THE BACKSTORY ON GELS
It all started with Gafquat 734, which sounds like a virus or a missile defense system, when it's actually a raw material that had become a backstage staple in the past few years. And since we've learned from experience that osbscure ingredients favored by session stylists can lead to extraordinary products (Surf Spray, Hair Powder, Sumowax), we decided to investigate. On the plus side, it held like iron and gave the shiniest shine we'd ever seen. On the minus, it was nearly impossible to wash out. We put our Bb.PD team on the case, and after a trillion testing sessions (ok, ok, maybe not quite that many), Gellac was born : a sure-hold gel lacquer that would freeze hair in place and give a hard, glistening finish. We knew we had a winner. But, then we got to thinking: What if someone doesn't want their hair frozen in place? Hmmm. Someone mentioned gel. Gel? That stuff from the eighties that flaked and smelled of alcohol and cracked at the slightest touch??? Surely not. But polymers have come a long way, baby. Again, the Bb.PD team was put to the test and after a few years (yes, years), voila: a sculpting gel that's flexible, brushable, alcohol-free (and not stuck in another era). Bb.Gel was born .


In the Bb.Gels campaign, Bb.VP and Senior Artistic Director, Howard McLaren shows that although gels have been around for decades, these are modern renditions – in both their formulas and in the techniques we use when styling with them. He looked to Blade Runner, the 1982 American film classic, which depicts a neo-noir futuristic 2019 Los Angeles as inspiration. It was filmed at the magnificently modern Seattle Public Library, (which was designed by the magnificently modern Rem Koolhaas). It's a public library, so filming happened only when it wasn't open, which was from 1 am to 9 am. “It was brutal, but totally worth it,” says McLaren. When discussing how Gellac and Bb.Gel should be used, McLaren is quick to remind us that when using these products it's a great time to get back to hairdressing basics: slicked back, rockabilly, marcel-like waves, and sky-high chignons. “ Bb.Gel and Gellac make fabulous shapes, so pickup your comb, paint brush, and your hands and start sculpting.”

Get these timeless Gels looks:
Olga - duel finish
Steve - sure-hold shine
Christian - slick mold
Annamae - soft brushed hold