2 recipes for chemical-free hair gel that are good for your hair!

Stop ruining your hair with chemical hair gels. Try these homemade recipes instead!

Customers are spoilt for choice when it comes to hair gels. You get them in every colour and for different specifications: for a stronger hold, for a wet look and even for bizarre requirements like vertical hold. BUT let's not forget that hair gels are full of harmful chemicals, perfumes and colours that may not be good for your hair in the long run. I personally know someone who started balding after he started styling his hair with a gel every day. Tragic! Also, the high concentration of alcohol in many of these products can turn your hair dry and brittle. Read: Expert tips for dry hair in monsoons.

The good news is that you can fashion hair gels out of things lying around in your pantry. In addition to being safe and effective, some of these ingredients are excellent for hair health. Here are three chemical-free hair gel substitutes that you can make in a jiffy.

Aloe vera hair gel: No need to tell you about how GOOD aloe vera is for the hair and skin. The gel of this succulent plant is full of awesome nutrients that nourish your skin and hair. But be warned, it's the natural gel of the aloe vera we want; not the bright green, chemical ones that you get to buy in the stores.

For the gel, slit a stalk vertically and scrape out the gel that flows out.

Add a few drops of hair-friendly essential oil like tea tree, lemon, lavender or rosemary oil, although it is optional.

Now take the gel in your hands and apply liberally over your hair. Store the excess in the fridge.

Gelatin hair gel: That's right! Gelatin can be used for making an awesome homemade hair gel and not just for making tasty jiggly treats.

Take 1 cup hot water and add 1 teaspoon gelatin into it (more the gelatin, better the hold).

Stir! Pop it in the fridge and take it out once the gelatin has set.

Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil like lime, and you are good to go!

Since these ingredients are organic, they don't have a very long shelf life. So make them in small batches and refrigerate them.

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