Simple Flaxseed Gel - BOIL METHOD
- Soak the flaxseeds overnight to increase the amount of gel. You don’t have to soak them, but I strongly advise it.
- Combine the flaxseeds and water in a pan over high heat, stirring occasionally.
- When the mixture starts to boil, stir constantly until consistency starts to change to a foamy gel.
- While stirring, check the seed behaviour. When they stop sinking to the bottom of the pan, remove from heat and immediately strain the gel into the bowl.
- Thoroughly rinse the boiled pot right away or the mixture left in it will harden and you will find it very hard to get off.
- Allow the mixture to cool for at least an hour.
- Pour lukewarm mixture into a mixing bowl.
- Add the recommended amount of your chosen preservative and mix thoroughly.
- Add your desired essential oils.
- Use a wire whisk and whip the mixture to combine and break up any remaining clumps until the gel reaches the consistency of raw egg whites. You can also use a blender if you prefer.
- Pour your gel into a container.
Your gel is ready to use once fully cooled. You can store in a cool place but if you store in the refrigerator it will last longer.
Simple Flaxseed Gel - GENTLE METHOD
- Soak your flaxseeds for at least 18 hours or until the mixture is thick.
- Strain the thickened mixture into a saucepan and place over low heat, until it is very warm (not too hot or boiling).
- Pour mixture into mixing bowl.
- Add your preservative, desired oils and butters.
- Either whisk or place in blender and follow from step 9 above.
- Store your gel in the refrigerator for maximum shelf life.
When using the simple recipe without additives, you will probably need to use more gel than you would normally use in a commercial product to get maximum effect. It will feel slimywhen applied and dry to a healthy sheen.
Optional Ingredients
You can add many different ingredients to flaxseed gel. What you add will depend on the qualities of your hair and how it reacts to particular substances. Below are some of the most common ingredients and their properties. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your hair.
- To increase hold: agave nectar, honey, seamollient
- To increase gel density: xanthan gum, guar gum, pectin, lecithin
- To moisturize hair: oils (such as jojoba, wheat germ, hemp seed, avocado), butters (such as shea butter), or glycerine, honeyquat
- Note: coconut oil is not recommended, as it has a low melting point
- To enhance curl: Epsom salts, seamollient, aloe vera juice or gel
- To add scent:Essential oils as desired. The following essential oils are also preservatives: lavender, rosemary, clove, cinnamon, lemon and rose
- Preservatives: grapefruit seed extract (1/3t drops per cup or 6 drops per oz), essential oils (see above), citric acid, vitamin E oil
I discovered some of these tips on Wiki How and I have only included the ones I have tried myself. I have only receommended the ones that seemed to work well on natural hair :)
