Flaxseed gel is an inexpensive and natural hair product, especially indicated for nourishing curly hair. It defines and hydrates the curls without stiffening them, but the best advantage is that two very simple ingredients are enough to prepare it: flaxseed and water. If you wish, you can enrich the gel with aloe vera or essential oils.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Making the Flax Seed Gel
Step 1. Soak the flax seeds overnight
Pour 40 g of flax seeds into a bowl and submerge them with half a liter of distilled or filtered water. Cover the bowl and leave it in the refrigerator for about 8 hours.
- You can buy flax seeds at the supermarket. They are generally found in the area dedicated to dried fruit or in that of organic and natural foods.
- You can leave the flax seeds to soak for up to 8 hours.
- Soaking is not strictly necessary, but it guarantees a higher yield of the seeds.
- Distilled or filtered water has a small amount of added substances, so the flaxseed gel will last longer. However, you can also use tap water if necessary.
Step 2. Bring the water to a boil
Transfer the water and seeds to a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it boils brightly.
Use a saucepan with a capacity of 2-3 liters
Step 3. Let the mixture simmer for 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens
When it reaches a full boil, reduce the heat to a medium-low setting so it simmers slowly. Stir frequently to prevent the flax seeds from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan and eventually burning. Do not move away as the water could easily overflow if you are not careful.
If you notice that the water is about to overflow, take the saucepan away from the heat for a few seconds to allow it to cool slightly
Step 4. Turn off the heat when a thick brown foam has formed
After about 7-10 minutes the mixture will start to turn gelatinous. Mix it with a spoon and you should notice that it has thickened, becoming slightly sticky. Keep in mind that it will only reach the typical consistency of hair gel after it has cooled down.
Step 5. Filter the mixture
Line a colander with a muslin cloth or pantyhose and place it over a glass jug with a spout. Stir the seeds with the spoon to extract as much gel as possible. When the mixture has cooled, you can wring out the cloth or pantyhose with your hands so as not to waste a single drop of gel.
- If you don't have a muslin cloth or pantyhose, using a simple fine mesh strainer you should still be able to get most of the gel out of the seeds.
- Once dry, the gel is difficult to remove, so remember to wash the saucepan immediately.
Step 6. Add essential oils (optional) and pour the gel into a clean container
When the gel has cooled completely you can add 30-35 drops of your favorite essential oil.
- If you wish, you can also add a tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil, shea butter or aloe vera gel to further thicken the gel.
- Among the recommended essential oils are tea tree and lavender, which can extend the duration of the gel from 2 weeks to 1-2 months. When the gel goes bad, it will give off a rancid smell. Keep in mind that clove and cinnamon essential oils can dry out your hair and skin.
Part 2 of 3: Storing the Flax Seed Gel
Step 1. Pour the gel into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator
You have to protect it from air and bacteria. The ideal is to use a glass jar with a lever closure, whose rubber gasket ensures an airtight seal. Store the gel in the refrigerator to make it last longer.
If you think you won't be able to use all of the gel by the expiration date, you can keep some of it in the freezer for up to 6 months
Step 2. Transfer a small portion of gel from time to time to a squeezable bottle
Pour a couple of tablespoons of gel into the bottle every 2-3 days. This will make it easier to apply it to your hair and protect the rest from bacteria.
Also, if you were to forget the bottle out of the refrigerator, you would only have wasted a small portion of the gel
Step 3. Smell the gel each time you open the container to make sure it hasn't gone bad
You should be able to easily distinguish if it is no longer usable, as it will give off an intense, very unpleasant odor that will also cover the fragrance of essential oils. If it stinks, it means it's time to throw it away and do it again.
- If you find that you can't use all of the gel before it spoils, prepare a smaller amount next time.
- Homemade flaxseed gel can last up to 2 months.
Part 3 of 3: Apply the Flax Seed Gel to the hair
Step 1. Apply it to damp hair for soft and supple curls
Squeeze a cherry-sized amount of gel into the palm of your hand and apply it by running your fingers through the damp strands. Let your hair air dry for defined and light curls.
Flaxseed gel does not guarantee the same hold as traditional gel, so you will have to use a little more, depending on the result you want to achieve
Step 2. Use flaxseed gel in combination with other hair products to better define curls
Apply a cherry-sized amount by running your fingers through damp hair, then add a similar amount of grease or similar. At this point you can style your hair normally.
This gel guarantees a good hold, but if you need more definition you can add a small amount of grease or a similar product
Step 3. Use the "scrunching" technique to give your curls more volume
Stand upside down, squeeze a cherry-sized amount of gel into your palm and rub it between your hands. Run your fingers through damp hair starting at the roots. When you get to the ends, scrunch them very gently in your hands to revive the curls.
