What Is Flaxseed?
Flaxseed comes from the flax plant (also known as Linum usitatissimum), which grows to be about 2 feet tall. It likely was first grown in Egypt but has been cultivated all around the world. Its nutty-tasting seeds can be eaten on their own or crushed and cold-pressed to release flaxseed oil.
The Benefits of Flaxseed for Hair
- Repairs: Because flaxseed is good at binding moisture to the hair, this reduces breakage and split ends, notes Clay. Courtney agrees, explaining that flaxseed reverses damage by sealing the cuticle of the hair strand. Not only does this improve elasticity but it also prevents it from breaking further, she explains.
- Strengthens: The fiber and omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed are hair's besties. According to Clay, "Fiber aids in strengthening hair at its core. In the same way, the omega-3 fatty acids improve the health of your hair by making it stronger and improving the hair's elasticity."
- Soothes: As an excellent plant-based source of anti-inflammatories alpha-linolenic acid or ALA, flaxseed supports overall scalp health and calms scalp irritations, especially when associated with eczema or psoriasis, explains Ziering. Courtney agrees, adding that it can even prevent dandruff, too.
- May encourage hair growth: Clay cites lack of hair growth as one of the top three concerns of her clients—fortunately, flaxseed can help with that. Courtney says it can regrow damaged hair from the root. Ziering explains that by systemically reducing inflammation, flaxseed can promote healthier hair follicles,
- Can postpone gray hair: Not ready to go gray just yet? Courtney notes that flaxseed can actually delay gray hair from forming.
- Protects: Flaxseed oil is also rich in vitamin E, another antioxidant that our scalp loves. It can work to reduce the damaging effects of free radicals and help promote healthy hair follicles, says Ziering.
DIY Flaxseed Gel
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup of flaxseed
- 2.5 cups of water
- Essential oils (optional)
- Aloe vera (optional)
Directions:
- Pour ¼ cup flaxseed into 2.5 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil on medium heat for about 7-10 minutes, stirring often to ensure the flaxseeds don’t stick to the bottom of the pan. You’ll want the texture of the flaxseed mucilage (the gel-like substance you’ll put on your hair) to be consistent with egg whites (i.e. not too thick, not too runny).
- Turn off the stove and allow the gel to cool with the flaxseed for 45 minutes to an hour. During this time, the gel will thicken.
- Next, place a knee-high stocking in a glass measuring cup, then pour the mixture into the stocking.
- Here’s the fun part: Squeeze the gel out of the stocking and into the measuring cup to strain the gel (FYI: This will take a few tries).
- This step is optional, but you can add aloe vera gel and a few drops of your go-to essential oil to your mixture. To temper, an itchy scalp, try adding tea tree oil. For hair growth, try adding a few drops of lavender oil.
- Next, pour your gel into a glass bottle or jar and store it in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy your new DIY flaxseed gel for moisturizing, edging, and styling.
