Create your own authentic Victorian setting lotion or hairspray with this DIY Bandoline Kit, a historical hair recipe ready for you to mix to your desired consistency and perfect for vintage and historical hair styling to set those curls, beautify those waves, and tame flyaways!
Walking into a historical apothecary, you had options: buy ready-made items or these cool DIY take-home kits, which allowed you to make your own bandoline or curl sets. How cool is that? It allowed you to customize scents and the product. You could make as little or as much as desired.  Original examples are hard to find, but we have found Victorian advertisements for them, and we have an original 1930s one in our collections ( reproduction coming soon). 
What is Bandoline: 
Ever wonder how women kept their curls? This is it! Historically, it was called bandoline, and it has a long history. 
Bandoline is a sticky, 19th-century hair product used by women and hairdressers to smooth, gloss, and hold hairstyles in place, much like modern hairspray, just with a different name.  Bandoline was the essential apothecary "lotion" used to create lasting curls, sleek finger waves, and tailored pompadours. Women would dip their fingers in it, smooth over the section of hair to be curled, and then paper or wrap the hair for sleepy time. 
Historical bandoline is also much gentler for the hair. Unlike modern plastic-based hair gels, this historical formula provides an elegant, flexible hold that enhances the hair's natural appearance, leaving it soft, voluminous, and wonderfully fragrant. The historical recipe is scented with lavender, but you can add your favorite perfume or essential oils to this without issue. 
  Now you can be your own Victorian chemist and use our kit to make your very own Dr. Reed’s Invisible Lavender Scented Bandoline Powder in the privacy of your own home! 
* Option 1: Refill Kit (Envelope Only)
    * Best if you already have a bottle at home. Includes 2 packets of the dry Bandoline mix to brew and dilute with your own sprayer.  Note: No bottle
* Option 2: Starter Kit (Envelope + Bottle & Sprayer)
    * Includes everything you need to get started. Comes with the dry bandoline mix and a reusable, high-quality spray bottle. Note: The bottle & sprayer option comes with a label. 
Each kit features a beautifully designed Edwardian outer envelope folder. Inside the folder, you will find two individual 1/8 oz powder packets (1/4 oz total weight), which, when used together, will prepare a fresh 1/2 pint of elegant liquid Bandoline. But you can also make one at a time.  This is what I recommend. That way, you get a feel for it, and by your 2nd packet, you will know if you want a stronger hold or a softer hold. 

DIRECTIONS: 
How to Prepare & Use (Historical Directions): Using both packets together.
1. To Make:
 Pour one-quarter pint (8 fl oz) of boiling water into a large porcelain or glass jar. Add the contents of both envelopes ( or 2 fl oz if you are making one packet at a time). Shake thoroughly, then let it stand for 12 hours—or until all lumps have completely disappeared.
2. To Preserve:
 Once cooled, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of rubbing alcohol to preserve the mixture indefinitely.
3. To Apply: 
Moisten hair slightly with water, then apply the dissolved Bandoline so as to saturate every strand. Note: The amount will be different for everyone. I suggest you go lighter and then go heavier until you get the right amount. Set your curls, finger waves, or rollers. Once completely dry, brush out ( boar bristle brush and wide-toothed comb are recommended) and dress your hair as desired. This can even be used as a finishing hair spray. 
Product Details:
* The Kit: 1 Victorian envelope with instructions that contains 2 individual inner powder packets (1/8 oz each).
* Authentic Ingredients: Handcrafted using the original Victorian recipe, including Acacia Senegal Gum ( Gum Arabic), Powdered Sugar, Hydrogen Borate, and pure Lavender Essential Oil.
* The Scent: Infused with timeless Lavender which gently perfumes the hair. Also, feel free to add a few drops of other essential oils to make your own scent. 
* Customizable Strength: This formula is incredibly versatile. If the hold is too strong for your hair type, simply dilute it down with a bit of distilled water. For fine hair, we suggest thinning it out a little with extra distilled water. 
* Reproduced Packaging: Each envelope kit looks like it came from your very own hometown-friendly Victorian Apothecary and comes complete with instructions. 
* Free from Modern Synthetics: Formulated without modern aerosols, parabens, or plastic setting polymers.
Breathe life back into this turn-of-the-century natural formula and see how amazing it is even in your modern styling routine!
NOTE: In true Victorian style, this interactive DIY immersive experience will take some time and patience. We plan on making a helpful video soon. But don't worry, we included the historical directions for you, step by step. So tie your cute kitchen apron, pour a cup of tea, and be sure to read the instructions thoroughly before starting.
How-To Video: Coming Soon!