How to Get Gel Out of Hair Without Washing

Hair gel is a styling product many people rely on to achieve their desired hairstyle. The sticky formula helps shape and hold hair in place. However, sometimes you may use too much gel or want to remove it without having to immediately wash your hair. Thankfully, there are easy methods to remove excess gel without shampooing.

Below are some simple techniques to get gel out of hair without water or shampoo:

Brush It Out

One of the easiest ways to remove gel buildup is to simply brush it out. Use a wide-toothed comb or boar bristle brush and gently work it through your hair from roots to ends. This helps loosen and lift out the hardened gel residue.

Be sure to brush slowly and carefully to avoid too much pulling on your strands. Work out small sections at a time. The brushing motion helps dislodge the gel so it can be removed more easily.

Use a Dry Shampoo

Spray dry shampoo directly onto areas where gel has been heavily applied. Massage it into your hair and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before brushing out.

The dry shampoo will help absorb excess grease and product buildup. As you brush, the gel will get caught in the bristles and come right out.

Dry shampoo also adds volume and leaves hair looking freshly washed, so it’s a great multitasking product for gel removal.

Apply Heat

Heat from a blow dryer or even the warmth of your hands can help soften and loosen dried gel in your hair.

Use your fingers to gently massage areas with excess gel as you blow dry hair on a low or medium setting. The heat will breakdown the hold of the product, allowing you to simply smooth it out with your hands.

You can also take a hot shower or apply a warm towel to your head for a few minutes before trying to remove the gel.

Blot with a Paper Towel

For concentrated areas of gel that feel crunchy or sticky, try blotting with a paper towel to lift off the excess. Simply press the paper towel against the hardened gel and lightly hold for a few seconds.

When you pull the towel away, it will remove some of the product buildup. You can gently repeat this blotting motion until the area feels less stiff.

Be careful not to rub too aggressively as this can cause frizz and breakage on delicate hair strands.

Use Cornstarch or Baby Powder

These absorbent powders work wonders to soak up greasy hair gel. Lightly sprinkle some cornstarch or unscented baby powder directly onto any sticky spots of gel in your hair.

Let it sit for 5 minutes then use a comb to gently brush out the powder. It will lift off the excess gel residue as you comb.

You can also try working the powder into your hair with your fingers before combing if needed. Just don’t use too much powder or it can leave behind a dusty look.

Apply Oil Treatments

Natural oils can help break down gel and condition hair at the same time. Good options are coconut, olive, jojoba, or argan oil.

Rub a few drops of oil between your palms and smooth over areas with excess gel buildup. Let it sit for 10 minutes before combing out. The oil treatments help moisturize hair while dissolving the hardened gel.

Just don’t overdo the amount of oil you apply or hair may end up looking greasy. Focus on gel-covered areas only.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar

While it may seem unorthodox, apple cider vinegar (ACV) actually works great as a gel remover and hair cleanser.

Mix equal parts ACV and water in a spray bottle. Mist the solution onto gelled areas of your hair and wait 2-3 minutes. Then comb through to remove residue.

The acidity in the vinegar helps break down styling products like gel so they can be lifted away more easily. It also removes buildup and leaves hair super shiny!

Try Baking Soda

For a deep cleansing effect, try making a paste with baking soda and water. Apply to hair and let sit for 5-10 minutes before combing and brushing out.

The gritty texture of baking soda binds to and removes product buildup. It also absorbs excess oils and leaves hair soft and clean.

Just don’t over-scrub with baking soda as it can dry out your strands. Focus on the gelled areas only.

Use Water to Dilute

Simply wetting your hair with plain water can help breakdown dried gel and make it easier to brush or comb out. The moisture dilutes the gel so it glides out more smoothly versus when dry.

Spritz hair with a spray bottle filled with water or lean your head under the faucet to dampen gel-covered sections. Then use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently remove the softened gel.

Blot with Paper Towels

For quick gel removal in a pinch, you can blot hair with paper towels or tissue. Simply press and hold the paper towel over the gelled area for a few seconds at a time.

When you pull the paper towel away, it will lift off some of the product buildup. Repeat the blotting motion with fresh paper towels until your hair feels less stiff and sticky.

This works best on smaller sections rather than trying to blot your whole head. Be gentle so as not to cause breakage.

Tips for Removing Gel Buildup

• Always start by brushing or combing to loosen gel before using any removal methods. This prevents excessive pulling on your hair strands.

• Focus on taking out excess gel rather than trying to strip all of it from your hair. Some hold is needed to maintain your style.

• If using heat tools, keep the temperature low to avoid damage to your hair.

• Apply oils, vinegar or powders only to sections that have too much gel, not your whole head.

• Avoid rubbing your hair vigorously as this can cause frizz and breakage. Be gentle.

• Curly or textured hair may prefer using just fingers to “comb” versus an actual comb.

With these simple gel removal techniques, you can reset your hairstyle anytime without immediately washing your hair. Just use caution not to overdo it or you may strip the healthy oils from your strands.

When to Wash Out Gel Entirely

While these methods can fix minor gel buildup, there are times when a full shampoo is necessary:

• If your hair still appears overly greasy or product-laden even after trying removal techniques

• If white flakes of dried gel are visible and cannot be combed out

• If your scalp feels itchy or irritated from excessive product use

• If you used a lower quality gel with drying alcohols that damage your hair

• If it’s been over 2-3 days since you applied the gel

• If hair feels sticky or crunchy all over even after trying to remove excess

When in doubt, go ahead and wash it out! Use a clarifying shampoo to fully remove all traces of gel and oils. Then condition well afterwards. Your hair will look and feel so much better.

How to Prevent Extreme Gel Buildup

To avoid having to prematurely remove loads of gel from your hair, follow these tips:

• Use gel sparingly. Start with a dime size amount first then layer more if needed.

• Apply gel to wet hair only so it absorbs instead of coating your strands.

• Target gel application to areas that need the most hold like flyaways or frizzy spots.

• Choose an alcohol-free gel formula made for your hair type.

• Rinse out all gel thoroughly with each shampoo rather than letting it accumulate.

• Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove residue and buildup.

• Don’t apply gel every single day. Give your hair a break between styling.

• Switch to lighter leave-in creams or mousses on off days.

With mindful and minimal gel usage, you won’t have to worry as much about removing sticky buildup from your lovely locks!

The Bottom Line

It’s easy to take out excess gel without immediately washing your hair. Simply dilute it with water, blot with towels, use powders or heat to absorb it, apply oils to break it down or brush it out.

Avoid over-scrubbing and focus on areas with the heaviest gel concentration. Your hair will look refreshed in no time!

However, if your hair still feels overly sticky or gritty, go ahead and wash it out fully with a good clarifying shampoo. Prevent heavy gel buildup in the first place by following solid styling practices and being sparing with application.