Do you have extremely dry, brittle curls? Then you should integrate flaxseed gel into your hair care routine! This homemade hair gel works wonders for natural frizz and creates healthy, defined and frizz-free curls, without silicones, parabens, sulfates and other artificial additives. In this article today we will explain to you how you can make and use flaxseed gel yourself.
You probably already have flax seeds in your kitchen. Maybe mix them into muesli with yogurt or add them to a smoothie? They are rich in fiber, vitamins B1, B2, B6 and vitamin E as well as omega-3 fatty acids. You can find out more about the nutritional values and effects of flax seedsread about it in this article. However, flax seeds are not only good for intestinal health, but also for your hair.
The linseed shell contains mucilage, which is released by swelling or cooking. These substances mean that we can make a natural hair gel from just 2 ingredients – linseed and water.
What do linseeds do for your hair?
The homemade curling gel made from linseed
- tames frizz
- moisturizes
- makes the hair shine
- helps define the curls
- strengthens the bounce of the curls and waves
- prevents hair breakage
- improves scalp health and reduces itching
- promotes new hair growth
- offers sufficient support
Does any of this sound like something you need? If your curls are lifeless, dry, or no longer have the bounce they once had, using your own hair gel can bring them back to life.
Why linseed gel is better than conventional styling products
How does your hair feel when you use a store-bought gel? Rough? Airy? Complained? Dry? Flaxseed gel doesn't do that AND it provides incredible hold. It seals in moisture, adds shine and keeps curls beautiful all day long.
Store-bought hair gel usually contains alcohol (unless you use a gel designed for the Curly Girl method). All alcohol does is dry out your hair. While it can hold your hairstyle, dry hair is probably not the look you're going for.
Flaxseed gel is also super cheap and a brilliant oneZero waste product. Flaxseed gel only costs as much to make as the ingredients you add. For the simplest recipe, all you need is flaxseed and water.
Flaxseed gel is a miracle worker when it comes to creating beautiful curls and reducing frizz. Clumping and sticking are problems that many struggle with, especially if they still don't understand their curls. The gel tames wild curls and unruly hair and defines strands easily and effectively.
The biggest advantage of homemade flaxseed gel over others is that it is water-soluble, meaning it does not build up on the hair. Water-soluble products are for fineLow porosity hairideal because they don't weigh you down and don't make your hair limp. You can also use the gel for thick or highly porous hair.
What experiences have other Curly Girls had with the linseed gel?
Women and men who style their curls using the Curly Girl method love the linseed gel. They report that the hair does not appear sticky. Your hair may feel a little slippery, which is why it is recommended to apply the gel to conditioned and detangled hair while it is still wet. Run your fingers through the hair to coat each curl with the flaxseed gel.
A curly girl with curl types 2b, 2c, 3a describes her experience with flaxseed gel as follows: “I find that flaxseed gel makes my hair softer and more defined than any other styling product. It gives me a gelcast that is very easy to knead out. My curls seem to come together a little better and have a lot of shine and bounce. I do notice less volume, but I think that's because the gel is more hydrating than other gels and creates so much definition."
Find yoursCurl type with our quizout of here!
Suitable additives for your homemade hair gel
Want to add even more goodness to your flaxseed gel? Here are a few of our favorites:
•Aloe Vera Gel– If you prefer a thicker (less watery) gel, add aloe vera gel.
•Sheabutter– If you have heavy, thick hair and want even more shine and a thicker gel, add shea butter.
•Essential oils– Do you have a favorite scent? Add your gelnatural essential oilsadded. Lavender and tea tree oil are both great for strengthening hair.
•Honig– If you want to give your hair even more moisture, add ½ teaspoon of honey to your gel. (not recommended in high humidity)
•Basisol– If you want to combat frizz effectively, you can add a few drops of a light base oil such as argan and jojoba oil.
•Collagen powder– For an extra boost of protein to give your curls more hold, shape and bounce, 1 tbsp hydrolyzed collagen is just what you need.
•Silk protein– Hydrolyzed proteins are ideal for fine and highly porous hair because they help seal in moisture.
•Magnesiumsulfat (Epsom salt)– DieUsing Epsom Saltis often added to DIY hairspray recipes because it creates a stronger hold. You can also stir ½ teaspoon of it into your DIY flaxseed gel. BUT skip it if your hair is dry or damaged as Epsom salt can cause dryness in some people.
