New York State Cosmetology Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

The purpose of a styling gel is to provide hold and control to hairstyles. Styling gels are designed to enhance the hold of a hairstyle, allowing the hair to maintain its shape and style throughout the day. They contain polymers that create a rigid structure around the hair strands, which helps to keep the hairstyle in place, whether it's for added volume, sleekness, or defined curls.

While nourishing the hair, providing color, or imparting shine are important aspects of hair care and styling, these functions fall under different categories of products. Nourishing agents are typically found in conditioners and treatments, hair coloring products are specifically formulated to add pigment, and products aimed at enhancing shine, such as serums or oils, focus on adding luster rather than hold. Thus, the primary role of styling gel remains focused on offering firm control and styling versatility.