By Jeff Waite on Nov 5, 2021 10:00:00 AM
Did you know that when you make something yourself, you value it more? According to the magazine Psychology Today, the increased value that we give to our own creations is a result, not only of our personal accomplishment but also of the time, precision, and attention that went into creating it. So, what better way to value and appreciate your hair system than by making your own nourishing styling cream? That way you can take all the credit for its lustrous shine!
A common concern amongst those of us who wear a wig is whether store-bought styling products harm our hair pieces, and we’re not just talking about the ladies! The use of styling products among women is no secret, but recent studies from the international market research firm, Mintel, have shown a significant increase in the number of men who are using styling products. And, the concern doesn’t stop at wig wearers either: Mintel’s data also revealed that a substantial percentage of men are worried that these products may lead to hair loss.
So, are the rumors true?
The short answer is yes, and no! Let us explain… No store-bought styling products have been known to result in hair loss, primarily because the ingredients don’t absorb into the scalp and most aren’t particularly harmful anyway. However, if the products are not regularly or adequately washed off after use, they can cause damage to your hair and make it look dry and dull. This becomes problematic when you wear a wig because it’s not recommended to wash your hair pieces on a daily basis.
What’s more, some store-bought styling products are simply not made to be used on a hair system for men or women. This is largely because they contain sulphate or other chemicals that can be damaging to hair pieces. That’s why it’s always important to make sure you check whether the product is suitable for your wig’s hair type, whether synthetic or human.
Or, you can choose to play it safe and do away with store-bought styling products altogether, opting instead for your very own homemade natural styling cream!
Tell me more about homemade natural styling creams.
As well as adding shine, eliminating frizz and smoothing curls, natural styling creams also help maintain and replace the moisture levels of your hair. One of the benefits of making your very own styling cream is that you can customize your product to satisfy your hairstyle needs!
Natural styling creams also allow you to avoid the chemicals and toxins found in store-bought products. For example, common chemicals found in hairspray include aerosol propellants, alcohol, formaldehyde, and artificial fragrance. As well as damaging your hair, these same ingredients can also cause low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, skin or scalp irritation, amongst other issues.
Whilst hair gel is not quite as damaging as hairspray, it’s not completely guilt-free either. Many store-bought hair gels usually contain parabens, propylene, formaldehyde, phthalates, and other chemicals. When absorbed by your hands and scalp, these can also cause adverse effects on your health in the long run.
So, why put your hair and body through all that when you could opt for natural ingredients instead? Replace the chemicals with your very own choice of essential oils with nourishing and moisturizing properties that are guaranteed to take care of your hair and scalp.
How to Make your Own Homemade Nourishing Styling Cream
There’s certainly no shortage of recipes on the internet for natural DIY styling creams. Everyone has their own opinions and ingredients that meet different hairstyling requirements. We wanted to chip in with our own special Advent Hair recipe for a nourishing styling cream that is suitable for all types of wigs and hair replacements for men and women. It’s quick and easy to make, and super effective! Here it is:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- ½ tablespoon coconut oil
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon jojoba oil
- ¾ teaspoon sweet almond oil
- ½ tablespoon pure aloe vera gel
- ⅛ teaspoon Vitamin E oil
- 15-20 drops of essential oils
Instructions
- Combine shea butter and coconut oil in a glass measuring cup or half-pint mason jar. Melt it in the microwave for a few seconds, or use a makeshift double boiler (fill a small saucepan with about 1-2 inches of water and set a glass container inside, heating on low just until melted).
- Add remaining ingredients and stir well to mix. Transfer to a small, shallow tin with a lid.
- Refrigerate for several hours or overnight until the mixture is cooled and set up.
- When ready, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before using.
- Store the cream at room temperature and use it within a month. If you make a big batch that will last longer than that time period, store the remaining product in the fridge.
A small amount of styling cream can go a long way. You don’t want to use it in excess, so dip clean fingers into the cream and rub a small amount onto your hands. When applying the styling cream, make sure that your hair is completely dry, or slightly damp. Keep in mind that if your hair looks greasy, it’s probably because you’re using too much product.
If you enjoyed our nourishing styling cream recipe, you might like to check out our DIY recipes for homemade deep conditioner, and homemade shampoo, where we also reveal the benefits of homemade shampoos in comparison to store-bought products.
Advent Hair offers a great variety of hairstyles from which to choose, but knowing your ideal hair system style is essential for looking and feeling your best self! Plus, our blog provides plenty of fun tips for hair styles, tool recommendations, and guidance for your wig care and maintenance. What are you waiting for? Get styling!