Flaxseed gel for hair is popular among women with natural hair because it defines curls without leaving any flakes in your hair, unlike regular hair gels.
If you're wondering what else is great about flaxseed gel, keep reading. In this article, I'll explain what flaxseed gel is, why you should use it, and more.
What Is Flaxseed Gel?
Flaxseed is a plant-based food with numerous health benefits that some experts consider to be a superfood.
It contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, fiber, and lignans, among other nutrients that are good for the body.
Flaxseed is also used in hair products, including moisturizers and gels. Many individuals with natural hair prefer to use flaxseed gel because it does not leave flakes in the hair like other gels.
5 Reasons You Should Use Flaxseed Gel for Your Natural Hair
1. It defines your curls
Who doesn't want their natural hair to have defined curls? Flaxseed gel contains vitamin E, which is perfect for defining your natural curl or coil pattern.
The best part is that it gives your hair a glossy shine and leaves you with soft, natural-looking curls that can last for days without any flaking.
For the most defined curls, it is best to use flaxseed gel when you want to achieve a wash-and-go look.
2. It keeps your hair moisturized
Flaxseed gel is a humectant, which means that it draws water from the air and absorbs it into your hair. This allows your hair to stay moisturized for long periods of time, unlike some styling gels that tend to dry out your hair.
With flaxseed gel, you don't have to worry about dry, brittle hair. The fatty acids contained in flaxseed gel have the ability to add moisture to dry, damaged hair and retain moisture too.
3. It helps with hair growth
This may sound like a myth, but it's true! Flaxseed gel has nutritional properties such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B, manganese, and selenium which help to stimulate hair growth.
It also helps to keep your scalp healthy, and when used during your weekly hot oil treatments, it aids in promoting thick, long hair.
4. It protects the ends of your hair
Our natural hair is often brittle and in need of quick moisture. Keeping your hair moisturized will help with constant hair breakage.
When you apply flaxseed gel from the roots of your hair to the ends, it helps to seal moisture into your strands. This will prevent hair breakage and keep your ends hydrated.
5. It prevents premature graying
Because flaxseed gel contains ingredients such as vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, among others, it prevents your hair from graying prematurely and also helps with hair thinning and loss.
DIY: How To Make Flaxseed Gel At Home
While you can purchase flaxseed gel in the hair product section of your local supermarket or order it online, you can also make your own at home. Making your own flaxseed gel is simple and budget-friendly.
To learn how to make DIY flaxseed gel, watch the tutorial by Naptural85 and read on for a step-by-step breakdown of the process.
What you need:
- Flaxseeds
- A small pot
- Water
- Cloth/socks for sieving
Step 1:
Measure ¼ cup of flaxseeds and add them to a pot. Pour in two cups of water and boil the mixture for ten minutes.
Step 2:
After boiling, allow the mixture to cool for 45 minutes to an hour. During this time, the mixture should thicken.
Step 3:
Once the mixture has thickened, use a cloth or socks to sieve the gel into a clean container. Your flaxseed gel is now ready!
How To Apply Flaxseed Gel To Your Hair
Applying flaxseed gel to your hair requires following a specific process to achieve the best results. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Apply on freshly washed hair only
For your hair to absorb the flaxseed gel, it must be freshly washed. If it's not, the gel will only sit on top of your hair and do nothing. This is because dirt or product buildup makes it difficult for hair products to absorb into your hair.
2. Apply to wet hair
After washing your hair, don't dry it. Instead, apply the flaxseed gel directly to your wet hair so it is absorbed into the hair, giving you the defined curls you desire.
3. Section your hair
The best way to evenly distribute the flaxseed gel in your hair is by applying it to your hair in sections. This makes it easier to work with and allows you to properly apply the gel from roots to ends.
4. Use sparingly
Less is more with flaxseed gel. A couple of finger swipes are all you need for curl definition. Applying large amounts of the gel will only cause product buildup and weigh down your strands.
5. Don't touch your hair after applying
Do not try to style your hair immediately after applying the gel. This will disrupt your curl pattern and stop the flaxseed from achieving the maximum results you want. It is better to allow one section of hair to dry first before you start styling.