Homemade Flaxseed Hair Gel
This homemade flaxseed hair gel helps define curls and waves while reducing frizz without the sticky feel of many commercial gels.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp flaxseeds Brown or golden
- 1.5 cups water
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
Instructions
- Add the water and flaxseeds to a small saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid begins to thicken slightly and becomes somewhat slippery and gel-like.
- Once the mixture reaches a consistency similar to thin egg whites, remove it from the heat and strain out the seeds while still hot. The gel thickens more as it cools, so don’t overcook it.
- Allow the gel to cool before optionally adding essential oils or other additives.
- Transfer the gel to a clean jar, tube, or bottle.
- Store in the refrigerator and use within about a week unless using a preservative. Discard immediately if the gel develops an off smell, changes in texture or color, or shows signs of mold.
Video
Notes
Both golden and brown flaxseeds work well, but brown flaxseeds may produce slightly more gel.
For a thinner gel with lighter hold, strain the mixture earlier. For a thicker gel with stronger hold, cook it slightly longer.
If the gel becomes too thick to strain, simply add a little more water and gently reheat it.
Some people boil the flaxseeds inside a tea strainer or cloth bag to simplify cleanup. I usually prefer straining afterward because I find the seeds release more gel directly into the water.
For longer storage, you can freeze small portions in silicone molds or ice cube trays and thaw as needed.
If using a preservative, make sure it works within the pH range of the gel and follow the manufacturer’s recommended usage rate.