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Workshop
September 1, 2007 By: American Salon Staff American SalonFrom Mohawks to mullets, some of hair's most iconic 'dos owe a debt of gratitude to gels. Long before modern-day polymer-based products hit the market, people styled their hair using plant-based jellylike materials. "For hundreds of years people have used lotions and potions that dried hard to set their hair," says David Cannell, senior vice president of research and development and director of hair laboratories for L'Oréal USA. "The history of gel is a long one, but it became a commercial product in the '50s with the development of synthetic polymers." With the introduction of Dippity-Do in the 1960s, hair gel starting popping up everywhere. In the '70s it reached new heights, with the goop being used to create far-out shapes and styles. Since then, the formula has been tinkered with, resulting in cream-based products, extra-strength holds, flake-free formulas and many other variations, but its popularity has remained consistent. Men love gel for its ease of use, while women appreciate its versatility—gels can add a boost of body, leave a glossy, wet-looking finish or create sky-high spikes. For any look you could ever want, there's a gel that can achieve it. Check out these 15 different gels that keep clients' hair perfectly in place. —SAMANTHA BEERMAN
 One of TIGI's hairstyles from the 1980s, when big hair ruled and gel was the styling product of choice |
Crystal Clear
Incorporating mica crystals and grapefruit, ABBA Pure Finish Gel's natural formula offers heat protection, volume, shine and control for all hair types. abbahaircare.com
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Dual Action
The dual-polymer complex of American Crew's alcohol-free Firm Hold Styling Gel acts as a thickening agent and helps create ultimate control and hold without drying the hair or scalp. americancrew.com
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Rising Inflation
Applied to damp hair, Big Sexy Hair Blow Dry Volumizing Gel is a firm-holding gel that, when used with heat, inflates strands and adds voluptuous body to any type of hair. sexyhair.com
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Strong Hold
Perfect for hard-to-hold styles, the CHI Infra Gel Maximum Control Gel shapes, molds, defines and spikes hair and also delivers incredible shine, without flaking or buildup. chiretail.com
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Dual Purpose
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