look at the impressive ingredient list. They make use of aloe vera, tea tree and essential oils like lavender.
Max Green Alchemy styling gel has an impressive holding power, especially considering that it doesn’t have any of the traditional chemicals found in other hair products. The enriched vitamin and nutrient content will always give your hair a beautiful shine that lasts all day.
3. Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lavender Hair Cream
This company offers a variety of cosmetic products and they always utilize natural ingredients. This natural cream is luxurious and smooth. Your hair will be sure to love it.
Dr. Bronner’s hair cream is not just a gel, it’s also a leave-in conditioner. After cleansing your hair this product can be used to style hair. It will give you a soft head of hair with a light hold.
Conclusion
It’s been a common misconception that to look good you have to embrace the mainstream cosmetic products that line drugstore shelves— no longer! Today there are so many great chemical free hair gels and other products that you don’t have to subject yourself to the chemicals in the products that you may have been using for years.
The products above are definitely game changers, especially Aveda’s Finishing Paste. It’ll help you style your hair any way you want and maintain the look for hours without drying out your hair or causing long-term scalp damage. Use it anytime: in the morning to look clean throughout the day, or in the evening to look stylish for a night out. Once you get your hands on a quality natural gel you’ll never look back.