We’ve already seen a few versions of Hair Gel here. This is another version, for those who want an alternative to using Flax Seeds or Gelatin.
This is very easy and works for everyone and can be prepared on the fly, when you skip a step or two. That comes in handy for traveling, which we will cover later in the post, after detailing our recipe.
Ingredients
Xanthum Gum – ½ Tsp.
Leucidal – 6 Gms.
Distilled Water – 100 Ml
Aloe Juice – 60 Ml
Sweet marjoram Essential Oil – 10 – 15 Drops
Instructions
In a mixing bowl or your blender jar, add the Water and Aloe Juice.
Sprinkle the Xanthum Gum on top of the mixture and start your blender.
While blending add the essential oil.
When fully combined stop whipping and transfer to a sterilized jar.
It will set in a few minutes, to an hour or two – depending on your Xanthum Gum. It usually starts setting in few minutes for me.
If you notice lumps when the mixture begins to set, heat it up slightly and whip again to get rid of the lumps.
Alternatively. After whipping, you can let it sit for a while and whip if you notice any lumps after setting, and then transfer to a sterilized jar.
How to Use the Gel?
Since we’re using Leucidal (you can substitute it with a preservative of your choice), you can transfer them to travel-friendly dispensers and use them as needed, or even carry them along when you travel.
You can use this gel on wet or dry hair. It works better when slightly wet, especially if you have curly hair.
If your hair is dry and frizzy, gently work the gel into your strands. You can wet it slightly for easier application.
Tips to Tweak the Recipe
You can skip the preservative, if you are going to refrigerate the gel, or just don’t want to add preservatives – natural or not.
You can use Aloe Juice alone instead of water, or even a small helping of Glycerin if you have dry or frizzy hair.
You can use an essential oil of your choice, including Rosemary, Lavender, etc.
Shelf Life
This lasts up to three months, due to the natural preservative. However, if you are skipping preservatives, refrigerate and prepare smaller batches.
Why Use this Recipe?
It’s natural and easy to prepare – just two or three ingredients.
It doesn’t leave your curs softened too much, like flax seed gel does.
It is also easier and mess-free unlike flax seeds gel.
This recipe lasts longer than flax seed gel, or other DIY gels that don’t use preservatives – ideal for those who have less time.
The consistency is close to store-bought gel and isn’t slimy. This means, it is easier to manage.
Tips for Issues with Xanthum Gum
Xantum Gum is tough to blend – this is a complaint many have. Being an agent that’s used as a thickener for that very purpose, and a trait that makes it one of the best ingredients for DIY Hair Gel, I suggest doing this to prevent that problem – sprinkle the Xanthum Gum on the liquid and blend after a few seconds.
If you don’t have a blender, use a fork and whisk briskly. Wait to see if there are lumps after setting and whisk again – this works. I have tried this when I wanted a makeshift hair gel when I was traveling.
Some say mixing Xanthum Gum in Glycerin prevents all of this, as Xanthum Gum blends with Glycerin really well.
My friends have told me they have goods results when they add Xanthum Gum while blending water or aloe juice and adding the power while blending, into the whirl that forms when blending.
So, try out and see how it goes. Let us know what worked for you with reference to getting Xanthum Gum dissolved without lumps. Don’t have time for DIY Recipes? Have you tried HY Vitamins for your hair care needs?
