A common concern among many people is having dull, lifeless hair. The good news is that there is a solution: finishing gels. A good finishing gel can transform your hair from drab to fab in just a few steps. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using finishing gels to add shine and luster to your hair.
The Foundation: Choosing the Right Finishing Gel for Your Hair Type
Before you can add shine, you need the right tool for the job. Not all finishing gels are created equal, and what works for one hair type might not work for another. Selecting the right product is the most critical step.
For Fine or Thin Hair
If you have fine or thin hair, your primary concern is weight. A heavy, thick gel will weigh your hair down, making it look greasy and flat, which is the opposite of what you want. Look for lightweight, water-based formulas. These gels often have “light hold,” “flexible hold,” or “shine serum” on the label.
Concrete Example: A good choice would be a gel with a serum-like consistency. It should feel silky to the touch and absorb quickly into your hair without leaving a sticky residue. Imagine a product that feels like a light moisturizer on your skin; that’s the consistency you want.
For Medium to Thick Hair
For medium to thick hair, you have more flexibility. Your hair can handle a product with a bit more weight without looking greasy. You can opt for gels with a medium to strong hold. However, the focus here is still on shine, not just hold. Look for products that specifically mention “high shine,” “gloss,” or “luster” on the label.
Concrete Example: A suitable product for this hair type might feel like a traditional styling gel, but it should spread easily and have a translucent, almost pearlescent quality. It should not feel tacky or pull your hair as you apply it.
For Coarse or Curly Hair
Coarse or curly hair often lacks natural shine due to its texture. The hair cuticle is more open, which can make it appear frizzy and dull. Your ideal finishing gel will be one that not only provides shine but also helps to define curls and tame frizz. Look for gels that are oil-infused or contain ingredients like argan oil, jojoba oil, or shea butter.
Concrete Example: For this hair type, you would want a product that feels rich and moisturizing. It might be a bit thicker than other gels, but it should melt into your hair, not just sit on top of it. Think of a product that feels like a leave-in conditioner but has the holding power of a gel.
The Preparation: A Clean Canvas is Key
The foundation of any great hairstyle is clean, well-conditioned hair. A finishing gel is not a magic wand that can fix dirty hair. It works best on hair that has been properly prepped.
Step 1: The Wash
Use a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup that might be dulling your hair. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner. Pay close attention to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, as these are the areas that tend to be the driest.
Concrete Example: When you wash your hair, the lather should feel rich and the water should run clear. After conditioning, your hair should feel soft and detangled. If it still feels a bit gritty, you may need to wash a second time with a clarifying shampoo.
Step 2: Towel-Dry
Gently blot your hair with a microfiber towel. A regular cotton towel can create friction, leading to frizz. The goal is to remove excess water, not to completely dry your hair. Your hair should be damp, not dripping wet.
Concrete Example: After blotting, your hair should feel cool and slightly damp to the touch. When you run your fingers through it, you shouldn’t see water dripping off your fingertips. It should feel like it’s 70-80% dry.
The Application: A Step-by-Step Guide to Maximum Shine
Now for the main event: applying the finishing gel. This is where many people go wrong, either using too much product or applying it incorrectly. The key is to start small and work in sections.
Step 1: Dispense the Product
Start with a pea-sized amount of gel. It’s always easier to add more product than it is to remove too much. Rub the gel between your palms to emulsify it. This warms the product, making it easier to distribute evenly.
Concrete Example: Squeeze a small, dime-sized dollop of gel into your palm. Rub your hands together briskly until the gel becomes a thin, even layer on both palms. There should be no clumps or thick spots.
Step 2: Apply to the Mid-Lengths and Ends
Focus the application on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. This is where shine is most visible and where hair tends to be the driest. Applying gel to the roots can make your hair look greasy and flat.
Concrete Example: With your hands coated in the gel, gently run your palms over the top layer of your hair, starting from the area just below your ears and working down to the ends. Avoid the scalp and the first two inches of hair near the roots.
Step 3: Distribute Evenly
After the initial application, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to distribute the gel evenly through your hair. This ensures every strand gets a touch of shine without being weighed down.
Concrete Example: Use a wide-tooth comb and gently comb through your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up. You should feel a slight resistance, but the comb should not get stuck. This confirms that the product is being distributed and not just sitting on top of your hair.
