Applying hair gel is easy. Applying hair gel evenly can be tricky.

Dealing with a runny mess or globs of thick gel-ish goo can be a set-up for the best of bad hair days. A too-thin coat of gel can leave hair wanting for better control. A heavy layer of gel can weigh hair down, leaving it lackluster. A just-right application can provide a great hold, sheen and protection. Here’s how:

Gather your items:

• A large plastic bowl (larger than your head)
• A whisk
• A large cup
• Essential oils, optional

Save these items together as a “kit” of sorts for re-use. An inexpensive and lightweight bowl works best, and a throwaway cup that’s easy to grip will come in handy. You may not want to transfer the whisk back to kitchen duty after use on hair gel and oils, so purchase one for dedicated use. Essential oils are not necessary, but a few drops of lavender or rosemary add a nice touch to plain gels (conditioners too).

Clean your hair as normal. For me, this means the infrequent use of shampoo, but a conditioner wash every time. Always be sure to rinse away as much product as possible from the hair, especially shampoo. A little conditioner left on your strands, however, can be ideal depending on your hair needs. Play around and see what works best for your hair needs.

Shake or squeeze out excess water from the hair, but don’t tightly wring the hair. Place a dollop or two of gel into the bowl along with a few drops of the optional essential oil.

What is a dollop? Answers.com says:

1. A large lump or portion of a solid matter: a dollop of ice cream.
2. A small quantity or splash of a liquid: a dollop of whiskey.
3. A modicum; a bit: not a dollop of truth to the story.

For my use, a dollop is a couple of tablespoons, give or take.

Add water to the gel. Start off with about a cup or so. It’s easy to add more water as needed. Taking away water is harder as it means adding more gel. Who wants to run out of gel right in the middle of hair time?

Whisk the gel and water well. Use the same action as you would to whisk eggs, pulling air into the mix with each flex of the wrist. The mix will begin to thicken. Clear gel will begin to lighten a bit into white as bubbles and froth form. The consistency should be somewhat thick and plop when spilled. The more you whisk the thicker it will be. It should not hold in place the same as gel straight from the jar.

The gel mixture is ready for application. You can simply dip your hair into the mix, apply it with your hands or pour it on with the cup. I do a little of each. Apply the gel mixture starting at the thickest part of your hair. With each pour, be sure to squeeze out excess gel with your hands. The more you squeeze out, the thinner the resulting layer of gel will be. With practice, you’ll be able to feel how much remaining gel you like in your hair.

After applying, you may wish to simply shake your hair or drip dry as opposed to towel drying. A fuzzy towel can pull gel off the hair and alter the fresh curl pattern, leaving hair on the frizzy side. I prefer microfiber towels from the automotive section of stores. Air drying is best but it can take ages in cooler weather.

The same batch of gel can be use again over the next day or so with good results. Past that, the mixture can be saved for a week or more when stored in the refrigerator and covered well. I prefer not to do this, as I’m already saving by using less gel than normal and cold gel doesn’t appeal to me.