Hair Gel Dos and Don'ts

DO gel back your bangs.
If you're growing them out or you're just tired of your fringe, change up your look like Christina Ricci did by slicking back your bangs. Coat your hair with gel, twist bangs to the side like she does here and secure with a bobby pin for that super-sleek finish.

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DON'T let crunchiness cramp your style.
While we're used to seeing her with sexy curls, Megan Fox is just as stunning with a sleek center part and pulled-back 'do. For a smooth gelled finish like Fox's-without having to worry about any crispiness and dry flakes-senior stylist Nicole Descoteaux of Butterfly Salon in New York City says, "Never let gel air-dry. Instead, mix it with an oil-based product-like Shu Uemura Art of Hair Silk Oil --or a styling cream to prevent it from looking hard and retro."

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DO give your hair that poolside feel.
Nothing's hotter than slicked-back hair after a quick dip-consult one of the many slow-motion postswim movie scenes guys love. OK, maybe they aren't focused on the hair during those clips, but Victoria Beckham looks pretty damn sexy here with her smoothed-back cropped cut. This might be the fastest, chicest red carpet hair, well, ever!

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DON'T model your hairstyle after Marge Simpson's.
We've gotta give gel props for helping to defy gravity, but hair this high and hard makes getting into cars and through doorways a major challenge.

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DO try a slick side part.
Go from girl next door to super glam with a budge-proof, sophisticated side part. This look from Tommy Hilfiger's fall show is as easy as it is chic. Use a fine-tooth comb and a flexible gel (like Bumble and Bumble Gel Multi-Talented Sculpting Medium) from your part to ear level and leave the rest goop-free. The contrast between the two textures is what makes this look so fashion-forward-even if you aren't walking the runway.

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DON'T Saran Wrap your hair.
While this slicked-back bump is totally cool on the catwalk, leave the plastic wrap for your sandwich and opt for a great headband instead.

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DO modernize a classic look.
Gwen Stefani never gets it wrong. While she's working her signature old-Hollywood red-lipped pout, the gelled French twist gives her look a futuristic feel-not to mention major staying power! To get a red carpet updo that lasts and lasts, try Pantene Pro-V Style Classic Total Control Maximum Hold Gel.

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DON'T be afraid to add a sleek touch to your sweet ballerina look.
Toughen up a chignon by making it slick like the models on Collette Dinnigan's catwalk in Paris. This will keep your hair in place from day to night, whether you're wearing a tutu or rocking a badass leather jacket.

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DO polish your ponytail.
Get Ashanti's shellacked cheerleader pony without having to put in two months of growing your hair out: Clip in an extension (like
Hair U Wear Twist-N-Style Clip-In Ponytail Hair Extensions) and wrap a gelled piece from the tail around your elastic to hide the evidence. Tame the wispy flyaways with a little bit of-you guessed it-gel.



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