Styling substance

GEL

It holds hair in place with a shiny, sticky finish.

"Styling substance" is a straightforward clue pointing to a product used to shape or hold hair in place. The answer is "GEL," a common hair-styling product that fits the description perfectly. There’s no hidden wordplay here—it’s a direct definition where the clue simply names what the answer does. Think of the sticky, often clear substance you might use to spike your hair or smooth it down.