•Preservatives– If you want to make your flaxseed oil last longer, add a preservative and you can use it for several months. There are many options for natural preservatives, such as Optiphen.
How do you make flaxseed gel?
The linseed gel is very easy to prepare and is suitable for all hair types. Here's a simple recipe for a firm hold version. The basic flaxseed gel recipe consists of just water and flaxseed, but you can also add other ingredients based on their benefits and your hair type.
Ingredients
30 g whole flax seeds
250 ml water
(optional) 30 g reines Aloe-Vera-Gel
(optional) 1-3 drops of silk protein
(optional) 15-30 drops of jojoba oil
(optional) 1/2 teaspoon magnesium sulfate
(optional) 4 drops of rose oil for a lovely scent
(optional) Preservative
*Which flaxseeds should you use for flaxseed gel?It works best with whole linseeds. Unfortunately, crushed seeds are not suitable because the mucilage is mainly in the seed coat.
Aside from that:
cooking pot
screw-in glass
Sieve/cheesecloth/nylon stocking
Directions:
- Bring the flax seeds and water to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Let the water boil for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the flaxseeds from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Once the water has a slimy consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
- If using collagen, add it before cooling to prevent lumps from forming.
- Line a heatproof measuring cup with cheesecloth or a nylon stocking and pour the contents of the pot into it.
- Lift the cheesecloth and squeeze the flax seeds to drain the gel into the container.
- Add all additives and mix well.
- Pour it into a clean, small jar and store it in the refrigerator.
*Flaxseed gel doesn't go through the sieve?Then don't let the seeds simmer for too long. This way the gel won't be so thick and will flow better through the sieve. Others report that it works best with a clean nylon stocking.
How long does the flaxseed gel last?
The flaxseed gel can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. At room temperature there is a risk of fungal and bacterial growth. If you used a preservative or essential oils like rosemary and sage, it will keep for several months. Both are used to preserve cosmetics.
The easiest preservation method is to freeze the flaxseed gel. Ice cube trays and bags are great for this! Simply let one or two ice cubes thaw in a small bowl a few hours before washing your hair.
How to use the flaxseed gel
For best results, we recommend the following hair care routine:
- Treat your hair to beautiful,thorough cleaning. If you have a lot of product buildup, consider using a clarifying shampoo.
- Don't skimp on itRinse. Make sure you detangle your hair completely so that the gel reaches every curl.
- Wear yours after showeringLeave-in(if you are using one) and squeeze out as much water as possible.
- TheGel is kneaded into wet hairand evenly distributed. Work it into the hair strand by strand by running your fingers through the hair.
- Don't take too little. As a general rule, the more flaxseed gel you use, the better. This is not like a traditional alcohol-based hair gel that leaves hair looking sticky and greasy. With this onenatural hair treatment, more is better(even for fine hair).
- After you have applied the gel, you can dry the hair with aDenman Brush styling.
- Leave your hairair dryor blow dry with a diffuser. Many people say that air drying gives you the best results. It is important that you clean your hair afterwardsdon't touchshould, otherwise frizz will result.
- If youother styling productsuse, ensure they are water based to avoid excessive film formation. With the Curly Girl method, it is generally not recommended to combine flaxseed gel with other styling creams.
Frequently asked questions
What to do with Gelcast?
After drying, a gel cast may form on the hair (depending on the hair type, no gel cast will form at all). The hair then looks wet and feels hard. But that's no reason to worry. This gelcast encloses the hair strands and protects them from environmental influences. This is exactly what makes flaxseed gel such an effective anti-frizz remedy.
As soon as the curls are completely dry, the hard spots can simply be kneaded out. You can also use a few drops of light hair oil. If you go to bed with dry hair and Gelkast, it will automatically knead itself a little overnight.
How often should I use the gel?
You can use it as often as you want BUT it works best right after shampooing your hair. If you add flaxseed gel to dry hair, a film may remain. To freshen up your curls the next day, it's best to knead the gel into slightly damp hair.
Is flaxseed gel allowed with the Curly Girl method?
Yes, the gel is suitable for the Curly Girl method because it is water-soluble and does not contain silicones or alcohol.
What is in flaxseed that makes it so good for your hair?
Flaxseeds are packed with vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. All ingredients help keep your hair strong, elastic and healthy.
