Instructions on how to make flaxseed gel for hair
Frizzy or knotted hair? If so, you're constantly seeking for sprays and creams to smooth and maintain your hair. However, most ready-made cosmetics include parabens and silicones, which damage hair. This study shows how to make flaxseed gel at home for attractive, healthy hair and gorgeous curls.
First, what are flaxseeds and what are their benefits?
Flaxseed is one of the oldest crops in the world and is known for its nutritional value and uses as a natural medicine. In addition to its benefits for the skin as well, flaxseeds have a good reputation in the field of hair care.
The Health Line website, which specializes in medical topics, indicates that flaxseeds are full of nutrients and have many health and cosmetic benefits due to their composition consisting of:
- protein
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Antioxidants
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B
- magnesium
- manganese
- selenium
What is flaxseed gel for hair?
If you want to get the potential benefits of flaxseed for hair, it is not enough to include it in your diet. It is better to apply it topically.
Flaxseed hair gel is a natural and inexpensive hair product that is especially suitable for curly or wavy hair. It moisturizes your curly hair without causing it to become stiff and keeps it soft.
It also only requires two ingredients, flaxseed and water, although you can add other ingredients like essential oils and aloe vera.
Flaxseed gel is made by cooking or processing flaxseeds to release their natural oils. This process creates a thick, gelatinous substance that you can apply to your hair. Here's how.
How to prepare flaxseed gel for hair at home
- Put 1/4 cup (37 g) of flaxseeds in a bowl and add 2 cups (470 ml) of distilled or filtered water. Then put the solution in the refrigerator for 8 hours or so.
- It's okay if you leave it in the fridge for a while longer. Soaking the flaxseeds first is not necessary, but it will increase the amount of gel you get.
- Place the flaxseeds and water in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat, then bring to a boil over low heat for 7-10 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- While it's simmering, stir it often so the flaxseeds don't stick to the bottom and burn.
- Remove the pot from the heat when you see a brownish foam and a thicker consistency.
- After 7-10 minutes, the mixture will start to come together. It won't be as thick as regular gel while it's still hot, but it will have a gelatinous texture when you spoon a little of it in.
- Pour the mixture into a cheesecloth-lined strainer. Place the lined strainer over a bowl or measuring cup with a spout, and stir the seeds in with a spoon.
- Once the mixture is cool enough to touch, you can gather the cheesecloth to squeeze out more gel. Rinse the bowl immediately as the gel is difficult to remove once it dries.
- Add essential oils if desired and pour the gel into a clean container.
- At this point, you can also add a tablespoon of olive oil, shea butter, or aloe vera gel, which will create a thicker consistency.
- Tea tree oil or lavender oil are also good options, as they can extend the life of the gel from 2 weeks to 1-2 months.
