Looking for a natural and effective way to style your hair? Aloe vera gel is not only known for its skincare benefits but also works wonders as a base for hairstyling gel. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making your own hair gel at home using fresh Aloe vera gel, ensuring a natural hold and a healthy shine for your hair.
Preparing the Aloe Vera Leaves
The first step in making your hairstyling gel is preparing the Aloe vera leaves. Start by thoroughly cleaning them and carefully trimming off the sharp edges using a knife. Be cautious, as the edges can be quite prickly. Take your time to ensure all sharp parts are completely removed.
Once trimmed, extract the gel from inside the leaf. Use a spoon or any blunt tool to avoid scraping the inner rind, which contains aloin—a yellow latex that can discolor and cloud the gel. Cut the extracted gel into smaller pieces for easier blending, and rinse them well to remove any remaining rind or latex.
Blending and Straining the Gel
Transfer the gel pieces into a blender and blend until smooth. Once fully blended, strain the mixture to remove any pulp or residue that might make the gel look cloudy. Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth will help ensure a clear and smooth gel. Any foam that forms can be scooped off or left to settle naturally.
Adding Carbomer for Thickening
Now that you have your liquefied Aloe vera gel, it's time to thicken it. Add Carbomer to the Aloe vera gel and let it sit for a few hours to fully swell. Carbomer is a synthetic polymer that helps turn thin solutions into stable gels. After a few hours, you’ll notice that the Carbomer has dissolved, but the gel may still be too thin.
Adjusting the pH
For best results, Carbomer thickens optimally at a pH range of 5.5 to 7. To adjust the pH, add triethanolamine. If you don’t have triethanolamine, you can use a sodium hydroxide solution as an alternative.
Strengthening the Gel with Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
In a separate bowl, dissolve Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in distilled water. PVP K-30 is a slightly off-white, water-soluble polymer widely used in cosmetics and hair care products. It acts as a stabilizer and film former, providing a strong hold while maintaining flexibility. It also enhances shine, giving your hair a glossy and healthy appearance.
Once fully dissolved, the solution will become transparent. Add this mixture to the Aloe vera gel. The gel may appear cloudy at first, but after a few minutes, it will clear up.
Finalizing Your Hairstyling Gel
Your homemade hairstyling gel is now ready! It should have a smooth, slightly thick consistency, making it perfect for styling your hair. For this regular-strength hair gel, we used 5% PVP, which provides a natural hold without stiffness or stickiness. If you prefer a stronger hold, you can increase the PVP concentration up to 10%.
Making your own hairstyling gel at home is a great way to control the ingredients in your hair care routine while ensuring a natural and effective hold. With fresh Aloe vera gel as the base, this DIY gel nourishes your hair while keeping your style in place. Try experimenting with different PVP levels to find the perfect hold for your hairstyle. Enjoy your naturally styled, glossy, and healthy hair!
You can also watch the video below:
