Looking for natural hair styling options? Trying to avoid phthalates, sodium laurel sulfate and other harsh chemicals? Try this DIY hair gel!
This natural hair gel is a hit at our house. It consists of one simple ingredient: un-petroleum jelly. I buy it ready-made and simply transfer it a small jar. When time (and supplies allow), I make the homemade version.
What’s wrong with petroleum jelly?
Petroleum jelly is a derivative of the oil refining process. While brands like Vaseline claim to be triple purified, why take a chance?
The homemade recipe creates a gel that is less “waxy”, but you can’t beat the simplicity of the un-petroleum jelly. My sons find that either works well for spiking the hair.
Where to Buy Un-Petroleum Jelly
- Alba
- Waxelene (Contains soybean oil which may be less optimal than castor oil due to genetic modification.)
- Camden-Grey
DIY Hair Gel Recipe
Two tablespoons castor oil
Two tablespoons argan oil or any natural plant oil. Options include olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil and apricot kernel oil.
Optional: 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil for use as a preservative.
Optional: Lavender, rose geranium, or essential oil of choice for scent
Combine all ingredients in a double boiler. Heat until thoroughly melted. Pour into jars.
I like Miron violet glass as it acts as a natural preservative. (Learn more about Miron violet glass here.)
Scoop a dab of the styling gel onto the palm of your hand. Rub onto hair wherever you need hold or texture.
DIY Hair Gel or Hair Pomade
Add texture to your hair with this DIY Hair Gel! Need to spike your hair? You’ll love this natural alternative to chemically-based styling gel.
- Category: DIY
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons castor oil
- 2 tablespoons argan oil (alternative plant oils include coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, or apricot kernel oil)
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional)
- 1 dash essential oil (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in double boiler.
- Heat until fully melted.
- Stir with bamboo skewer or other utensil.
- Pour into glass jar(s).
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Any chance you will start selling this in your on-line store???
(please please do!)
Just the inspiration I needed, Kristy! I’m on it!!
My question is: Does this hair gel need to be refrigerated and how long will it last? Thank you for your time.
Annie
I’ve never put mine in the fridge and it has done fine, Annie.
Is this recipe thick and gel like? Im wondering with all the liquid oils what would make it hold and become thick? I made a similar recipe with beeswax but it was way to stiff!
It’s not as thick as the unpetroleum jelly, but my boys say it’s thick enough. Definitely not too thick.
What is the holding substance? All I can see are oils?
You can add a teaspoon of beeswax, but I have found the two oils offer a nice texture after melted and poured into jars. You can put it in the refrigerator for a thicker texture as well.