:-/  I am having trouble with Mary Beth Janssen's Sugar Hairspray recipe:

1 cup of boiled water
1 tablespoon of sugar
vodka ( I did not use due to sensitivities)

As soon as it dries, it starts flaking and falling into my eyelashes.  Has anyone ever tried this recipe?  Why does it flake?

Hi, PurpleAqua69.  I've never tried a homemade hairspray, so I don't know why it flaked.  Maybe too much water w/o the vodka?

Sorry I'm not helpful, but welcome to LongLocks!

I haven't tried this recipe either, but I think maybe the alcohol is necessary to keep the sugar dissolved?

You could try this instead:
Boil a Tablespoon of flax seeds in a cup of water for about 5 minutes. The water will start to thicken up, then immediately strain out the seeds and keep the liquid. This will keep firming up, and you can use it as a hair gel. Keep it in the fridge.

Mellie

Chop one lemon (or an orange for dry hair). Place in a pot with 2 cups water. Boil until half of the initial amount remains. Cool, strain, and place in a spray bottle. Store in the refrigerator. If it is too sticky, add more water. Add one ounce rubbing alcohol as a preservative and then the spray can be stored for up to two weeks unrefrigerated.

I haven't tried any hairsprays, but this one doesn't have sugar, and the rubbing alcohol is optional.

Sakina wrote on Jul 30^th, 2008 at 9:25pm:

Hi, PurpleAqua69.  I've never tried a homemade hairspray, so I don't know why it flaked.  Maybe too much water w/o the vodka? Sorry I'm not helpful, but welcome to LongLocks!

I am concerned that vodka might dry my curly hair.  I wonder if it is similar to denatured alcohol or  Cetyl alcohol.  Both are very drying for my hair.

Thank you, Sakina.  I am glad I joined LongLocks.  :)

mellie wrote on Jul 31^st, 2008 at 7:45am:

I haven't tried this recipe either, but I think maybe the alcohol is necessary to keep the sugar dissolved? You could try this instead: Boil a Tablespoon of flax seeds in a cup of water for about 5 minutes. The water will start to thicken up, then immediately strain out the seeds and keep the liquid. This will keep firming up, and you can use it as a hair gel. Keep it in the fridge. Mellie

Thanks for Flaxseed Gel recipe, Mellie.  I will try it.

AnaMaria

livingandlovingx3 wrote on Jul 31^st, 2008 at 11:58am:

Chop one lemon (or an orange for dry hair). Place in a pot with 2 cups water. Boil until half of the initial amount remains. Cool, strain, and place in a spray bottle. Store in the refrigerator. If it is too sticky, add more water. Add one ounce rubbing alcohol as a preservative and then the spray can be stored for up to two weeks unrefrigerated. I haven't tried any hairsprays, but this one doesn't have sugar, and the rubbing alcohol is optional.

Thanks for the recipe LivingandLovingx3. :)

You are welcome!
And btw welcome to LL!

Hey, you're welcome!  I've got curly hair, too.  I hardly ever use hairspray.  I just accept the way my hair looks.  On the very rare occasion I might use hairspray, I like Biosilk.

http://www.goddess-within.com/bifispna10oz.html

I use the Jason Hairspray and just love it!! 8-)