Hair Play Styling Gel suits anyone who wants hair to look polished and shiny while staying in place, including slicked-back styles, sleek shapes and wet-look finishes. KMS lists it for straight to coily hair.

It is a simple, single-step gel, so it works for everyday home use as well as in the salon. The 25.3 oz (750 ml) size is a practical refill for stylists or heavy users.

It is less suited to people after a matte, dry or piece-y texture; the Hair Play line has separate wax and texture sprays for that.

Many gels either hold well and look crunchy, or look shiny and drop. KMS positions this one on both counts: glossy shine plus long-lasting hold and control, with no flaking or build-up. Because the same gel gives a controlled blow-dry or an air-dried wet look, one bottle covers sleek everyday styles and the occasional glossy, slicked finish.

1. Work the gel through towel-dried hair.
2. Blow-dry to style for shine and control.
3. For a wet look, skip the blow-dryer and let hair air-dry.

Pros:

• One product covers two looks: a blow-dried, controlled shine or an air-dried wet look.
• KMS states it leaves no flaking or build-up.
• Denatured alcohol is not in the ingredient list, unlike many of the aerosol stylers in the line.
• Available in a 750 ml size for refilling.

Cons:

• The finish is glossy by design, so it won't give a matte or dry-textured result.
• The wet-look option depends on air-drying, which takes longer.
• Contains fragrance, menthol and peppermint oil, which may not suit those sensitive to them.