Flaxseed gel is a conditioner made by processing flaxseeds (Alsi or Linseeds). It is rich in omega three fatty acids, vitamin E and magnesium. It helps in improving your hair and skin considerably.
Flaxseed gel is incredibly easy to make. Follow these simple steps:
- Soak ¼ cup of flaxseeds in 2 cups of water overnight.
- Bring these to a boil and once you start seeing white froth forming, reduce the heat and simmer for five minutes.
- The longer you cook it, the thicker it gets.
- If you want to use it as a conditioner on hair and skin, its consistency should not be too thick.
- For purely styling purposes, flaxseed gel consistency should be thick.
- When it starts getting stringy, consider it made and then strain it while hot.
Benefits of Flaxseed gel for hair and skin
Flaxseed gel is full of nutrients
Research suggests that Flaxseeds are rich in vital nutrients like Vitamins B, E, iron, magnesium, etc. It conditions and nourishes your skin and hair to grow stronger and healthier.
Flaxseed gel is a natural moisturizer
Studies suggest that Flaxseeds are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids that have healing and moisturizing properties. Flaxseed oil repairs damaged and brittle hair follicles and removes dead cells.
Also read: Fenugreek seeds for hair
Flaxseed gel aids hair growth
Flaxseed gel for hair helps hair grow faster and longer by providing nourishment to the hair follicles. The presence of Vitamin E provides nutrition to the scalp and reduces free radical damage. Track your hair growth before and after using Flaxseed gel to see the difference yourself!
How and When to Use It?
Apply it as a hair mask or conditioner regularly for better results.
Flaxseed Gel for Curly Hair
Vitamin E is a popular antioxidant moisturizer that manages curls by combating free radicals harmful to hair. It is beneficial for naturally curly or wavy hair. One can use Flaxseed gel to add definition to curls, making them look healthy and vibrant.
Flaxseed gel reduces scalp inflammation
Research has pointed towards Omega 3 fatty acid components in flaxseeds that exhibit an anti-inflammatory response and block the conversion of linoleic acid, an inflammatory element.
Flaxseed Gel also improves blood circulation in the scalp, which promotes scalp health.
Flaxseed gel for shiny hair and glowing skin
It prevents drying of skin and scalp. Flaxseed gel works on undernourished, dry hair and provides lustre to them. Studies have found that fatty acids present in Flaxseed gel help retain moisture. This makes the skin and hair look shiny and smooth.
Flaxseed gel for skin elasticity
Flaxseed gel for the face works as an anti-ageing gel and removes dead cells. Research shows that omega-three fatty acids present in this skin gel prevent it from drying and loosening. They help the epidermis or the internal skin layer retain water, making the skin look plumper. The gel also prevents wrinkles and fine lines on the face.
Flaxseed gel fights dark spots and acne
Flaxseed gel balances out the estrogen in the body, reducing the breakout of acne. Another cause of acne is the secretion of excess oils on the face. Studies suggest that the alpha-linolenic acid in the gel also manages oily skin and sebum production, which prevent acne.
How to use it?
Apply it on the wet hair or skin as a moisturizer or mask and leave it for 10-20 minutes. And then rinse it off properly with cold water. One can use this regularly!
Flaxseed gel reduces skin sensitivity
Sensitive skin is more prone to inflammation and reactions. A 2011 study shows that daily use of flaxseed reduces this sensitivity. The poly-unsaturated fatty acid in the gel improves skin barrier function and increases the hydration of the skin. This also prevents skin damage from the sun's harmful UV rays.
Note: Do a patch test first to ensure that your skin does not react adversely to it.
Flaxseed gel prevents premature greying of hair
The presence of nourishing nutrients like magnesium, manganese, vitamin E, etc., helps reduce free radical damage. This prevents ageing and greying of hair, hair loss, and hair thinning.
The topical application of flaxseed gel for hair improves hair quality, which in turn boosts hair growth.
Flaxseed Hair Gel Side-effects
- Skin sensitivity to topical gels can cause redness.
- Flaxseed allergy can trigger an itching reaction on the scalp and skin.
- Left residues of flaxseed gel can make your hair sticky and rough.
- Allergies to flaxseed can also cause rashes and acne.
Flaxseed gel is efficient for maintaining skin and hair health. Using this gel with other healthy practices like a nutritious diet, regular exercising etc. adds to the benefits. The gel is generally considered safe to use. If there are any allergic reactions, consult your doctor.
References
D. Manjula1, J. Josephine Leno Jenita (2018) FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FLAXSEED HAIR GEL: A NATURAL HAIR TAMER (INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PHARMACY AND CHEMISTRY) http://www.ijrpc.com/files/5-7-18/12.pdf
K Neukam, S De Spirt (2010) Supplementation of flaxseed oil diminishes skin sensitivity and improves skin barrier function and condition (National Library of Medicine) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21088453/
(2009) The relationship of diet and acne (Dermato Endocrinology) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2836431/
