fijador
/fixaˈdoɾ/masculine
The English phrase hair gel is translated into Spanish as fijador. Wiktionary also lists gomina and fijapelo.
Meaning: hairstyling gel that hardens the hair (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| fijador | /fixaˈdoɾ/ | masculine |
| gomina | /ɡoˈmina/ | feminine |
| fijapelo | /fixapelo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
fijador is a broad term for any styling agent that provides hold, such as sprays or waxes.
Which one should you use?
fijador is a general term for any hair styling product that provides hold, such as gels, sprays or waxes. gomina is used specifically to refer to hair gel or similar products in Spain.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, use gomina to refer to hair gel. In some Latin American countries, you may hear goma or goma para el pelo. In Mexico and Central America, the term gel is common.
How does it change in a sentence?
fijador is a masculine noun and requires masculine articles such as el or un. gomina is a feminine noun and requires feminine articles such as la or una.
How do you pronounce it?
/fixaˈdoɾ/
Did you know?
- The word goma in goma para el pelo is the same word used for 'eraser' and 'rubber band' in many Spanish speaking countries.
- In Spain, the term gomina is often associated with the 'titi' or 'estilo quinqui' look, evoking the heavily gelled hairstyles popular among youth subcultures in the 1980s.
- In some contexts, using too much gomina is jokingly referred to as having 'pelo de casco', meaning 'helmet hair'.
Examples in context
- ¿Me podrías pasar el fijador, por favor?Could you pass me the hair gel, please?
- Necesito un fijador para el cabello.I need a hair gel.
- Usa este fijador para que no se mueva.Use this hair gel so it doesn't move.
Example conversation
Alejandro is getting ready for a party.
- AlejandroSofía, ¿me prestas tu fijador?Sofía, can you lend me your hair gel?
- SofíaSí, está sobre la mesa.Yes, it is on the table.
- AlejandroGracias, quiero que el peinado dure.Thanks, I want the hairstyle to last.
- SofíaEse fijador es muy fuerte.That hair gel is very strong.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hair gel” translations and entries fijador, gomina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
