You can get water soluble gels that are easier to wash out.
But I'm a bit of a hairspray fanatic too.
I like to keep the quiff in place, so I only use it at the front and even then only a light spray.
I quite like Tresemme'.
I find I only have to use it every other day.
On the alternate days, a spritz of water and or leave-in conditioner allows me to re-style the front, but then re-activates the hairspray as it dries.