Gel Hairstyles: 20 Appealing Ideas For Pulling Off This Eternal Hair Trend

After styling tools and sprays, the best product one can rely on to obtain marvellous results with their new hairstyle is hair gel.

While applying gel to the hair isn’t as common anymore due to the enormous amount of alternatives, using hair gel was a common find back in the day, mainly due to the shine it provided to one’s hair and the firm hold it allowed the cuticles to have. In fact, at one point in time, the contribution of hair gel became so hefty in the fashion scene that leaving the house without it felt unnatural, especially after the discovery of the popular trend of gelled up hairstyles.

From being the perfect look to resort to during big events to enhancing your appearance in professional settings, gel up hairstyles, also known as gel hairstyles, can excel under any and every condition. Therefore, if you are locked in and ready to turn over a new leaf with your hair, be sure to check out the variations in this article to find your desirable option!

20 Incredible Gel Hairstyles To Give Your Styling Game An Immediate Upgrade!

When gel up hair originally rose to relevance, it was mostly incorporated into wearing timeless pieces from the mid 19th century. However, once those with afro-textured hair investigated the product and got a taste of hair gel’s benefits, they never looked back.

In addition to being more generous to experiment with, those with afro-textured hair found loads of appeal in the shine and professional aura that gel up hairstyles gave their existing strands.

In the present day, gel up hairstyles still have a huge influence over fashion enthusiasts with natural hair. However, as of 2022, they are also one of the favourable variations amongst those with straight and wavy hair, specifically amidst edgy individuals.

On top of the existing positives that they bring to the table, gel hairstyles could also be a good option to side with if you’re searching for something that is easy to create, and even easier to take care of. Therefore, if you’d like a new hairdo that requires only a portion of your attention on a daily basis, skim through the entries below to find a gel hairstyle that caters to your needs!

Greasy Halo Low Bun For Bridesmaids

Memorable days are more enjoyable when you’re not stressed about the visuals of your natural hair. While shortening the length can add to the volume of your curls, and growing them out could make your overall appearance more elegant, your afro-textured hair might have a hard time when you’re outdoors, especially if the hair isn’t styled with the proper product.

One of the many gel hairstyles that you can follow with ease on your friend’s big day is this low bun, in which the strands are neatly parted on one side and seamlessly tucked in with tons of shine!

Additionally, if you did like the visuals of this variant, but sadly can’t replicate the look due to having straight or wavy hair, we hope you find contentment in this write-up, which features a series of hairstyles that were made for bridesmaids!

Natural Hair Updo

If you did like the previous design, but would like something that is a tad bit more flashy, make a few adjustments and turn the low bun into an updo to unlock the potential of this option!

Although you won’t need to use gel around the temple as much, you might need the help of your product to maintain the hold of the quiff, which stands on the left side of the hairline.

On another note, if you do want to toggle through a list of updos that you can take inspiration from before giving this look a go, don’t forget to skim through the 30 entries we’ve covered in this article right here!

Gelled Finger Wave

The next entry on our list is a gelled finger wave, which initially rose to prominence during the 1950s and stood out due to its elegance, shine, and unbeatable hold.

Although it did become irrelevant a couple of decades after taking the world of pop culture by storm, it is resurging to stardom once again due to the comeback of retro fashion trends. Furthermore, if you do feel intrigued, remember to skim through our write-up on finger wave hairstyles to learn about the multiple ways in which you can bring it back in style!

Cornrow Stitched Top Knot With Braided Bun

The weight of a top knot might seem too heavy for your scalp to bear, especially if your natural hair is grown out tremendously. To fight back against that issue, using hydrating oils could be a rational option.

However, if you don’t have enough patience for the oil to work its magic, try mimicking this hairdo, which comprises a voluminous top knot with a braided tie in between the bun.

Due to the sheer amount of volume in the bun, you might feel tons of friction around the temple, and the hairline. But that can easily be eliminated if you use an eco styling gel, which will also add tons of moisture and gloss to your cuticles!

Additionally, to give the visuals a minor boost, you can also create the cornrows in the front, which will further add to the likeability of this design!

Glossy Mid-part With Braided Cosmic Buns

There’s not much you can do when you become tired of your existing protective hairstyle. You can either spare your strands by setting it free or exchange the look for something that allows you to find enjoyment again.

Although undoing your hair can be a more accessible option, you can very well try out this glossy mid-part with braided cosmic buns if you want a new hairstyle that contains the wow factor, and is relatively easy to look after. If your hair is a bit more on the coarser side, you can even rock this glossy look with a middle part ponytail!

French Braid With Sleek Messy Fringes

Due to its versatility, a french braid can be transformed and teamed up with the formation of various promising hairstyles. While its original structure is something to behold on its own, you can also mesh it with cornrow braids for a louder look.

French braids look excellent due to its volume, relaxing aura, and compatibility. However, on thin to fine hair, the visuals might seem a little more dull and flat than usual.

To secure the hold of the French braid, consider trying out this gelled up hairstyle, which also features an impressive set of smooth and messy fringes to cover your forehead!

