Flax Seed Gel Made Easy

Flax seed gel is basically flax seed extract used as a natural styling gel in the curly hair community.  A jar of flax seed gel can be made for less than 25 cents, leaving hair moisturized, frizz-free, and never crunchy like traditional hair gels.  I'm in complete awe that you don’t need to boil flax seeds to create flax seed gel either.

I've revisited flax seed gel for an ingredient in a new leave-in hair product that provides a slight hold.   This time I decided not to cook the flax seeds in water on the stove.  Instead I put 1/4 cup of flax seeds in 1 cup of boiled water in a glass jar and left it alone for 24 hours.  The gel released on its own and strained easily through a nylon with tongs.  I added a few drops of neem oil and other essential oils for their antibacterial properties.

This method was almost too easy.  Less cleanup with amazing results.  Flax seed gel should be stored in the refrigerator after it has been strained and reintroduced to air.  The price and effectiveness of making this curly hair concoction can't be beat!

Whole flax seeds can be purchased from any natural grocery store.  Check out the alternative way to make flax seed gel on the stovetop here. (Using room temperature water using this method yields more of a very light extract similar to a curl refreshing spray. Also… Please research new herbs to ensure there is no conflict with pregnancy or medical conditions before using.)

If you are interested in more DIY hair leave-in/stylers go here. 

Image by Dawn Michelle