Curly hairstyles can be a bit of a challenge, if you’re not using the right hair care products. Since curly hair varies, you may have to go through the process of trial an error. That said, I always get asked about curly hair hacks – particularly how I make my children’s curls pop and how I define my braidouts. My homemade flaxseed gel has always been one of my secrets to getting frizz free curls.
Benefits of Flaxseed Gel for Curly Hairstyles
When I decided to go natural back in 2012, I wasn’t sure what products to use. I was also a first mom and my daughter’s curls were finally beginning to grow in. A friend recommended that I try making my own natural hair gel instead of buying hair products, which can be loaded with a ton of ingredients.
Flaxseed gel is all natural and doesn’t have the extra additives that my daughter’s curls didn’t need. Some curly hair products have too many oils and can weigh down her curly hairstyles. The ingredients I use in my flaxseed gel is light enough for our curls, but still gives us the moisture and hold. And the best part is that it promotes hair growth.
Flaxseed Gel Recipe
1/4 cup Flaxseed gel
3 cups of water
3 tablespoons of honey
2 tablespoons of aloe vera juice
1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
A few drops of vitamin E oil
A drops of lavender oil
Flaxseed Gel Recipe Directions
Add a 1/4 cup of flaxseeds to 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Make sure you turn the stove down to a simmer to prevent the gel from spilling over. After 15 minutes, you’ll notice the mixture will thicken. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels slimy.
Once the mixture thickens, you’re ready to separate the the flaxseeds. I like using a fine strainer to prevent the seeds from getting through into the gel. The hotter the mixture, the easier it is to strain. You can also use a spoon or spatula to press those seeds down to allow the gel to get through the strainer.
There’s no need to throw away the flaxseeds. Just put them in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer for later use. I also like to store the flaxseed gel in the fridge.
Now you’re ready to add the rest of the ingredients.
Add 2 and half to 3 tablespoons of honey, which has anti-bacterial properties. Honey also softens hair, and promotes growth. I like to use natural raw honey that tends to be thicker.
Then add 2 tablespoons of aloe vera juice, which makes curls smooth and shiny. It also prevents itchy scalp, and conditions the hair.
Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin, which adds moisture to your curls. I usually add a little more during the cold season when the air is cold and dry. Adding too much during the summer can make curls frizz.
A few drops of vitamin E will help to preserve the gel (you can also use citric acid). Vitamin E is also great at preventing hair loss and split ends.
And finally, a few drops of lavender for fragrance. Lavender is also great for improving circulation for hair growth.
Allow gel to cool before applying it to curls. Apply gel in small sections making sure curls are fully coated. You’ll notice some shrinkage and a cast. Just shake, scrunch, fluff and you’re good to go.
How to Make Your Own Flaxseed Gel
Feel free to try this flaxseed gel recipe for your curly hairstyles, and make it your own. Remember that all curls come in different shapes and sizes. This recipe works well for my children’s biracial hair. However, I usually follow up with coconut oil for added moisture on my 4c natural hair because my texture needs it. Adding too much oil to the gel would weigh their wash and go curls down.
