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Hair styling products can be expensive, and many of them contain ingredients that can damage your hair over time. Creating your own hair care products allows you to have complete control over what goes into them. Making hair gel is a very straightforward process that requires only a few ingredients, such as flax seeds, gelatin, or agar agar.
Steps
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Soak ¼ cup (42 grams) of flax seeds for 6 to 8 hours. Fill a pot with water, then add the flax seeds; how much water you use does not matter at this point. Allow the seeds to soak for at least 6 to 8 hours, preferably overnight. You don't have to do this if you are in a hurry, but it will help the seeds release more gel. [1] X Research source
- Flax seeds produce a gel that works wonderfully on curly, coarse or frizzy hair. It adds shine and tames flyaways.
- Flax seeds are available at most grocery stores and health food stores. Make sure you get raw, unflavored flax seeds that have not been toasted or flavored with spices.
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Heat the seeds in 2 cups (475 milliliters) of water. If you soaked the seeds, drain off any excess water. Pour 2 cups (475 milliliters) of fresh water into the pot, then bring it to a boil over high heat. Immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement -
Cook the seeds until you get your desired consistency. As you continue to cook the seeds, they will produce a gel. Stir the seeds often as they cook so that they don't stick to the pot. [3] X Research source The longer you cook them, the thicker the gel becomes, which will increase holding power. For something with medium-holding power, try 4 minutes; the gel will have a honey-like consistency. [4] X Research source
- If you have curly hair, you may find it easier to apply a looser gel.
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Strain the gel into a bowl. Place a fine, mesh strainer over a bowl. Pour the gel into the strainer, and let it drain, about 5 to 10 minutes. Scrape the seeds against the strainer with a wooden spoon to help press out the excess gel, then lift the strainer away. Discard anything left in the strainer. [5] X Research source
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Consider adding some extras. Your hair gel is essentially done at this point, but there are a few ingredients you can add to it to make it even more beneficial. Listed below are some suggestions:
- To define curls, add 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of aloe vera gel. [6] X Research source
- For extra moisture, add 2 to 3 teaspoons of vegetable glycerine. [7] X Research source
- Add 9 to 12 drops of your favorite essential oil(s) for fragrance. Lavender, ylang ylang, and rosemary make a wonderful combination. [8] X Research source
- For damaged hair, add 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil. It will also help preserve the gel for an additional week. [9] X Research source
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Transfer the gel to a glass jar. Apply the gel to dry or damp hair. Store the gel in the fridge, and use it within 1 week. [10] X Research source
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Pour 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water into a bowl. Heat up some water using your preferred method. Measure out 1 cup (240 milliliters), and pour it into a bowl, preferably glass. [11] X Research source
- If you are vegan, click here for the agar agar version.
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Stir in some plain, unflavored gelatin. You will need between ½ and 1 teaspoon, depending on the holding power you want. The more you use, the stronger the gel will be. If possible, try to use grass-fed gelatin. Listed below are the recommended amounts: [12] X Research source
- Light hold: ½ teaspoon
- Medium hold: ¾ teaspoon
- Strong hold: 1 teaspoon
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Refrigerate the gelatin until it has set. Once the gelatin has dissolved, place the bowl into the fridge. Leave it there until the gelatin sets. This will typically take between 3 and 4 hours. [13] X Research source
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Consider adding 6 to 10 drops of essential oil for fragrance. You can use just one type of oil, or a combination of different types. Popular choices are: lavender, peppermint, rosemary, and sweet orange. Stir the essential oil into the gelatin with a spoon. [14] X Research source Here are some suggestions based on common hair problems: [15] X Research source
- Oily hair: basil, lemongrass, lime, patchouli, tea tree, or thyme
- Normal, dull, or damaged, hair: peppermint or rosemary
- Dandruff: clary sage, eucalyptus, patchouli, or tea tree
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Consider adding other extras. If you have dry hair, you may want to add something that will moisturize your hair. Try 1 to 2 teaspoons of melted coconut oil and/or 4 tablespoon (60 milliliters) of aloe vera gel. Stir these into the gel with a mini whisk. [16] X Research source
- If possible, try to use fresh aloe vera gel, straight from the leaf. If you use the store-bought kind, make sure that it is 100% pure.
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Transfer the gel into a container. A bottle with a nozzle will be the easiest to use, but a glass jar will be much better, especially you used essential oils. Keep the jar in the fridge for 1 to 2 weeks. [17] X Research source
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Pour ½ cup (120 milliliters) of boiled water into a bowl. Heat up some water using your desired method. Measure out ½ cup (120 milliliters) and pour it into a heat-safe bowl. [18] X Research source
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Stir in ½ teaspoon of agar agar flakes. Keep stirring until the flakes dissolve completely. Agar agar is a great, vegan substitute for gelatin. It gives you a similar texture, except that it's made from algae. [19] X Research source
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Refrigerate the gel until it sets. Once the agar agar has dissolved, place the bowl into the fridge. Leave it there until the gel sets. This will take about 3 hours. [20] X Research source
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Stir in 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of aloe vera. This will give the gel some holding power. It will also add some moisture to your hair and help make it healthier. If possible, try to use pure aloe vera, straight from the leaf. If you can't find any, you can buy a bottle from the store—just make sure that it is 100% aloe vera. [21] X Research source
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Add in 4 to 6 drops of essential oil, if desired. You don't have to do this, but it will help give the gel a nice fragrance. Lavender is especially popular; if you want something more refreshing, you could try lime, peppermint, or rosemary. Be sure to stir the gel well after this to ensure that everything is mixed in. [22] X Research source
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Pour the gel into a glass jar. Store it in the fridge when you are not using it. It will last for up to 2 weeks. [23] X Research source
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Community Q&A
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QuestionAre there any safety concerns about the flax seed method?Community AnswerNo, there are no safety concerns in preparing or applying the flax seed hair gel.
