Flaxseed gel for hair is loved by many naturalistas because, unlike regular hair gels, it defines curls without leaving any flake in your hair. If you are wondering what else is so great about flaxseed gel, then continue reading. In this article, I will be explaining to you what flaxseed gel is and why you should use it, among others.
What Is Flaxseed Gel?
Flaxseed itself is a plant food with so many benefits that some health experts have tagged it as one of the world's superfoods. It is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, fiber, and lignans, among others which are good for the body. Flaxseed can also be found in hair products such as moisturizers and gels. And as I mentioned earlier, many naturalistas prefer to use the flaxseed gel because it doesn't leave flakes in your hair the way other gels do.
5 Reasons You Should Use The Flaxseed Gel For Your Natural Hair
1. It defines your curls
Now, who doesn't like their natural hair to pop some 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. To get the most defined curls, it is best to use the flaxseed gel when you want to rock 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 them have the ability to add moisture to dry, damaged hair and retain moisture too.
3. It helps with hair growth
Might sound weird, yes? But this is actually true! Flaxseed gel has nutritional properties like 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 with thick, long hair.
4. It protects the ends of your hair
Our natural hair is often brittle and in a quick fix of moisture. Keeping your hair moisturized will help with constant hair breakage. When you apply the 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 greying
Because flaxseed gel contains ingredients such as vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, among others, it prevents your hair from greying prematurely and also helps with hair thinning and loss.
DIY: How To Make Flaxseed Gel At Home
While you can get flaxseed gel in the hair product section of your local supermarket or you can order online, you can also make your own flaxseed gel at home. The process of making your own flaxseed gel is simple and more budget-friendly.
To see for yourself how the DIY flaxseed gel is made, watch the tutorial below by Naptural85 and keep reading for a step-by-step breakdown of the process.
What you need:
- Flaxseeds
- A small pot
- Water
- Cloth/socks for sieving
Step 1:
First, measure ¼ cup of flaxseeds and pour them into a pot. Add two cups of water to it and leave it to boil for ten minutes.
Step 2:
Next, allow the mix to cool for between 45 minutes to an hour. During this waiting time, the mix should have thickened.
Step 3:
Finally, using the cloth or socks, sieve the gel into a clean container. Your flaxseed gel is ready!
How To Apply Flaxseed Gel To Your Hair
Because flaxseed gel is not your regular styling hair gel, its application on the hair requires that you follow a specific process to achieve the best results. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you are applying the flaxseed gel to your hair.
1. Apply on freshly-washed hair only
For your hair to absorb flaxseed gel, it must be freshly washed. If it's not, the gel will only sit on the top of your hair and do nothing. This is because when your hair has dirt or product buildups, it is difficult for hair products to absorb into your hair and work their magic.
2. Do not dry your hair
After washing your hair, don't dry it. Instead, apply the flaxseed gel directly onto your wet hair, so it is absorbed into the hair and you can get the defined curls you desire.
3. Section your hair
The best way to get the flaxseed gel to be evenly distributed in your hair is by applying it to your hair in sections. This way, your hair is easier to work with, and you can properly apply the gel from roots to ends.
4. Don't be heavy-handed
I understand that you may be excited about getting defined curls but with flaxseed gel, less is more. All you need is a couple of finger swipes and you will get all the curl definition you want. When you apply large amounts of the flaxseed gel to your hair, it will only cause product buildup and weigh down your strands.
5. Don't touch your hair after applying
Don't try to style your hair immediately after applying the gel. Why? Because it 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.