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It's been over 2 years since I put gel in my hair. It really wasn't needed after my hair could be tied back. I kind of liked some of its effects though as I was using it during the awkward stage so I thought I'd see how it looked with my hair at its present length.
Before, no product...
I then dampened my hair and worked get through it. This is after it dried...it seemed to produce extra volume and more pronounced waves....
Then I brushed it through and it made my hair more sleek and straight than usual..
I don't think I'd use it too often but once is a while for a bit of a different look probably wouldn't hurt. For those that are beyond the awkward stage do you ever use product now?
Hey Fire,
Thanks man. You've got fantastic progress for one year in. You'll soon be hitting some very cool milestones. It's definitely worth sticking with the journey!
Jason
Interesting -- what does it feel like? I've used gel only once (age 14-ish) and I don't remember what it's like.
A couple of times people have suggested I gel my hair upwards into a 60cm-high spike, like a mohawk without the shaved sides. I'm not sure it would hold up though, and it would be disgusting to wash out. Has anyone tried this? It could be fun for a party (so long as the ceiling is high enough!).
i get that a lot as well, so to please people i actually tried it once... i wouldn't recommend it. it took forever to apply all the gel, and forever to wash it out. it also doesn't help that it doesn't stay up, and yoiur hair will feel really greasy for days after because of the amount of gel needed.
anyways to jason: ive never actually though of using gel after my hair started getting longer, but after seeing that perhaps i should try out some of the gel ive had sitting around my house.
That's part of why I tried it. It's just been sitting in my bathroom unused for so long. You should try it, limited use wouldn't do damage.
It felt a little stiff once it dried but once I moved first my fingers and then my brush through it, the feeling was very soft and it left my hair very manageable. I didn't really use that much though. To do the hairstyle you're talking about would require a lot more!
Hi Jason,
As always, great photos! The gel experiment seems to have worked very well, and it does make your hair look straighter. I admit being a bit nervous about using gel myself, and have never tried it, and have wondered if it gives any "stiff" or "crunchy" feel? I use a small amount of leave in creme conditioner right after washing, which seems to have a similar smoothing effect on my hair, although less pronounced than the gel in your hair.
Take care,
David
Hi David,
Thanks. It was a bit stiff when it first dried but after running it through with my hands and then my brush, it felt very soft. Your leave-in conditioner probably has similar effects. Maybe sometime you could experiment and run gel through your hair when it's damp and then just let it dry without brushing it. I'd be curious to see if it would also accentuate your waves.
Jason - Your hair looks MAGNIFICENT!!! I really like the color, thickness and body (and of course length).
Do you use a henna in your hair? The color is very appealing.
DavidH
Thanks for the compliments, David!
I've never used henna. I did use a temporary 28 wash plum coloring back in June. A lot of it has grown out now but it's left the length of my hair with very subtle highlights.
What was that plum wash? I'd like to experiment.
DavidH
I forget which brand I used. It might have been Natural Instincts. I know I've used that one in the past. They're all about the same. Just make sure you don't pick the permanent dye as it will be more damaging and the color will last a lot longer.
Here are the photos from when I used it:
dude i love the hair man! im jealous so bad lol i cant wait for mine to be that long dude , it def looks great on ya!
Thanks dude. Don't worry you're well on your way! It only gets better the longer you grow it. :)
Ironically, just a few days ago I was checking out your pics from the last time you used gel (presumably) that are on your site. It must not be much that you use. What brand, alcohol-free, etc... do you use? Looks terrific!
-James
Thanks James! I believe the last time I used gel was November 2005 as pictured on my site. I used the same gel this time: Loreal's Melting gel. It does contain alcohol but has a flexible hold.
I used it or sometimes a much stronger gel daily during the awkward stage. It was probably less damaging then because my hair was much shorter and therefore in better health simply because it hadn't been around as long. I might still use it once in a while to achieve some of these effects.
Great, thanks, Jason. I think I had some of that stuff in my toiletries collection awhile back, but I likely loaned it out to someone and never got it back. Perhaps I'll do some experimentation this summer...
-James
That is impressive, Jason. You appear to have 50% more hair volume with the gel.
Scott
Thanks Scott. I think I'll use it on special occasions when I want my hair to be more voluminous.
Hello Jason.
It's an interesting experience. I personally don't use gel anymore since I've passed the awkward phase (during this period, I used it all days, so I've avoided the puffy look but I think the hair was damaged a little).
Is it perfectly ordinary gel ?
Vivien
Hi Vivien,
I used Loreal's Melting gel. It doesn't have a very strong hold but enough to make a difference in the manageability of one's hair.
I think most guys use very little product once they get out of the awkward stage.
Jason
I don't use gel at all, but then again, my hair is perfectly straight.
I just wanted to say that your hair is looking awesome! It looks as though you'll reach your goal length with no problem.
Thank you Franny. Well, classic length would be nice. We'll see how long I can grow while maintaining a reasonably thick hemline, a hemline that is now perfectly even thanks to you.
Jason
Your hair is outstanding Jason with or without any product.
My hair is very fine, so any product usually seems greasy. The only thing I use now is a very small amount of Jojoba oil (wax) on this ends after shampooing.
Thanks for Sharing the experiment
Walter
Thanks Walter. I'd say the key is to not overapply. If I had used much more it would have also resulted in a greasy appearance.
The nice thing about jojoba oil is that it's good for your hair.
I haven't used gel at all for many years now. You've made me curious, so I might have to try some just to see.
The last picture is very nicely done.
David L
Well, part of the fun of having long hair and growing it is to experiment with different styles and looks. I'd be curious to see how the gel works in your hair should you proceed with giving it a try.
Thank you!
Hey Jason. Your hair looks even more awesome than usual with the use of gel. I've used gel to get a slicked back look and never thought of using it for the purpose of volume. I'll have to try it.
Your length is great and it really suits you. Best of luck reaching your goal length.
Del
Hey Del,
Thanks for the kind words. Let us know how your experiment with gel goes should you decide to try it.
Jason