Let's start off by confronting all of your fears that DIY recipes made at home just don't work - FALSE. They do. I think I've made my point with the toothpaste, deodorant, toners, etc. that I have posted about and personally tried myself. But in case you are still doubting that this recipe will work, let me assure you, it does. No tricks. No lies. It works. (and yes, it is okay if you still don't believe me because I couldn't believe it worked either!)
Hair products have been a hard one for me to find alternatives for because I feel like hair styling is such a personal choice. And everyone's hair is very different! I have long, straight hair that is somehow magically smooth but holds a lot of oil. I usually look for a product that is going to add some body to my hair but not leave it hard as rock. I'm not much of a fan of crunchy hair.
I first came across this recipe from Zero Waste Home's book by Bea Johnson. It seemed simple enough (which was the thing that scared me the most about it!), so I figured it wouldn't hurt to try it.
The recipe is as follows (my version of it):
Lemon Hairspray
3 Sliced Lemons
2 Cups Water
2 Tbs. Vodka
Semi-Fine Strainer
1. Put the sliced lemons and water in a pot on the stove over medium heat. Let sit for 20 minutes or until water has condensed to about half.
2. Remove from heat and pour the juice through a strainer (a loose leaf tea strainer or coffee strainer will do).
3. Add the vodka and pour into a spray bottle. Shake before each use.
It's not often that I buy alcohol, least to say something as gross as vodka. But when it comes to recipes that you want to last just a little bit longer on your shelves, vodka is a great preservative! You can leave it out if you plan on using the mixture quickly but it really does help it from going bad.
The recipe will usually yield around 8 ounces (1 cup). However, if you like a stronger hold hairspray, add more lemons and boil down longer. If you make it as is, it will provide enough hold to tame down those frizzles and help keep loose curls in place or shape those bangs. It's not strong enough to hold up an entire hairdo like those chemical hairsprays we all remember from our prom night. I usually spray a little in my hair each morning after I get out of the shower and add extra around my bangs to keep them out of my face.
If you want a stronger hairspray for those wedding photos and prom nights...I've got one coming for you shortly!