Platinum Blonde Faux Hawk

 

The gel up look achieved its breakthrough in the 50s before it reestablished its influence in recent times. And while most entries on this list can only move the eyes of youthful people with thick, coarse hair, a minor portion of our entries is also made of designs that can be rocked flawlessly at the age of 60; such as this faux hawk!

Since hair tends to lack density once you grow older, you might feel ineligible of pulling off the visuals of this look because of your thinning hair. However, with some sea salt spray, texturizing powder, and hair gel, you can mimic this look as a 60 year old, even if you wear glasses!

The “Wet” 90s Curtains

If you’ve heard of the staggering popularity of the eBoy haircut, and the ever growing trend of E-Girl hairstyles, we’re sure you’re familiar with the 90s curtains.

While the visuals, procedure, and characteristics of the 90s curtains are the same as its modern version, known as the eBoy haircut, an element that the 90s curtains had that its updated version lacks is the wet visuals, which is typically created with the help of hair gel. To learn more about how you can create this look at home, consider reading through our write-up on the eBoy haircut or the middle-part haircut!

Classic Updo With Bangs

A classic updo can surely be an ideal hairstyle to try out if you want to pull off a gelled up look, but can be a bit stressful on the scalp and hairline if it’s worn in a tight manner.

Loosening up the look and letting your strands relax could be an effective way of solving that issue. Additionally, since the hair around the frontal region will be more cooperative with change, consider incorporating bangs around the face with framing layers to make the hair more appealing and cover a significant portion of your forehead.

Polished Slick Back

 

The slicked back has been a signature look amongst preppy businessmen for decades now. However, it is also garnering quite the fan base amongst women’s fashion at the moment, mainly due to its sheer amount of elevation and luscious visuals. In most cases, the hairdo is also seen as the perfect option for businesswomen!

While a simple procedure with hair wax, a comb, and water can easily bring forward the visuals of this look, a good way to make the strands more vibrant and lively can be obtained if you transform it into a gelled up hairstyle with the help of hair gel!

High and Tight Afro Pondo

 

Managing the length is close to impossible when you have type 4c hair with extra density. Although pulling off protective looks like dookie braids can be done in a jiffy due to your natural hair’s resilience, the braids can feel heavy in terms of weight, and stress your scalp out in the meantime.

Wrapping the enormous length in a top knot can be an exceptional way to control the outcome, but can also feel a bit too plain on special occasions. However, if you pair the top knot with this afro pondo underneath the hair tie, you won’t just have a look that will be sought after, but also take away all the spotlight in a room full of people!

Swoop Ponytail For Afro Hair

 

Another delightful variant that seems rather empty without the implementation of a glossy hold is this entry of ours.

Featuring a flatly structured swoop ponytail, this hairdo can be your ultimate partner when making fashion statements, but can also represent you when you’re dressed up. If structured a bit differently, these swoop bangs can also help you with showcasing the density of your afro hair in a formal environment, and adapt well with your business attire!

Slicked Back Ponytail With Hefty Braids

Tying your hair into a sleek ponytail could be a regular activity on your diary when you’re working as a nurse, as it is known for being one of the most convenient hairstyles for nurses.

Despite containing tons of fullness and being rather presentable, a regular ponytail could seem a bit monotone due to the flavour that it lacks within its visuals.

To spice things up a little, consider using a comb and creating a slicked back look in the front, and pair the polished finish with a hefty set of braids at the back!

Gelled Up Comb Over For Short Hair

In the present day, chopping the hair off seems to be the go-to move for most women that are searching for an immediate glow up, and we’re all for that move.

In addition to being easier to maintain, shortening the lengths of your hair usually brings forward tons of flexibility and makes the hair versatile enough to pull off designs that are volume-oriented, such as this gelled up comb over right here!

For best results, remember to dampen your hair before creating the comb over. While your hair will be more prone to damage when wet, it shouldn’t be a problem if you’re generous with the comb.

Additionally, once the structure has been formed, take a dime sized amount of hair gel to replicate this gelled up hairstyle to the fullest!

Voluminous Updo For Kinky Curls

Another variant that you can place your trust in when experimenting with gel hairstyles is this voluminous updo that was made for kinky curls.

While the highlight of this look is easily the jumbo sized bun around the back, the strands around the front are also something to behold. The flat surface of the comb over is usually created through pulling, which can dry out the strands if worn for a long time. To resolve that issue, however, be sure to use an eco styling gel, which hydrates the hair, scalp, and makes the size of the cuticles a bit easier for the scalp to bear.

Textured Bob With Smooth Curtain Bangs

If the “wet” 90s curtain haircut intrigued you, but isn’t possible for you to replicate due to its short size, a similar design that you can create on your shoulder-length or chin-length hair is this short, textured bob, which incorporates a smooth set of curtain bangs in the front!

On top of being good for round faces, this short length hair with curtain bangs is a hit due to how well it pairs with people. The curtains not only contain tons of fullness, but can also come in handy if you want your facial structure to glow, and want your cheekbones to pop out!

