DIY Okra Gel for Hair
DIY Okra gel for hair packs a punch when it comes to its many benefits for healthy natural hair. Not only is it affordable, but it is economical as you can extract the gel, and use the remaining okra in your meal – a win-win for your hair and stomach.
But on a more serious note, Okra is a great product for taming frizz. Another plus is that extracting and making the gel is a quick and easy process.
Preparation time
15 minutes
Benefits
Okra gel has Vitamin C, A, and K as well as other essential nutrients for hair growth. It is a great product for styling and slicking back natural hair.
It has a lot of slip and because of this, it is a good go-to when detangling hair after protective styling, as well as helps hydrate and maintain the overall good health of hair.
Ingredients
- 8 pieces of Okra
- 1 cup of water
- Metal strainer
- Optional: Peppermint essential oil
Instructions
- Cut both ends of the Okra plant and then dice it into little pieces. Transfer the diced okra into a pot, bring to a boil, and then lower the heat.
- Let it simmer for 5 – 7 minutes and then remove from the stove.
- Strain the mixture through a metal strainer, separating the gel from the diced okra pieces. You can then transfer the gel to an airtight glass jar. (You can add a few drops of peppermint essential oil before sealing). It will be ready for use.
Storage
Store the gel in the fridge and use as and when required. Please note that okra has a short shelf life and it is advisable not to use it past 7 days. You can store the excess gel in the freezer and defrost it when you are ready to use it.
Usage
You can use it as a styling gel, in your leave-in conditioner and it also works well as a detangler.
NaHaZo tip
Do not discard the diced okra pieces. You can use it to prepare a meal or store it in the freezer for use in your weekly recipes.
*Allergens
As with everything, test a small portion on your wrist before applying it to your scalp to make sure that there are no lurking allergies. if okra gel is not for you, you can try a diy chia seed gel or flaxseed gel.
Have you ever used Okra in your hair regime? What has your experience been? Share in the comments below.