Step 4: The Final Touch
Once the gel is applied, you can either let your hair air-dry or use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment on a low heat setting. A diffuser helps to maintain your hair’s natural texture while adding volume and shine.
Concrete Example: If you are using a blow dryer, hold the diffuser about 6 inches away from your hair. Use a gentle, circular motion to dry your hair, section by section. This will help to set the shine without causing frizz.
Advanced Techniques for Extra Luster
If you want to take your shine game to the next level, here are a few advanced techniques that you can incorporate into your routine.
Technique 1: The “Glossing” Method
This method involves layering a small amount of gel over your finished hairstyle. This is perfect for a quick touch-up or for a special occasion when you want maximum shine.
How to do it: After you have styled your hair, take a tiny amount of gel (about half a pea-size) and rub it between your fingertips. Gently pat your fingertips over the top layer of your hair, focusing on the areas where light naturally hits, such as the crown and the front sections.
Concrete Example: Imagine you’ve just finished a sleek ponytail. Take a tiny bit of gel on your fingertips and gently smooth down any flyaways at the crown and along the sides. The light will catch this extra layer of product, creating a beautiful, glossy finish.
Technique 2: The “Cocktailing” Method
This technique involves mixing a small amount of finishing gel with another product, such as a leave-in conditioner or a hair oil. This is especially beneficial for people with coarse or curly hair who need both moisture and shine.
How to do it: In the palm of your hand, mix a pea-sized amount of finishing gel with a similar amount of your favorite hair oil or leave-in conditioner. Emulsify the products together and apply to your hair using the same method as before.
Concrete Example: Take a dab of argan oil and a dab of finishing gel. Mix them together in your palm until they form a single, smooth mixture. Apply this to your curls to add both hydration and a beautiful, non-greasy shine.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the right product and technique, you might run into some common issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them.
Problem 1: Hair Looks Greasy and Oily
This is a sign that you are either using too much product or applying it too close to your roots.
Solution: Use less product. Start with a smaller amount than you think you need. Also, make sure you are focusing the application on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, not the roots.
Concrete Example: If your hair feels greasy, try washing your hands before you apply the gel, then take only half the amount you did previously. Instead of rubbing your palms over your hair, use your fingertips to gently pat the product on.
Problem 2: Hair Feels Crunchy or Stiff
This is a common issue with finishing gels, especially those with a strong hold. It means the product has dried in a rigid state.
Solution: Use a lighter-hold gel or a smaller amount of your current product. You can also “break the cast” by gently scrunching your hair after it has dried.
Concrete Example: After your hair has dried, gently scrunch your curls or waves with your hands. This will break the rigid cast of the gel, leaving you with soft, shiny hair without the stiffness.
Problem 3: Shine Doesn’t Last
This can happen if you are not using a product with enough holding power for your hair type or if the product is not compatible with your hair’s porosity.
Solution: Try a gel with a stronger hold or consider “cocktailing” your gel with a light hairspray.
Concrete Example: After applying your finishing gel and styling your hair, lightly mist a flexible-hold hairspray over your hair. This will help to lock in the shine without making your hair feel stiff.
The Science of Shine: Why Finishing Gels Work
Understanding the “why” behind the “how” can help you make better product choices and application decisions. Finishing gels work by creating a smooth, reflective surface on the hair shaft.
The outermost layer of your hair is called the cuticle. When your hair is healthy, the cuticle lies flat, like shingles on a roof. This smooth surface reflects light, giving your hair that healthy, lustrous shine. When your hair is damaged or frizzy, the cuticle is raised and uneven, which scatters light instead of reflecting it.
Finishing gels contain ingredients that coat the hair shaft, smoothing down the cuticle and filling in any gaps. This creates a uniform, smooth surface that is highly reflective. The result is hair that looks sleek, healthy, and incredibly shiny.
A Powerful Conclusion: Elevating Your Hair Game
Adding shine and luster to your hair is a simple, achievable goal with the right finishing gel and technique. By selecting a product that suits your hair type, preparing your hair properly, and applying the gel with a light touch, you can transform dull, lifeless hair into a radiant, glossy masterpiece. The journey to shiny hair is a marathon, not a sprint. With practice and patience, you will master the art of using finishing gels to elevate your personal care routine and unleash your hair’s full potential.