Tight Top Knot Bun With Shimmering Braids

As mentioned earlier, a gelled hairstyle can be slayed by anyone and everyone as long as they have the confidence. Likewise, if you have fine natural hair with a somewhat mature hairline, you can try hopping on the bandwagon of gel hairstyles with this top knot, which features a set of shimmering yet compact braids at the back.

Since this look will cause a lot of rubbing and chafing between the hair and the scalp, it would be safer for you to take into account the idea of installing a weave. Although the artificial feel will prove to be a dealbreaker at times, wearing a weave will allow you to replicate this look rather impressively without dealing with any repercussions!

Gelled Up Ponytail With Relaxed Tresses

The former entry should definitely be something to take notes from if your hair is vulnerable to damage or extremely loose, as wearing a weave can actually allow you to hop on the trend without damaging the existing health of your follicles.

However, if you do want to give in to the trend without the help of extensions, ditch the previous variant for this gelled up ponytail, which is a bit more sparing on your scalp, roots, and ends. Additionally, if you do find this look promising, but can’t wear it properly due to the fragility of your strands, seal the strands neatly with the help of an eco styling gel or a light foaming gel!

Sparkling Shoulder-length Shag Cut

Another entry on this list that will surely work in the favour of those with thin to moderately fine hair is a shoulder-length shag cut.

A shoulder-length or medium length shag cut is mostly renowned in the present tense due to its laid back structure, generous hair care routine, and its ability to transform wispy hair into dense units of strands.

While a relaxed shag haircut only requires users to take help from styling tools such as hair dryer, another variant that is rather popular due to its iconic appearance is this sparkling shag cut, which can’t be replicated without the involvement of hair gel!

Braided Ponytail With Hard Quiff

Our last pick showcases just how effective hair gel can be if you exploit its positives to the fullest, and should definitely be your cup of tea if you have a knack for louder hairdos with tons of major elements.

Comprising the visuals and structure of a braided ponytail, compact cornrow stitched braids, and a hard part quiff near one of the corners of the hairline, this option should definitely be experimented with if you’re searching for something that offers a mesmerising aura, tons of gloss, and an unbreakable amount of hold!

Frequently Asked Questions

Dealing with change is hard. Similarly, trying out a new look could seem easy in theory, but could be challenging to adapt to in real life, especially if the visuals and length are drastically different than the former look.

Additionally, if you’re still hesitant to change up your hair into a variant that consists of the promising features of gel hairstyles, perhaps you lack knowledge on the hairdo. And if that seems to be the case, remember to look into the questions and answers below, which takes a deeper dive into certain aspects about gel hairstyles!

Q: How do I create a gel hairstyle at home?

A: Believe it or not, if you have the required length and density, creating a gel hairstyle should be close to effortless. While having someone to assist you will make the procedure much easier, you can even create the look on your own as long as you play the right cards, follow mandatory rules, and use the right product on your hair.

If you have afro hair, consider dampening your hair beforehand to make the strands more cooperative. Implement the gel right after and create the structure that suits your personality and goes with your face shape. For mimicking textured looks, you may want to resort to foamy and light hair gel. However, for glossy hairdos with tons of hold, consider using an eco styling gel. In contrast to other styling gels, an eco styling gel provides tons of moisture; an element that improves the visuals and growth of natural hair.

On the contrary, for straight to wavy hair, the technique required will remain the same. Once your hair is damp, apply the hair gel and create the hairstyle that you want to. You may use heavier hair gels if you want your hair to stay in place, but can also replace it with a light and foamy gel if you want the product to be generous on your scalp.

Q: Are gel hairstyles harmful for your hair?

A: Gelled up hairstyles look rather staggering from the outside, and can surely accompany the silhouettes of your outfit at any event, under any circumstance. However, since hair gel contains alcohol, using it too frequently or leaving it on for too long could absorb all the moisture and sebum, resulting in a dry scalp. In certain cases, using too much gel can also bring forward the chances of traction alopecia and a receding hairline, especially if you use the product for styling a ponytail.

While using hair pomade could prove to be more effective and cause less problems for your scalp and hair, you can also replace your hair gel with an eco styling hair gel, which is known for its moisturising properties, glossy finish, and giving the hair tons of flexibility.

Final Takeaway

Since vintage fashion is making a comeback  in a monumental manner, bringing back timeless hairdos could very much be an excellent decision to make at the moment. And while reestablishing the dominant influence of an 80s mullet could very well hover your mind, another hairdo that you can easily bring back is a gelled up hairdo!

Gelled up hairstyles, commonly referred to as gel hairstyles, have been around for quite some time now, but are unsung heroes in the world of fashion. While those with afro-textured hair surely know about the benefits they offer, they tend to be underdogs in the eyes of those with straight and wavy hair.

Gel up hairstyles have repeatedly proven their worth in the natural hair community, but also have great variants that other hair types can experiment with. As long as there’s enough body, length, and density, those with straight as well as wavy hair can create a gel hairstyle with the help of bob cuts, shag cuts, braids, and more!