My Guy Uses Too Much Gel: Fixing the Crunch and Shine

A practical guide to ending thick, crunchy hair gel disasters and helping your guy get that natural, touchable style.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 30, 2025

A practical guide to ending thick, crunchy hair gel disasters and helping your guy get that natural, touchable style.

My Guy Uses Too Much Gel: How to Help Him Get Better Hair

Crunchy, sticky, and overloaded with shine — it’s the classic hallmark of a guy who’s gotten heavy-handed with hair gel. You know it well: the moments when you run your fingers through his hair and are met by a wall of resistance, or worse, your hand recoils from a slick, helmet-like texture. While hair gel can add polish and hold to a style, overuse quickly sabotages the look, leaving hair unnatural to the touch and questionable to the eye. This article dives deep into why guys tend to use too much gel, what the consequences are, and expert-backed strategies to help him embrace a softer, more attractive approach to hair styling.

Why Do Guys Use Too Much Gel?

Lack of product knowledge: Many men simply haven’t been taught the basics — they assume more equals better hold.
Media and advertising: Ads often show extreme styles, prompting guys to pile on products to mirror these looks.
Desire for control: Gel, especially the strong-hold types, can seem like the only way to keep hair in place all day.
Poor habits: If he’s used the same routine since high school, odds are it’s never been updated to suit his hair’s needs.

The Problems with Overusing Gel

While hair gel promises definition and hold, too much leads to:

Crunchy texture that feels stiff, unnatural, and even brittle.
Excessive shine that looks greasy or artificial rather than healthy.
Product flakes as the gel hardens and breaks down during the day.
Build-up, which can clog pores, irritate the scalp, and weigh down hair.

If you dread running your hands through his hair, he’s probably overdoing it. But changing the habit takes knowledge, good products, and a few clever tricks.

Breaking the Crunch: Signs He Uses Too Much Gel

Hair moves as a single, solid piece, not soft strands.
Visible product residue or flakes on scalp and hair.
Obvious separation between gelled and nongelled areas.
Hair feels sticky or greasy rather than just styled.
Touching his hair leaves product on your hands.

If you’re noticing any or all of these signs, it’s time to intervene (gently!).

How to Convince Him to Use Less Gel

No one likes to be criticized about their grooming, so approach the topic tactfully. Here’s how:

Compliment his hair first before making suggestions — positivity opens the door to change.
Suggest new products as a fun experiment (“Let’s see how this cream works!”) rather than as a fix-it for a problem.
Show him comparisons using photos of softer, natural men’s styles.
Offer to help style his hair so he can feel the difference firsthand.

Essential Tips for Softer, Natural-Looking Hair

Start with a pea-sized amount: Most guys only need a fingertip-sized dab of gel — not a whole palmful. Add more only if necessary.
Apply to damp hair: Gel spreads more evenly, sets better, and avoids harsh lines when worked through hair that’s towel-dried but still slightly moist.
Distribute evenly: Rub gel between palms and fingers, then work through hair starting from the back and sides, moving to the top and front.
Comb and style before gel sets: Shaping hair while wet with gel ensures a natural finish and less risk of the dreaded helmet look.
Invest in softer hold products: Lighter hold gels, styling creams, or matte pomades create touchable styles that aren’t stiff.
Finish with fingers: For a modern, textured look, use fingers to tousle and position hair after applying product.

Best Types of Hair Products for Men

Product Type	Best For	Texture	Shine Level
Gel (Light Hold)	Thin hair, subtle styles	Soft, flexible	Low to medium
Gel (Strong Hold)	Thick hair, sharp styles	Crisp, firm	Medium to high
Pomade	Slicked-back or classic looks	Medium, smooth	Medium to high
Clay	Textured, messy looks	Dry, gritty	Matte/low shine
Cream	Natural finish, softer styles	Lightweight, smooth	Natural/matte

Encourage him to try alternatives to classic gel — creams and clays often offer hold without the crunch.

How to Use Hair Gel Properly

Wash hair well: Start with clean, damp hair. Removing previous build-up gives product a fresh canvas.
Use a conservative amount: A little goes a long way. Add more gradually if he wants stronger hold.
Work gel between hands: This ensures even distribution, avoiding globs and harsh streaks.
Apply from back to front: Prevents over-application at the hairline, which looks especially unnatural.
Style with comb/fingers: Shape hair immediately after applying gel, before it sets.
Let hair air-dry: Heat styling plus too much gel can create flaky, hardened areas.

How to Remove Excess Gel

Clarifying shampoo: Use weekly to remove stubborn gel residues and restore softness.
Warm water rinse: For daily removal, thoroughly rinse with warm water before rewashing.
Scalp scrub: Gentle exfoliation can help remove build-up around the roots and scalp.
Avoid harsh detergents: Strong soaps strip hair’s natural oils, making it even more prone to product dependency.

Common Gel Mistakes Guys Make

Using too much product creates hard, sticky hair that flakes.
Applying directly to dry hair leads to uneven patches and crunch.
Skipping clarifying washes lets build-up accumulate and scalp health suffer.
Choosing mega-hold gels for simple styles — lighter hold usually works better.
Not adapting product use to hair type — curly, fine, thick hair needs different approaches.

Pro Tips for Always Great Hair

Switch products seasonally: Humidity and heat call for lighter holds; colder months may require more control.
Visit a barber regularly: Fresh cuts mean less styling product is needed to keep hair neat.
Try air-drying whenever possible: Air-dried hair looks and feels softer, avoiding the fried texture that heat tools plus gel can cause.
Focus on scalp care: Healthy scalp equals healthier hair — use gentle shampoos and light conditioners often.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does hair gel make hair so crunchy?

Most gels contain polymers designed to lock strands in place. When overused, they form thick coats that stiffen as they dry, creating the signature crunch.

Can using too much gel damage hair or scalp?

Yes. Excess gel can clog pores, cause product residue build-up, lead to flaking, and dehydrate both hair and scalp, increasing irritation and risk of breakage.

Is it possible to get natural-looking styles with gel?

Absolutely. The trick is using tiny amounts, working them through damp hair, and finishing with fingers instead of combing into hard shapes.

Are there alternatives to gel for men’s hair?

Try styling creams, pomades, clays, or waxes for softer looks and greater flexibility. These products are designed to create texture without stiffness.

How often should guys wash out their styling products?

Daily rinsing with warm water is best if he applies gel most days. Once a week, use a clarifying shampoo to remove deep build-up.

What if my guy insists on strong-hold styles?

Suggest gels or pomades with lighter formulas designed for movement. He can layer a small amount as needed, but remind him that touchable often looks best.

The Takeaway: Confidence in Softer Style

Changing hair habits isn’t always easy, especially if your guy believes ‘the gel way’ is the only path to having good hair. But with positive encouragement, the right products, and a few technique tweaks, he can ditch the crunch forever. Encourage experimentation, focus on healthy hair routines, and support him as he discovers what feels and looks best for his own style. After all, soft hair is always in — and now, so is he.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb