DAILY DETANGLER SPRAY — HALF BATCH

Batch Size: 250 g
Packaging:

1 × 250 ml spray bottle or
2 × 120 ml bottles
Ages: 5+ years & adults
Use: Leave-on, daily
Target pH: 4.8–5.2
Expected shelf life: ~4–6 months

🧪 INGREDIENTS BY GRAMS (250 g TOTAL)

Water Phase (89.2%)

Distilled Water — 198 g
Aloe Vera Juice — 25 g

Conditioning / Emulsifying Phase

BTMS-50 — 1.25 g

Light Oils (2.0%)

Argan Oil — 3.75 g
Fractionated Coconut Oil — 1.25 g

Actives (Cool-Down)

Vegetable Glycerin — 3.75 g (1.5%)
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), powdered in this recipe — 2.5 g (1%)
- liquid works too, same amounts, just would be added with the silk
Silk Amino Acids — 1.25 g (0.5%)
Polyquaternium-10 — 0.75 g (0.3%)

Preservation

Geogard, 0.8-1%, 2.5g
- changed from Neodefend — 2.5 g (1%)

pH Adjustment

Citric Acid Solution (50%) — q.s. to pH 4.8–5.2

✔ TOTAL: 250 g exactly

🧾 PROCESS (HALF BATCH)

Pre-disperse PQ-10
- Mix 0.75 g PQ-10 into the 3.75 g glycerin until smooth.
Heat water phase
- Distilled water + aloe + panthenol (if powder)
- Heat to 160–170°F (71–77°C).
Melt BTMS-50
- Melt 1.25 g BTMS-50 until fully clear then add to water.
  - (I just added this to the 160 degree water/aloe mixture), since BTMS melts around 160°F, but had to turn the heat back on)
- Whisk gently (avoid foam).
- Once BTMS is melted, add in oils to total mixture
  - 3.75 g argan oil
  - 1.25 g coconut oil
Cool to ≤120°F (49°C)
- Add glycerin/PQ-10 mixture.
- Add silk (and panthenol if liquid, but we used powder)
- Mix thoroughly.
Cool to ≤105°F (40°C)
- Add Geogard (2.5 g).
- Stir well for 2–3 minutes.
If adding essential oils, do so around 85F.
- Acceptable range: 85–100°F (29–38°C)
- If adding, 1% = 2.5 g total essential oil
- Aim for:
  - 0.3–0.5% for kids (1 g)
  - 0.5–0.8% for general family use (2 g)
Test & Adjust pH, if needed
- Target 4.8–5.2.
- Ideal temperature range for testing: 68–77 °F
  - (20–25 °C), Basically: when the bottle feels neutral, not warm or cool
  - If it was just heated, let it sit at least 30–60 minutes
- How to test correctly (detangler spray)
  1. Shake gently to homogenize
  2. Pour a small amount into a clean cup
  3. Let it sit until fully room temp
  4. Test with:
    - calibrated pH meter or
    - high-quality strips (read quickly)
Bottle
- Fine-mist spray bottle.
- Label “Shake before use.”

It is ready to use as soon as it’s cooled and pH-adjusted.

Notes for a first test batch (helpful)

Practically:

✔ Same day is fine once it’s room temperature
✔ Best after 12–24 hours, once everything has fully settled
✔ Shake once before first use

There’s no “curing” like a bar — this is a finished liquid product.

Best on: damp hair

Can use on dry hair, but use fewer sprays (usually 1–3).

How much to use (this matters more than people think)

This is a less-is-more product.

For kids / fine hair

3–5 sprays total
Focus on:
- ends
- areas that tangle (nape, behind ears)

For adults / longer hair

5–8 sprays
Start low — you can always add more

How to apply (simple, no pain)

Spray into hair or into your hands first (great for kids)
Distribute with fingers
Detangle starting at the ends
Work upward slowly
Brush or comb gently

No need to massage into the scalp.

