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What is Natural Hair Gel?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Natural hair gel is any hair care gel that is formulated using mainly natural ingredients. In contrast to most commercial hair care products, a natural gel does not rely on synthetic chemical blends and additives to nourish and style the hair. While some brands of natural hair gel do include a few extra ingredients that are not found in nature, they are normally preservative elements that do little to minimize the effectiveness of the natural ingredients.

Natural hair products are often found in vitamin shops and health food stores. In addition to styling gels, it is also possible to purchase shampoos, conditioners, and hairspray blends in simple pump sprayers. Several companies make complete lines of hair care and styling products. This makes it possible to wash and style the hair using natural products and then finish off the set of the hairstyle with a natural hair gel.

However, people who do not wish to utilize hair styling products with even a few added chemicals can make their own natural hair gel at home. All that is required is a couple of simple ingredients and a little patience.

Lavender oil can be added to natural styling products.
Lavender oil can be added to natural styling products.

A basic recipe for a natural hair gel involves combining a small amount of plain gelatin in warm water. The gelatin must completely dissolve in the water. Add a half-teaspoon of gelatin to the water until the desired consistency is achieved. Once the product is prepared, store it in a refrigerator in order to keep the consistency to prevent it from spoiling.

Natural styling gel for the hair does not use any synthetic material.
Natural styling gel for the hair does not use any synthetic material.

Homemade natural hair gel can be enhanced with the addition of scented oils. Just about any type of natural oil will work with this basic recipe. Oils extracted from peppermint or other forms of mint as well as aromatic spices and herbs like rosemary, lavender, or cinnamon can add a little extra to the gel without having any impact on the ability of the product to hold your hairstyle in place.

Using natural hair gel is no different from using any commercial hair gel. Only a small amount of the product is required to do the job. Simply rub a small amount between the palms of the hands and apply directly to the hair. Move the hair into position using a wide-tooth comb or a brush with wide bristles. This helps to evenly distribute the product through the hair and establish a firm hold. When you wish to reactivate the gel during the day, moisten the hands and run your fingers over and through your hair.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

ddljohn

I have tried natural hair gel recipes that I have made at home, but I don't think it replaces actual styling products so well. I have used regular styling products for years. I know they are not good because they contain so many chemicals and additives but they really did work well. Thankfully, the organic product market has really grown and organic hair styling products, especially the gels, work just as well as any other and without the chemicals. I am using one product now that is completely natural and has ingredients like aloe vera gel, honeysuckle flower extract and orange oil. If you don't succeed at making a natural hair gel at home like me, why not try the organic products out there?

SteamLouis

My friend who works at a salon gave me the recipe for the best natural hair gel. What you need is a tablespoon of flax seed, one or two drops of a scented oil like rose or mint (anything you like really) and 3/4 cups of water. Leave these to boil on the stove and lower the heat when it boils so that it simmers until the mixture thickens. Use a strainer to strain out the flax seed and its ready. I like to apply it after my shower on damp hair. I have curly hair and it works really well.

serenesurface

Do you guys want to know another natural alternative for hair styling gel that you have in your fridge right now? Lemon! I saw this in a film once and asked my mom about it who confirmed that before styling products were available in the country side, people would use a little bit of lemon juice to manage and style their hair. I haven't tried it but I think I will. I imagine that the only thing to watch out for would be the lemon pulps. You wouldn't want them stuck in your hair but using a lemon squeezer will resolve that. I bet hair would smell pretty good too.

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    • Lavender oil can be added to natural styling products.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      Lavender oil can be added to natural styling products.
    • Natural styling gel for the hair does not use any synthetic material.
      By: Alexandra
      Natural styling gel for the hair does not use any synthetic material.