Hair gel and hair loss: Myth or reality?

When experiencing hair loss, you can start to question every aspect of your hair styling routine. Is your shampoo causing hair thinning? Or is your daily use of gel causing hair loss or hair breakage?

If you've been concerned about your hair gel contributing to thinning hair, we're here to unpack this and give you all the facts as well as ways to treat hair loss. Let's get into it.

What are hair gel ingredients?

Conventional hair gels typically contain ingredients like alcohol (used as a solvent and drying agent), polymers (to hold the hair in place) and fragrances and preservatives. While these all help hold your hairstyle, they can have side effects for your scalp and hair shaft.

Scalp dryness

Most hair gels contain alcohol, which can dry out both your scalp and hair. A dry scalp may lead to itchiness, flaking and inflammation, which in turn, could interfere with the hair growth cycle if left unmanaged.

Build-up and follicle clogging

If you're not washing gel out properly, it can mix with dead skin cells, sebum and dirt and potentially clog your hair follicles. While clogged hair follicles don't automatically cause hair loss, they can lead to scalp infections or folliculitis, and this can damage hair follicles [1].

Can gel cause hair loss?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is no direct evidence that hair products, including hair gels, waxes or sprays, cause permanent hair loss. However, these products can impact the health of your scalp [2].

However, if you're already dealing with hair fall, improper gel use could make it worse. Applying too much product can weigh down thinning hair, making it look sparser. Plus, over-application can irritate sensitive scalps more prone to shedding.

With this in mind, you need to look out for a few indirect hair loss causes. These include:

• Poor hygiene: Not washing your hair gel out after every use can lead to scalp irritation.
• Harsh styling: Tugging or brushing gelled hair can cause traction alopecia over time — this is a form of hair loss caused by mechanical stress [3].
• Allergic reactions: The fragrance or preservatives in hair gels can cause dermatitis for some people, which can compromise scalp health.

What causes hair loss?

It's important to remember that hair loss is influenced by several factors, not simply from using hair gel daily. Factors like genetics, diet, stress and your overall scalp habits play a role in your hair health and density.

Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated and managing stress levels are just as important as the styling products you choose. While hair gel may not be the villain in hair loss stories, a holistic approach to scalp and hair care keeps you looking (and feeling) your best.

Is it OK to use hair gel every day?

While hair gel isn't directly harmful, there are things you can do to ensure your hair and scalp remain healthy while using hair gel. And maybe think about dialling back just how often you're using it, if it is already a daily staple.

Look at the ingredients

Not all hair gels contain harsh chemicals, but it can pay to look at what is in your hair products. Look for gel products that include nourishing ingredients without drying alcohols.

Give your hair a break

Try to dial back how often you apply hair gel and occasionally go for gel-free styles to allow your scalp and hair to have a breather and recover.

Don't overdo it

Alongside gel-free days, when you do use gel, try to use less product as this makes it easier to rinse and helps prevent build-up.

Wash your hair thoroughly

This seems obvious, but sometimes we all need a reminder. So, be sure to wash your hair thoroughly at the end of the day to remove all gel and help prevent clogged follicles in your scalp.

Prioritise hydration

Opt for conditioners or hair treatments that help infuse hydration into your hair.

Avoid tight hairstyles

If you're wearing a slicked-back man bun, perhaps reconsider how often you're doing this, especially if you're dealing with hair loss. Styling that pulls the hair can increase the risk of hair loss.

Alternatives to hair gel

If you're worried about gel-related hair loss and want to focus on keeping your hair healthy, you might like to try a few gel alternatives. We're not saying you have to say goodbye to your gel completely, but it could be good to mix it up a little with a few other products, including these more gentle options:

• Styling creams or pomades (opt for water-based)
• Natural oils like jojoba or argan oil for light styling
• Leave-in conditioners both hold and hydrate healthy hair

How to treat hair loss

If you're worried about hair loss — and are finding that you're losing hair each time you wash your hair — Pilot can help you with our personalised hair loss treatment plan.

Simply take an online consultation and one of our Australian practitioners will create a treatment just for you.

Designed by leading Australian hair loss expert, Dr. Russel Knudsen, who has 35 years of experience, Pilot's treatment features the most effective solutions to keep and regrow hair, and 90% of men either kept or regrew their hair when using Pilot.

Once our practitioner has created your tailor-made treatment plan, it is delivered discreetly to your home, so you can begin treating hair loss sooner rather than later.

Hair gel does not directly cause male hair loss, but poor scalp hygiene, product buildup, and harsh styling routines can contribute to hair problems. If you're experiencing hair loss, it's worth evaluating your hair care habits — not just the products you use.

For persistent or severe hair loss, consider consulting healthcare professional to address potential underlying causes.