There are many styling products for your natural curls, whether you have Afro-textured or just slightly curly hair. Perhaps you'd like to try a natural alternative. You've probably already heard of flaxseed gel for curls . Flaxseed gel is no longer a secret; you can use it as an excellent hair treatment for curls or for styling. In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn how to make the gel (including a recipe), how to use it on Afro-textured hair, how to give your curls more bounce with this home remedy, and what else you should keep in mind.
Why flaxseed gel for curls?
Flaxseeds develop a natural mucilage, a kind of gel, when cooked. This starchy mass is perfect for styling curly hair and serves as a hair treatment for curls . As it dries, it gives your curls bounce, making this home remedy ideal. At the same time, flaxseeds contain valuable ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids, which give your natural curls a healthy shine and act as a DIY hair treatment. Flaxseeds are also ingested for medicinal purposes; therefore, they are a very mild and effective natural styling product. They don't dry out your hair; on the contrary, they act like a hair treatment for curls. Another point in favor of flaxseeds as a home remedy for naturally bouncy curls is their affordability. You can buy a bag of flaxseeds for under two euros, and you can make a lot of flaxseed gel for curls from that. For the recipe, you only need 30g of flaxseeds.
Make your own flaxseed gel hair treatment for curls
This natural gel for your Afro curls is super easy and quick to make. You only need a few ingredients and some tools that you definitely already have at home.
Recipe for flaxseed gel made from whole flaxseeds
Ingredients:
- 30 g whole flaxseeds
- 250 ml water
You will also need:
- a cooking pot
- a spoon
- a fine sieve
Directions:
Place the flaxseeds and water in a sufficiently large pot and bring to a boil. Stirring occasionally, boil the flaxseeds vigorously with the lid off for about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil over, as the sticky mixture can make a big mess. Now turn off the heat and let it stand for another 20-30 minutes with the lid on. The flaxseed gel should now have a visibly gel-like and slimy consistency, similar to raw egg white.
A notice:
Don't let the mixture stand for too long; it needs to be hot before you process it further. Now pour the flaxseed gel through a fine sieve into a container, such as an empty screw-top jar. Cleanliness is essential, as flaxseed gel doesn't keep for long, and any contamination will reduce its shelf life.
Once the gel has cooled, it's ready to use as a natural home remedy for boosting the bounce of your curls.
Extra tip:
Soaking the flaxseeds in water overnight will speed up the process even more. You can then use a little more water to make a larger quantity of gel with the same amount of flaxseeds. Just experiment to see what works best.
Shelf life of the flaxseed hair treatment for curls
There's some misinformation online about the shelf life of flaxseed gel . You probably can't keep the gel in the refrigerator for two weeks or longer; in our experience, it goes bad after about 5-7 days. It starts to smell musty, and if it spoils, it even stinks. That's why you need to use it up quickly.
Refrigeration is very important. However, you can easily freeze the gel. Feel free to freeze it in a suitable plastic bottle. This way , you'll always have fresh flaxseed gel ready for your curls, which you only need to thaw.
Here's how to use flaxseed gel for curls
Four steps to better curl care and less frizz. Here's how to use the DIY hair treatment.
- Washing your hair: Wash and care for your Afro or curly hair as usual. For example, you can use our Intense Hydration Shampoo and Ultra-Moisturizing Conditioner . Our products moisturize your hair and are free from harmful ingredients such as parabens or silicones.
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Applying flaxseed gel: After washing, distribute the flaxseed gel through your damp hair. Put some in your hands and apply it generously from roots to ends. You can even use enough to completely saturate your hair. The amount you need depends on the consistency of your homemade flaxseed gel. If it's thicker, use less; if it's very runny, you can use more.
Scrunch your hair well to ensure even distribution.
TIP: For easier application, you can also transfer the flaxseed gel for curls into a plastic bottle with a small opening (for example, an empty shampoo bottle), which makes it easier to dispense the right amount. Some people also use a pump dispenser. Do you have very long hair? Then simply dip it into a bowl containing the gel. Distribute the gel evenly through your hair with your hands.
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Drying your hair: Now let your hair dry as usual. If you have Afro curls, we recommend letting them air dry or using a diffuser, just like you normally do. Also, read our guide on the Curly Girl Method .
Once your hair is dry, you'll see the difference. Your curls might feel quite stiff, depending on how thick the gel was. But don't worry, flaxseed gel doesn't dry out your hair; on the contrary, it acts like a hair treatment for curls. -
Use hair oil (optional): If you're not yet satisfied with the result, simply add a few drops of your preferred hair oil or a natural plant oil. We recommend our Hair Oil , for example . Gently massage the oil into your hair to add a beautiful shine.
Alternatively, you can tap some of the gel out of your hair; this depends on your hair type and the desired result. If you don't have very tight curls, you can use a wide-tooth comb at this point.
Use flaxseed gel sparingly as a refresher.
Alternatively, you can also use just a little flaxseed gel to style your hair . It works like a regular cosmetic product. Simply put a small amount in your palms and scrunch it through your curls. You can also use it as a refresher throughout the day.
In conclusion, natural flaxseed gel is a great home remedy for caring for and styling naturally curly hair. It's definitely worth trying this curl-boosting home remedy.
Frequently asked questions about flaxseed gel
Here we answer some questions about flaxseed gel. If you have any further questions, simply contact us via our contact form . We're happy to help.
Can I apply flaxseed gel to dry hair?
Yes, you can also simply work flaxseed gel into dry hair to refresh or style it. If it doesn't spread easily, just add a little water or hair oil.
How do you make flaxseed gel for curly hair?
Flaxseed gel, used as a hair treatment for curly hair, is made from flaxseeds and water. You can find instructions and the recipe further up in this article.
How often should I use flaxseed gel on my hair?
You can use the gel as often as you like as a home remedy for bouncy curls. Since everyone's Afro hair is different, just try it out and experiment with this great natural product.
What are the benefits of flaxseed gel for Afro-style curls?
Flaxseed gel gives your curls more bounce and definition. You can use it to style them and give them more hold. It also contains nourishing nutrients, protects the hair, and moisturizes it.
What does flaxseed gel smell like?
Fresh flaxseed gel is almost odorless. As it ages, it can smell musty or rancid; then it's gone bad and should no longer be used. If you like, you can add a few drops of essential oil.
Can I use flaxseed gel on a dry and itchy scalp?
Yes, flaxseed gel can also be used for dry and itchy scalps. Applied to the hair, the natural ingredients in flaxseed gel can help soothe and moisturize the scalp.