How to Make Hair Gel

Reviewed by Jasmin Todd

Last Updated: July 19, 2024 Approved

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making Flax Seed Gel

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1
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]
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- 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.
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]
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3
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]
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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]
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- If you have curly hair, you may find it easier to apply a looser gel.
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]
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5
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]
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- For extra moisture, add 2 to 3 teaspoons of vegetable glycerine. ^{[7]
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- Add 9 to 12 drops of your favorite essential oil(s) for fragrance. Lavender, ylang ylang, and rosemary make a wonderful combination. ^{[8]
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- For damaged hair, add 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil. It will also help preserve the gel for an additional week. ^{[9]
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Apply the gel to dry or damp hair. Store the gel in the fridge, and use it within 1 week. ^{[10]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making Gelatin Gel

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1
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]
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- If you are vegan, click here for the agar agar version.
2
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]
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- Light hold: ½ teaspoon
- Medium hold: ¾ teaspoon
- Strong hold: 1 teaspoon
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]
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4
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]
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- 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
5
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]
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- 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.
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]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making Agar Agar Gel

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Heat up some water using your desired method. Measure out ½ cup (120 milliliters) and pour it into a heat-safe bowl. ^{[18]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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Store it in the fridge when you are not using it. It will last for up to 2 weeks. ^{[23]
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Question

Are there any safety concerns about the flax seed method?

Community Answer

No, there are no safety concerns in preparing or applying the flax seed hair gel.

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Will these gels give a firm hold?

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Yes. It will hold as long and as reliably as any store-bought gel.

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How can I convert my thin hair gel into thick hard gel?

Community Answer

Put 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]
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You can find essential oils in health food stores and online. Keep in mind that they are not the same as fragrance oils.

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Most homemade gels will last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If yours starts to smell bad before then, discard it.

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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

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How to Make Hair Gel

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Making Flax Seed Gel

Making Gelatin Gel

Making Agar Agar Gel

Video

Community Q&A

Tips

Things You'll Need

Making Flax Seed Gel

Making Gelatin Gel

Making Agar Agar Gel

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