This batch amount is perfect for testing, but about as little as you’d want to go. It helps figure out:
- Spray pattern
- Slip level
- Kid tolerance
- Dry-down feel on straight hair
If it feels:
- Too light for curls → increase sprays, not formula strength
- Too moisturizing for fine hair → fewer sprays, focus on ends only

Daily Detangler Spray (Full Batch)

Batch Size: 1000g (500g to start)
Container: 250ml spray bottles (makes 4) OR 100ml travel size (makes 10)
Usage: Daily on wet or dry hair
Target pH: 4.8-5.2

Shelf life: ~4–6 months (room temp, clean handling)

Stronger preservation

Geogard chosen
- Trade-off: Less "natural" but safer longer-term
Could also Use Leucidal SF Max at 3-4% (lasts 9-12 months)
Or Optiphen Plus at 0.75-1% (lasts 12+ months, broader spectrum)
Shelf life: 6 months with Neodefend

Usage:

Curls: Spray generously on wet hair, don't rinse
Straight: Light mist on damp/dry hair before brushing
Kid: 5-8 sprays, makes combing painless

Ingredients by Weight (500g batch)

Best for: Dry/damaged hair, thick/curly hair, heat-styled hair

Water Phase:

Distilled water: 399g (79.8%)
Aloe vera juice: 50g (10%)

Oil Phase:

Argan oil: 7.5g (1.5%)
Fractionated coconut oil: 2.5g (0.5%)
BTMS-50: 2.5g (0.5%)
Polysorbate 20: 2.5g (0.5%), removed, since using BTMS-50

Actives (add at cool-down 120°F):

Glycerin: 1-2% max
- (reduced from 25g (5%)
Panthenol: 5g (1%)
Silk amino acids: 2.5g (0.5%)
Polyquaternium-10: 1.5g (0.3%)

Preservation (add at <100°F):

Neodefend: 5g (1%)
- can also use Optiphen at 0.8 to 1% (but didnt buy this)

pH Adjustment:

Citric acid solution (50%): as needed to reach pH 4.8-5.2

Total: 503g → adjust water down to 396g for exactly 500g

Equipment Needed:

Heat-safe glass beaker or Pyrex measuring cup (at least 16 oz)
Small container for oil phase (4-8 oz)
Thermometer
Whisk or milk frother
pH strips or meter
2 x 250ml spray bottles (fine mist)
Small funnel
Labels

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Prep oil phase container

Combine in small container:
- 7.5g argan oil
- 2.5g fractionated coconut oil
- 2.5g BTMS-50
- 2.5g Polysorbate 20

2. Prep water phase

In larger beaker:
- 396g distilled water
- 50g aloe vera juice

3. Heat both phases

Place both containers in double boiler or hot water bath
Heat to 160-170°F (71-77°C)
BTMS-50 should be fully melted and clear

4. Combine phases

Remove from heat
Slowly pour oil phase into water phase
Whisk constantly (don't create foam)
Should look milky/white, uniform

5. Cool to 120°F (49°C)

Stir occasionally while cooling
Takes about 10-15 minutes

6. Add actives at 120°F

Add one at a time, mixing between:
- 25g glycerin
- 5g panthenol
- 2.5g silk amino acids
- 1.5g PQ-10 (pre-dispersed in a bit of the glycerin helps)

7. Cool to below 100°F (38°C)

Continue stirring occasionally

8. Add preservation

Add 5g Neodefend
Mix thoroughly (2-3 minutes)

9. Check pH

Test with pH strips/meter
Target: 4.8-5.2
If too high: add citric acid solution drop by drop
Retest after each addition

10. Bottle

Pour into 2 x 250ml spray bottles using funnel
Let sit overnight
Check next day for clarity/separation

11. Label

"Family Detangler"
Made date: [today's date]
Use by: [4 months from today]
Ingredients list
"Shake before use"

Process (simplified):

Heat both phases to 160-170°F
- Water phase: water + aloe
- Oil phase: oils + BTMS + polysorbate
Combine - pour oil into water while stirring
Cool to 120°F, add actives:
- Glycerin, panthenol, silk, PQ-10
Cool to <100°F, add Neodefend
Adjust pH to 4.8-5.2
Bottle in spray bottles

