Making DIY hair gel is easier, and cheaper than I could have ever imagined! And rather than store bought versions that are full of chemicals, this herbal hair gel contains only two ingredients that actually condition the hair as well as securing waves and curls.
I saw this recipe in a book years ago, and decided to give it a try.
To create this homemade hair gel all you need is flaxseed (aka Linseed in many parts of the world) water, something to boil them in (like a stainless steal pot) and a strainer to separate the seeds from the gel when done boiling. But, why would you even want to do this?
What benefits does linseed gel impart on our hair?
Flaxseeds contain vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids that nourish and moisturize the scalp and coats the hair follicles in a protective barrier (source). Of course, this gel works just like regular hair styling gel and adds a bit of structure to keep curls and waves.
How to Make the Gel ~
You will need: 1 cup of flaxseeds, 2 cups of water, a pot to boil them with and a metal strainer. Once the 2 cups of water are at a boil add in the 1 cup of flaxseed and let the concoction boil for about 15 minutes. The longer you leave it boiling the thicker the gel. I do not recomend leaving the top on as this gel can get super foaming and boils over very easily.
Turn off the flame and quickly separate the gel from the seeds with a metal strainer. If you wait until the concoction cools it will be too thick to pass through the strainer. I like to store the gel in a glass jar in the fridge where it lasts about a week.
How to Use ~
The cooled gel has the consistency of egg whites. I drop a gob of it into my hand then squish it onto the lengths of my hair and work the gel into the length of my locks. My hair tends to be wavy so I just scrunch up my hair with my hands for about a minute or so. With the help of the gel this style lasts all day! I personally don't use a curling iron but, if you do, I think this gel would work well before curling the hair with heat, or putting them into curlers. I sometimes use a small amount of this gel at night before putting my hair into braids.
Just remember to put the container with the gel in the fridge between uses. This gel has no preservatives and can go bad quickly if left in a warm place overnight.
If you want, this gel can be used as a "hair mask" or a leave in conditioner that can be washed out in the shower. This is a great way to take advantage of the benefits the gel has to the scalp. Whether you use this as a hair treatment in the evenings or a gel during the day it has protective and nourishing properties for the hair, much unlike commercial gels that tend to dry out our locks that we work so hard to protect.