L'Oreal Men Expert InvisiControl Neat Look Hair Gel 150ml

The problem with most strong-hold gels is the second hour. The style holds, but the hair turns into a helmet, and by afternoon there are white flakes across the shoulders of a dark shirt. That is the specific thing this one is formulated to avoid.

L'Oreal rates the hold at 8 out of 10, so it is a proper strong gel and not a light styling cream. What keeps it from going crispy is hydrolysed wheat protein, which conditions the hair while the gel sets. The finish stays flexible enough to touch, and the formula dries clear with no residue left sitting on the strands.

It is made for short to medium hair and for a neat look rather than a textured, messy one. Side parting, combed back, a tidy office cut: those are what it is for. If you want volume and separation, a matte clay does that job better.

Suits: short to medium hair, and anyone who needs a style to survive a full working day, a wedding, or a commute in the heat.

Worth knowing: it works on wet hair or dry. Wet gives a sleeker, sharper finish; dry gives more natural movement with the same hold. Start with less than you think, because you can always add more, and washing out an overloaded gel means starting your morning again.