Hair Gel, is it bad for you?

[Axcell]

I've been using hair gel for about 3 years now, and I've recently had people come up to me and say that hair gel causes baldness? Is there a gel that prevents this?
Is it just a myth? Does it depend on what type of hair gel you use, how much you use, and how often you apply it?

Currently, I have spiky hair and I apply it on a daily basis. I don't use very expensive gel ($4 US at the drug store), however, I make sure that it is alcohol-free,non-sticky, and I purchase a type of gel that has Pro vitamin B5, which is suppose to give it extra long hold while keeping my hair healthy and shiny.

Current ingredients in the gel I use:
Aqua, PVP, Glycerin, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, parfum, peg-12 dimenthicone, Disodium Edta, Panthenol, Benzophenome-4, ben, etc.

I googled this, and searched this forum.. didn't find much. I found these responses:
"No it doesn't really cause hair loss or baldness literally... but if you over use it you can really dry your hair out b/c hair gel contaisn alcohol so it can get dried out and stiff and break off. So yes in a way you can loose a little hair. I suggest not using it all the time, maybe just when you go to work, or school or when you go out. but take a break from it when your at home by yourself or on the weekends maybe. and use a good conditioner on your hair when you shower so you can keep moisture in it"

Askmen.com states that it does not cause baldness... just want to confirm it with somebody who knows what they are talking about. There are many other sites more qualified than askmen which state it can cause baldness as well.
URL for askmen.com: http://ca.askmen.com/sports/health_60/92_mens_health.html

Thanks for your time,
Nick.

 

[ValleyDJing]

...Ok, now I'm worried. I don't use a ton at a time, but I use it every day. So far I don't think I've lost any hair.

 

[flnazrael]

Not all gels have alcohol. I have used various types of gel, wax, and pomades religiously for almost 10 years now and the woman who cuts my hair is always talking about how thick it is, I'll never go bald, etc. My friend Chris is 24, almost completely bald, and never used gel in his life.

It's all about genetics, my friend.

 

[Master Bates]

Genes cause baldness, not hair gel.

 

[Axcell]

Okay, but does gel damage your hair?

 

[Berlex]

use semen, it has lots of protein!

 

[Play the Game]

use semen, it has lots of protein!

And its all NATURAL~

 

[Boschy]

I've thought about this too. Some things I consider potentially harmful:

- Wash your hair too often and/or too vigorously (fingernails across the scalp).
- Use blow drier too often and/or too long.
- Use a lot of hair products and/or chemicals.
- Have your shower water too hot.
- Get too much sun exposure.
- Comb is too sharp or you press to hard.

Like one poster said, I try to give my hair at least one rest day on weekends. No product, combing, washing, styling etc.

Where is the scientific proof? I have none, but if you want to get the full story, a visit to a scalp specialist is advisable.

 

[mrRuckus]

You could just stop being trendy and not spike your hair.

 

[Axcell]

I've noticed a great improvement with my outer game by spiking my hair, so I don't think it is an option. I just wanted to see if it was bad for you, so I could change either the type of gel I use, or use a different hair product.

 

[Improver21]

hair gel is out.

use crude clay to create the matte, bed hair look.

looks natural, stylish yet effortless, probably slightly-emo, but its in.

OR SO I THINK IT IS.

 

[Improver21]

oh. and it wont dry hard like gel and splatter everywhere in small particles when u touch it or get bumped.

OR SO I THINK.

 

[zer^cool]

i have dreadlocks. some chicks dig it. what kan i do to make it look hot natrual

 

[Ryan69]

chicks hate hair gel

 

[jesusrules]

thats an interesting find. so thank you.