How Long Does Hair Gel Take to Dry: 4 Easy Ways to Dry faster

Do you start your morning routine by styling your hair with gel? If so, you know the struggle of waiting for hair gel to completely dry and set before heading out.

When you’re rushed to get out the door, waiting 20-30 minutes for the gel to dry can feel like an eternity!

In this article, we’ll cover precisely how long hair gel takes to dry on average. We’ll also provide four simple tips to speed up hair gel drying time so you can style your strands faster.

What is Hair Gel?

Before we dive into dry times, let’s review what hair gel is briefly.

Hair gel is a hairstyling product made from ingredients like water, alcohol, and polymers that form a thick, sticky consistency. It allows you to sculpt your hair into trendy looks like spikes or slick styles that stay in place all day.

The gel contains polymers that act like flexible plastic, bonding to and coating each strand of hair. This is what provides the stronghold that sets gel apart from other styling products.

Now that we know how gel works, how long does it take to set?

How Long Does It Take Hair Gel to Dry?

On average, a gel-styled look takes 20 to 30 minutes to dry and set fully.

However, the exact drying time depends on several factors:

• How much gel did you apply – More product means longer drying time. Use sparingly.
• Your hair type – Thick, dense hair can take longer to dry than fine, thin strands.
• Humidity levels – Wet weather slows down drying time.
• Hair condition – Oily hair may repel gel and resist drying.

For most people, though, expect the gel to remain wet for about half an hour as the alcohol evaporates and polymers bind to your hair.

Now, let’s get into the good stuff…

4 Easy Ways to Speed Up Hair Gel Dry Time

When you’re rushed in the mornings, even 20 minutes can feel like forever! Follow these tips to reduce hair gel drying time for faster styling:

1. Apply Gel to Damp, Not Soaking Wet Hair

Put gel in damp rather than dripping wet strands. Hair with less water content will dry quicker.

2. Use Less Gel

A little goes a long way. Only use as much as needed to style your hair type and look.

3. Gently Blot Hair with a Towel

Blotting absorbs excess gel sitting on the surface of the hair, eliminating tackiness faster.

4. Blow Dry on a Cool Setting

Air drying can take over an hour! Blow drying on astonishing speeds up drying time significantly.

Finally, be patient and resist touching gelled hair before it sets fully. Premature restyling can ruin your look and create flakes or residue.

Now you know precisely how long hair gel takes to dry and can use these pro tricks to reduce drying time.

Can Hair Gel Damage Your Hair?

Hair gel is not known to damage your hair. It can help to protect your hair from environmental damage, such as the sun and wind.

Yet, if you use too much gel, it can make your hair look greasy or oily. It can also cause your hair to become brittle and break. Read more about Why Does My Hair Feel Waxy?

Do you brush hair after gel?

It is not necessary to brush your hair after applying the gel. Brushing your hair can cause the gel to become less effective. If you must brush your hair, be sure to use a wide-toothed comb.

When Should You Wash Your Hair After Applying Gel?

You should wait at least 24 hours before washing your hair after applying the gel. This will give the gel time to set and will prevent your hair from becoming greasy.

Should You Wash Gel Out Daily?

No, you don’t need to wash gel out of your hair every day. Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils and make it dry and brittle.

If you want to extend the life of your gel, try using a dry shampoo between washes. This will help absorb excess oil and give your hair a fresh smell.

How Often Should You Apply Gel?

It depends on how often you wash your hair and how much gel you use. If you use a lot of gel, you may need it every day. But, if you use a small amount of gel, you may be able to get away with reapplying it every other day.

How long does hair gel last?

Hair gel lasts for about 24 hours. But, this can vary depending on the type of gel, the amount of gel used, the temperature and humidity of the environment, and even the type of hair.

Is it bad to leave gel in your hair overnight?

No, it is not harmful to leave gel in your hair overnight. It can help to keep your hair moisturized and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle. Yet, if you use too much gel, it can make your hair greasy or oily. It can also cause your hair to become brittle and break.

What is the best way to remove the gel from your hair?

The best way to remove the gel from your hair is to use mild shampoo and conditioner. You can also use a clarifying shampoo, which will help to remove any build-up from your hair. You can try using a vinegar rinse if you have a stubborn gel that won’t come out.

Conclusion – How Long Does Hair Gel Take to Dry?

Be sure to rinse your hair well after using any of these methods, as they can strip your hair of its natural oils. I hope this article helped answer your question. Thanks for reading!