The price of hairdressing products can be said to be quite expensive, even though many of them contain ingredients that can damage hair over time. By making your own hairdressing products, you can determine all the ingredients. In addition, the process of making hair gel is quite easy and only requires a few ingredients such as flax seed (flaxseed), gelatin, or gelatin.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making Flax Seed Gel
Step 1. Soak cup (40 grams) of flaxseeds for 6-8 hours
Fill a pot with water then add the flaxseeds in it. You are free to use as much water as you want in this step. Let the flaxseed soak for at least 6-8 hours, or better yet, overnight. You don't have to do this step if you're in a hurry. However, soaking the flaxseed will help it release more of the gel.
- Flaxseeds make a great gel for curly, coarse, or frizzy hair. This gel can make hair shiny and easy to manage.
- Flaxseeds are available at major department stores and health stores. Be sure to buy unsalted and raw flaxseeds that have not been roasted or seasoned.
Step 2. Boil the flaxseeds in 2 cups (500 ml) of water
If the flaxseeds were pre-soaked, strain them first. Pour 2 cups (500 ml) of fresh water into a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. After that, reduce the heat and let the water boil slowly.
Step 3. Cook the flaxseeds until they reach your desired consistency
During cooking, flaxseeds will form a gel. Stir the flaxseeds as they cook so they don't stick to the surface of the pan. The longer the flaxseeds are cooked, the thicker the gel will become. Thus, the durability of the gel will be higher. For a medium-lasting gel, try boiling flaxseeds for 4 minutes until they have a honey-like consistency.
If you have curly hair, you may find it easier to use a thinner gel
Step 4. Strain the gel into a bowl
Place a fine mesh strainer over the bowl. Then, pour the gel into a colander and let it drain for 5-10 minutes. Press the flaxseeds against the walls of the sieve with a wooden spoon to let the gel out, then lift the sieve. Discard the remaining flaxseed in a colander.
Step 5. Consider other additives
The hair gel is basically finished at this stage. However, there are some ingredients you can add to enhance its benefits. The following are some of the recommended ingredients:
- To define curly hair, add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of aloe vera gel.
- For extra moisture, add 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable glycerin.
- Pour 9-12 drops of your favorite essential oil as a gel fragrance fragrance. Lavender, ylang-ylang, and rosemary oils make a great combination.
- For damaged hair, add 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil. This oil will also help maintain the gel for 1 week longer.
Step 6. Transfer the gel into a glass jar
Apply the gel to dry or damp hair. Store in the refrigerator and use within 1 week.
Method 2 of 3: Making Gelatin Gel
Step 1. Pour 1 cup (250 ml) of water into a bowl
Heat a little water the way you like. Take 1 cup (250 ml) of water and pour it into a bowl (preferably a glass bowl).
If you're vegan, click here for the gelatin gel version
Step 2. Add a small amount of plain, unflavored gelatin
You will need -1 teaspoon of gelatin, depending on the staying power of the gel you want. The more gelatin you use, the stronger the gel will be. If possible, try using gelatin from grass-fed farm animals. The following is a guide to the recommended amount of gelatin:
- Light staying power: teaspoon
- Medium staying power: teaspoon
- High staying power: 1 teaspoon
Step 3. Cool the gelatin until it solidifies
Once dissolved, place the bowl of gelatin in the refrigerator. Allow the gelatin to solidify. This process usually takes between 3-4 hours.
Step 4. Consider adding 6-10 drops of essential oil for fragrance
You can use one type of oil or a combination of several different oils. Commonly used oils include: lavender, peppermint, rosemary, and sweet orange. Stir the essential oil in the gelatin with a spoon. Here are some recommended oils for common hair problems:
- Oily hair: basil, lemongrass, lime, patchouli, tea tree, or thyme oil
- Normal, dull, or damaged hair: peppermint or rosemary oil
- Dandruff hair: clary sage, eucalyptus, patchouli, or tea tree
Step 5. Consider adding other ingredients
If your hair is dry, you may need to add something that moisturizes your hair. Try adding 1-2 teaspoons of liquid coconut oil and/or 4 tablespoons (60 ml) of aloe vera gel. Mix these ingredients into a gel with a small stirrer.
If possible, try to use fresh aloe vera gel straight from the leaves. If you buy aloe vera at the store, make sure it is 100% pure
Step 6. Put the gel into the container
Funnel bottles are the easiest to use. However, a glass jar will be even better, especially since you're using essential oils. Store the gel in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
Method 3 of 3: Making Agar Gel
Step 1. Pour cup (125) ml of boiling water into a bowl
Heat the water the way you like. Take cup (125 ml) of water and pour it into a heatproof bowl.
Step 2. Add teaspoon of gelatin flakes
Keep stirring until the agar is completely dissolved. Agar-agar is a vegan substitute for gelatin. The resulting texture is similar. It's just that gelatin is made from algae.
Step 3. Cool the gel until it solidifies
Once the gelatin has dissolved, place the bowl in the refrigerator. Let it solidify. It takes about 3 hours.
Step 4. Mix in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of aloe vera
The aloe vera will add to the staying power of the gel. In addition, aloe vera will also provide moisture to the hair while making it healthier. If possible, try to use pure aloe straight from the leaves. If you can't get your hands on aloe vera, buy a bottle of aloe vera gel at the store. Just make sure it contains 100% aloe vera.
Step 5. Pour in 4-6 drops of essential oil if desired
You don't have to do this step. However, the essential oils will make your hair gel smell great. Lavender is the most popular oil. However, if you want a more refreshing scent, try lime, peppermint, or rosemary oil. Just make sure to stir the gel thoroughly after adding it.
Step 6. Pour the gel into a glass jar
Store the gel in the refrigerator when not in use. The gel can be used for a maximum of 2 weeks.
Tips
- You can buy essential oils at health stores and online stores. Remember that this oil is not the same as perfume.
- If possible, store the gel in a glass jar, especially if you use essential oils. Essential oils over time can damage the quality of the plastic.
- Most homemade gels can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. However, throw away the gel if it starts to smell bad before that.
- If you don't use the gel very often, consider making a small batch, or freezing it in an ice cube box.
