Kids’ Hair Gel, Paste or Hairspray? A Parent’s Guide
Little hairstyles. Lots of personality.
Find the right styling product for their favourite look
School-day ponytails, boys’ swept-over styles, ballet buns or a little definition for curls — choosing a kids’ hair styling product starts with the look you want to create.
The quick answer: choose gel to shape and smooth with shine, paste for textured definition, and hairspray to finish a style you’ve already created. Add a tail comb for precise partings and sectioning. You don’t need every product for every hairstyle.
Kids’ hair gel vs paste vs hairspray
These three No Nasties Kids styling products offer medium hold. Their main difference is how you use them to create and finish a hairstyle.
| Product | Choose it for | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Hair gel | Shaping, smoothing and shine | Work a small amount through or over the hair with your fingers. |
| Hair paste | Textured definition and shaping individual sections | Rub a small amount between your palms, then style. |
| Hairspray | Finishing with medium hold and added shine | Spray from approximately 15cm away and allow to dry. |
| Tail comb | Precise partings and neat sections | Use the tail to divide the hair and the teeth to guide it into place. |
Choose hair gel for smooth styles with shine
Our Lime & Mint Kids’ Hair Gel is a lightweight option for shaping hair and smoothing flyaways. Try it for a neat side parting, a sleek ponytail or adding definition to curls.
Start with a small amount on your fingertips and work it through or over the areas that need styling. Add a little more only if needed.
Explore kids’ hair gel →Choose hair paste for textured definition
Prefer styling with your fingertips? Our Coconut & Lime Kids’ Hair Paste helps shape individual sections, define shorter styles and smooth stray hairs.
Rub a small amount between your palms before applying. Use your fingertips to position the sections you want to define — useful for a tousled look or a carefully shaped fringe.
Explore kids’ hair paste →Choose hairspray for the finishing touch
Once the hairstyle is in place, our Lavender & Lime Kids’ Hairspray helps finish the look. Its non-aerosol pump makes it a useful final step for ponytails, ballet buns and swept-over styles.
Hold approximately 15cm from the hair and spray, avoiding the eyes and face. It initially looks wet, then dries quickly. Secure tied-up hairstyles with suitable ties and pins first.
Explore kids’ hairspray →Which product should I choose for their hairstyle?
These are starting points to try. Hair length, texture and the look your child likes will influence what works best.
Girls’ ponytails, plaits and ballet buns
Create your parting with a tail comb, then try gel to smooth the hair as you gather it into the style. Secure with ties and pins as needed, and finish with hairspray. Keep the hairstyle comfortable rather than pulling it tightly.
Their style, their way
Boys’ side partings and swept-over styles
From school mornings to getting ready for match day, a simple styling routine can help create their favourite look.
Use a tail comb to establish a neat parting. Choose gel for a smooth, shiny look, or paste to shape individual sections with your fingers. Hairspray can be an optional final step.
Short, textured hairstyles
Start with paste and use your fingertips to separate and position small sections. Keep the amount modest so you can judge the result before adding more.
Curly hair
Try gel for shaping curls or paste for smoothing selected sections. Work with your child’s curl pattern and experiment with a small amount first.
Start with tangles, then move on to styling
Styling products don’t replace a detangling routine. If knots are making mornings difficult, read our guide to kids’ detangling sprays and gentler brushing before you begin.
A little tool for those finishing details
Our recommended tool for precision styles: the tail comb
Want a neat centre parting, even pigtails or carefully sectioned plaits? The No Nasties Kids Tail Comb helps you divide and position the hair before styling.
After detangling, use the pointed tail gently to create your parting and separate sections. Use the teeth to guide hair into place, then apply your chosen styling product as directed.
The tail comb is sold separately from the School & Style bundle.
Shop the kids’ tail comb →Brush. Style. Ready to shine.
Meet the School & Style bundle
Bring preparation, shaping and finishing together with our Kids’ Hair Care & Styling Bundle – School & Style. It includes:
- A detangler brush.
- Strawberry or Mandarin & Grape detangling spray, 250ml.
- Lime & Mint hair gel, 125ml.
- Lavender & Lime hairspray, 200ml.
A handy combination for school mornings, dance classes and special occasions. Hair paste and the tail comb are sold separately.
Brush colour varies depending on availability.
Shop the School & Style bundle →Your kids’ hair styling questions
Do I need gel, paste and hairspray?
No. Start with the product that suits your chosen hairstyle. Gel or paste may be enough on its own; hairspray is an optional finishing step.
Are these products just for boys or girls?
Choose by hairstyle and hair texture. Gel, paste and hairspray can all have a place in girls’ and boys’ styling routines.
What age are the styling products recommended for?
These No Nasties Kids styling formulas are recommended for ages 3+. Patch test before first use and follow each product’s directions and packaging warnings.
Should I use a tail comb or a detangling brush?
Use a detangling brush to work through knots first. Reach for the tail comb afterwards when you want to make precise partings, divide sections or guide hair into a neat style.
Can I use hairspray instead of hair ties?
Hairspray helps finish the look; it doesn’t replace the ties or pins needed to secure a ponytail, plait or bun.
Ready to find their styling favourite?
Explore the range and build a routine around the styles your child loves.
Shop kids’ haircare & styling →
