Gel vs. Wax — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Published on July 15, 2024
Gel provides a wet look with strong hold, ideal for sleek styles without flakiness when dry. Wax offers a matte finish with medium hold, perfect for flexibility and reshaping throughout the day.
Difference Between Gel and Wax
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hair gel is a styling product that gives hair a shiny, wet look and provides a strong hold, making it suitable for sculpting hair into a particular shape or style. Whereas, hair wax offers a matte finish and a medium to strong hold, allowing for more texture and the ability to restyle hair throughout the day.
Gel is water-based, which makes it easier to wash out but can also dry out hair with frequent use. On the other hand, wax is typically oil-based, providing moisture to the hair, which can be beneficial for those with dry hair but might be harder to wash out.
Applying gel to hair can result in a hardened texture that holds the hair firmly in place, making it ideal for styles that require hair to stay put for extended periods. Wax, however, does not harden as much and provides a more flexible hold, which is perfect for creating and maintaining styles that may need adjustment or reworking.
Gel is more suited for achieving defined styles such as spikes or slicked-back looks, where the goal is to maintain a specific shape throughout the day. Wax is better for textured styles, piecey looks, or styles that require volume without the slick, wet appearance.
Gel's formula can sometimes flake when overused or if the hair is disturbed after drying, which can be a downside for some users. Wax, while generally flake-free, can build up in the hair and scalp, requiring thorough washing to remove completely.
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Comparison Chart
Finish
Shiny, wet look
Matte, natural look
Hold
Strong
Medium to strong, but more flexible
Base
Water-based
Oil-based
Washing Out
Easier to wash out
Might be harder to wash out
Suitable Styles
Defined, sleek styles (e.g., spikes, slicked back)
Textured, voluminous styles (e.g., piecey looks)
Texture When Dry
Hardens and holds firmly
Remains flexible and adjustable
Hair Type Suitability
Suitable for most types, but can dry out hair
Better for dry hair, adds moisture
Compare with Definitions
Gel
A styling aid that provides a shiny, wet look.
Gel is used to sculpt hair into sleek, defined styles.
Wax
Used for adding texture and a matte finish.
Wax is great for achieving a natural, textured look.
Gel
Offers a firm grip on hair styles.
Perfect for maintaining spikes or a slicked-back appearance all day.
Wax
Does not harden as much, allowing movement.
Hair styled with wax can be easily reworked or touched up.
Gel
Sets into a hard finish for a long-lasting hold.
Once gel dries, it keeps hair firmly in place.
Wax
Provides flexibility for restyling.
With wax, you can adjust your hairstyle throughout the day.
Gel
Makes it easier to rinse out with water.
Gel washes out easily during your regular shampoo routine.
Wax
Tends to add moisture to the hair.
Wax can help condition dry hair, adding a subtle sheen.
Gel
Might flake when overapplied or disturbed after drying.
Excessive gel use can lead to white flakes resembling dandruff.
Wax
Requires thorough washing to remove.
Accumulated wax can lead to buildup, needing a good shampoo to cleanse.
Gel
A colloid in which the disperse phase has combined with the dispersion medium to produce a semisolid material, such as a jelly.
Wax
Any of various natural, oily or greasy heat-sensitive substances, consisting of hydrocarbons or esters of fatty acids that are insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar organic solvents.
Gel
A jellylike substance used in styling hair.
Wax
A solid plastic or pliable liquid substance, such as ozocerite or paraffin, originating from petroleum and found in rock layers and used in paper coating, as insulation, in crayons, and often in medicinal preparations.
Gel
To apply a gel to (the hair).
Wax
A cosmetic procedure in which facial or body hair is removed by peeling away a layer of wax that has been allowed to harden.
Gel
Any gel intended for a particular cosmetic use, such as for styling the hair.
Wax
To remove (facial or body hair) by covering the skin with a layer of wax that is peeled off after hardening, uprooting the encased hairs.
Gel
To come together to form something; to cohere.
We put our ideas together and they eventually gelled into a saleable product.
Wax
A thick syrup made by boiling down the sap of the sugar maple and then cooling it.
Gel
Apply a styling gel to;
She mousses her hair
Wax
(transitive) To apply wax to (something, such as a shoe, a floor, a car, or an apple), usually to make it shiny.
Wax
(transitive) To remove hair at the roots from (a part of the body) by coating the skin with a film of wax that is then pulled away sharply.
Wax
A waxlike composition used for uniting surfaces, for excluding air, and for other purposes; as, sealing wax, grafting wax, etching wax, etc.
Common Curiosities
Which styling product is easier to wash out?
Gel is generally easier to wash out because it's water-based, unlike oil-based wax which might require more effort.
Can I use gel and wax together?
Yes, you can use both, but it's advisable to use wax for texturizing and gel for hold, applying wax first and gel sparingly.
Can gel cause hair loss?
Gel itself does not cause hair loss, but excessive use and improper washing can lead to hair breakage and scalp issues.
Does wax work on wet hair?
Wax works best on dry or slightly damp hair as it can clump and not distribute evenly on wet hair.
How do you remove wax buildup from hair?
Use a clarifying shampoo or a shampoo designed for oily hair to remove wax buildup effectively.
Can wax make hair greasy?
Yes, excessive use of wax or not washing it out properly can make hair appear greasy.
Why does gel flake?
Gel can flake when it's overused, poor quality, or disturbed after it has dried.
Which is better for thin hair, gel or wax?
Wax is often better for thin hair as it adds texture without weighing hair down, unlike gel which can flatten thin hair.
Is gel or wax better for curly hair?
Wax is usually better for curly hair as it enhances the curls with flexibility and doesn't dry out hair like gel can.
How often should I use hair wax?
Use wax as needed, but ensure you're washing your hair regularly to prevent buildup.
How long can I keep gel in my hair?
It's best not to leave gel in for more than a day without washing, as buildup can lead to scalp irritation.
Is there a natural alternative to gel or wax?
Yes, natural alternatives like aloe vera gel or beeswax can be used for styling with fewer chemicals.
Can using gel damage my hair?
Using gel frequently without proper care can dry out hair, but it doesn't directly damage hair if used moderately and washed out properly.
How can I choose between gel and wax?
Choose based on the finish (shiny or matte), hold (strong or flexible), and hair type (dry or oily).
What is the best way to apply gel for a wet look?
Apply gel to damp hair and comb through for even distribution to achieve a sleek, wet look.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
