Adding Fragrance and Color to Hair Styling Gel Formula

Question

Regarding the hair styling gel formula provided by the shop:

Formula:

Paste Maker™ 25%
coco-wash™ 13%
glycerin 5%
Easy Hair Styler (8 Hr.) 10%
Phenoxyethanol SA 1%
Water 46%

Procedure:
Heat 1, 2, and 3 to 80-90°C and mix together (Oil phase). Heat 6 to 80-90°C and mix with the oil phase. Blend until combined. Let cool to below 40°C. Add 4 and 5, and blend until combined.

I have the following questions:

If I want to add Cantaloupe fragrance, which is an alcohol-free fragrance, do I need to change the ingredient ratios? Can I just add it directly?
If I want to add color, how should I do it? Do I need to change the ingredient ratios as well?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Adding Fragrance and Color to Your Hair Styling Gel Formula

Based on the hair styling gel formula you provided, here's how you can incorporate alcohol-free fragrance oil and color:

Adding Fragrance Oil

You can add an alcohol-free fragrance oil, such as Cantaloupe fragrance, to this formula.
Timing: Add the fragrance oil during the cooling phase, when the mixture has cooled to below 40°C, along with the Easy Hair Styler (8 Hr.) and Phenoxyethanol SA.
Usage Rate: Fragrance oils are typically used at a low percentage, usually between 0.1% and 1%. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
Formula Adjustment: To maintain the total formula percentage at 100%, you will need to slightly reduce the percentage of water by the amount of fragrance oil you add. For example, if you add 0.5% fragrance, reduce the water from 46% to 45.5%. The ratios of the other main ingredients do not need to be significantly changed for typical fragrance addition levels.

Adding Color

You can add water-soluble cosmetic colorants to this formula.
Timing: Dissolve the water-soluble color in the water phase (component 6) before heating it to 80-90°C. Ensure the color is fully dissolved.
Usage Rate: Colors are very concentrated. Add a very small amount at a time and mix thoroughly until you achieve the desired color intensity. The usage rate is typically a fraction of a percent.
Formula Adjustment: Similar to fragrance, you will need to slightly reduce the percentage of water to accommodate the colorant you add. The amount will be very small, so the impact on other ingredients is negligible.

By following these steps, you can successfully add fragrance and color to your hair styling gel while maintaining the integrity of the original formula.