Hair gel?

[bluefoxicy]

I use some glycerin based stuff called Groom & Clean, just a tap on my palm and run it through my hair, for hold. It doesn't make it form stiff clumps of hair like spikes, or really look unnatural... it feels grimey when I wash it though.

Is there anything better? I looked at a few things but they contained Lead(II) Oxide, which I dislike. I want it to not look like I have gel in, I just want my hair to be manageable when damp and then dry and stay in place. I'm tempted to just try bay rum...

 

[mikromicke]

I used to use something called modeling clay (or something similar). It was much drier and made the hair look duller than gel.

 

[warlandsboy]

I've been using Paul Mitchell's Tea Tree Shaping Cream for about 5 years, it may be what you need. You can purchase it at your local Supercuts or hair salon, and while it is a bit more pricey, I find it works wonderfully and smells great too! Similar offerings are available from American Crew. Basically just choose a good quality shaping cream or pomade in the scent you like best.

More recent discussion on this topic can be found here.

STRONG FLEXIBLE TEXTURE
Durable Hold – Strong, flexible resins whip hair into shape and provide long-lasting hold
Moveable Texture – Mesh-like fibers create pliable definition or separation
Matte Finish – Formulated to dry down to a strong matte finish for a clean and fresh experience

 

[bluefoxicy]

I've been using Paul Mitchell's Tea Tree Shaping Cream for about 5 years

... Mitchell's Wool Fat?

 

[Entropism]

I've used the Paul Mitchell stuff (love the green tea shampoo, conditioner and soap), but lately pomade makes my head break out. Went through American Crew, Paul Mitchell, and another brand I can't remember off the top of my head.

 

[jumpo64]

I like American Crew products. For many years I used their firm hold hair gel, but I don't really like the "stiff" feel of my hair when I use it, or the wet look.

I've also tried American Crew pomade and also fiber. I felt like it took too much time to distribute these evenly, and although they got rid of the wet look, they were still borderline too much hold for my short thin hair (I don't do spikes or the whole faux hawk thing).

Finally I settles on American Crew Forming Cream. No wet look, no stiff hair, and not an overabundance of hold. Expensive, but a little goes a long way.

 

[stubble trouble]

Regis Stick Wax looks like a deodorant stick. You just lightly glide it across your palms (very gently for thin, short hair like mine) and then run your hands through your hair. Shape with brush or comb and your done with a malleable textured look. I get mine at salon inside Walmart. 12 bucks but has lasted me over six months. PS - used to use Am Crew Forming, but this stuff is so easy to apply due to the turn-stick applicator.

 

[Gruder]

I've has good success for the past few years with the gel from Nancy Boy.

 

[Johnny Dale]

I have been using Clubman hair gel for many years and I am very satisfied with it. Decent price as well.

 

[KarthVader]

Have you tried Brylcreem? Just recently discovered it and I love it. I won't use anything else.

 

[agent005]

I don't know what hair style you have but the best stuff I have used for a natural, textured look is Bed Head for Men Workable wax. It is not greasy nor will it leave your hair shiny. You can mess around with your hair and work it back into place fairly easily with this stuff but it aint cheap....I think it was about $18 for about 6 months worth.

 

[TheSweep]

I swear by Vitails. Light hold, light feel. I love it. As the day goes on it makes my hair feel less oily.

 

[nwman]

I've has good success for the past few years with the gel from Nancy Boy.

me too. and i even like their tea.

 

[Razorburne]

I have been using Clubman hair gel for many years and I am very satisfied with it. Decent price as well.

+1 I like the scent as well

 

[Razorburne]

Have you tried Brylcreem? Just recently discovered it and I love it. I won't use anything else.

I have, but it makes my hair feel oily...good, but not my fave

 

[Atrin]

American Crew Fiber. Great hold, and you decide how wet the look is by wetting your hair or not.

 

[dpm802]

I want it to not look like I have gel in, I just want my hair to be manageable when damp and then dry and stay in place. I'm tempted to just try bay rum...

If I need to use gel/mousse/cream to hold my hair in place, its a clear signal that its too long, and I need to get a haircut.

I think you should consult your barber to find the product best suited for your hair. Just be aware he is going to try and push you whatever products he carries in his shop. Listen to his advice, buy maybe one bottle in order to say "Thank you for the advice," then go shop around to find that same product severely discounted at Walmart, Sally's, Amazon, etc.

 

[orchestrion]

American Crew Fiber. Great hold, and you decide how wet the look is by wetting your hair or not.

+1 on the Fiber. I used it this morning on my freshly-cut hair (I got it cut last night). Great stuff!

 

[falkor27]

Depending on how I feel, I use fiber or wax. The fiber hardens, the wax doesn't . . . don't know that I have a preference. Garnier Fructis has 'em both for like $2.

 

[miner77]

After I wash my hair with Chagrin Valley shampoo bar...I apply 3-4 drops of light coconut oil and groom with my fingers...that keeps my hair soft and supple all day..

I tried all sorts of gels/creams before, but they used to make my hair dull/dry after 2-3hrs, I guess it's the alcohol that makes it dry.

No more gels/creams - plain coconut oil works great for me