Flaxseed gel can be used on your hair in a variety of ways, primarily as a styling aid to define curls, reduce frizz, and provide hold. It can also be incorporated into your hair care routine to promote moisture and reduce shedding.
Here's a breakdown of how to effectively use flaxseed gel:
1. As a Styling Gel:
- Application: Apply flaxseed gel to damp or wet hair after washing and conditioning.
- Technique: Rake the gel through your hair, ensuring even distribution. Then, use your preferred styling method (e.g., scrunching, finger coiling, twisting) to define your curls or waves.
- Amount: Start with a small amount and add more as needed. The amount depends on your hair length, thickness, and desired level of hold.
- Drying: Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser on a low heat setting.
- Cast: Flaxseed gel often creates a "cast" (a slightly stiff feeling) as it dries. Once your hair is completely dry, gently scrunch your hair to break the cast and reveal soft, defined curls.
2. As a Leave-In Conditioner/Moisturizer:
- Application: After washing and conditioning, apply a small amount of flaxseed gel to your damp hair, focusing on the ends.
- Technique: Smooth the gel through your hair to provide moisture and help detangle.
- Combining with other products: You can mix a small amount of flaxseed gel with your favorite leave-in conditioner or hair oil for added moisture and manageability.
3. To Reduce Shedding (Potentially):
- Scalp Application: Some people use flaxseed gel, sometimes combined with rosemary, directly on their scalp.
- Massage: Gently massage the gel into your scalp.
- Frequency: The referenced video suggests using this mixture during the week to potentially reduce shedding.
Tips for Using Flaxseed Gel:
- Freshness: Homemade flaxseed gel is best used fresh, as it can spoil quickly. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. You can also add a preservative like Vitamin E oil to extend its shelf life.
- Consistency: The consistency of flaxseed gel can vary depending on the recipe and cooking time. Adjust the amount of water or flaxseeds to achieve your desired consistency.
- Build-up: While flaxseed gel is generally gentle, excessive use can lead to build-up. Clarify your hair regularly to remove any residue.
- Hair Type: Flaxseed gel works well for various hair types, especially curly and wavy hair. People with fine or oily hair may need to use it sparingly.
- Patch test: Before applying flaxseed gel to your entire head, perform a patch test to check for any allergic reactions.