Instructions

Heat water phase: Heat distilled water and aloe vera juice to approximately 160-170°F (71-77°C).
Heat oil phase: In separate container, combine jojoba oil, argan oil, BTMS-50, and polysorbate 20. Heat to approximately 160-170°F (71-77°C).
Combine phases: Slowly add oil phase to water phase while stirring constantly. Mix thoroughly.
Cool to 120°F (49°C): Allow mixture to cool while stirring occasionally.
Add actives: When cooled to 120°F, add glycerin, panthenol, hydrolyzed wheat protein, and polyquaternium-10. Mix well.
Preserve: Add preservative once mixture is below 100°F (38°C).
Adjust pH: Test pH and adjust to 4.8-5.2 using citric acid solution.
Bottle: Pour into spray bottles. Use fine mist or continuous spray nozzles.

Usage Instructions

Daily use: Spray on damp or dry hair before brushing
Amount: 3-5 sprays for short hair, 8-12 sprays for long hair
Application: Focus on mid-lengths to ends; avoid saturating roots
Best for: Tangles, knots, curly hair, long hair, school mornings

Notes

Polyquaternium-10: Keeps at 0.3% for daily use without buildup
BTMS-50 micro-emulsion: At 0.5%, provides slip without weighing down fine hair
Travel-friendly: 100ml bottles are TSA-compliant for school bags, sleepovers, travel
Shake before use: Natural separation may occur; this is normal

Storage

Store at room temperature
Use within 6 months for best results
Keep out of direct sunlight

Ingredients by Weight (1000g batch)

Best for: Dry/damaged hair, thick/curly hair, heat-styled hair

Water Phase:

Distilled water: 798g (79.8%)
Aloe vera juice: 100g (10%)

Oil Phase:

Argan oil: 15g (1.5%) ← increase (good for your blow-drying!)
Fractionated coconut oil: 5g (0.5%) ← lighter than jojoba
BTMS-50: 5g (0.5%)
Polysorbate 20: 5g (0.5%)

Actives (add at cool-down):

Glycerin: 50g (5%)
Panthenol: 10g (1%)
Silk amino acids: 5g (0.5%) ← better than wheat protein (smoother)
Polyquaternium-10: 3g (0.3%)

Preservation:

Neodefend: 10g (1%)

pH adjustment:

Citric acid solution: q.s. to pH 4.8-5.2

Total: 1006g (adjust water to exactly 1000g)

Process (simplified):

Heat both phases to 160-170°F
- Water phase: water + aloe
- Oil phase: oils + BTMS + polysorbate
Combine - pour oil into water while stirring
Cool to 120°F, add actives:
- Glycerin, panthenol, silk, PQ-10
Cool to <100°F, add Neodefend
Adjust pH to 4.8-5.2
Bottle in spray bottles

Alternative:

Best for: Fine hair, daily use, kids who need light detangling

pH target: 4.8–5.2

Neodefend: 1.1%

Distilled water — 81.9% = 819 g
Aloe vera juice — 10% = 100 g
Glycerin — 4% = 40 g
Panthenol (B5) — 1% = 10 g
Hydrolyzed protein (wheat or silk) — 1% = 10 g
Polyquaternium-10 — 0.3% = 3 g
Solubilizer (PEG-40 HCO or similar) — 0.7% = 7 g
Neodefend — 1.1% = 11 g

Target temps

Room temp is fine.
If warming to speed hydration: 95–110°F (35–43°C) (optional)

Steps

Pre-disperse PQ-10

Make a slurry: sprinkle PQ-10 into glycerin (taken from your total glycerin).
Mix until smooth (prevents clumps).

Water phase

In a beaker: add distilled water + aloe.
Begin stirring (low foam).

Hydrate PQ-10

Add PQ-10 slurry slowly.
Stir 20–60 minutes until fully hydrated (slight thickening).

Add actives

Add panthenol + hydrolyzed protein. Mix.

Add solubilizer

Add solubilizer, mix until clear/uniform.

Preserve

Add Neodefend. Mix.

pH check

Target 4.8–5.2.
Adjust if needed.

Bottle

Bottle, let sit overnight, re-check clarity and pH next day.

Expected Results:

Appearance: Milky white liquid, slightly thickened Scent: Neutral/very light Texture: Smooth, light spray Performance: Detangles without weighing down