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How Do I Use Gelatin for Hair?

Rebecca Harkin
Rebecca Harkin

There are many topical uses of gelatin for hair. Gelatin can be used to strengthen hair and increase body or lift of the hair. Another topical use of gelatin is as a very firm gel for hair. Ingesting gelatin may also promote hair growth and durability, but scientific evidence of this use is mixed.

The topical application of gelatin for hair is typically to increase durability and improve body. This beauty tip is simple and inexpensive. Prior to taking a shower, you should completely dissolve a 1-ounce (28-gram) package of unflavored gelatin in 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water.

One of the best ways to apply gelatin to hair is to lather it in much like shampoo.
One of the best ways to apply gelatin to hair is to lather it in much like shampoo.

After shampooing your hair with your regular shampoo, you should apply the gelatin to the hair, working it into the hair and around the scalp. Let the gelatin rest on the hair for a few minute. The gelatin will feel somewhat like paste or similar to a face mask cream. After several minutes, the gelatin can be washed completely out of the hair with warm water.

Hair gelatin is used topically in hair, and can improve growth and strength.
Hair gelatin is used topically in hair, and can improve growth and strength.

Another method of applying gelatin to hair is to add a 1-ounce (28-gram) packet of gelatin directly to your bottle of shampoo. Gently flip the bottle up and down to mix and dissolve the gelatin into the shampoo. Use the shampoo as you normally would, being sure to completely wash the suds and gelatin out of your hair.

Another topical use of gelatin for hair is as a natural gel. To make the gel, mix a 1-ounce (28-gram) packet of gelatin with 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water and then place it in the refrigerator to coagulate. Once somewhat hard, the gel can be used as a very firm and secure hair gel. Beware, however, that this gel makes the hair look wet. Gelatin hair gel is frequently used by synchronized swimmers to slick back their hair during routines or by theater performers to create dramatic hair styles.

Hair should be shampooed before gelatin is applied.
Hair should be shampooed before gelatin is applied.

Some beauticians believe that ingesting gelatin may enhance hair growth and strength. Scientific evidence on the use of gelatin to promote hair growth is limited and incomplete. Gelatin, in reasonable quantities, is not harmful, so trying gelatin for hair growth is perfectly safe.

To ingest gelatin, flavored gelatin can simply be prepared, refrigerated, and eaten. Unflavored gelatin packets can be mixed with ice cream, juice, or just about anything. Gelatin supplements are also available at most drug stores, grocery stores, or natural food stores. The bottle of gelatin tablets should be carefully consulted for the appropriate daily dose. If you have health concerns, it may be prudent to check with your doctor before taking a gelatin supplement.

Discussion Comments

anon979508

What has been anyone's experience with using a gelatin shampoo regularly? I would have suggested using a shampoo / gelatin mix no more than three times a week, because like someone else mentioned, the proteins make hair dry, and brittle. Too much protein could do more harm than good.

burcinc

@turkay1-- If you use gelatin on a regular basis, it does make hair stronger and prevent split ends.

I use gelatin on my hair at least once a week and have been doing so for the past year. It's awesome. My hair is thicker and more flexible, which means less split ends. I simply mix it with water, apply it all over my hair and let it sit for half an hour. I also follow up with conditioner though because the strength gelatin gives to hair does make it feel more coarse.

I also use unflavored gelatin on my face as a mask to remove blackheads. Gelatin is such a multi-purpose beauty ingredient.

ysmina

The idea that consuming gelatin would make hair healthier and stronger comes from the notion that natural gelatin contains collagen. There are many types of collagen and type II collagen is known for its benefits for hair, skin and nails.

However, we don't know if the flavored or unflavored gelatin packets in the store actually contain any of this beneficial collagen.

If any of you are wanting to feed your hair from the inside out with collagen, go for collagen supplements instead.

candyquilt

This is very interesting. I'm always looking into natural hair treatments but I had never heard of gelatin for hair before.

Will the topical use of gelatin on hair as a mask or in shampoo reduce breakage and split ends?

anon294261

"After shampooing your hair with your regular shampoo, you should apply the gelatin to the hair..."

You should always deep condition to restore moisture after a gelatin treatment, because the proteins in the gelatin can make your hair hard, dry and brittle.

sunshined

I have used gelatin to strengthen my hair and have been pleased with the results. My hair is pretty brittle and weak from all of the color treatments I have used. When this is added to the drying effects of a hair dryer and flat iron, I need all the help I can get.

I think the gelatin also helps make my hair very shiny. I don't use it every time I shampoo, but can really tell a difference when I use it on a regular basis.

LisaLou

I always heard that gelatin was good for your nails and has been used to strengthen them, so see no reason why it wouldn't help with your hair too.

I use gel on my hair when I want to keep it in place, but have never used natural gelatin. I think pouring a packet of unflavored gelatin in a bottle of shampoo would be a pretty easy way to try this and see if it made a difference.

I have very fine hair and using something like gelatin may give me the extra body I am looking for.

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    • One of the best ways to apply gelatin to hair is to lather it in much like shampoo.
      By: Friday
      One of the best ways to apply gelatin to hair is to lather it in much like shampoo.
    • Hair gelatin is used topically in hair, and can improve growth and strength.
      By: Alexandra
      Hair gelatin is used topically in hair, and can improve growth and strength.
    • Hair should be shampooed before gelatin is applied.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Hair should be shampooed before gelatin is applied.
    • It may be wise to consult with a doctor prior to using gelatin for hair.
      By: endostock
      It may be wise to consult with a doctor prior to using gelatin for hair.
    • Using gelatin can help to strengthen hair and give it more lift.
      By: puhhha
      Using gelatin can help to strengthen hair and give it more lift.