Do you know the store-bought hair gels are laden with chemicals? So, I wanted to make my own hair gel. After some brainstorming I decided how I could get it done.
I did not want to use Flaxseeds and instead, thought I can use left over Chia Seeds this time around. I thought Chia Seeds would be a good as a substitute but heard the consistency is usually runny. I also did not want a lot of slip and something similar to the commercial gels out there. Here’s how I finally did it.
Ingredients
Agar Agar – ½ Tsp.
Chia Seeds – 2 Cups
Distilled Water – 2 Cups
Aloe Vera Gel – 2 Tbsp.
Tangerine Essential Oil – 20 Drops
Eucalyptus Oil – 10 Drops
Argan Oil – 1 Tsp.
Instructions
Soak Chia Seeds in water overnight. This reduces the time you have to spend stirring to get gel from Chia Seeds.
You can filter the Chia Seeds out in the morning and heat the liquid to thicken it, or stir it along with the Chia Seeds and filter after. I do the latter.
You will have to stir for about few minutes till the consistency is slightly thicker – usually about 3 – 5 minutes.
Now, pour the mixture into your strainer and while it is straining, you can get the other things ready.
In a small bowl, add the Agar Agar powder and some Distilled and mix without any lumps.
The Chia Seeds mixture is usually runny and the liquid strains out easily when hot. You can use a spatula to stir the seeds to get any remaining gel out.
Now, add Agar Agar mixture to the strained gel, along with Aloe Vera Gel, Tangerine Essential Oil, Argan Oil and Eucalyptus Oil.
Use a hand blender to whip the ingredients for a few seconds.
Transfer to your hair gel jar and refrigerate to set.
Tips to Tweak the Recipe
You can add Epsom Salt or Magnesium Flakes (Magnesium Oil) for defined curls. While Epsom Salt gives more defined curls, it tends to leave your hair dry. An alternative would be Magnesium Oil (Magnesium Flakes) that doesn’t leave your hair dry, but offers defined curls.
You can add a few drops of Vitamin E Oil as a preservative or for nourishing your hair. I used Argan Oil as it is lighter and also has Vitamin E.
If your hair is dry, you can add a few spoons of Avocado or Apricot Kernel or Argan Oil to this recipe.
You can combine Flaxseeds along with Chia Seeds.
You can also use Xanthum Gum, but I have used Agar Agar (China Grass) powder in this recipe.
You can also use Gelatin instead of Agar Agar powder.
You can opt for any Essential Oil in this recipe. I have chosen Tangerine and Eucalyptus for their uplifting or energizing properties.
Aloe Vera is optional and is added for its nourishing property, besides hydration and moisturization. However, if you are not a fan of this herb, skip it or use more essential oils (if you don’t like the smell).
If you want more slip (aids with detangling) than what Aloe Vera offers you can use Slippery Elm or Marshmallow Root. We have already added one recipe with Marshmallow Root here and we will be adding one with Slippery Elm soon.
Feel free to experiment with the ratios, ingredients and try and see what works for you best. What’s the point of DIY-ing if you don’t experiment? Isn’t it?
Don’t have time for DIY Recipes? Try HY Vitamins Argan based Hair Care products for healthy, shiny, voluptuous and problem-free hair and scalp.
