As promised, here’s my homemade flaxseed gel recipe. It’s ridiculously simple, inexpensive, and takes less than 15 minutes to make. The recipe itself is easy—but the pro tips are what will save you from ending up with a sticky mess and a wasted batch.
Ingredients
● ¼ cup whole flaxseeds
● 2 cups of water
Instructions
1. Add the flaxseeds and water to a small saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Once the liquid begins to thicken and becomes slightly sticky, remove it from the heat.
4. Immediately strain the seeds from the liquid using a fine mesh strainer.
5. Allow the gel to cool completely before using or transferring it to a container.
Storage
Store your flaxseed gel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Pro Tips
● Strain early. As soon as the liquid becomes even slightly sticky, it’s time to strain it. Don’t wait until it reaches your desired gel consistency—the mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.
● Skip the cheesecloth. Trust me on this one. I tried using cheesecloth, and it did not go well. A fine mesh strainer works much better.
● Add a natural scent. I’ve simmered the mixture with a cinnamon stick before, and it gives the gel a subtle, cozy scent.
● Customize it. You can add a few drops of essential oil once the gel has cooled. Rosemary is one of my favorites. I would be cautious with citrus oils, though, as some can potentially lighten hair with repeated use.
Bonus tip: You can actually re-boil the same flaxseeds a couple of times to get additional batches of gel before discarding them, which makes this even more budget-friendly and reduces waste.
Why I Use Flaxseed Gel
My hair is low porosity and prone to frizz, so I’m always looking for products that provide moisture without weighing my hair down. One of the reasons I love flaxseed gel is that it’s alcohol-free, so it doesn’t dry out my hair the way many store-bought gels can. Flaxseeds are also naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which can help support healthy-looking hair.
I’ve also noticed it helps improve the appearance of my nails and cuticles and has personally helped me clear up the occasional zit.
I’ve found that flaxseed gel gives me definition and hold without leaving my hair crunchy or stiff.
As a pilot, I’m constantly moving between different climates and spending long days in dry cabin air, so keeping my hair moisturized and frizz-free can be a challenge. This has become one of my favorite products for maintaining my hair while on the go.
How I Use It
I typically apply flaxseed gel to soaking wet hair. If I’m wearing my hair naturally, I use the Curly Girl Method and drench my hair in the gel while it’s wet to encourage curl definition and minimize frizz.
On days when I want a polished look, I’ll also apply it generously to wet hair and brush it back into a slicked-back updo.
If needed, I’ll add a little more gel once my hair is dry to tame any remaining frizz or touch up my style.
Have you ever made your own hair products before? I’d love to hear what you’ve tried—or if you have any favorite additions to flaxseed gel.