Flaxseed gel has been around for years! I’m so sad it has taken me this long to try it for myself. I first found out about this gel from Naptural85 on YouTube. I was recently sent another video from a friend so I decided I need to put this to the test. It is one thing to follow a recipe, it is a whole other thing for a DIY product to actually work. I’ll save you the suspense and let you know that this gel REALLY works on my hair.
Expectations
When I first tried the recipe I hoped to make a product that could replace my DevaCurl B’Leave-in Conditioner. Since I’ve used flaxseed gel as a vegan egg substitute in the past for cooking I had an idea of what the consistency would be like. It’s like egg whites…yup slimy egg whites. B’Leave-in has a similar texture but not nearly as slimy. I figured flaxseed gel would work well mixed with my Eco Styler gel if I got the consistency right.
Let me tell you how I make it!
Materials Needed
Whole Flaxseed (about 1/4 cup)
Small Pot
Water (about 2 cups)
Whisk
Spoon
Heat Safe Strainer (holes need to be small enough so flaxseeds don’t go through)
Heat Safe Container w/ Lid
Essential Oils (optional-I used geranium and peppermint)
Vegetable Glycerin (optional)
Jojoba Oil (optional)
Flaxseed gel recipe
This recipe is so easy you are going to shake your head at how fast it takes to create!
1. In the pot add the 2 cups of water and the 1/4 cup flaxseeds.
*If you want a thicker gel use less water.
2. Whisk the mixture often so the flaxseeds don’t stick to the pot.
3. Bring the water and seeds to a boil. Once the water is boiling turn the heat down a bit so the mix doesn’t boil over.
4. Keep boiling until the mixture starts to thicken like egg whites. (About 5 mins)
5. Once the mixture starts to have a slimy thicker consistency remove it from the pan and strain it in your container.
6. Optional: Lastly stir in a few drops of essential oils and about 1 tsp of vegetable glycerin and jojoba oil.
*I like to add essential oils for fragrance and additional health properties. The glycerin helps the hair with moisture and shine.
Storing and other info
This flaxseed gel should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. When it get closer to 2 weeks check it to make sure it hasn’t started going bad. You also don’t want to leave it sitting out for long periods of time. I haven’t fully tested it to see how long it will last just sitting out but I’ll update this post once I do.
You might be thinking it doesn’t makes sense that the gel has to be refrigerated but you are leaving it in your hair. Once the gel is on your hair it begins to dry. Mold and bacteria need water to thrive. It does not have a chance to do that because the water evaporates as the gel dries.
*I would not suggest putting a ton of any wet product on your hair and going to bed.
How I use it and thoughts
I have currently been using this gel as a replacement for my B’Leave-in with my wash and go routine. I find that it works well but I have not fully replaced it in my regimen because it has to be refrigerated. When I travel I have to have a product that is portable.
I also find that it can have a tendency to flake. This is not a big issue if you use oil on your hair after the gel dries. It is worth mentioning if you run into that issue.
This gel dries hard. If you prefer a softer finish use a leave-in conditioner or your favorite oil on your hair first before applying the gel. I don’t use either because without it my style lasts much longer.
Thanks for hanging out!
XO Terreana