Tag Archives: Curls

Homemade Flaxseed Hair Gel for Perfect Curls

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The is a post for my fellow curlies! Do you want well-defined, frizz-free curls that will make others ask you with surprise, “Is that your natural curl?” Since I have been using my homemade hair gel recipe, I am asked that question all the time. This recipe is very easy to make, and gives me my best curls yet – even when compared to store-bought gels (and believe me, I’ve tried MANY). There are several variations of this recipe available on the internet. Here is what has worked for me:

 

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup of flax seeds
  • 2 cups of distilled water
  • 1/2 teaspoon of magnesium oil (optional, for curl enhancement)
  • Fine mesh wire strainer
  • Glass container

Directions:

Place water and flax seeds in a saucepan and set stovetop to medium-high. When the water starts to bubble, turn the heat down to a simmer, stirring the seeds occasionally. The water will start to become white and frothy with the consistency of an egg-white. The longer you cook the seeds, the thicker the gel will be. I usually let it simmer for about ten minutes.

Pour the water and flax seeds through the mesh strainer, into your container. It may take some time to strain if the gel is thick. While the gel is still hot, pour in the magnesium oil and mix with an electric mixer or frother. The consistency of the gel will be “goopy” or “snotty” – like Nickelodeon slime! Allow to cool and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Here is how I use it:

I take globs of gel and finger-comb it through my sopping wet hair. Then I comb my hair upside-down for better volume and distribution of the gel. While my head is still upside-down, I scrunch in a little bit (nickel-size amount) of organic hair gel for some extra hold like Kinky-Curly Curling Custard. I plop my hair in an old t-shirt for about 15 minutes. I diffuse upside-down until it it 80% dry. I use jaw clips to lift my hair at the roots for volume until my hair is completely dry. Then I shake my hair, fluff at the roots, and scrunch out any “crunch” left in my hair. 


What I love about this gel is how it clumps curls, and gives superb definition! It it also really affordable and free of toxins. The gel is very light, so it will not weigh down your curls. Some curlies can use this without another gel over it, especially if they already have tight curls. I need a little extra hold, so using another gel in conjunction with my flaxseed gel works well for me.

I like to use magnesium oil in this recipe for extra curl enhancement. I previously used store-bought gel with magnesium sulphate (a.k.a epsom salt). I found that it really enhanced my curls (like after a day at the beach). However, by the end of the day, my hair would feel and look brittle. As we know, salt can be very drying. Thankfully, I discovered magnesium oil (which is actually magnesium chloride). It makes my curls really spring up, but is much less drying than magnesium sulphate. Win!

I also love using this gel on second-day, dry hair. It smoothes any frizz and re-clumps my curls. The only downside to using this gel is that it needs to be kept in the fridge unless you plan to add a preservative (like vitamin e), therefore it is not as convenient for travel. However, the results far out way any inconvenience!

You can add other ingredients to customize this gel to meet your hair needs such as essential oils, shea butter, or your favorite conditioner.

Have you tried flaxseed hair gel? What works for your curls?

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