DIY Moisturizing Hair Detangler

Posted on March 22, 2011 by Dawn Michelle in DIY, Hair

Yesterday morning my mixing skills got the best of me and I was feeling like a fierce chemist. My online order of panthenol and silk amino acids finally arrived. I was not exactly sure how I was going to incorporate them into my hair regimen. I knew my hair responded extremely well to panthenol in products. I had also heard wonderful things about silk amino acids. Finally I was about to see how the two ingredients together made a difference in previous DIY hair products Ive made and loved.

The base of this formula is very similar to my DIY Leave-In Conditioner but the texture and conditioning/strengthening properties are completely different. Also detangling my hair with the DIY Leave-In Conditioner alone is never a pretty sight. I usually use another conditioner on top for more slip or use that conditioning spray as a style refresher. What I love most about the DIY Moisturizing Hair Detangler is that I did not have to use two seperate phases in creating it. As many of you know I desire to keep my creations as simple as possible, but still get amazing results.

The crown of my hair is extra coarse. Anytime I try to detangle it, I know it will be difficult regardless of how patient or gentle I treat my hair. This morning was the complete opposite, and my new DIY Moisturizing Hair Detangler had everything to do with it! I have a good feeling that this recipe will grow and change over time, but my excitement wont let me keep this to myself.

What You Will Need:

Aloe Vera Juice1/2 cup

Distilled Water1/2 cup

Silk Amino Acids1/2-1 teaspoon

Panthenol (Vit B5)1 teaspoon

Vegetable Glycerin1 teaspoon

Guar Gum1 teaspoon

Rosemary Essential Oil7 drops

Lemongrass Essential Oil7 drops

Blender/Small Food Processor

Add all of the ingredients in a blender or small food processor and mix on high for about 3-5 minutes. Guar gum gives a lot of slip to this product yet also makes it feel more like a moisturizing hair jelly as it is also an emulsifier. Use only 1/2 teaspoon of guar gum or add a bit more water/aloe vera juice if you like it to be less jelly-like and more of a liquid. Store in a clean jar or wide mouth bottle.

I noticed my curls to clump quickly as well as comb through with my seamless wooden comb easily. I will no longer need to use a Denman style brush to smooth and define my curls for the Tightly Curly Method or to put my hair up in a bun. Also my hair was shinier than usual and extremely manageable. The true test of this product will be sending some to my mother who is transitioning from relaxed hair to natural hair and is certainly having a challenging time of it. My fingers are crossed!

Why These Ingredients?

Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera moisturizes the hair and keeps it soft. It is packed with vitamin B12, vitamin C, amino acids, minerals, and salicylic acid. It has been used for general hair health, hair growth, and also as a hair shampoo and conditioner.

Distilled Water

Water is the one true moisturizer for hair. Other ingredients bind to water to keep the moisture in the hair follicle. Natural oils can be added on top of water based hair products to seal in that moisture.

Silk Amino Acids

Silk amino acids is silk protein that has the ability to penetrate the hair shaft and bind to keratin strengthening damaged strands and providing extra protection.

Panthenol (Vit B5)

Panthenol is a penetrating moisturizer that provides shine, luster, and strength while helping prevent split ends. It is also a detangler improving the elasticity in hair.

Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerin is known for being a humectant. It is an amazing ingredient to add when air drying hair. It is amazing for curly hair and really dry hair. It should be used very sparingly so that it doesnt create a sticky film.

Guar Gum

Guar gum is a wonderful emulsifier that gives slip to hair products as well as aids in detangling hair.

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil stimulates hair follicles, therefore increasing hair strength, hair growth, and for dry and flaky scalps. It has also been used as a remedy for mental fatigue.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil stimulates hair follicles and also adds a refreshing citrus fragrance to the leave-in conditioner. It has anti-bacterial properties and is calming and soothing to the body.

I purchased the panthenol and silk amino acids from Organic Creations. The rest of the ingredients can be found at Mountain Rose Herbs or a natural grocery store. Enjoy!!

To read more articles about hair care go here. To see my latest beauty regimen included hair care go here.