Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!
Find out the easiest DIY Okra gel for smooth hair including gel with aloe vera, essential oils, etc. for all hair types and textures.
I have always been on the lookout for natural hair care remedies, and I recently discovered the benefits of using okra gel for smooth hair. Okra, also known as lady fingers or gumbo, is a vegetable that is commonly used in cooking, but it also has properties that make it a great ingredient for hair care. Okra gel is a natural alternative to commercial hair gels that can be harsh on hair.
Key Takeaways
- Regular hair gels contain alcohol, preservatives and even phthalates that can are known to be endocrine disrupting nature. (Parlett, Lauren E et al. “Women’s exposure to phthalates in relation to use of personal care products.” Journal of exposure science & environmental epidemiology vol. 23,2 (2013): 197-206. doi:10.1038/jes.2012.105)
- Making natural okra gel is a simple process that only requires fresh okra, water, and a strainer and it is easy to apply on hair instead of store-bought, chemical-laden products.
- Okra gel can provide a natural and effective way to style and smooth hair.
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
How To Make Okra Gel For Hair
To make Okra Gel, I start by washing and slicing fresh okra into small pieces. Then, I add the sliced okra to a pot of boiling water and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the water becomes sticky and slimy.
Next, I strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer, separating the mucilage from the okra pieces. The mucilage is the sticky substance that gives the gel its texture, and it’s what we want to keep.
After straining, I let the mixture cool down for a few minutes before transferring it to a jar. Then, I place the jar in the fridge to let the gel set and cool completely.
The recipe is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients, making it a great alternative to store-bought hair gels. The gel has a natural scent and is free from harsh chemicals, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin.
Overall, making Okra Gel is a simple and cost-effective way to achieve smooth, shiny hair.
DIY Okra Gel For Smooth Hair
Making your own okra hair gel is easy and fun! Here are a few recipes to try out:
Basic Okra Gel Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of chopped okra
- 2 cups of water
Method:
- Add the chopped okra and water to a pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl.
- Let the mixture cool and transfer to a clean container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Okra Gel with Aloe Vera
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of chopped okra
- 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel
- 1 cup of water
Method:
- Add the chopped okra and water to a pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl.
- Add the aloe vera gel to the mixture and stir well.
- Let the mixture cool and transfer to a clean container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Okra Gel with Essential Oils
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of chopped okra
- 2 cups of water
- 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)
Method:
- Add the chopped okra and water to a pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl.
- Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil and stir well.
- Let the mixture cool and transfer to a clean container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Okra Benefits For Hair
Okra is a vegetable that is commonly used in cooking and has a slimy texture when cooked. It is also known as lady’s fingers and is a popular ingredient in dishes around the world. Okra is a good source of vitamins, nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for maintaining good health.
One of the key vitamins found in okra is vitamin C, which is important for maintaining healthy skin and hair. Okra is also rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc, which are all important minerals that help to keep the body functioning properly.
In addition to vitamins and minerals, okra is also a good source of fiber, which is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system. The fiber in okra can also help to regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol levels.
When it comes to hair care, okra is believed to have a number of benefits. The slimy texture of okra is said to help detangle hair and make it easier to manage. Okra is also believed to help nourish the hair and scalp, leaving hair looking healthy and shiny.
Drawbacks of Okra Gel for Hair
As with any hair product, there are potential drawbacks to using okra gel. In this section, I will discuss some of the most common concerns and how they can be addressed.
Stickiness
One potential drawback of okra gel is its sticky texture. Some people find that the gel can be difficult to work with and may leave their hair feeling sticky or tacky. To address this issue, it is important to use the right amount of gel for your hair type. Using too much gel can make your hair feel heavy and sticky, while using too little may not provide enough hold.
Unpleasant Smell
Another concern some people have with okra gel is its smell. While the gel itself does not have a strong odor, some people may find that it has a slightly earthy or vegetal scent. To address this issue, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the gel before applying it to your hair. This will help mask any unpleasant odors and leave your hair smelling fresh and clean.
Slimy Texture
Okra gel has a naturally slimy texture, which can be off-putting to some people. However, this texture is what makes the gel so effective at smoothing and defining curls. To avoid the slimy texture, you can strain the gel through a fine mesh sieve before using it. This will remove any large pieces of okra and leave you with a smoother, more consistent gel.
Doesn’t Give “Hold” to Hairstyles
Finally, it is important to note that okra gel is not an alcohol-based gel. This means that it may not provide the same level of hold as traditional gels, which can be a drawback for some people. However, the natural ingredients in okra gel make it a healthier and more sustainable alternative to traditional gels.
Summary
The process of making okra gel is simple and straightforward. All you need is fresh okra, water, and a strainer. After boiling the okra in water and letting it cool, you can strain the mixture to obtain a thick, slimy gel that can be used to style your hair. The gel can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Also Read:
Benefits of using Almond oil for hair
Fuller’s Earth Recipes for Hair
Easy Homemade Hibiscus Overnight Hair Masks
DIY Rosewater Hair Recipes, Benefits and how to use
To Summarize
