Hair wax is a non-greasy, solid styling medium meant to give hair hold and body without causing it to feel stiff, dry, or clumpy. Men often use hair wax to avoid the stiffness of gel, while women use it to get a soft and natural look. Though many hair care manufacturers sell several versions of this product, some people may prefer to make homemade hair wax. These mixtures should contain natural wax instead of paraffin, as well as moisturizing agents to keep the wax and one’s hair soft. Scented hair wax usually contains essential oils, which are optional.
Homemade hair wax recipes usually start with one or more kinds of naturally-derived waxes. Synthetic wax, like paraffin, isn’t very malleable and may cause hair to become dry and brittle. Beeswax, palm wax, and vegetable-based waxes, on the other hand, are often malleable and slightly oily in their natural forms. This means they warm quickly and absorb into the hair strands to give them a soft, shiny texture.
Recipes usually contain about 1 part wax, whether one or several kinds of wax are used. For instance, if beeswax and palm wax are to be combined, the maker requires about .5 part of each kind of wax. This is usually combined with about 7 parts of oil. Seed oils, such as sunflower or grapeseed oil, are popular choices. Makers using two kinds of oil need about 3.5 parts of each, while those using three kinds of oil would need about 2.33 parts of each.
Vitamin E oil and aloe sap are two more ingredients that often appear in homemade hair wax. The maker may use from 1.5 to 3 parts of each, depending on how soft he or she wants the finished product to be. All of the above ingredients generally go into a double boiler or into a microwave-safe bowl. They should be heated together until everything is melted. As the maker stirs the mixture, he or she may add up to 20 drops of essential oils.
Essential oils for the mixture may include lavender, rose water, eucalyptus, or mint. Chamomile and citrus may be drying, so it is usually better to stick with oils that are known to hydrate and condition hair. Rosemary oil is also a good choice.
When the mixture begins to cool slightly, it may be poured into small screw-top cosmetic pots. These pots are available at craft stores and online. The homemade hair wax should be allowed to cool overnight and then stored in a cool, dry place.