Hair15 min
Strained Flaxseed Gel on Damp Hair
Whole flaxseeds simmer in water, strain into a clear slippery gel, and go on freshly washed damp hair when it frizzes.
Flaxseed gel for frizzy hair
Flaxseeds release a clear gel when they simmer in water. Strain that gel through a fine sieve so no seeds stay in it, and let it cool. On damp hair, a small amount smoothed over the lengths can calm flyaway frizz while the hair dries.
The gel is external and slippery. Keep it out of the eyes and off broken skin. It is not a promise of all-day hold, and it does not repair split ends. Store leftovers in the fridge and throw them out within two days, or sooner if the smell turns sour.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons whole flaxseeds
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons extra water if the gel sets too thick
How to prepare
- Simmer the flaxseeds in water for a few minutes until the liquid looks slightly thick and cloudy.
- Strain through a fine sieve into a clean bowl, pressing gently, and cool the clear gel. Discard the seeds.
How to use
- Wash the hair and towel it until it is damp, not dripping.
- Smooth a small amount of flaxseed gel over the frizzy lengths, not a thick cap on the scalp.
- Let the hair dry. Wash the gel out at the next wash if it feels sticky.
Helpful habits
- Start with less gel. Too much stays tacky and catches dust.
- Keep a covered jar in the fridge and use a clean spoon each time.
Precautions
- Strain well. Whole flaxseeds left on the hair are messy and can irritate the scalp.
- Keep the gel out of the eyes. Skip it if you already know flax bothers your skin.
- Do not keep leftover gel once it smells sour. This is not medicine for hair or scalp disease.
Frequently asked questions
Is flaxseed gel used on dry or damp hair?
- On damp hair, after washing, when the lengths are frizzy. It is not a dry-scalp oil.
How long can the gel be kept?
- In the fridge, up to two days. Discard it sooner if it smells sour or looks watery and split.
Will it stop frizz for good?
- No. It can calm flyaways while that wash dries. It is not medicine and it does not mend the hair shaft.
