Given how safe and potent DIY hair gels are, people now opt for them over commercial ones. They are also a healthier and cost-effective alternative to regular gels as they don’t contain any harmful chemicals and are natural. We can also customize them according to our hair and scalp types. Furthermore, they rejuvenate and strengthen the hair and provide a silky shine. In this article, we share detailed recipes of some DIY hair gels, their benefits, how to make them, and more. Keep scrolling to know more. Homemade and natural hair gels contain natural ingredients that are gentle on your hair and scalp. When prepared and stored correctly, DIY hair gels can be as effective as (or even better than) store-bought ones. Using DIY hair gels made of nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, flaxseeds, olive oil, jojoba oil, and lemon juice adds shine and bounce to your hair and improves your hair health. If you are ready to switch to natural alternatives, check out the 5 easy and highly effective hair gel recipes in the next section.
Diy Hair Gel Recipes for All Hair Types
1. DIY Hair Gel With Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are brimming with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and zinc (1). They may keep the hair healthy minus any damage. You Will Need
1/4 cup of flaxseeds 2.5 cups of water
How To Make
2. Aloe Vera Hair Gel
Aloe vera is an emollient that prevents drying and is good for the skin (2). Applying aloe vera to the hair may also have a similar effect and prevent excessive dryness You Will Need
1 large aloe vera leaf 2-3 drops of peppermint or lemon essential oil (optional) 1 tablespoon of olive or coconut oil (optional)
How To Make Optional Steps
3. Vegan DIY Hair Gel With Agar-Agar
Gelatin is often used in DIY hair gel recipes. However, if you want a cruelty-free option, you can use agar-agar. It is derived from seaweed and has a jelly-like texture, perfect for hair gels. You Will Need:
1/2 teaspoon of agar-agar flakes 1 cup of water 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel 2-3 drops of lavender or rose essential oil (for fragrance)
How To Make
4. Moisturizing Hair Gel For Dry Hair
This natural hair gel incorporates olive oil in a flaxseed gel base to moisturize, nourish, and style dry hair. Olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes hair growth (4). You Will Need
1/4 cup of flaxseeds 2.5 cups of water 1 tablespoon of olive oil 3-4 drops of any essential oil (for fragrance)
How To Make
5. Refreshing Citrus Hair Gel For Oily Hair
Oily hair is difficult to style. This hair gel with lemon and tea tree oil is excellent for oily hair and scalp. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the antibiotic properties of lemon can curb scalp problems and eliminate greasiness. Tea tree essential oil has antimicrobial properties and can keep the scalp healthy (5). You Will Need
1 large aloe vera leaf 3-4 drops of tea tree essential oil 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
How To Make DIY hair gels are simple to make and also beneficial for your hair health. Here is how to use them.
How To Use DIY Hair Gel
The natural hair gel works best on damp hair. Apply it to towel-dried hair and then style accordingly. For proper application, Grabbing a jar of your regular hair gel from the supermarket may seem easy. However, taking out a few minutes to make homemade hair gel with natural ingredients will be more beneficial in the long run.
Benefits Of Using Natural Homemade Hair Gels
Homemade hair gels are made of non-toxic and natural ingredients that are gentle on your hair and scalp. Making your own hair gel lets you customize a recipe according to the unique needs of your hair. Natural products moisturize and nourish your scalp and hair from within. Most DIY hair gels cost a fraction of the price of popular store-bought ones. DIY hair gels suit all hair types, including dry, normal, oily, curly, straight, and wavy hair. Homemade hair gels are made of plant-based ingredients and are cruelty-free and eco-friendly.
If you run out of your homemade hair gel, here are a few natural hair gel alternatives you can use instead.
Natural Hair Gel Alternatives
1. Homemade Sugar Hairspray
This alternative seems to work for many people who have tried it. The results may vary from individual to individual. To prepare it,
Dissolve two tablespoons of sugar in a cup of warm water. Use this hairspray on freshly washed hair and style as usual. You can add 2-3 drops of lavender oil for fragrance.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can be used as a styling product instead of hair gel. It moisturizes the hair and keeps it healthy (6). Follow these steps to style your hair with coconut oil:
Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and towel dry. Apply a few drops of coconut oil to damp hair. Comb to style your hair.
3. Lemon Hairspray
Lemon has a refreshing fragrance, and this spray can keep your hair smelling fresh all day long. To prepare lemon hairspray,
4. Coconut Milk
Fresh coconut milk conditions the hair and is a good alternative to hair gel. Here is how you can use coconut milk:
Wash your hair with your regular shampoo and towel dry. Apply a little coconut milk to the length of your damp hair. Style your hair as usual.
5. Rose Water Hair Spray
If you don’t have any hair gel, you can try this rose water spray instead. It has a mild floral fragrance and keeps the hair feeling refreshed.
Warm a cup of natural rose water or distillate. Add two tablespoons of sugar and mix until it dissolves. Spritz your freshly shampooed hair with this spray liberally. Style your hair with a wide-toothed comb.
Can I use Vaseline as hair gel? Yes, you may use a small amount of Vaseline as hair gel. However, it may not be suitable for fine or thin hair. Can you use honey as hair gel? Yes, you may use honey as hair gel. However, apply it gently for a hassle-free experience.
