I've seen it suggested on this site to use natural aloe vera gel instead of hair gel. I don't use hair gel, so this is pure curiosity on my part. But why is hairgel bad? I looked at the ingredients of my brother's hairgel, and I didn't find any 'cones, sulfates or alcohol. So what makes hairgel bad?

I haven't used Aloe in my hair yet although I have always been curious.  I read someplace a year or so back that aloe juice can be used a detangler. 

as for the gel, I wonder how well it holds?  You should try it out and let us know!

I think the other reason is that some hair gels can have alcohol or other volatile agents in it that can dry out your hair.

Natural aloe vera gel (not the medicated kind for treating burns) is less likely to have these kinds of volatile agents in it, and is thus gentler for your hair. Not to mention aloe is good for your skin and scalp.