Homemade Detangler Recipes for Natural Hair

May 14, 2013

[by NaturallyChelsea via NaturallyCurly]

As curly girls, we all have those days when no detangling tool can make it through our hair. After lots of tugging and pulling you may want to give up, but have no fear. Just take a deep breath, relax and grab your favorite detangler. If you don’t have one or if you are just looking to save a buck or two, here are four easy homemade detangler recipes you can try yourself.

Aloe Vera Gel Detangler

Our first homemade detangler is a very simple one to make and will help to get out the easy tangles. All you will need to do is combine the following ingredients in a spray bottle:

8 oz distilled water
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
1-2 drops glycerin
1-2 drops essential oil (e.g., lavender, jojoba)
10 drops grapefruit seed extract

To use this detangler, spray it on sections of your hair and detangle as usual.

Diluted Conditioner Detangler

This is also another easy homemade detangler to make. Combine your favorite conditioner with a few drops of oil in a spray bottle. Then add water until it is thinned enough to be sprayed.

Marshmallow Root Detangler

Marshmallow root is known for its detangling abilities because of its mucinogenic properties which soften the hair naturally and give good slip. The prep work for this detangler is a little more involved, but it’s still super easy to make. To get started grab:

1 1/4 cup distilled water
1/4 cup dried marshmallow root
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 tablespoon olive or jojoba oil
Grapefruit seed extract or any essential oils

To Make It:

Place the marshmallow root in a pot with the water and heat it for 15 to 30 minutes on low heat until it begins to thicken and form a gel. The longer it heats the thicker it will be. Make sure that you stir the mixture throughout to ensure that you have an even consistency.
When your mixture is as thick as you want it to be, turn off the heat and allow it to cool.
To strain it, place a knee high panty hose over a cup and pour the mixture over the pantyhose. Remove the pantyhose from the cup and squeeze it in a downward motion to strain the gel and separate it from the dried marshmallow root.
Add vinegar, oil and the grapefruit seed extract to the marshmallow root gel.
You can use the gel as is to detangle provided that it is not too thick, or you can pour the gel into a spray bottle and add water until it is thin enough to spray. Remember to shake well before each use.

Please note that this mixture must be stored in the fridge and will last for about 3 weeks.

Flax Seed Detangler

1/4 cup flax seed
2 cups water
Grapefruit seed extract or any essential oils

To Make It:

Place the flax seeds in a pot with the water and heat it on low heat until it begins to thicken and form a gel. Make sure that you stir the mixture throughout to ensure that you have an even consistency. The longer it heats the thicker it will be.
When your mixture is as thick as you want it to be turn off the heat and allow it to cool.
To strain the mixture place a knee high panty hose over a cup and pour it over the pantyhose. Remove the pantyhose from the cup and squeeze it in a downward motion to strain the gel and separate it from the seeds.
Add the grapefruit seed extract to the gel, stir it and store in an airtight container.
You can use the gel as is to detangle provided that it is not too thick or you can add the gel to a spray bottle and add water until it is thin enough to spray. Remember to shake well before each use.

Remember that this mixture must be stored in the fridge and will last for about 3 weeks.
Enjoy these detangler recipes and as always remember to have love, peace and curly haired bliss.

Do you have your own homemade detangler that works well for you?