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QuestionWill these gels give a firm hold?Community AnswerYes. It will hold as long and as reliably as any store-bought gel.
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QuestionHow can I convert my thin hair gel into thick hard gel?Community AnswerPut it in the refrigerator longer, or put it in the freezer, but do not leave it in too long with the gelatin method. Otherwise, it will turn into Jell-O.
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Tips
- If you don't use gel that often, consider making a smaller batch, or freezing it in an ice cube tray. [24] X Research sourceThanks
- You can find essential oils in health food stores and online. Keep in mind that they are not the same as fragrance oils.Thanks
- Most homemade gels will last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If yours starts to smell bad before then, discard it.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
Making Flax Seed Gel
- Saucepan
- ¼ cup (42 grams) flax seeds
- 2 cups (475 milliliters) filtered or distilled water
- Aloe vera, glycerin, essential oil, or vitamin E oil (optional)
- Bowl
- Fine, mesh strainer
- Wooden spoon
- Small, glass jar
Making Gelatin Gel
- ½ to 1 teaspoon plain, unflavored gelatin
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
- Aloe vera, coconut oil, or essential oil (optional)
- Bowl
- Mixing utensil
- Small, glass jar
Making Agar Agar Gel
- ½ teaspoon agar agar flakes
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) water
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) aloe vera gel
- 4 to 6 drops essential oils (optional)
- Bowl
- Mixing utensil
- Small, glass jar
References
- ↑ http://www.hairbuddha.net/homemade-hair-styling-gel/
- ↑ http://www.hairbuddha.net/homemade-hair-styling-gel/
- ↑ https://crunchybetty.com/homemade-hair-care-flax-seed-hair-gel/
- ↑ http://jasikanicole.com/diy-hair-gel/
- ↑ https://crunchybetty.com/homemade-hair-care-flax-seed-hair-gel/
- ↑ http://www.hairbuddha.net/homemade-hair-styling-gel/
- ↑ http://www.hairbuddha.net/homemade-hair-styling-gel/
- ↑ http://www.scratchmommy.com/diy-natural-hair-gel-recipe/
- ↑ https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/ingredients/the-best-diy-flax-seed-hair-gel-recipe-ever/
- ↑ http://www.hairbuddha.net/homemade-hair-styling-gel/
- ↑ https://mymerrymessylife.com/diy-natural-hair-gel-with-gelatin/
- ↑ https://mymerrymessylife.com/diy-natural-hair-gel-with-gelatin/
- ↑ https://mymerrymessylife.com/diy-natural-hair-gel-with-gelatin/
- ↑ https://mymerrymessylife.com/diy-natural-hair-gel-with-gelatin/
- ↑ https://www.mommypotamus.com/diy-hair-gel/
- ↑ http://getinspiredeveryday.com/lifestyle/diy-lemon-hair-gel/
- ↑ https://mymerrymessylife.com/diy-natural-hair-gel-with-gelatin/
- ↑ https://www.organicauthority.com/energetic-health/diy-homemade-natural-hair-gel
- ↑ https://www.organicauthority.com/energetic-health/diy-homemade-natural-hair-gel
- ↑ https://www.organicauthority.com/energetic-health/diy-homemade-natural-hair-gel
- ↑ https://www.organicauthority.com/energetic-health/diy-homemade-natural-hair-gel
- ↑ https://www.organicauthority.com/energetic-health/diy-homemade-natural-hair-gel
- ↑ https://www.organicauthority.com/energetic-health/diy-homemade-natural-hair-gel
- ↑ http://www.hairbuddha.net/homemade-hair-styling-gel/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To make hair gel with flax seeds, start by soaking the seeds for 6-8 hours in a pot of water before you bring them to a boil. Then, simmer the seeds until they’ve produced a gel the consistency of honey. Finally, strain the gel from the seeds and it’s ready to use! Alternatively, you can make gel with agar agar by first dissolving agar agar flakes into boiling water. Then, let the gel set in the refrigerator for 3 hours before you add aloe vera to give it holding power. Either way you make it, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to give your gel a nice smell. To learn how to make hair gel with gelatin, keep reading!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I just made that flax seed gel, and it is really like gels that we buy from stores. Really sticky and yet so smooth. It worked well on my towel-dried hair." ..." more
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"I just made that flax seed gel, and it is really like gels that we buy from stores. Really sticky and yet so smooth. It worked well on my towel-dried hair."
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"I'm a guy, and have been using chemical hair products for about a year. They have been damaging my hair."
"Awesome recipe! Could I use liquid smoke instead of essential oil to give it a smokey smell?"
"I did this before, and I didn't know how to doit. Now I know."
"This is easy, flax seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals."
